6’6 ’24 Jalik Dunkley-Distant (Bounce Elite)
There’s an obvious amount of appeal with this Bounce Elite roster, and Dunkleydistant stands out as much as anyone. He’s a long, fluid wing prospect with phenomenal size, athleticism, and an excellent presence in the open floor. Dunkleydistant applies great downhill pressure, moves well without the ball, and highlighted the ability to create for himself or others as needed. Although already quite talented, he has the chance to be special with continued development.
5’11 ’24 Chase Daniel (CC Elite)
Although his brother typically receives more attention, Daniel is still an undeniably valuable leader for this squad. He’s more than capable of running the offense as the primary creator, but also knows how to effectively operate without the ball as a cutter and spot-up threat. Daniel is quick, strong, smart, and utilizes his change of pace to consistently make plays with the ball in his hands. However, he’s also a defensive menace and high-motor player who should only continue to blossom going forward.
6’8 ’22 Ryan D’Joussa (Upward Stars PD)
Despite some ups and downs as a team, D’Joussa stood out as an obvious leader for this group from start to finish. He’s a big, strong post prospect with a sturdy frame and a reliable interior presence on both ends of the floor. D’Joussa is a big man and operates accordingly, looking to set up on the block, finish with strength, and rebound the ball on both ends of the floor. He runs the floor hard in transition and utilizes his body well to alter shots defensively.
6’6 ’22 Shaedon Simpson (Vaughan Panthers)
The amount of talent from Canada should be obvious at this point, so it should come as no surprise to see Simpson performing at a high level for this Vaughan Panthers squad. He shined as a clear all-around leader for this group, dictating the offensive action, forcing turnovers defensively, and doing the dirty work whenever possible. Simpson showed the ability to handle the ball, create off the bounce, and apply scoring pressure from all levels. He should be seen as a priority amongst scholarship-level programs.
6’0 ’22 Evan Presnell (Carolina Riptide)
Though the Carolina Riptide are consistently among the most balanced teams around, it would be impossible to ignore the productive showing from Presnell. He’s a tough, heady, balanced floor general with the ability to create for himself or others with relative ease. Presnell knows how to breakdown opponents and regularly access his lethal midrange pull-up. He’s equally as useful in transition as the half-court, and provides phenomenal energy defensively.
6’9 ’22 Lawrence Bartee (Next Level SC)
After a ton of flashes over the last calendar year, Bartee continues to make strides and turn heads with his overall identity. He’s long, athletic, and truly just beginning to physically mature, which should have various types of programs enticed. Bartee operates within a pretty straightforward, low-maintenance role on both ends of the floor. He fights extremely well for rebounds and post position, and utilizes his activity level to outwork opponents inside the paint. Bartee finishes, rebounds, and blocks shots.
6’4 ’22 Jalen Burnett (Next Level SC)
There was a lot to like about this Next Level SC squad, and that certainly includes everything Burnett brings to the table. He plays so incredibly hard, which naturally seems to lead to forced turnovers and a ton of transition opportunities. His motor, instincts, and ability to eliminate operating space makes him an absolute nightmare defensively. Burnett also highlighted IQ, athleticism, and the understanding of how to thrive within his role on both ends of the floor.
6’2 ’22 Xavier McKelvy (Charlotte Royals)
Given everything he’s done over the last twelve months, it should come as no surprise to see continued dominance from McKelvy. He’s the clear, undisputed leader of this Charlotte Royals squad, and it’s evident on both ends of the floor. McKelvy is a powerful athlete, but also highlights a ton of IQ and skill—which allows him to make a consistent impact from a game-to-game basis. He applies scoring pressure from all levels, set up others whenever possible, and always seems to make his presence felt as a defender, rebounder, and transition threat.
6’3 ’23 Brandon Nelson (Ace Elite)
There are numerous pieces from Ace Elite that should end up at the next level, which certainly includes Nelson. Though his foundation was founded on three-point shooting, he’s made clear developments as a creator and defender over the recent years. Nelson is still a lethal spot-up threat but looks to attack closeouts, make smart passes, and knock down his quality midrange pull-up jumper.
6’6 ’23 Julius Harrison (NC Gaters)
With two of their main contributors sidelined, Harrison stepped up in a major way for this Gaters squad. He’s a versatile, high-motor wing/forward prospect with the necessary IQ, frame, and skillset to affect all facets of the game. Harrison finishes well, displays playmaking ability, and more than carries his weight as a defender and rebounder. He’s a quality threat in transition, both with and without the ball in his hands, and should become a priority for scholarship-level coaches sooner than later.
6’4 ’22 Dontavious Pettaway (Raising Young Men)
In terms of sheer production, one would be hard-pressed to find many guys more capable than Pettaway. Regardless of setting or context, he always seems to understand how to score, rebound, defend multiple positions, and fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Pettaway can initiate the offense or operate without the ball, and seems to naturally do the dirty work. He should definitely have opportunities to advance to the next level.
6’0 ’22 Xzavier Thaggard (FIBA)
Given the structure of this roster, it’s easy to see the appeal with someone like Thaggard—who already has the makings of a next-level player. He’s a wiry guard prospect with quickness, craftiness, and the ability to score from all levels. Thaggard regularly created for himself off the bounce, but also scored off the catch at a nice rate.
