As we approach our upcoming Post Grad Nationals, we are entering the final stages for 2025 prospects to get recruited by college coaches. Many college-level kids are being overlooked through no fault of their own. The NCAA has essentially established a system to keep kids in college longer and collect even more money through various avenues. However, there’s still time for coaches to find late additions and potential hidden gems. Given our viewings throughout the season, Lab U would be a great place for many coaches to start. Let’s take a closer look at some of their pieces…
Although they have a lot of intriguing pieces, this group only has four seniors on the roster. Demarco Reynolds is a tough, scrappy, well-rounded guard who can defend, initiate the offense, and score within the flow of the action. Guys like Ayub Moses and John Koudakpo have shown flashes but still have plenty of upside remaining. However, Jaylen Claggett is clearly their main senior leader. He’s largely seen as a 3-and-D piece who can reliably defend and knock down shots along the perimeter. Per MaxPreps, he’s shooting 54% from distance on an impressive volume (3.4 makes per game). He’s also shown visible strides as a creator and playmaker. Claggett, who stands out as a productive low-maintenance piece, should be a useful player at the next level.
Additionally, they have a variety of enticing juniors. Mike Strickland is a steady two-way floor general who dictates the offense and contains his assignment at the point of attack. He’s a quality ball-handler and playmaker who displays nice feel as a creator. Strickland offers a great blend of poise, quickness, and toughness. Jalyn Connor is a crafty, heady guard who can fill it up as a scorer in a variety of different ways. He heats up quickly and is able to generate his own shot or find success without the ball. The duo of Kevin Crockett and Jalen Dancy might be the most intriguing pairing on the roster. Crockett is a long, wiry forward with tough, rebounding instincts, and lots of upside defensively. Dancy possesses phenomenal physical tools and a blossoming skillset with enough versatility to cause matchup problems for opponents. Guys like James Wood and Esmond Thomas also play meaningful roles for this group.
Rounding out this squad, sophomores Jordan Hunter, DJ Rogers, and Moses Springer will all be names for college coaches to follow over these next few years. Though Rogers and Springer have shown ability in their respective roles, Hunter is arguably the most productive of this trio. He has a strong frame accompanied with the necessary size, skill, and athleticism to operate in a variety of different roles. Hunter gets downhill with ease and can knock down jumpers at a quality rate along the perimeter. Each of these three will be worth following going forward, and this Lab U team should be a priority for college coaches at the upcoming Post Grad Nationals.