Built2Hoop

‘27 @AmareLong_ averaged 14 ppg (59% from 2, 70% from 3 on over 3 attempts per game), 3.7rpg, 3.3 apg, and 1.3 spg at @DMVHoopsLive S2. His improvement speaks for itself. 🐴🩵

Amare Long is set for a premier senior season. The 6-foot-1 point guard from Woodbridge, Virginia recently captured his second consecutive VISAA Division II state championship with Miller School of Albemarle and is coming off an incredibly productive live period with Virginia Premier on the HGSL circuit. Long is a crafty lead guard who operates with poise under pressure and consistently makes the players around him better. With a younger Miller squad featuring seven sophomores, his leadership and selfless approach were on full display throughout both DMV Live sessions, where he controlled the pace, organized the offense, and made a major impact on the defensive end. Offensively, Long is shooting the ball at the highest level of his high school career, further strengthening Miller's already dangerous perimeter attack and floor spacing. He continues to excel as a playmaker, consistently getting into the paint and creating quality looks for teammates. He has also taken a step forward playing off the ball, serving as an effective positional screener before relocating into open space for catch-and-shoot opportunities or attacking hard closeouts. In transition, Long is a natural finisher with either hand and displays outstanding touch around the rim. Defensively, Long uses his length and active hands to disrupt opposing offenses. He makes timely stunts at the ball, jumps passing lanes, and consistently creates deflections. His off-ball awareness stands out, as he rotates with great timing and instinct to provide help defense and generate turnovers. As Miller School looks to capture its fourth consecutive VISAA Division II state championship, expect Amare Long to be the steady leader and floor general leading the charge throughout the 2026-27 season @AmareLong_ @MSAHoops @CoachMeriwether @Colby_Drake @CoachStitzel

UVA Wise landed an instant contributor in Jaevon Brisco. The 5-foot-11 point guard from Winchester, Virginia arrives after a decorated career at John Handley High School, where he helped lead the Judges to a 25-5 record and the VHSL Class 4 State Championship, defeating Hampton 61-42 in the title game. Brisco is a true floor general whose impact extends far beyond the box score. He plays with a winning mentality, consistently organizing the offense, creating paint touches, finding open teammates, and making the right read. His unselfish approach and high basketball IQ allow him to elevate the players around him while maintaining control of the game. Despite his smaller frame, Brisco more than compensates with relentless defensive intensity. He applies constant on-ball pressure, plays with outstanding effort, and uses his quickness and activity to speed up opposing ball handlers and force turnovers. His motor on both ends of the floor makes him the type of player every coach wants leading their team. During John Handley's state championship season, Brisco averaged 12.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 45 percent from three-point range. He has proven he can stretch the floor with deep range well beyond the arc, forcing defenses to respect his shot and opening driving lanes for both himself and his teammates. In the state championship game, he knocked down three three-pointers, several of them difficult, showcasing his confidence and shot-making ability on the biggest stage. Brisco committed to UVA Wise in May, where his winning habits, defensive toughness, and selfless style of play should give him an opportunity to earn an immediate role in the Cavaliers' backcourt @JaevonBrisco @UVAWiseMBB @zachharrellzook @CoachBrisco @BlakeMellinger

Farah Abdalla is set for a breakout sophomore season in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The 6-foot-3 combo guard from Reston, Virginia appeared in 27 games for Montgomery College as a freshman, making three starts while averaging 10.5 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and two steals a game. He shot an efficient 51% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Abdalla has consistently shown the ability to be a true three-level scorer, capable of creating his own offense while also thriving off the ball. He is at his best attacking downhill, using his strong frame to absorb contact and finish through defenders at the rim. His physicality and control allow him to get to the basket effectively, and when defenses collapse, he does a good job making the right read and finding open teammates for easy scoring opportunities. As a shooter, Abdalla is comfortable both spotting up from beyond the arc and pulling up for clean mid-range jumpers off the dribble. His perimeter shooting became an even bigger weapon during conference play, where he connected on an impressive 42.3% of his three-point attempts, highlighting his efficiency against MJAC competition. In transition, Abdalla plays with excellent pace, balance, and decision-making, consistently finishing under control. Defensively, he creates extra possessions by jumping passing lanes and forcing turnovers. His length, quick feet, and anticipation allow him to stay in front of opposing guards and beat ball handlers to their spots. With another offseason to continue developing, Abdalla enters the fall as one of the top breakout candidates in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. His combination of scoring ability, efficiency, versatility, and defensive impact gives him the tools to emerge as one of the conference's standout guards during his sophomore campaign @Farah0abdalla

Rashad Shaw is poised to become one of the top players in the state of Virginia next season. The 6-foot-3 guard from Newport News enters his junior season at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach after an outstanding sophomore campaign in which he averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting an efficient 58% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. After helping lead Landstown to the VHSL Class 6 state championship game last season, Shaw is expected to embrace an even larger role this winter. With standout Class of 2028 guard Damien Robinson transferring to nationally ranked Paul VI Catholic, Shaw will step into the spotlight as the Eagles' primary scoring option and one of their leaders. Shaw elevated his stock during the live period, where his elite athleticism and explosiveness consistently stood out. He produced several highlight-reel dunks at East Coast Live while averaging 21.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, leading Landstown to a perfect 4-0 record. Time and time again, Shaw has shown the ability to change the pace of a game with his dynamic scoring, playmaking, and relentless defensive energy. A natural left-hander, he is lightning quick attacking downhill and changing directions off the dribble, making him extremely difficult to contain in the open floor. He excels at attacking closeouts, showing the ability to knock down open three-pointers, rise confidently into the mid-range, or elevate above defenders at the rim. The next step in Shaw's development is becoming a more consistent three-point shooter. With a smooth, repeatable left-handed release, however, all the tools are in place for him to make that leap during his junior season. Defensively, Shaw is just as impactful. His combination of athleticism, length, and activity allows him to generate deflections, force turnovers, and disrupt opposing guards throughout the game. As Landstown enters a new chapter under first-year head coach Reggie Williams following the departure of Dwight Robinson, Shaw will be the centerpiece of the program. With increased responsibility and continued development, he has all the makings of one of Virginia's breakout stars and will lead the Eagles' pursuit of another Class 6 state championship appearance @RashadShaw_2028 @LandstownHoops @hatfieldsports @NorfolkKnights @PrepHoopsVA @757teamz

2029 point guard DJ Manuel is a name to watch in Virginia. Manuel is a strong, poised point guard who impacts the game in a variety of ways to help his team win. Following a strong showing with Saint John Paul the Great during the VISAA Live Period, Manuel stood out with his shot-making ability and feel as a playmaker. On the perimeter, Manuel consistently knocked down three-pointers both off the catch and off the dribble, often from several feet beyond the arc, displaying smooth, confident shooting mechanics. With the ball in his hands, he operates the pick-and-roll with great pace and composure, making timely reads to either create easy looks for teammates or attack the rim himself. Off the ball, Manuel remains engaged by relocating into open space and making himself available as a reliable perimeter scoring option. Despite being undersized, he finishes well around the basket, showing strength through contact and the ability to score comfortably with either hand. Defensively, Manuel competes with intensity, moving his feet well while using his long arms to stay in front of opposing guards and react quickly to their moves. With a mature frame, he should continue to develop into one of the stronger guards in his class as he physically matures. Heading into his sophomore season, Manuel is a name to keep a close eye on in Virginia. With three years of high school basketball still ahead of him, he has plenty of time to continue developing and elevate his recruiting stock @DJManuel_2 @Uorangemen2 @COACHNIC238 @phughesss12

Brady Burnette is quickly becoming one of the DMV’s fastest-rising prospects during this live period. The 6’3 combo guard from Richmond, Virginia has been absolutely lighting it up for St. Christopher’s School and is turning the corner as not only one of the best shooters in Virginia, but one of the top overall players in the state. Across five games between DMV Live and the VISAA Live Period, Burnette put together an incredible stretch, averaging 28 points per game while knocking down 5 threes per contest, highlighted by a 45-point performance against a talented North Cross backcourt. Each offseason, Burnette has added a new dimension to his game and emerged as one of Virginia’s most improved players over the past year. With star forward Darius Gray moving on to play collegiate football, the keys are now in Burnette’s hands at St. Christopher’s as the program looks to continue building as one of the most underrated basketball programs in the state. Last season, Burnette was already an elite off-ball shooter due to his timing and pace, but he has taken a major leap as an on-ball scorer. He has become increasingly comfortable creating offense for himself, whether knocking down pull-up threes off the dribble or hitting shots on the move with a higher degree of difficulty. Whether operating beyond the arc or stepping into mid-range jumpers, Burnette consistently looks relaxed, controlled, and confident getting to his spots. Despite not being the most physical guard, Burnette uses his frame, length, and balance effectively to attack the rim and finish through contact while staying under control. He has gotten noticeably stronger and quicker with the ball in his hands, allowing him to change directions, read defenders, and create quality looks. Defensively, Burnette competes at a high level. He moves his feet well, uses his length to generate difficult contests on the perimeter, and has proven to be a strong rebounder for his position. His recent stretch of play earned him an offer from Lafayette, and it would not be surprising if that becomes just the first of many as Burnette continues his rise into the conversation as one of the top guards in the DMV @Bradywb3 @HamillJones @ShaneBurnette11 @jwherron10 @rileyhighfill3 @VanJohnsonJrBHS

The Lakers may have landed the biggest steal of undrafted free agency in Rob McCray V. McCray finished his senior season at Florida State under first-year head coach Lou Loucks where he earned Third Team All-ACC honors while averaging 16.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, shooting 48% from the field and 35% from three. The Columbia, South Carolina native transferred to Florida State after a short stint at Wake Forest and two standout seasons at Jacksonville State. As the season progressed, more eyes started turning toward McCray because of his combination of elite strength, explosiveness, and a shifty, creative offensive game. Despite playing only two games in the ACC Tournament, McCray earned All-ACC Tournament First Team honors after averaging 27.5 points and 6 assists, including an electric performance against Duke where his entire offensive package was on display. McCray showed his full bag offensively, getting downhill with elite strength, finishing through contact with either hand, and confidently knocking down shots off the dribble even against heavy contests. Despite sharing the floor with multiple future NBA players, McCray looked like one of the best players on the court and never backed down, nearly leading Florida State to what would have been one of the biggest wins of the season. What stands out most is his burst and body control. Once he gets into the air, he absorbs contact and still finishes with touch and power. Defensively, he brings the same intensity, using quick reactions, athleticism, and strong instincts to jump passing lanes, stay in front of guards, and provide weak-side rim protection. After signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Lakers ahead of Summer League, McCray enters with something to prove. If he carries over the same production and confidence, it may not take long before people start realizing the Lakers found value where others overlooked it @r0bwitdabutter @FSUHoops @lukeloucks @CoachRobMcCray

Ashton Walker is on breakout watch in the CAA heading into this upcoming season. The 6’5 guard from Virginia Beach, Virginia finished an impressive freshman campaign at La Salle before transferring to Monmouth this offseason in April. During his freshman season, Walker averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 40% from the field and 31% from three. He quickly established himself as one of the better freshmen in the Atlantic 10, earning A-10 All-Rookie Team honors while starting 23 of 31 games. Walker is a big, physical guard with crafty ball skills and a natural feel for creating offense from anywhere on the floor. He uses his strength to overwhelm smaller defenders, attacking downhill to finish at the rim or creating contact and rising into pull-up jumpers. His combination of size and body control allows him to play through traffic and consistently generate quality looks. His jumpshot is smooth and compact, allowing him to get it off quickly both off the catch and on the move. For his size, Walker is also an outstanding rebounder with a natural instinct for tracking the basketball and using his frame to carve out space. As a playmaker, he consistently makes the right reads and finished top 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio in the A-10, showing maturity and decision-making beyond his years. Defensively, he shows a high basketball IQ in help defense and uses his strength to guard multiple positions on the court. Making the move to the CAA this season, expect Walker to play a major role for Monmouth. With his versatility, physicality, and all-around impact, he has all the tools to emerge as one of the conference’s breakout players @AshWalker_2025 @ENASportsGroup @MonmouthBBall @andrew_canavos @CRU_Hoops

Aiden Argabright is a clear breakout candidate in the A-10 heading into next season. The 5'11 guard from Richmond, Virginia put together an outstanding freshman season with his hometown Richmond Spiders, averaging 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42% from the field and 35% from three. Playing in 31 games and earning 3 starts, Argabright made his presence felt every night. His play earned him A-10 All-Rookie Team honors, 4x A-10 Rookie of the Week, and he finished as the conference leader among freshmen in both scoring and assists. Argabright’s game stands out because of his speed and constant pressure on both ends of the floor. Whether it is beating defenders to the rim in transition or creating turnovers defensively with his quick hands and aggressive ball pressure, his energy shows up all over the court. On the perimeter, Argabright has a lightning quick release and showed the ability to knock down shots both off the catch and off the dribble, including shooting 38% from three during conference play. He also developed a signature pull up mid range jumper that became a reliable weapon throughout the season. With the ball in his hands, Argabright consistently gets downhill and finishes creatively at the rim using either hand, reverse finishes, and full speed attacks in transition. On top of his offensive skillset, he has a natural ability to draw contact and get to the free throw line, finishing third in the conference in free throw attempts while converting at an elite 89%. Despite lacking height and length, Argabright makes up for it defensively with lightning quick reflexes, toughness, and a high basketball IQ. After announcing his return in March, Argabright looks set to play a major role in Richmond’s push back toward the NCAA Tournament and has all the tools to emerge as an All-Conference level player next season @AidenArgabright @NewWorldAAU @SpiderMBB @CBS6SportsSean @CoachMoJo_ @A10MBB

@jvgetsbusyyy @Coach_DBethea @AndrewBaxleySC @antauwn @CoachMel22 @CoachWrightMike @CPBFamily @DoingItDodson @p5quared2 @PrepHoopsSC @FoxCreekHoops Praying for a speedy recovery🙏❤️

For those who don't know, I will be out for my senior season with ACL and Meniscus tear. First thoughts were why me and why now? In life it's not about what happens to you, but how you respond to what happens to you. Surgery in 3 weeks. To be continued... @Coach_DBethea