6’2 ’25 Babacar Ly (S3 Academy)
Although S3 Academy had multiple standouts from the weekend, Babacar Ly immediately captured attention with his dynamic identity. He’s a long, athletic, well-rounded guard with sharp quickness and impressive open-floor speed. Ly scored the ball with relative ease and was a constant problem for opponents in transition. He’s a tough defender who anticipates well to force turnovers and seize fast-break chances. Between his scoring, playmaking, and overall decision-making as a leader, Ly did everything on offense. He should appeal to scholarship-level coaches.
6’5 ’26 Cheikh Thiam (S3 Academy)
Easily one of the most explosive prospects on display, Cheikh Thiam brought a lot of excitement to our Prep Showcase. He’s a strong, powerful athlete with long arms, physicality, and an overwhelming frame. Thiam highlighted flashes of skill as a creator with the ability to attack off the bounce and apply pressure at the rim. He moves well as a cutter and poses a strong threat for lobs/putbacks around the basket. Thiam defends multiple positions, rebounds at a nice rate, and utilizes his physical tools to his advantage.
6’10 ’26 Talla Mbaye (Greater Destiny)
In terms of pure intrigue, Talla Mbaye might’ve been the most enticing long-term prospect on display. He’s already an extremely long, fluid athlete with great size and useful instincts on both ends of the floor. Mbaye displays touch and power as an interior finisher. He blocks/alters shots at a quality rate and runs the floor well in transition. Mbaye capitalizes on his opportunities within the flow of the action but truly doesn’t require touches to make an impact. Given his overall appeal, it’ll be interesting to follow him over the next calendar year.
6’8 ’26 Stephano Farrington (Bull City)
Though we’ve watched him more than everyone listed, it’s just so easy to appreciate the low-maintenance way Stephano Farrington impacts a game. In a time when so many big men want to be guards, Farrington knows exactly who he is as a player. He’s an incredible rim-protector whose length, timing, and quick first/second jump make him a real nightmare for opponents. Farrington blocks shots with legitimate ease and typically deters opponents from entering the paint after multiple unsuccessful attempts. He rebounds at a high rate, fills the lane in transition, and finishes very well around the basket or above the rim. Now moved to the Class of 2026, Farrington should be a major target for college coaches.
6’8 ’26 Kevin Crockett (Lab U)
There are so many meaningful, college-level pieces for Lab U, and Kevin Crockett continues to instill a lot of intrigue with his overall identity. He’s a long, fluid forward with touch, mobility, and a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Crockett is a quality finisher but doesn’t require a lot of touches to make his presence felt. He’s able to establish himself as a rebounder and interior defender who can alter shots or force turnovers. Still loaded with upside, Crockett will be a prospect to monitor over the coming months.