Over the past two weekends, we’ve gotten the opportunity to watch Team FLY and their notable group of 2028 prospects. Where most teams require time to get adequately adjusted and iron out the early-season jitters, this team is already rolling. They’ve gone 7-1 across the two events while showcasing an impressive level of chemistry, toughness, and discipline. Let’s take a closer look at their roster makeup…
5’10 Draeton Nance
Although the team is full of talented pieces, Nance is arguably the most valuable part of their structure. Whether through communication, production, or by example, he’s an incredible leader. Nance is a smart guard with a strong frame and the ability to consistently generate offense for himself or others. He’s a terrific playmaker who hunts to set up others, but also applies efficient scoring pressure as a penetrator and perimeter shooter. Nance displays a great understanding of when to attack versus when to defer to others, and makes the right decision with the ball in his hands. He’s a quality defender and rebounder who excels at pushing the break in transition. Beyond the consistent production, Nance is an encouraging teammate who tends to elevate others on both ends of the floor.
6’0 Noah Dulin
It’s easy to see the appeal with someone like Dulin, both currently and as a long-term prospect. He’s already clearly able to impact the game as a long, wiry shot-maker with solid energy, athleticism, and defensive instincts. Dulin is a lethal spot-up option, but has shown a strong comfort level attacking closeouts, generating pull-ups within a few dribbles, and making correct reads as a passer. He utilizes his length well to finish around the basket and cause problems for opponents defensively. Dulin is a capable rebounder with the ability to push the break, but also understands how to get to his spots in transition. Already quite useful, it’ll be exciting to follow his continued growth going forward.
5’10 Justin Haggler
Shooting will always be incredibly valuable, and Haggler might be the most reliable shooting threat on this roster. Clearly still growing into his body, he already stands out as an impressive perimeter shooter with feel, toughness, and a strong understanding of his strengths. Haggler is terrific off the catch, but more than capable of generating clean looks (and converting) within a few dribbles. He’s great in the midrange, very reliable from beyond the arc, and moves well as a cutter without the ball. Haggler is a quality defender and solid rebounder. He’s simply another guy who will be worth following over the foreseeable future.
6’0 Mason Jeanson
While the trio above typically burdens the majority of the production, particularly in terms of scoring, Jeanson consistently stands out as an incredibly important glue-guy. He’s tough, scrappy, and plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor. Jeanson is a capable finisher and shooting threat, but consistently showcases the ability to impact the game without needing to score. While it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, his hustle, unselfishness, and willingness to do the little things makes him a major x-factor. He defends, rebounds, and looks to make the right play whenever possible. In a time where everyone wants to score or make highlight-reel plays, every team needs a guy like Jeanson.
6’1 Billy Martin
Similar to the excerpt above, Martin finds a ton of success through his motor and scrappy on-court presence. He does a terrific job of filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Martin battles for rebounds, defends with energy, and scores within the flow of the offensive structure. Though capable of scoring, he’s another guy who doesn’t necessarily require touches to make an impact.
Rounding out this group 5’10 Cam Holland, 5’10 Cam Knox, and 6’3 Aiden Houser each provide a meaningful role. Holland and Knox both operate as scrappy defenders, capable creators, and fairly well-rounded offensive threats. They can initiate the offense, set up others, and apply scoring pressure as needed. Meanwhile, Houser offers a big, sturdy interior presence on both ends of the floor. He’s a useful rebounder, finisher, and shot-altering presence.
