Throughout last 4 weekend in Houston, we had a chance to guage two session of the 2023 USA Basketball Jr. Nationwide Staff Mini-Camp at B.T. Washington (Houston). Listed below are ten standouts (listed alphabetically) we noticed that caught our eye for the primary tome or displayed marked enchancment because the final time we had a chance to guage them.
Airious “Ace” Bailey, McEachern (Covington, Ga.) 6-9 PF 2024
Versatile expertise who makes his mark on each ends of the ground. Bailey jumps out as a prospect together with his mixture of dimension, athleticism and explosiveness. Bailey can face up and rating or dominate across the basket with fast, exact strikes. Bailey obtained some consideration for the most effective long-term prospect in attendance. He’s dedicated to Rutgers, the place he’s this system’s most highly-regarded recruit since Phil Sellers got here out of Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) in 1972.
Jason Crowe Jr., Lynwood (Calif.) 6-3 PG 2026
This younger level guard obtained loads of consideration throughout the highschool season for his scoring exploits (third most single-season factors in California historical past in any class), however he entered this occasion to really feel out his nationwide competitors and get the expertise of taking part in in one of these setting. Let’s simply say he had no drawback adjusting his recreation from the place he’s a main scorer (36 ppg.). Crowe discovered his seams and creases, didn’t waste any time on pointless dribbles, and hit the up man constantly with snap passes. Crowe is at all times able to assault and his taking pictures retains defenders off-balance.
Zoom Diallo, Curtis (Tacoma, Wash.) 6-4 PG 2024
His highschool season will not be formally over, as FAB 50 No. 38 Curtis will take part within the State Champions Invitational starting April 6. Diallo did nothing to dispel the notion that he’s the highest level guard within the rising senior class. Diallo is at all times in management and performs the sport one step forward of his friends. Basketball is about who controls the house on the ground each the offensive and defensive participant declare the best to and Diallo will get the place he needs on the ground like no guard in the highschool recreation proper now, utilizing his positional dimension and ability to regulate tempo.
A.J. Dybantsa, St. Sebastian (Needham, Mass.) 6-8 SF 2026
A robust and bodily wing who’s already well-known on the circuit due to his center college exploits and spotlight reels, Dybantsa is each a great participant now and somebody down the road who can problem for the highest spot within the nationwide class. He makes use of his dimension and power to get downhill and has sufficient wiggle to create house and rating on secondary strikes. He strikes effectively with out the ball, too, and has a jumper with sound mechanics. Dybantsa reminds us a few of former highschool star and future NBA participant Tim Thomas when he was a younger participant at now defunct Paterson Catholic in New Jersey within the mid Nineties.
Caleb Gaskins, Holy Trinity Episcopal (Melbourne, Fla.) 6-7 SF 2026
The 2025 and 2026 is off to a great begin, as scouts and NBA scouts are wanting ahead to evaluating them extra as they aren’t significantly thrilled with what they’ve seen of the 2023 and 2024 lessons, to date. So far as 2026 goes, Gaskins will get our nod as probably the most spectacular total performer in Houston. He’s a terrific all-around expertise with explosiveness, power and a great ability degree. Gaskin is rarely sped up and has good instincts on either side of the ball. He’s a top quality passer, covers floor with the dribble and has a great exterior shot. It’s laborious to discover a main weak spot in his recreation proper now.
Tre Johnson, Lake Highlands (Richardson, Texas) 6-5 SG 2024
No shock right here, as Johnson is coming off a historic season for FAB 50 No. 8 Lake Highlands and was arguably the highest performer in attendance. The opposite two you may make a powerful argument for as probably the most impactful had been Koa Peat and Meleek Thomas. Johnson has improved his crossover and makes use of it to create house and get good scoring appears within the tightest of areas. Total, he was probably the most expert scorer in camp.
Brandon McCoy, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) 6-4 SG 2026
This younger combo guard was top-of-the-line defenders and most instinctual gamers, no matter class. McCoy obtained a late begin to his freshman season however made probably the most of it, serving to Bosco to the CIF Southern Part open title recreation together with his massive play potential. McCoy can alter practically any shot on the rim or strip ball-handlers clear within the open courtroom. He’s additionally energetic on offense and a terrific offensive rebounder with a nostril for the ball.
Koa Peat, Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) 6-8 SF 2025
This highly effective wing is likely one of the finest gamers within the nation, no matter class. He’s just too expert for larger defenders and too highly effective for smaller ones, making him a matchup nightmare. Peat was the most effective offensive rebounder of the lot and may get issues accomplished even when his shot will not be on due to his potential to get to the road.
Darryn Peterson, Cuyahoga Valley Christian (Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio) 6-5 SG 2025
A robust guard with good dimension and bodily items, Peterson can discover seams to attain in addition to anybody in attendance. He has a pleasant launch on his soar shot and a relaxed disposition to his recreation. He can also transfer with out the ball and reminds us a little bit of Kentucky’s Chris Livingston, solely with extra wiggle and fluidity.
Meleek Thomas, Lincoln Park (Midland, Pa.) 6-4 SG 2025
Coming off a state championship season for Lincoln Park, Thomas impressed onlookers together with his method, depth and explosive fundamentals. There’s little wasted movement in Thomas’ recreation, and he will get downhill rapidly and effectively. He’s a 3 degree scorer and works laborious on the defensive finish to recover from screens and get to the proper spots on the ground. Along with his dynamic character, mixed together with his trademark Western PA-like toughness and ability degree, the sky is the restrict for this gifted rising junior.
Ronnie Flores is the nationwide Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He will be reached at [email protected]. Don’t neglect to comply with him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
