High Level Hoops

Cooper Witte stood out during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period with his toughness and overall impact on the floor. The 2028 6’2” guard showed the ability to contribute in multiple areas while competing throughout the event. Witte brings toughness and competes on both ends of the floor. He displayed the ability to score in different ways and make shots from the perimeter. He has the ability to attack off the dribble, get downhill, and finish at the rim when given opportunities. Witte also gets out in transition well, using his ability to push the pace and create scoring chances in the open floor. Defensively, he brings effort and the ability to make things difficult for opposing guards. Witte’s ability to compete, create offense, and impact the game in different areas made him a valuable piece for Southern Ties throughout the event. @cooperwitte2

2028 6’2” point guard John Ramos Jr. of Team New England Basketball Club put together a strong performance against Tre Mann Elite in the semifinal round of the 16U NXT Pro 16 Finals in Bryan, Texas. Ramos Jr. showed his ability to impact the game as an offensive guard, creating advantages with his handle, pace, and ability to play off the bounce. He was comfortable operating in space, creating separation from defenders, and getting to his spots on the floor to make plays. Ramos Jr. showed confidence as a shot-maker, knocking down timely shots while also putting pressure on the defense by attacking closeouts and driving lanes. He did a good job touching the paint, forcing defenders to react, and finishing around the rim, including finishing through contact and over bigger defenders. His ability to keep defenders off balance allowed him to create scoring opportunities throughout the game. In ball screen situations, Ramos Jr. displayed good feel and control, using the action to create advantages, get downhill, and put the defense in difficult positions. He showed the ability to navigate different coverages while maintaining his scoring mindset and making plays for others. His combination of shot-making, ball handling, and playmaking ability stood out in a competitive semifinal matchup. Ramos Jr. showed the skill set of a promising lead guard in the 2028 class, with the ability to create his own shot, attack off the bounce, make plays for others, and impact the game in multiple ways. His performance against Tre Mann Elite highlighted his scoring ability, confidence, and offensive versatility. @Johnabdielramos

Gabe Nesmith run at Peach Jam with Nightrydas showed why reclassifying up could be the right move for the talented 6-foot-5 guard. Competing against some of the best players in the country, Nesmith displayed scoring ability, confidence, and shot-making versatility that make him an intriguing prospect at the next level. His size, ability to create his own offense, attack off the dribble, and put pressure on defenses give him a skill set that can translate to college basketball. While he will continue to develop the consistency and all-around game needed to compete in the SEC, his natural ability to put the ball in the basket separates him. For Vanderbilt, Nesmith could provide valuable spark off the bench. He would not have to be asked to carry the offense right away, but his ability to enter the game and change the momentum with his scoring could be a major asset. In a conference where depth and perimeter play are critical, having a 6-foot-5 guard who can create his own shot and generate offense in difficult situations is something every team needs. Reclassifying up would allow Nesmith to challenge himself against higher-level competition, continue developing his game, and grow into a larger role over time. With his scoring instincts, confidence, and physical tools, Gabe Nesmith has the potential to become an important piece for Vanderbilt while bringing an offensive punch to the Commodores rotation. @gabenesmith @VandyMBB

Jayden Hopkins made a strong impression during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, using his pace, handle, and ability to knock down shots off the dribble to impact possessions for Southern Ties. The 2027 6’2” point guard showed confidence with the ball in his hands and consistently put pressure on the defense throughout the event. Hopkins is effective when initiating offense and controlling the action. He uses his first step and handle to create separation, get into the paint, and force defenders to react. Once he gets downhill, he can make plays for himself and keep the defense on its heels. Defensively, Hopkins showed the ability to stay engaged and compete at the point of attack. He worked to contain the ball, stayed active in his stance, and showed awareness when navigating through possessions. His effort on that end helped him stay involved and contribute beyond just scoring. What stood out in Richmond was his ability to stay composed while creating offense. Hopkins does a good job attacking gaps and keeping the offense moving. His ability to score in the lane, create advantages off the bounce, and compete defensively gives him a steady presence at the point guard spot. Overall, Hopkins’ performance in Richmond highlighted a guard who can create offense, handle pressure, and make plays with the ball in his hands. His pace, ability to operate off the dribble, and defensive effort make him a reliable point guard who can influence the game in a variety of ways. @Jaydenhopkins23

Aaron Britt established himself as one of the top point guards in the country with strong showings in Richmond, Virginia, and Bryan, Texas for Tre Mann Elite (FL), which won the Puma Pro 16 17U championship, with Britt earning MVP honors. The 2027 6’2” point guard made his presence felt with the ball in his hands, showing poise, toughness, and a strong command of the game. His impact at both events was clear as he continued to make winning plays on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Britt played with confidence as a creator and scorer. He was effective off the dribble, showed the ability to knock down perimeter shots, and attacked the basket with purpose. Britt finished through contact, put pressure on the defense, and made smart reads when help came. He showed he can score for himself or create for others, staying under control and making good decisions throughout possessions. Defensively, Britt brought a competitive edge that showed up throughout both events. He pressured the ball at the point of attack, stayed active with his hands, and created turnovers by disrupting passing lanes and forcing mistakes. His effort and intensity helped fuel his team and led to easy opportunities in transition. Britt’s performances in Richmond and Bryan highlighted a guard who can influence the game in a variety of ways. His shot-making, playmaking, toughness, and defensive pressure made him one of the most effective point guards on display. @aaronbrittjr3

2027 6’6” wing Marcus Curry Jr. put together a good run to help the FL Rebels win Nike EYBL Peach Jam. He made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, knocking down shots, attacking the rim, and finishing around the basket with athleticism and touch. Curry moved well with the ball, made plays in transition, and showed the ability to create offense while staying active away from the ball. He played with confidence as a scorer and continued to make plays within the flow of the game. On the defensive end, Curry stood out by using his length, instincts, and activity. He got stops, played the passing lanes, came up with deflections, and disrupted possessions with his anticipation and ability to make plays away from the ball. He also rebounded the ball well, helped secure possessions, and competed through every play. Curry also handled the details that help teams win, making extra effort plays, staying engaged throughout the game, and finding ways to affect the outcome beyond scoring. His ability to contribute as a scorer and defender, combined with his effort and willingness to impact the game in multiple areas, helped him stand out during the event. Curry’s two-way impact played a big role in the FL Rebels’ championship run. @Mj_Curry20

6’6” 2027 SG Jordan Page has officially announced his commitment to transfer to @IMGABasketball for his senior season, where he will suit up for Head Coach @JJohnson_49. North Carolina’s premier prospect will now take his talents to one of the nation’s top prep programs as he continues his development on the national stage. The journey continues… 📈🔥 @buck_coach

2027 6’8” forward David Baliraine delivered one of his strongest all-around performances of the summer despite Drive Nation’s loss to the Florida Rebels in the Peach Jam championship game. He stayed engaged from start to finish, bringing energy and physicality that impacted both ends of the floor. Around the basket, Baliraine finished through contact, attacked the offensive glass, and battled for rebounds, creating extra possessions with his effort. Defensively, he protected the paint with strong contests, rotated effectively, and used his size and mobility to make opponents earn their points inside. He also ran the floor well in transition, filling lanes and putting pressure on the defense with his rim-running ability. Despite the result, Baliraine showcased his value as an active, physical frontcourt presence, impacting the game through his motor, toughness, and ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor. @DBaliraine @DynamicPrepSch

2027 6’5” wing Elijah Paez led Drive Nation with 20 points in their win over the NY Rens to advance to the Peach Jam Final Four. The 6’5” wing turned in a productive offensive performance, showing confidence creating offense, staying composed under pressure, and making good decisions with the ball. Paez’s poise, scoring ability, and overall offensive impact stood out on one of the biggest stages of the summer. @ElijahGPaez @DriveNation_DFW @DriveNation_E15 @NikeEYB

Orlando Roche had a strong showing during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor for Team Miami (FL). The 2027 6’4” guard displayed a well-rounded skill set, strong basketball instincts, and the ability to make plays in a variety of situations. Offensively, Roche showed the ability to score in multiple ways, making an impact both with and without the ball. He was effective attacking off the dribble, creating advantages against defenders, and finishing around the basket with toughness and control. Roche also showed confidence as a shooter, knocking down shots when given space and making plays through defensive pressure. His ability to move without the ball stood out, as he found openings in the defense and consistently put himself in position to make an impact. Roche also showed good decision-making with the ball, creating opportunities for teammates while keeping the offense moving. Defensively, Roche brought a high level of energy and competitiveness. He used his quickness and positioning to stay engaged on the perimeter, apply pressure, and disrupt opposing offenses. His anticipation allowed him to make plays in passing lanes, while his effort on the glass and willingness to compete helped him impact the game beyond scoring. Roche’s combination of scoring ability, defensive effort, and overall basketball instincts made him one of the standout performers in Richmond. His ability to contribute in multiple areas and make winning plays throughout the event highlighted his impact as one of the top guards in the Southeast Region’s 2027 class.

Jayce Maiden had a good outing during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, bringing energy, athleticism, and activity to the floor for MPJ Elite (MO). The 2028 6’4” wing plays with confidence and assertiveness, consistently looking to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Maiden’s athleticism and length allow him to make plays in different areas of the game. He is an active presence on the court, using his physical tools to create opportunities offensively and impact the game with his ability to make plays in space. He showed the ability to attack opportunities, use his athleticism, and bring consistent energy throughout the game. Defensively, Maiden’s length gives him versatility and allows him to impact multiple positions. He uses his size and athleticism to disrupt plays, contest shots, and make his presence felt on that end of the floor. Maiden’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive ability allowed him to make an impact during his time in Richmond. His activity level and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor stood out throughout the event. @JayceMaiden

I still don't have all the answers on Cayden Daughtry. But I know this: no prospect has made me rethink my evaluation more over the last few months. I explain why in my latest piece. 🔗 nbabigboard.com/p/no-prospect-…

During the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, Cameron Collins showed the ability to impact the game with his scoring ability and defensive presence for Southern Ties. The 2028 6’2” guard plays with confidence and brings a balanced approach on both ends of the floor. Collins showed the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter while also attacking the basket and finishing around the rim. He did a good job creating scoring opportunities, using his handle and physicality to get downhill and put pressure on defenders. Collins showed comfort making plays in different areas of the floor and provided a reliable scoring option for his team. Defensively, Collins was one of the more active guards on the floor, competing on the ball and making things difficult for opposing players. He showed good effort guarding the perimeter, staying engaged throughout possessions, and using his quickness to challenge ball handlers. Collins’ performance in Richmond showcased a guard who can provide production on both ends of the floor. His ability to score, finish, and defend allowed him to make an impact for Southern Ties throughout the live period. @CamCollins2028

Favour David had a good showing during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, giving 3D Empire a steady 6’1” guard who contributed on both ends. He played under control and stayed engaged throughout the game. David scored from the perimeter and created off the dribble. He knocked down shots, handled the ball well, and got into the lane where he finished at the rim after creating separation. Defensively, the 6’1” guard competed on the perimeter and stayed active against opposing guards. His performance in Richmond showed a guard who can score, defend, and provide consistent production for 3D Empire. @favour24david

Braelon Bradshaw put together a solid performance during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, using his size and athleticism to make an impact for AAO Flight (AR). The 2027 6’5” wing plays with confidence and brings a competitive edge to the floor. Bradshaw showed good movement without the ball, staying active as a cutter and finding ways to get involved in the offense without needing to dominate possession. He did a good job relocating to open space, working off the ball to create scoring chances, and staying ready to finish when opportunities came his way. His ability to move into open areas helped him stay connected to the action throughout the game. As a scorer, Bradshaw showed he can finish around the basket and knock down shots. He was effective playing through contact and showed the ability to score in a variety of ways. Defensively, Bradshaw stayed engaged and made plays by competing on the perimeter and taking on multiple matchups. He used his effort to disrupt possessions and help his team on that end of the floor. Bradshaw also helped on the glass and contributed to extra possessions for his team. His size, athleticism, and ability to stay active without the ball allowed him to make his mark throughout the weekend. @TheBraelonbrad

RJ Ball made his presence felt during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing his ability to impact the game by scoring the ball for Team CPSA. The 2028 6’3” guard plays with confidence and creativity, using his handle, pace, and ability to create separation to put pressure on opposing defenses. Ball has a strong offensive skill set, showing the ability to get to his spots and create quality scoring opportunities throughout the game. His mid-range game stood out, as he displayed a polished jumper and the confidence to knock down shots off the bounce. He uses his handle and change of pace well, keeping defenders off balance and creating openings to attack. When attacking downhill, Ball does a good job getting into the paint and putting pressure on the defense. He showed the ability to finish around the rim with touch and creativity, using different angles to score through traffic. In transition, he pushed the pace, attacked open lanes, and made plays in space. Ball also showed confidence from beyond the arc, including knocking down a contested three, proving he can make shots when defenders challenge him. His ability to create his own offense, handle pressure, and consistently put pressure on defenders makes him a tough matchup at the guard position. Ball’s combination of scoring ability, handle, and confidence allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. His performance in Richmond highlighted his ability to create offense and consistently impact the game by scoring the ball. @ydoesrball0

During the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, Braylen Smith showed his ability to impact the game as a lead guard, creating offense and putting pressure on defenses for Team CPSA. The 2028 6’2” point guard plays with confidence and does a good job making plays with the ball in his hands. Smith’s ability to attack downhill stood out, using his handle, pace, and quickness to create advantages against defenders. He consistently finds ways to get into the paint, where he can finish around the rim or draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates. As a point guard, Smith brings value with his ability to generate offense and keep pressure on opposing defenses. His ball skills, scoring ability, and playmaking instincts allow him to make an impact throughout the game. Smith’s performance in Richmond showcased a skilled guard with the ability to create, finish, and make plays for Team CPSA. @Braylen_Smith2

Akol Nyok had one of the strongest showings at the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, making a major impact for Tre Mann Elite 17U with his size, physical tools, and ability to influence the game. The 2027 7’0” center was a consistent factor around the basket and brought a presence that stood out throughout the weekend. Nyok was a constant target around the rim offensively, showing the ability to finish above the basket and capitalize as a lob threat. His length and athleticism allowed him to make plays around the basket while also running the floor well and creating opportunities in transition. On the defensive end, Nyok changed the game with his ability to protect the paint. His size and length allowed him to challenge shots and make opponents adjust when attacking the basket. He also showed the ability to move well in space, giving him the tools to defend outside of the paint and impact plays in different areas of the floor. Nyok’s performance in Richmond showed a high-impact interior presence with the tools to affect winning in multiple ways. His combination of size, rim protection, finishing ability, and mobility made him one of the top players at the event. @Akolnyok34

Kenneth Turner put together a strong performance during the NXT Pro 16 Live Period in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing his ability to impact the game as a lead guard. The 2028 6’0” point guard displayed a versatile offensive skill set, showing the ability to score in a variety of ways while putting pressure on opposing defenses. Turner’s quickness, shiftiness, and ability to change speeds allowed him to create advantages off the dribble and attack downhill. He showed the ability to get into the paint, create scoring opportunities, and finish effectively around the rim. His ability to create paint touches helped generate opportunities for himself and his teammates while forcing defenders to react. As a scorer, Turner showed confidence from multiple areas of the floor, knocking down shots both off the catch and off the bounce. His ability to make perimeter shots while also attacking closeouts made him a difficult matchup for defenders. He displayed good control with the ball in his hands and the ability to create separation against pressure. Turner’s ability to handle the ball, create offense, and make plays in traffic stood out throughout the event. He played with a high level of confidence and showed the ability to take control of possessions when his team needed a play to be made. His quick decision-making and ability to put pressure on the defense allowed him to make an impact as both a scorer and facilitator. Turner’s combination of ball-handling ability, shot-making, and ability to collapse the defense made him one of the standout guards during the event. His performance in Richmond highlighted his ability to create offense, make plays in different ways, and impact the game with confidence as a point guard in the 2028 class. @theKennyTurner3