Day 1 Standouts
Caleb Gaskins (6’7 G/F, 2026, Melbourne, Florida) - Caleb Gaskins showed himself to be a rising star amongst stars at the Junior National Team camp. The 14-year old Florida native showed an advanced three-level scoring arsenal during his three days in Houston. He was excellent out of the triple threat, which allowed him getting defenders off balance with his live dribble to get open threes, create separation into stepbacks and pull ups in the mid-range, and use an intriguing combination of strength and creativity to finish at the rim. Gaskins also showed great IQ in his ability to make outlet passes for assists and used intelligent off-ball movement and cutting patterns to get himself open in transition. Finally, Gaskins was a willing defender throughout camp, excelling at getting steals off the ball and closing off driving lanes at the point of attack. Gaskins has a very bright future in store, especially as he grows and learns how to consistently produce against great competition.
Darryn Peterson (6’5 G/F, 2025, Canton, Ohio) Darryn Peterson was another underclassman standout on Day 1 of camp. Peterson is a 6’5 wing with length and physicality that’s a dreamy fit for pace and space offense at the college and NBA level. Peterson’s best skill is his slashing ability, and he has a great burst out of his dribble package that allows him to get around or go through would-be defenders before finishing at the rim or playmaking for his teammates. More importantly, Peterson is a lockdown on-ball defender that can play position defense without being too overaggressive. Multiple times throughout camp, Peterson picked up at full court and forced smaller guards to turn the ball over or waste precious time getting the ball over half court. Peterson’s diet of slashing, playmaking, and defense was a recipe for success, and he was one of the most consistent performers in the camp. Peterson also flashed some shooting potential from the mid-range and three point line, and his stock will go up as he becomes more efficient from those areas
Karter Knox (6’6 F, 2024, Tampa, Florida)- Karter Knox was one of the older players at the camp, and the maturity shined brightly on the court for Knox. He is a power wing with great dexterity in his finishing and the ability to work inside-out, and his strength and physicality were on full display, especially on Day 1 of camp. Knox’s touch around the rim complemented his power moves and drop steps very well. Knox was also a tenacious rebounder, using his strength and vertical jumping to snatch the ball away from smaller or weaker players On defense, Knox’s ability to lock down the post and challenge shots was impressive to watch, and he showed himself to be a leader on the court in Houston.
Airious ‘Ace’ Bailey (6’9 F, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia)- Ace Bailey was one of the most impressive prospects to watch in Houston, and I believe that his upward trajectory will probably have him in early NBA Draft conversations for the Class of 2024. Bailey is a do-it-all type of player, and his versatility really impressed me. He had multiple thunderous dunks and blocks in half court 3-on-3 games and on the break in 5-on-5 situations, flashed some guard skills with his ability to make mid range and three point shots off the dribble, and even showed some playmaking prowess by bringing the ball up and initiating offense. Bailey still has another year to round out his offensive tool kit and add some more strength to his frame before he begins his college basketball career at Rutgers, but he is poised to have a standout senior year and be in the running for multiple national high school basketball awards.
Ian Jackson (6’4 G, 2024, Bronx, NY) Ian Jackson is the textbook definition of a lead guard. Jackson showed advanced playmaking ability, shooting versatility on and off the ball, and guarded his position very well. But what stood out most of all on Day 1 of camp was Jackson’s vocal presence and leadership on the court. The New York native was first in the sprints, consistently barking out orders, and communicating offensive and defensive play calls to his teammates throughout the camp sessions. The North Carolina commit looks ready for a big senior year and a great career in Chapel Hill after that.
Day 2 Standouts
Jeremiah Green (6’2 G, 2025, Lantana, Texas) Green was an early standout on Day 2, and dominated the 2-on-2 ball screen and 3-on-3 drills. Green is a shifty guard with a great handle, playmaking vision, dexterity in passing and finishing, and great footwork to match. He drilled multiple three pointers and had multiple smooth finesse finishes at the rim. Defensively, he chased very well around ball screens and had active hands on a consistent basis. He was definitely a top freshman guard at the camp, and I’m excited to see if he can add some more mid-range diversity into his already potent scoring arsenal.
Jayden Quaintance (6’10 F/C, 2025, Cleveland, Ohio) One word to describe Jayden Quaintance is dominant. The 6’10 center controlled the paint across all three days of camp, but he was especially unstoppable on Day 2. Quaintance is an excellent shot blocker, and is quick enough to track back when put into ball screen actions. He also did a great job of working early and contesting post catches which got many offensive players out of their spots. Offensively, Quantance was primarily off rolls to the basket and putbacks, and even flashed some mid range shotmaking off the pop. His ability to rise quickly off the catch with the ball skills and strength to finish through contact was very impressive. Quaintance is definitely reaping the benefits of playing against elite competition at Hillcrest Prep, and is set to have a major leap in production this year.
Koa Peat (6 '7 F, 2025, Chandler, Arizona)- Koa Peat was a player favorite at the camp, with multiple players saying that he was their most stiff competition in games. Peat is a 6’7 power wing with the ability to finish through contact and make mid range shots out to 18 feet. His strong frame and power generation through his feet gave him the ability to punish smaller defenders,and he displayed some wiggle with some crafty reverse finishes and hook shots. Defensively, Peat was great at stopping drives and rotating over in a helpside-defender role, which is a valuable skill to have at the collegiate and professional level. He’s still in the process of figuring out his 3 point shooting mechanics, but as long as he continues his shooting development , he will be right near the top of his class by the time he gets ready to go to college or the pros.
Cam Holmes (6’5 G, 2026, Goodyear, Arizona)- Cam Holmes was a machine in transition throughout the minicamp. The 6’5 wing showed elite awareness, body control, athleticism, and pace in his transition play. Pretty much anytime he caught the ball on the run, the end result was either a score or an assist. Holmes’ youth showed sometimes in halfcourt offense, but he’s got the skill set and potential to be a consistent shot creating wing as he continues to grow and get more reps. Holmes was also a very good off-ball defender, showing a willingness to chase shooters around screens and contest every catch that he could. Holmes has a bright future, and I think his game will only get more potent with time.
Robert Wright III (6’3 G, 2024, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)- Robert Wright III was one of the top guards on Day 2 of the camp. He excelled in navigating ball screens all day, playing with great change of pace and making the correct read during both the 2-on-2 drills and in the scrimmages. He displayed a great pull up jumper and floater to counter drop coverages, and used his acceleration to get past his defenders and finish at the rim and showed great awareness in finding the open man in the paint as well as being able to pass out to the perimeter with both hands. He never seemed to be sped up by the defense and kept a great demeanor whether his team was winning or not. Defensively he was active at the point of attack, and played with good effort on that end of the floor. Wright III is a Baylor commit and his skillset will definitely be welcomed in Waco after his senior season.
Trent Perry (6’4 G, 2026, Frisco, Texas)- Trent Perry was a walking paint touch all day. He constantly beat his defender off the dribble, whether it was getting by them with a quick first step or shifting them off balance and attacking the space and getting to the rim. When he got to the rim, he displayed great athleticism and body control to finish through contact with both hands. He was great at pushing defensive rebounds to create opportunities in transition, seeing the floor very well and making multiple accurate passes ahead to create easy opportunities for his teammates. Defensively he was all over the floor, constantly getting around the ball and making plays. His hustle and effort was noticeable. If he can continue to develop a reliable jumpshot, it will open up his offensive game tremendously.
Day 3 Standouts (2025 and 2026 only)
AJ Dybantsa (6’8 G/F, 2026, Brockton, Massachusetts)- AJ Dybantsa really impressed me as a two-way wing prospect. Dynbantsa has elite size and athleticism for his size, but his physical tools are only a part of the story. Dybantsa is a smooth moving shot creator that showed a great first step, the ability to handle the ball and attack the basket through contact, and the ability to create separation to get into his mid range and three point scoring bag. While he primarily looked to score, I think he’s only a short while away from being able to make on ball reads and realize his potential as a playmaker. Defensively, Dybantsa was very comfortable guarding in his stance and playing great positional defense without reaching, which allowed him to be in perfect position to get rebounds and repossess loose balls. With all of that being said, multiple upperclassmen in the camp noted that Dybantsa was one of the most vocally active players in the camp, and lauded him as a leader despite his status as a freshman.
Brandon McCoy (6’4 G, 2026, Oakland, California)- Brandon McCoy was one of the most athletic guard prospects I watched at the USA camp. He had two or three highlight reel blocks, and some very demonstrative dunks and power layups in transition as well. McCoy is a true point guard, and his playmaking and three point shooting were also positives on Day 3. Overall, I think McCoy’s pace development will be key, because it will make his athleticism all the more daunting to deal with as he continues to grow and play in bigger games. The future of the guard position is definitely good in the hands of McCoy and his fellow freshman guard class.
Jalen Haralson (6’7 G, 2026, Anderson, Indiana)- Haralson was a menace all of Day 2 and 3 especially. He showed great intensity on both ends of the floor and combined with great positional size, he was pretty much able to do what he wanted. Defensively he showed great active hands and a nose for the ball. He had numerous impressive blocks and showed great timing coming from the weak side. Offensively, he was able to get his momentum downhill off the dribble and had multiple finishes through contact in the half court and transition. He also had a couple good passes to the perimeter on drives when the help defender arrived.
Other Notables
Bryson Tiller (6 '8 F, 2025, Atlanta, Georgia) Tiller was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, fighting hard for offensive rebounds, scoring in the post, and blocking shots on the defensive end. I think a full summer of skill work will bode well for Tiller as he looks to be a marquee player within the Overtime Elite program this season.
Tajh Ariza (6 '5 G/F, 2026, Playa Del Rey, California) Ariza is a sharpshooting freshman wing with extended three point range and a nice handle for his size. Ariza already has some creativity in his ball handling and footwork, but some extra strength will take him to the next level and allow him to really punish opposing defenses.
Alijah Arenas (6 '4 G, 2026, Los Angeles, California) Arenas is a microwave scorer and crafty playmaking guard that was fearless against any competition that he played against. Arenas scored in flurries, and also showcased a great shooting form with NBA range. Consistency will be the most important attribute to gain as he gets ready for his sophomore season.
Jasper Johnson (6’3 G, 2025, Versailles, Kentucky) Johnson was one of the most impressive defensive guards in the camp. His lightning quick hands, great anticipation, and ability to get around screens was a very impressive showcase amongst some of the best offensive talents in the country. Offensively, Johnson showed great vision and basketball IQ with his playmaking and finishing, and he definitely will be a strong two-way guard prospect as he continues to move forward in his career.
Isiah Harwell (6’6 G, 2025, Pocatello, Idaho)- Isaiah Harwell had one of the most consistent pull up jumpers of the entire camp. He was able to get into his shot both off the dribble in pick and roll situations, as well as coming off of movement off the ball and dribble handoffs. He used his length effectively getting to the basket and finishing there. He was primarily a scorer more than a passer, but he still made the correct reads most of the time, and did not force many shots. He also was praised by his coaches for his leadership and communication during drills and scrimmages.
Richard “Tre” Johnson (6’5 G, 2024, Garland, Texas)- Tre Johnson was quietly dominant all camp. He displayed great range on his jumper, constantly making shots from NBA range. He also showcased the other parts of his game including his pull up ability, handle and first step getting to the rim and past defenders. As he continues to fill out his frame he will become only more difficult to defend. The undecided senior will be heavily recruited by many schools throughout the summer circuit.
Contribution by: Caleb Smith and Eron Lord
Opmerkingen