Player: Tjay Brunson
Class: 2028
School: Cleveland
AAU: 1of1 Elite
The Phenom Grassroots TOC brought talent from all over the region to one place down in Rock Hill, as players put on a show to make a statement. We will be highlighting that all throughout the week, and one player that talked to many was 2028 6’6 Tjay Brunson for 1of1 Elite. Getting our first viewing of the summer of the prospect, Brunson once again proved why he is quickly rising up the ranks and could be entering the national picture. But it shouldn’t surprise anyone from what we have been saying over the last year or so…
Back in April of 2025, there was no doubt that Brunson had immediately caught my eye, as I quickly wrote that he would be a name you would want to learn about.
“Brunson was a new name personally for me, but after watching him throughout the event, he will be a name to watch more and see how he develops. The 6’5 young prospect really impressed with his comfort level from a variety of levels, and you have to love his motor on the court. He is coming off a strong freshman season at Cleveland HS, averaging nearly 7ppg and 7rpg, and he gave us an even better preview of what’s to come down the road. Brunson surprised us with his multi-level scoring ability, scoring inside and running the floor, but also stretching the floor with his three-point shooting. You add that to his energy on the glass, his athleticism both offensively and defensively, and his willingness to compete all over the floor.”
Link: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/new-names-to-learn-phenom-challenge/
Fast forward to what we saw this weekend down in Rock Hill, and Brunson continues to flourish and develop his game, but the potential in what he could be is still there. Brunson impresses with his ability to flourish with his athleticism, finishing at the rim with authority and being a factor in a variety of other ways. He has pop in his game on both sides, which will quickly grab your attention. Brunson is off the charts out in transition, while also being able to operate from multiple positions on both ends of the court. Where he looks like he could continue to develop with his game is adding more levels with his shot-making, something that would take his game to another level. But the pieces and potential are there with Brunson, as he is one who puts in the work and continues to elevate his game.
Brunson has the attention of many with what he could be, and as the pieces continue to fall in place, he has a chance to continue to rise in the national rankings and become a bigger name. Right now, it looks like Brunson is trending that way, but we are eager to see what the final product is with his game as more college programs should be entering the picture with him this summer and down the road.