6’4 ’25 Abijah Franklin (Team USC EYCL)
In an event full of impressive performances, Franklin might’ve been the most memorable piece on display. He’s a long, skilled, athletic wing prospect with size, toughness, and the ability to consistently impact the game on both ends of the floor. Franklin showcased feel, vision, and scoring polish from all levels. He reliably creates clean looks off the dribble, both for himself and others, and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Add in his defense, rebounding, and general adaptability, and Franklin is someone that Division I coaches should be targeting. The USC EYCL squad is truly loaded with scholarship-level pieces and should turn heads for the entire summer season.
6’7 ’24 Donovan Rakotonanahary (1 of 1 Elite)
Given everything he’s shown over the last calendar year, it’s surprising that more schools haven’t extended offers to Rakotonanahary. At 6-foot-7, he’s a long, fluid wing/forward prospect who moves like a guard, rebounds like a big, and defends multiple positions with relative ease. Rakotonanahary is an explosive athlete who plays with a nonstop motor and embraces his identity on both ends of the floor. He attacks off the bounce and finishes around the basket, but is arguably at his best in transition. Rakotonanahary can knock down a jumper and make the extra pass as needed. He’s still refining his overall skillset, but it’s impossible to deny his value and ability to impact a game. Scholarship-level coaches should be aggressively pursuing.
5’10 ’25 Derek Ross Jr. (Wildcats Elite)
No matter how many times we watch him play, Ross will never be boring or unimpressive. His IQ, pace, and natural playmaking instincts genuinely make him one of the best floor generals in the state. Ross is incredibly quick and utilizes angles/change of direction extremely well to get wherever he wants off the bounce. He makes intelligent reads as a passer, but also possesses the necessary scoring chops to apply consistent pressure as a scoring threat from all levels. Ross attacks the midrange, hits jumpers from beyond the arc, and finishes with craftiness around the basket. Although he can fill it up as a scorer, he prioritizes being a point guard and creating opportunities for others. Ross is a terrific leader and electric player who should be a priority for a healthy variety of programs.
6’4 ’29 Jez Morehead (Carolina Bulldogs)
Quite possibly the most intriguing long-term prospect on display, Morehead showcased some enticing flashes. He already possesses length, fluidity, and instincts on both ends of the floor. Morehead appears comfortable anchoring the paint defensively, controlling the glass as a rebounder, and capitalizing on scoring chances when available. He displays a high motor and runs the floor effectively in transition. If he continues to work, Morehead has the chance to be an excellent player.
6’5 ’26 Toot Clay (Hidden Gems)
While there are some players with slightly more positional clarity, Clay is a guy folks should simply want on their team. Beyond his toughness, athleticism, and versatility, his nose for the ball is as strong as anyone in the state. Clay is a natural rebounder and defender across multiple positions. He’s a fairly well-rounded offensive piece who can initiate the offense, operate without the ball, and score within the flow of the team structure. Clay’s size, motor, and strength allow him to comfortably defend three to four positions at this level.
