6’5 ’27 Aaden Bruton-Smith (Superfriendz)
Although we’ve seen him since the start of his high school journey, it’s easy to see why Bruton-Smith has become so appealing for college coaches. At 6-foot-5, he’s a long, rangy shot-maker with IQ, athleticism, and an impactful identity on both ends of the floor. Bruton-Smith is a polished scorer who is capable of filling it up in a variety of ways. He’s a quality creator, both for himself and others, with the ability to generate clean looks off the bounce and make smart decisions with the ball. Bruton-Smith highlighted smooth scoring polish from all over the floor, yet still consistently looked to make the right play whenever possible. He knocks down shots at a high level and applies efficient pressure off the catch or bounce. Add in his terrific motor, physicality, and nose for the ball as a defender, and Bruton-Smith should remain a real priority for Division I programs.
6’4 ’29 James Jenkins (Southeast Phenoms)
It was so easy to be enticed with Jenkins and his variety of flashes as a versatile, blossoming prospect. At 6-foot-4, he’s a big, strong guard with the size, creation skills, and scoring polish to naturally create matchup problems as an on-ball threat. Jenkins is too athletic and physically overwhelming to be contained by smaller opponents and too skilled and perimeter-oriented for bigger opponents. He handles the ball very well for his size and displays the necessary pace and vision to create clean looks for himself and others. Jenkins showed the ability to mix it up in various ways as a scorer, featuring finishes at the rim, pull-ups in the midrange, and jumpers from beyond the arc. He utilizes his strong frame well to create advantages for himself on both ends of the floor. Only a rising sophomore, there’s a lot to like about Jenkins long-term appeal.
6’3 ’28 Riley Lail (DFD Elite)
Despite some struggles as a team, it’s difficult to say anything other than positives about the way Lail stood out as a leader for DFD Elite. He’s a very smooth shooter with nice creation instincts and the ability to operate as the main creator for this group. Lail is at his best when spotting-up and consistently hitting jumpers from beyond the arc. However, he showcased the full arsenal as a primary option in this setting. Lail scored or created basically every offensive opportunity for this team, displaying quality shot variety and a willingness to put others in scoring positions as often as possible. He applied his usual amount of pressure from beyond the arc, but also highlighted a smooth mix of midrange pull-ups and strong finishes at the basket. Lail competed with energy and toughness defensively to make hustle plays and force turnovers. He should be a growing target for college coaches.
6’4 ’28 Isaiah Whitsett (RR Elite)
Clearly one of the main pieces for this RR Elite group, Whitsett continues to showcase effortless scoring prowess. He’s a very skilled, polished guard with creation ability, positional size, and an aggressive offensive approach. Whitsett has no issue generating clean looks off the bounce and filling it up from all levels. He’s a crafty shot-maker who can operate as a cutter, spot-up threat, or primary creator and find success. Whitsett displays nice pace and change of direction with the ball in his hands, but also knows how to find consistent opportunities as an off-ball threat. He’s a capable defender and rebounder with a tough, scrappy nature. Expect him to have a very productive high school season.