So much of the Falcons’ success is predicated on Derek Ross (2025). There are plenty of situations where the coach’s son gets shots, touches, or special treatment due to the relationship…this is not one of them. If anything, Ross focuses less on scoring for the betterment of the team. He’s truly at his best when creating for others. Ross is smart, crafty, and has the ball on a string, which allows him to excel in a heavy pick-and-roll style offense. He’s comfortable at breaking down opponents off the dribble (with or without screens), touching the paint, and making the proper read once the defense collapses. Ross sees the floor extremely well and displays precision as a passer. That being said, he’s more than capable of scoring the ball in a variety of different ways. Ross is a useful shooter with deep range, but the threat of his jumper (or pull-up game) naturally opens up driving lanes to the basket. Despite his wiry build, he’s a solid rebounder and nice finisher around the basket. Ross also displays feel defensively and is capable of forcing turnovers at the point of attack. It’s pretty perplexing why he doesn’t have more offers, but Ross is a definite scholarship-level guy who will be an impactful player at the next level.
Having a valuable big man can vault a team from “good” to “great,” and that’s exactly what happened when Rivers Knight (2026) made his return to Jordan. He received a ton of opportunities as a focal point for this group. The guards aggressively looked to get him the ball and put him in positions to apply scoring pressure. Knight finished at a consistent rate, whether out of the post, off the bounce, or simply by running the floor in transition. He highlighted his smooth perimeter jumper and the ability to space the floor at a quality rate. Although he provided great offensive production throughout the weekend, Knight also made a lasting impression with his rebounding and shot-blocking presence. He offered a quality motor on the glass and blocked shots at a high rate when protecting the rim. Ultimately, seeing Knight on the court and featured in a meaningful role should lead to a lot of positivity surrounding his recruitment and overall trajectory. Expect him to have a breakout season as one of the more productive big men in the state.
Among their key pieces, Bryce Hill (2025) seems to have found his comfort zone as an x-factor for this group. He’s always possessed a knack for scoring the ball, but the current roster construction truly allows him to showcase his game. Hill is a quick, heady, fairly well-rounded guard who offers a nice change of pace from his backcourt mate. He’s a polished shot-creator and scorer from all levels. Hill does a great job of taking what the defense gives him and consistently capitalizing on open looks, but also has the ability to take what he wants. He’s a willing passer who understands how to set up his teammates when necessary. Although we’ve seen him previously shine as a dynamic scorer, Hill also impressed with his general defensive prowess. He mirrored opposing ball-handlers with ease and truly suffocated opponents while fighting through seemingly every screen to stay in front. Hill highlighted the makings of a college-level player and should be a key piece this season.
Despite being the youngest player in their core, Julian Lowe (2027) continues to solidify himself as a difference-maker for the Falcons. He’s a natural glue-guy who does a quality amount of everything on the court. Lowe is a lethal shooter who gets to his spots and converts at a consistent rate off the catch. That being said, he’s more than capable of attacking off the bounce, pulling-up, attacking the basket, and making proper reads with the ball in his hands. Lowe is a useful rebounder who displays the ability to defend multiple positions. Entering his sophomore season, expect him to continue trending upward.
Rounding out this group, Peter Bryan (2025) is a strong, sturdy big man who provides meaningful minutes as an interior cog. He knows his role quite well and primarily looks to impact the game as a rebounder and shot-altering presence. Bryan is able to finish around the basket, but truly doesn’t require touches to make an impact. He utilizes his body and high motor to make an impact on both ends of the floor.