The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at Phenom Hoops’ events. These will be broken down into two parts per class, so only five names will be featured. Let’s start with the Class of 2025…
5’10 Derek Ross Jr. (Wildcats Elite)
Forming a list for notable performers in the Class of 2025 feels criminal without immediately mentioning Ross and his dynamic identity from the point guard position. He’s smart, quick, crafty, and legitimately able to get wherever he wants on the floor with the ball in his hands. Ross is a brilliant passer, effortless scorer, and sharp defender who sets the tone on both ends. He’s a strong leader by example who can already dominate a game. Expect Ross to continue to blossom.
6’2 Hayes Oxendine (Go Hard)
Given his production while playing up two full age groups, it would be impossible to ignore everything Oxendine has shown throughout the last month. He’s already clearly emerging as one of the most lethal shooters in the state, regardless of class. Oxendine has displayed the understanding of how to operate as an initiator and set up others, but offers most of his value as a knockdown spot-up threat. He also hits jumpers off the bounce and attacks closeouts at a nice rate.
5’10 Josh Yates (Carolina Riptide)
After suffering a major injury and missing the entirety of his freshman season, Yates has returned (arguably) even better than before. He’s still smart, crafty, and quick, which allows him to get anywhere on the floor and actively create scoring opportunities for himself and others. Although he’s an exceptional floor general, Yates also must be mentioned in the “top shooters” discussion. His combination of range, quick release, and ability to score off the catch or bounce forces opponents to stay attached at all times. Expect Yates to have a breakout season.
5’11 LJ Rush (1 of 1)
Although a variety of guys from 1 of 1 are deserving of their place on this list, Rush gets the first mention based on how much of the load he consistently burdens. He’s a really well-rounded point guard with the blend of IQ, size, and offensive balance to dominate a game or effortlessly dictate the action with the ball in his hands. Rush scores the ball at a nice rate from all levels, overwhelms his assignment defensively, and simply knows how to make proper reads as a scorer and playmaker.
6’7 Sadiq White (Team United)
Featuring White on any list of young prospects is almost a given, as spectators seem to burst with excitement whenever he enters the gym. He’s easily the most fluid, explosive player in basically every building. White is capable of forming a highlight-reel on his own, featuring a slew of incredibly athletic blocks and finishes, but is also steadily making strides within his skill development. He can already control a game without a major skillset, so his upside is still seemingly unlimited with continued progression.