As we enter the thick of the new travel ball season, it’s an ideal time to review the outgoing senior class (2025) and how things have ironed out. While many prospects are still fielding offers or deciding where they’ll ultimately further their playing career, numerous guys have pledged commitments. This exercise is meant to look beyond the obvious difference-makers (like Zymicah Wilkins, Isaiah Denis, etc.) and focus on those who were steals for their respective schools.
6’6 Jackson Keith (Southern Durham/Butler)
There are many examples of coaches overthinking the “portal versus high school prospect” concept, and none more obvious than Jackson Keith heading to Butler. It’s genuinely confusing how an increased number of high-major programs allowed him to slip through the cracks. Regardless, Keith is heading to the Big East after a noteworthy season, averaging 24.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.0 BPG with 62/34/78 shooting splits. Every time you watch Keith, it’s impossible to walk away feeling anything other than impressed. He’s an incredibly natural leader and reliable producer who already approaches the game like a professional. His IQ, strength, athleticism, and all-around skillset should make Keith a real asset for the Bulldogs.
6’7 Josiah Parker (Combine Academy/FAU)
Arguably the top long-term prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2025, Josiah Parker has all the tools to immediately emerge as a key piece for the Owls. The last calendar year proved to be a major transition period for the versatile forward. Not only did he transfer to Combine Academy for a fresh start with a completely retooled roster, but he also completely transformed his build. Parker’s physical development led to a major blow-up. After refining his body, he became an explosive matchup problem for opponents. Parker possesses the ability to do basically everything on the court. He creates very well for his size, displaying vision, handle, and feel off the bounce. Parker scores from all levels, posts up smaller players, and defends multiple positions. It would be shocking if he weren’t a difference-maker at FAU.
5’10 Caleb Thomas (Combine Academy/Lehigh)
After transferring to Combine Academy, Caleb Thomas went from a relative unknown to a favorite amongst basketball folks in North Carolina. Although several noteworthy players have emerged from Lehigh, it’s still astonishing that more schools (especially in today’s climate) didn’t swoop in with more money or promises. Thomas is an incredibly sharp, dynamic point guard with the quickness, vision, and change of pace to effortlessly run a team. He’s a reliable shooter who touches the paint seemingly whenever he wants and causes problems for opponents as an on-ball defender. Thomas naturally sets the tone as a leader by example on both ends of the floor. Given the Goats’ roster turnover this season, it’s fair to say he’s proven capable of succeeding with any collection of teammates. Thomas should be awesome at Lehigh.
6’4 Chance Gladden (Ravenscroft/Boston)
Despite having one of the most productive seasons in North Carolina, it feels like Chance Gladden is still somewhat underrated by the masses. He’s a smart, smooth, fundamentally sound guard who can produce in various different roles. Gladden is more than comfortable running the team as a point guard, creating for others, and picking his spots as needed. However, he’s arguably at his best when asserting himself and taking what he wants as a scorer. Gladden is a knockdown shooter with the ability to get going quickly and fill it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s also comfortable without the ball, displaying an understanding of how to move without the ball, find open seams, and consistently knock down jumpers off the catch or bounce. Gladden feels like the type of guy who will have a lot of success at Boston and then warrant a lot of attention from high-majors thereafter.
6’8 Cash McSweeney (Cardinal Gibbons/Princeton)
Rounding out this group, Cash McSweeney committed to Princeton mere months before enjoying an incredible senior season. He was the clear, undisputed focal point for a tough Cardinal Gibbons squad. McSweeney stood out as their centerpiece while averaging 17.5 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 2.7 APG with 56/31/52 splits. He’s an extremely polished post player who can set up on the block, elbows, or at the top of the key. McSweeney can initiate the offense from several areas and sees the floor well as a passer. He possesses soft touch with a strong combination of footwork and scoring moves from the post. McSweeney controls the glass with his blend of base strength, long arms, and understanding of positioning. The Tigers should feel fortunate that he committed early, as McSweeney would’ve attracted a lot of schools over the previous high school season.