The Hoop State League has been tremendous so far… a lot of talent, a great chance to watch these teams in action early on, and players are competing. Trust me, there are a lot of names that have been catching my eye so far, which is why I wanted to share JUST A FEW NAMES that have really stood out to me through two weeks at the Hoop State League. Check out the wings that have impressed me so far that I’ve been able to see.
2024 Tyler Showalter (Bulldogs): Showalter should be on a lot of radars with his 6’6 frame, his smooth and confident shot-making ability, and his ability to be a three-level scorer. He continues to grow in confidence and should have a huge year leading his team.
2026 Markus Kerr (Cougars): Such a young but talented prospect, Kerr has so much potential and gives you those flashes of what he is capable of. Creates his own shot well, is versatile on the court, and continues to add more levels to his game to make him so difficult to guard.
2026 Michael Phillips (Harvest Development): Talk about a player rising up quickly, Phillips showed that he is one to really watch for. Smooth, fluid release from three, long and athletic that impacts both sides of the court; Phillips could be the biggest new name to learn from the Fall League.
2024 Jordan Patton (Cougars): Amazes us that he doesn’t hold multiple offers but it will come. Impacts the game in all facets, and proves to be a winner, athletic, explosive, and versatile… he does it all and does it time after time. He should be a hot target for SO many schools.
2024 Antonio Hurns (Word of God): Hurns is extremely athletic and long, and he is one that should catch more eyes of what his potential could be. Strong finisher, runs the floor, can be effective in a variety of ways, but still think there is more left in his game for him to develop.
2024 Desmond Kent (NC Vikings): Talk about a player making a name for himself, Kent has been one of if not the best player in the League so far. Scoring from all over, hustle plays, impacts the game offensively and defensively. He is literally doing everything on the court and D1 coaches should be swarming to get him.
2024 Robert Magner (TMF): Magner put on a show on Day 2, but he has been quite consistent throughout. True scorer from all over the court, smooth release, skilled and versatile, nice touch, and can hurt you in a variety of ways.
2024 D’Marquez Rochelle (Bricksquad): Rochelle played well when I watched him down in Raleigh, showing his ability more to hurt you from the outside and knock down shots with range. Time after time, he was able to score from behind the arc for his team.
2025 Isaac Ericksen (Good Squad): Ericksen is quickly gathering the attention college of D1 college coaches, as he should. 6’8 prospect who moves well, finds the open spots, puts it on the deck to create, and has an effortless release with deep range.
2026 Cole Cloer (Hurricanes): Has all the talent in the world, as the game looks easy for him. Great size at 6’7, can really turn it on and be a force on both ends, has a beautiful release in his shot with strong range, and the sky is the limit for him.
2025 Tre McKinnon (Dive On It): McKinnon continues to flourish and steadily get better and better on the court. We know about his athleticism, his length, and his ability to score in creating, but he is looking much better as well with his outside shot-making which makes him even more intriguing.
2024 Dwayne Williams (Moravian Prep): Williams was one that I haven’t seen a lot but when watching him, he impressed me and could be a name that starts making more noise. Long and lengthy with a good bounce, he was strong in making plays off the dribble or hurting you time after time from deep.