6'3 '27 King Gibson (Team United)
There are so many impressive performers on display, but King Gibson has been as noteworthy as anyone thus far. It's difficult to imagine many eighth-graders with a more complete identity than him, especially within North Carolina. In this contest, Gibson showcased the full arsenal. He handled the ball with poise, scored the ball from all levels, and highlighted phenomenal all-around athleticism. Not only is a polished offensive threat, but Gibson shows great intensity and activity defensively and on the glass. Although he's already a high-level player, folks should expect Gibson to warrant national attention sooner than later.
6'7 '27 Taj Saragba (Team CP3)
After previously seeing him last summer as a seventh-grader, very little has changed in regards to Taj Saragba. He's a big, strong, physically overwhelming post prospect with effortless bounce and the ability to outwork opponents inside the paint on both ends of the floor. Saragba finishes with touch and power while consistently controlling the glass as a rebounder. He displays nice vision, especially for his size, and is capable of setting up others whenever available. Saragba already excels as a rim-runner, but should only continue to expand his game going forward. Like the entry above, he has a real chance to be regarded as a national prospect.
5'10 '27 AC Pressley (Team Ish)
Although there are a lot of guards in attendance, it's easy to see what already makes AC Pressley a notable player. He's very smart, poised, and mature with a quick first step, which allows him to touch the paint at a high rate and finish or set up others. Pressley displays great pace, patience, and understanding of how to make the right play. He's only going to get better as he develops physically, but Pressley is already a talented player.
6'3 '27 Hector Garrido-Perez (UCB)
It's easy to appreciate the balance shown from United Church of Basketball, but it's impossible to ignore everything Garrido-Perez brings to the table. He's a big, strong, fairly skilled post prospect with a sturdy frame and the ability to consistently make plays inside the paint. Garrido-Perez utilizes his body very well around the basket, both when rebounding and finishing through contact. He can also pass or knock down jumpers when necessary.
5'11 '28 Nylan Rush (Team Tough)
Though various guys stood out for Team Tough, it felt like Nylan Rush was involved in seemingly every possession. He's a long, wiry guard with quickness, open-floor speed, and the ability to comfortably dictate the offense with the ball in his hands. Rush is great in transition, both as a finisher and playmaker, and regularly hits pull-up jumpers from midrange. His change of pace forces opponents to stay on their heels at all times, as Rush will attack when opponents overplay or put themselves out of position.
5'7 '28 Doc Caldwell (Carolina Culture)
The Carolina Culture team can hurt opponents in a variety of different ways, which certainly includes Doc Caldwell's phenomenal three-point shooting. He's slightly undersized but already has great feel and understanding of how to affect the game within his role. Caldwell is a knockdown shooter who can attack closeouts and finish or make the extra pass. He moves well without the ball and displays great range on his jumper.