A collection of the country’s most talented rising freshmen were on display this past weekend in
Greensboro, North Carolina for the annual CP3 Rising Stars Camp. There were many
noteworthy prospects and numerous guys that’ll burst onto the scene sooner than later. This
article will look at five specific prospects that made their mark at Camp.
6’10 Sadraque Nganga (A Z Compass Prep/Las Vegas Prospects)
There should be no debate about who was the best long-term prospect at Rising Stars, as
Sadraque Nganga claimed that title with ease. He’s long, fluid, and unlike any other prospect in
the country, given his incredibly unique skillset. Nganga has size like a big man, yet runs the
floor like a gazelle, which is a true nightmare for opponents. He’s a fairly interesting offensive
option in the half-court, able to catch the ball with his back to the basket or face-up—where he’s
shown the ability to shoot or attack. Right now, Nganga is still a little inconsistent as a shooter,
but his willingness to take (and occasionally make) shots from the perimeter is quite
encouraging. He’ll continue to add strength to his wiry frame, which should allow him to hold
his position on the block much easier. In transition, there wasn’t a more exciting player than
Nganga, who was frequently securing defensive rebounds and then pushing the break with his
head up. He made numerous high-level reads as a playmaker and showcased a strong comfort
level with the ball in his hands. Everyone needs to start taking notice, because Nganga could
realistically be the best player from this event.
6’9 Jalen Duren (Roman Catholic/Team Final)
The big man from Delaware has been one of the most dominant eighth-graders since the start of
2018, and he continued his reign of terror at Rising Stars Camp, making sure everyone
remembers the name “Jalen Duren.” Currently, he possesses a rare blend of production and
potential, given his size and high-level athleticism. Offensively, Duren is still just beginning to
scratch the surface of his scoring abilities, yet already understands how to take advantage of
opposing big men. He does an excellent job of establishing position on the block and then
making efficient use of his touches around the basket, with an array of dunks and aggressive
finishes. What really stood out about Duren’s recent development was his passing ability,
especially in transition, and it’ll be interesting to see how he integrates that going forward. That
being said, his most valuable attributes remain as a rebounder, rim-protector, and overall
defensive monster, which should seamlessly translate to the high school level and beyond. There
aren’t many players in the country with his blend of size, athleticism, and two-way upside, which
is why he’ll likely be atop the Class of 2022 for a while.
6’2 Zion Cruz (Hudson Catholic/Renaissance Hoops)
The most impressive guard prospect on display was Zion Cruz, an incredibly polished player
from New Jersey. He’s a strong primary ball-handler, creator, and has no noticeable weaknesses
on offense. Cruz is a very efficient three-level scorer with a variety of moves and counter-moves
that most opponents simply cannot handle, especially when he’s attacking downhill. He has a
terrific blend of size and athleticism for his position, and nearly won the much-anticipated dunk
contest prior to his appearance in the All-American game. Cruz easily toggles between playing
with and without the ball, but is certainly more valuable as the lead creator. His IQ and feel for
the game are both exceptional, rarely making a bad judgment call and never forcing the action on
offense. The point guard leads by example, often setting the tone on defense while consistently
forcing an abundance of turnovers. Cruz is the definition of a game-changing guard, so there’s a
growing likelihood that he’ll emerge as the top guard in his class, regardless of his competitors.
6’8 Jaxon Kohler (Lone Peak/Las Vegas Prospects)
Nowadays, big men tend to go their own route and rarely show an interest in developing their
low-post game. Meanwhile, Jaxon Kohler is quite the opposite. At 6-foot-8, Kohler shows a firm
understanding of his role in a given contest and doesn’t stray too far from his comfort zone. He
secures great position in the post while making clever movements to ready himself for dump-offs
and wrap-around passes. In terms of his actual low-post ability, Kohler was clearly among the
top players on display, given his incredible arsenal of hooks and turnarounds over either
shoulder. He’s of a dying breed, however, the big man has floor-stretching capabilities and will
definitely be coveted at the college level. Going forward, Kohler should look to raise his
quickness while improving his ball-handling ability. That being said, his feel for the game is
downright impressive, and it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to the next level. There aren’t
many throwback bigs these days, but Kohler is certainly proud of that label.
6’5 Jordan Walsh (Faith Family Academy/Drive Nation)
Aside from the first player on this list, no prospect was more intriguing than Jordan Walsh. The
Drive Nation product is so unique, given his guard-like movements and the size/athleticism of a
forward. Offensively, Walsh is capable of filling numerous roles, but was most noticeable as a
glue-guy throughout camp and could feasibly continue affecting all facets of the game at the next
level. He’s a decent shooter, but far more efficient when getting downhill and attacking the rim
with force. Walsh is a quality ball-handler and passer, but his motor is arguably the most
valuable attribute. In transition, few guys are able to make the two-way impact of Walsh, getting
stops on one end and then finishing through any contact at the rim, but that’s part of what makes
him unique. The wing prospect was in a small group of elite defenders; his athleticism and
physicality make him a problem for opponents to take out. The Texas native is already quite
good, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that he’ll become even better in time.