Prolific Prep is starting to look like the most lethal armory in high school basketball right now, given the sheer amount of firepower and talent they're stockpiling. Staying ahead of the curve in the ever-escalating prep school arms race, they've assembled a roster that's downright unfair, balance, depth, and elite talent stacked at every position. Coach Ryan Bernardi isn't building for participation trophies. He's playing for keeps, and the rest of the country should take notice. From a talent perspective, there is no one school that can matchup with them

Newcomers

You can never have too many weapons, prolific is proving to follow that strategy., especially with this new crop of players. Prolific Prep's newest additions: Michai White, Jean-Philippe Oka, Braxton Keathley, Malachi Jordan, and Bamba Touray, headline a stacked group of newcomers joining the roster. I’ll go over the new additions and try to tie in how their attributes and talent fit at prolific.

2028 Michai White PG 6'0" / 165 | Hackensack, NJ - This talented bucket-getter is a standout for the City Rocks 17U EYBL team. He plays with incredible confidence, intelligence, and pace, making him a tough opponent. His jump shot is deadly, and he has a knack for finishing around the rim. With the space and talent surrounding him on his team, he’s poised to make a big impact.

Aaron Ona Embo PG 6'0" / 175 | Belgium Real Madrid - The U16 MVP from EuroBasket B is heading to Florida, and he brings some serious skills with him. This elite playmaker will definitely challenge both White and Anderson for playing time. He has a silky jump shot and a great basketball IQ, but what truly sets him apart is his leadership and vision on the court. He can thread passes into seemingly impossible spaces. At just 16 years old, he’s ready to make waves in the U.S. and help Prolific Prep reach new heights.

2028 Jean-Phillipe Oak SG 6'7" / 185 | Côte D'Ivoire - An elite international wing who showcased his talents in California last season, he played a crucial role in the U17 Côte D'Ivoire team that clinched the 2026 Afro Basket title. With his impressive length and active defensive skills, he excels at guarding opponents. He’s a capable slasher who can shoot the three-ball efficiently. His game off the dribble has also made great strides, making him a valuable asset on the court.

2028 Bamba Touray C 7'0" / 210 | Bradenton, FL - Another international talent who’s been in Florida for a couple of years now, he’s a defensive powerhouse who protects the rim like no other. With his ability to catch lobs and decent touch for a big man, he’s a vertical threat. While he still needs to refine his footwork, his elite skills on both ends of the court are undeniable as he runs the floor with ease.

Braxton Keathley SG 6'5" / 185 | Prestonsburg, KY - A solid perimeter player with a knack for sinking deep shots, he’s a strong guard with sound fundamentals. Braxton will undoubtedly be a key supporting player for Prolific, bringing his shooting prowess to the team.

2027 Malachi Jordan SF 6'6" / 205 | Nashville, TN - This dynamic perimeter player is incredibly athletic and thrives as a slasher. He’s a high-level defender, strong and versatile enough to guard multiple positions effectively. The Nashville native brings a lot of energy, excitement, and transition play to the roster, making him a player to watch.

Simon Ogwuche 6'9" Forward, Class of 2027, Stony Brook School (Long Island) / NY Jayhawks - Ogwuche is a versatile forward with a story that’s just beginning. Originally from Nigeria and new to organized basketball, he’s already showing impressive Division 1-level potential. He can guard positions 2 through 5 and operate offensively at the 3 through 5 spots. Last season, he averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game for Stony Brook, helping them win the PSAA A regular-season title. His strong interior defense and ability to dominate the boards have caught the attention of evaluators. With his combination of size, wingspan, athleticism, and skill, he’s generating serious interest from colleges. As he works on his perimeter shooting, his ceiling only continues to rise. This developing big man has a high upside and a motor that outmatches his experience.

Emmanuel Iyowoicho Onoja 6'7" Wing, 2009, Nigeria (NBA Academy Africa) - Keep an eye on Iyowoicho Onoja. This 17-year-old wing has an impressive motor that stands out the moment he steps on the court. Evaluators from the 2026 NBA Academy Games noted his relentless energy, which translates into impactful play on the glass and as a shot-blocker. He’s even gained valuable experience playing for Al Ahly in the Basketball Africa League and Egyptian Super League. To elevate his game, he needs to hone his three-point shooting and decision-making. With his athletic build and international experience already in the mix, polishing his offensive skills will determine just how high he can soar.

Familiar Faces

Nasir Anderson, without a doubt one of the top pg’s in his class. Anderson is a very dynamic player who combines sheer power with finesse and athleticism, he’s built like a tank and jumps out the gym, he has some of the most incredible highlights in high school across any position. He’s a downhill player who once he gets a step, it’s over, he’s very left hand dominant but I come from the philosophy of if they can’t stop you from getting to your strong hand then keep killing with it. His shooting development is coming along, as his lefty stroke might not be pure, yet. But it’s definitely a workable shot that with fine tuning can become a consistent weapon.

Lewis Uvwo the human erased and the best shot blocker in high school by far. The 6-10 Nigerian Center has made tremendous strides in his game on offense, he’s made a loud announcement to the world about how good he is with his play. Climbing the national rankings all the way from untracked to #6. Besides his on court play, it’s his spirit that makes him a joy and easy to root for he plays with soo much passion, energy and excitement. His motor is always running hot and he’s wiling to go after anyone taking aim at the rim. Has defensive accolades with 100% certainty overshadows his offensive progress, He’s made strides in the shooting department, His footwork is improved drastically, and has touched around the Rim when not dunking has really been refined. While, he still has a ways to go he projects To be a very good prospect and possibly a one and done player at the next level.

2029 6-7 combo forward Draydne McDaniel is an absolute dynamo going into his sophomore season, So much can be said about his game from versatility, and talent perspective. There is nothing on the court that he cannot do , Obviously, there is improvements he needs to make but right now he is the clear top player in 2029 class. On the Offensive end, his versatility is his ear mark He can handle, score, Play as a ball mover, Or as the connective piece keeps everybody together as a unit. He has a very high IQ and can scale from point guard to power forward due to his size and offensive talents . If I had to critique his game, it would have to be his shooting The Southpaw has to get more consistent when shooting from the perimeter. He understands how to score around the Rim and he is athletic enough that when he’s cutting to the basket or playing in transition or it gets down hill makes it hard on the defense because he’s also inclined to make the right play, From scoring to finding an open teammate. He is truly the goods.

The Ryan Bernardi factor and why coaching matters

Ryan Bernardi isn’t just a mastermind on the court, he understands what it means to manage egos, personalities, elite talent, and team building. Coaching at a program like Prolific Prep, he wins at a high level, and he does it by developing his talent. From his best players to his deepest bench, he develops players and puts them in position to succeed, build ing them up with confidence, elite coaching, and top-notch development. He’s had the likes of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Tyran Stokes, and a plethora of NBA and college-bound players come through his program.

The Bigger Picture

An elite coaching staff, elite talent and a will to be the best is why prolific prep will be must see tv. With a five-star at every position, from lead guard to center, they should run it up on teams.

Expect Prolific to open the 2026-27 season as a preseason No. 1 nationally. They not only have the talent but they have the infrastructure in place to succeed at all cost. If this team gels right away we could be looking at a school that so resembles the old oak hill academy where they were always top down the best with the most talent, and brought that intensity nightly. prolific Prep is taking a step in that direction. I’m hoping I can catch them live this year, this kinda roster needs to be documented in person.

VITALS
Height: 6-7
Weight :215 lbs.
Wingspan: 6-10
Position: Small Forward
Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia

Asa Montgomery has physically transformed over the past year, adding thirty pounds of strength and conditioning to go from a wiry 185 to a chiseled 215. He’s not just bigger, he’s still explosive off his feet, with broad shoulders and long arms that make him a load in transition, whether he’s finishing lobs or letting it fly from three. He slashes well, understands the value of constant cutting motion, and brings a defensive competitiveness that shows up on both ends of the floor every night out.

OFFENSE

Cutting
Montgomery is a dynamic cutter with sharp timing and a real feel for exploiting defenders who overplay him. He has a knack for baiting his man and turning that pressure against him on back cuts. When he cuts, it’s with purpose, and it often ends in a highlight dunk. He’s at his best next to an elite passer; teamed with Beckham Black at the FIBA U17 World Cup, he was a constant target on cuts and lobs and finished one game with seven dunks off feeds from his teammates alone.

Shooting
The tools are there for Montgomery to become a legitimately dangerous shooter: a quick release, clean mechanics, and good elevation that projects well as a future movement shooter. Right now, he’s most effective spotting up and firing in transition, where he’s comfortable pulling the trigger from deep. He’s especially dangerous going left, he’ll bump his defender off balance to create space, gather himself, rise up, and its usually cash money.

DEFENSE
Versatility is Montgomery’s calling card. He slides across multiple positions and still locks down his yard on both ends of the floor, a legitimate three-through-four stopper who can hold up against smaller, quicker guards when asked. His combination of size, foot speed, and elite lateral quickness lets him stay in front of ballhandlers and mirror bigger wings without losing ground. He’s wiry strong, plays with a high motor, and brings a competitive edge that shows up in his effort on closeouts and screen navigation. That blend of physical tools and mentality is what makes him such a switchable, disruptive defender.

ATHLETICISM & REBOUNDING
Montgomery is a next-level athlete with the ability to cover ground north-south and vertically off quick-twitch muscles. That combination of speed, stride, and quickness makes him a two-way weapon capable of serving as a primary or secondary scorer while staying unselfish enough to sacrifice touches for winning defensive possessions. It’s nearly impossible to keep him off the glass, his motor and nose for the ball make him hard to box out, and his springy jumping ability lets him snatch boards over bigger, better-positioned players. He’s averaged double-digit rebounds on every team he’s played for, and that activity on the glass consistently opens up second-chance opportunities for his teams.

Nike EYCL with AOT, Summer 2026:

• Points per game: 27.9–29.7 (led the circuit)

• Field goal percentage: 54%

• Three-point percentage: 34%

• Free throw percentage: 76%

• Rebounds per game: 10.2

• Stocks (steals plus blocks): 3.3 per game (1.4 STL, 1.9 BLK)

USA Basketball U17, FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul, 2026 (Gold Medal):

• Games played: 7

• Minutes per game: 17.0

• Points per game: 9.7

• Rebounds per game: 4.4

• Assists per game: 2.1

• Steals per game: 1.3

• Efficiency rating: 15.6

He was part of the USA U17 gold-medal squad alongside Duke freshman Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje and 5-star 2027 target Beckham Black.

Strengths:

• Length, bounce, and overall athleticism, a springy, long wing man

• Improved jump shot with real stretch-the-floor range: 34 percent from three on high-volume EYCL usage

• Elite rebounding for a wing, 10-plus boards a game across both high school and AAU competition

• A nose for the ball defensively: active hands, disruptive in passing lanes, shot-blocking instincts, offensive rebounding

• Switchable defender able to guard multiple positions and match up with opposing fours

• Good cutter without the ball, finishes well in transition off his length and athleticism

• Versatility to play either forward spot, some services list him at the three, others at the four

DUKE RECRUITMENT
Montgomery is scheduled to take his official visit to Durham on October 3rd, during the annual Countdown to Craziness, the season-opening event that gives fans their first look at the team and has historically boded well for Duke on the recruiting trail. Duke has ramped up its communication with him and is expected to be among the final schools standing in his recruitment. Jon Scheyer’s staff has made no secret of its appetite for versatile wings, and Montgomery fits that mold squarely.

BOTTOM LINE
Montgomery projects as a versatile forward-wing whose stock has trended sharply upward all summer. His physical tools, 6-7 with a 6-10 wingspan and a now-215-pound frame, paired with his rebounding activity and defensive versatility give him a high floor as a multi-positional forward. Meanwhile, his shooting improvement and ball-handling growth this cycle suggest more offensive upside than initially thought.

6-5

Tennessee Travelers

Webb School (Knoxville, Tn)

Wing

Knoxville, Tennessee, the town known for the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park , is producing the next big name in Ethan Woolard. The 2028 wing, who attends The Webb School, had himself a very good spring and summer with the legendary Tennessee Travelers 16U AAU program. He put everyone on notice with his play. He’s a very unassuming-looking kid, but when he turns it on, you better watch out.

Offense

Ethan is a very skilled wing who plays off two feet. He’s a lot more athletic than he appears, if he gets a step on you, he will dunk on your head in highlight fashion. At 6-foot-5 and very strong, he embraces contact when attacking the rim and plays with intelligence and pace.

He has real shooting gravity with a lethal jump shot. His range is deep, and he gets his shot off smoothly and in a hurry, with a nice form and a quick release. He’s a decisive offensive player who doesn’t hesitate when scoring, a competitive, spirited kid who loves to compete, doesn’t back down, and plays with heart.

Defense

Woolard is a competitive defender with good lateral movement and long arms, combined with a strong understanding of how to guard and play team defense. He’s physical and does a good job controlling his assignment, using his ability to cut his man off and shuffle his feet with fluid hips.

Development Points

• Ball handling needs to improve, very right-hand reliant

• Athleticism needs to improve

NxtPro/Pro16 showing

Woolard shined in the 2026 NXT Pro circuit he averaged 22.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1 steal per game while shooting 42% from three, picking up his game even more when they steeling into the spotlight of the Pro 16 Finals he upped the ante with averages of 26.4 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game on 46 percent three-point shooting.

Offers/interest

Woolard had yet to receive a formal offer, he has a lot of entree at the ment, he’s already hearing from Fairleigh Dickinson, Appalachian State, UT Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, and LMU.

Position: Point Guard

School: Kentucky Wildcats

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185 lbs

Hometown: Tacoma, WA.

Physical

Diallo has great size for his position at 6’4”, and he looks like a lot more than his listed 185 pounds, these days he appears closer to the 200-pound range. He’s got quickness and end-to-end speed that make him effective in transition. I’ve been a fan of his game since his Curtis High School days. I lived in University Place, WA for about six years, just two blocks from Curtis, so I got to see him play a lot and was always impressed.

Diallo has good lateral quickness and will be asked to guard the ball far more at Kentucky than he was at Washington. He’s quick enough and physical enough to cut off his man and chest up the offensive player, and he pairs that with a 6’5” wingspan and active hands. He’s not a defensive stopper per se, but he has the tools and feel to develop into a reliable on-ball defender.

Offense

Zoom is at his best getting into the lane and finishing with his short jumper or at the rim. He has the handle, skill, and understanding to use angles and his body to get by defenders. His jumper is a lot better than the numbers suggest, he shot 32% from three at Washington in 2025-26. Expect a big impact from him at Kentucky; he plays with a nice pace and makes good decisions. He’s never been a high-volume assist guy, but he’s unselfish, he’s simply always had to carry the offensive load, which has pushed him to play with an aggressive scorer’s mentality. With a plethora of weapons around him at Kentucky, he should be able to ease into more of a playmaker role and average at least 6 assists per game.

https://x.com/CBBCarter/status/2044860399808581772/video/1

Shooting

Diallo has good mechanics on his jump shot, great form with a smooth release, and he’s able to get it off on anyone without much trouble. His 3-point percentage is the one number he’ll need to improve; for his career he’s shooting 27%. As I mentioned, that number doesn’t reflect how well he actually shoots the ball. I’ve watched him up close since high school, and he’s always been a good shooter. With Kentucky being a high-volume 3-point shooting team, he’ll need to get that percentage up to at least a 35% clip, which is very achievable with continued work. He excels at getting his defender off balance, using his strength to bump them off their spot before elevating into his midrange jumper.

https://x.com/bigbluedylan/status/2042316691175084117?s=46&t=R_meXKhon7_CVOf5eqc5YQ

Pick and Roll

Diallo’s vision is decent, nothing groundbreaking, but his size and natural talent take over once he gets into a ball screen. He’s capable of making high-level reads and manipulating the back side of the defense when he needs to, though he’s mainly looking to score when he comes off a screen. That’s generally the right mentality, but it can occasionally lead to over-dribbling and careless turnovers. His gravity as an attacker should open up Kentucky’s offense, if he can consistently draw two or three defenders, someone will be open, and from there it’s just a matter of his patience and pinpoint passing, both of which come naturally to him.

Background & Pedigree

2022–23, Curtis HS: Played under the legendary Tim Kelly (RIP), leading Curtis to back-to-back Washington 4A state titles and winning tournament MVP both years. As a junior: 20.2 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 spg. He also won the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year, a first in program history.

2023-24, Prolific Prep: Transferred to Prolific for his senior year and averaged 21.8 ppg, closing his high school career as a consensus top-25 national recruit.

2024-26, Washington: Chose the Huskies over Arizona, Gonzaga, USC, Kentucky. Solid-not-spectacular as a freshman, then broke out as a sophomore with 15.7 ppg / 4.5 apg / 3.9 rpg on 49/32/83 shooting splits, 29 starts, 3 double-doubles.

2026-present, Kentucky: Transferred into the SEC.

Tool Breakdown

1. Pick-and-Roll Operator — His calling card. He ranked in the 88th percentile nationally in ball-screen offense per Synergy as a sophomore, reading coverages at a high level, roll man, popper, corner shooter, whatever the defense gives up.

2. Passing Vision & Ambidexterity — Dangerous in drive-and-kick, transition, and off cuts. He’s just as effective a table-setter going left as right, which removes the “weak hand” read that defenses usually look for.

3. Size & Physical Tools — 6’4”, 185 pounds with real positional size at the point. He sees over the top of most opposing guards, bullies into the paint, and rebounds well for the position.

4. Pull-Up Scoring — A real threat off the bounce, using strength to create separation. This is his counter when defenses sag off to take away the pass.

Areas of Development

1. Perimeter jumper (~32% from three) trending up, but still lagging the rest of the offensive package

1. Point-of-attack defense against smaller, quicker guards in open space

2. Off-ball defensive activity against bigger wings

None of these will define him to the point that he will crash and burn, all are coachable for a player already this advanced as a decision-maker. I am of the opinion that belief that Diallo will thrive under Mark Pope.

Zoom action for Zoom?

If I had a dollar for how many times I’ve heard Kentucky fans call for zoom offense I’d be rich. Zoom is an action not an offense. Most of the actual Zoom Action reads happen for the guy catching the dribble hand-off, and that’s exactly where Diallo’s game translates best, his combination of strength, quick first step, and the ability to shoot or attack downhill off movement makes him a load to defend once he catches that handoff at speed. He doesn’t need his feet set to score, and his pull-up game means the defender trailing over the pin-down can’t just relax into a soft close-out. The one caveat is his three-point streakiness (27% career, trending toward 32%). He would need to stick the 3 consistently, due to how a defense can go under the ball screen in zoom action and pretty much render it useless.

BACKGROUND

Kyman comes from a serious sports family, and it shows in how he carries himself. His dad played Division I volleyball and football, his mom played Division I volleyball, and his older …

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Normally reliant on freshman at every postion, Jon Scheyer understood that he needed a go to scorer and leader capable of pushing this team to the next level with his experience, leadership, and talent. The John Blackwell transfer sweepstakes was a bit of an arms race. Duke,Alabama, Arizona, Louisville, UCLA and Illinois, were all hot on his heels trying to garner a commitment. Blackwell had to be flattered with all the big names going after him. He was three-star, recruit from, Michigan out of high school that has developed into one of the better guards in all of college. That alone should paint the picture of his college development at Wisconsin.

The Résumé

Over the past two years at Wisconsin, he’s made quite the transformation from being a benchwarmer to one of the Badgers’ standout players. During his freshman year in 2023-24, he mostly watched from the sidelines, playing in 34 games but only starting once. However, things really took off for him in his sophomore year, 2024-25, when he secured a starting position and averaged 15.8 points per game. By his junior season in 2025-26, he had firmly established himself as Wisconsin's go-to second scorer, putting up impressive numbers: 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He also shot 43.0% from the field and a solid 38.9% from three-point range, taking 7.3 shots from beyond the arc each game. His standout performance that season earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team.

https://x.com/scouting_col/status/2079547679391023397?s=46&t=R_meXKhon7_CVOf5eqc5YQ

In Blackwell you will have a secondary ball handler and a very efficient scorer. With the ability to scale between both guard positions and his ability for big play and big shot making , these are the kind of qualities that make his so important on the court. A quality that Duke will need with such a deep team who doesn’t

Without a shadow of a doubt his best attribute is his scoring, just last season he achieved 20 points or more in over 15 games and 5 thirty point outings. This was all while being the second option.

Turning on the tape

At his core, Blackwell is a legitimate three-level scorer , exactly what Duke needs with Isaiah Evans now in the NBA. Blackwell Is very good at creating his own shot off the dribble, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes from all over, and his pull up game is superb. He’s an excellent movement shooter who thrives off pin downs, single doubles etc. I also like the physicality that he plays with. He’s got a strong frame and he draws a lot of fouls getting to the line a lot of and finishing at the rim. He’s one of the guys who has the proverbial “bag” that is so commonly mentioned. He’s a superb clutch player who makes huge shots and back breaking plays.

Blackwell plays within the confine of the offense, and doesn’t try to just hunt his shot to the point of interruption of the flow, he’s a team first guy with a killer mentality and not afraid of the big moment. Kind of a match made in heaven between him and Duke. His secondary skill is his playmaking and pick n roll play, another one of his attributes is his screen navigation and how to manipulate the back side of the defense with his multi-tier scoring and passing ability. His lethal scoring ability and jump-shot opens up other parts of his game, his game to be able to facilitate and find open teammates. He’s so good off the bounce and using screens, his second level passing is decent as well he can play be the primary or secondary ball handler in an offense, finding the weak-side shooter out of a help-defense read, and threading passes through tight windows in pick-and-roll actions.

The Fit at Duke

Blackwell will have a lot of Weapons around him, which should only help him and highlight his abilities to do what he came to Duke to do. A supporting front court cast like Duke has could easily make Blackwell more deadly.

Duke’s frontcourt is deep with big men who can do it all. Patrick Ngongba II, Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski, and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, and Cameron Williams all different players who bring a united skillset to the table and are being talked about as a potential elite passing, scoring, and defensive unit, that should ground Duke while allowing Blackwell to move the needle forward , exactly the kind of combination that should feed families.

Leadership matters

The more positive voices one can hear the better players are int theory. The arrival of John Blackwell to Durham brought something other than scoring and elite play. I’ve always been a big proponent of good leadership and the mantra of leadership matters rings so true in sports. I’ve spent my lifetime understanding that a good leader and leadership in general really matters, Especially when you are dealing with young men who’ve never been in the fire of a college basketball game. Blackwell senior leadership has really shown early, taking younger players like Deron Rippey jr. under his wing and getting him acclimated to the college lifestyle. On the court, clips have emerged of him being very vocal in scrimmages, workouts and practices, a very refreshing site to see. If Blackwell can assist Jon Scheyer in keeping these young player engaged and focused we could see a very special season out in Durham, and possibly even title #6.

The Open Questions

We all know the Duke lore is real and they get pretty much who they want, but now that Blackwell is at Duke what will that actually look like?

On-court Role - primary ball handler(situational), secondary Ball handler and primary scorer.

Minutes - 25-30 mins per game, starting SG.

Defensive role - team defender, takes with guarding wing players

Bottom Line

Blackwell didn’t come to Duke to be another piece, he came to be the alpha and the omega. He came to win, not it just go to the final 4 he has ambitions to win a national championship while at Duke. He certainly has the supporting cast and the coaching staff and platform to facilitate it all.

I’m in Orlando, Florida for a family trip to magic kingdom. For some treason unknown to me I felt compelled to show love to a kid I really admire, not because he’s a Duke player, because this kid has been through a lot and has persevered through it all. I love bounce back stories of people who defy odds and challenge themselves to be great.

In his tenure at Duke, Caleb Foster has truly embodied what it means to be a Duke Blue Devil. He’s now in his fourth season (senior) and looking for that crowning achievement, a national title. Foster a Harrisburg , North Carolina native who grew up with dreams of playing for the Blue Devils. He prepared all his life for the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of the people who love him at a local school and for a team he grew up idolizing. While playing with team curry on the UAA circuit he really started to make a name for himself as and elite player. Duke also got a chance to evaluate him and consider him recruit worthy. On the UAA circuit with team curry and later switching over to play on the Nike EYBL circuit wit Team Thad. It was very obvious early on that Foster would be elite and before long he would be considered an upper echelon player in his class. He Averaged 28.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in the final EYBL session in Kansas City during the summer of 2022. I’m Unsure of his UAA numbers. At the 2022 Nike Peach Jam, he averaged 25.2 points on 44.4% three-point shooting with 4.7 assists per game. He drew the attention of Duke and the recruitment process went pretty quick.

He was offered in July 2021, visited and committed in September of 2022. His dream of playing for the Duke Blue Devils was complete.

Season by season, By the Numbers

2023-24 (Freshman) — 27 GP, 25.4 MIN, 43.7 FG%, 40.6 3P%, 68.8 FT%, 2.4 REB, 2.1 AST, 0.6 STL, 7.7 PTS

2024-25 (Sophomore) — 38 GP, 14.0 MIN, 41.7 FG%, 34.2 3P%, 62.9 FT%, 1.7 REB, 1.4 AST, 0.6 STL, 4.9 PTS

2025-26 (Junior) — 33 GP, 24.8 MIN, 44.7 FG%, 39.8 3P%, 58.2 FT%, 3.5 REB, 2.8 AST, 0.3 STL, 8.3 PTS

We have only seen a fraction of Foster’s true talent offensively. I think we can expect a much more aggressive scorer this upcoming season, not because Duke needs him to be but because it is his time he will have the ball in his hands. And him Making it to the NBA, is riding on this season. If you ever wetted him play in high school you would know that Foster was an offensive engine. He scored at an elite level shot it well and could break his man down with ease. He’s sacrificed a lot while at Duke for the betterment of team.

Strengths

On -ball defender - we know that on the defensive end, he’s been elite. One of the better on-ball defenders in college. At 6-5 he can guard both guard spots with no drop off. He’s strong and has good lateral movement, capable of controlling his man and beating them to the spot. He’s very intelligent so he can play in almost any scheme. Foster fits well in 1 on 1 situations and in a team defense setting.

40% 3-point shooter

A proven shooter, and a translatable skill for any point guard is their ability to knock down the 3 at a high clip, he’s done that. If he does it again was a senior that’s 4 years of proven shooting, he’s been working with coach Kj Mckonklin to speed his release up and by the tape it looks like that she happened. he’s a relentless worker who always shows up in shape and ready to work, the work is done and now the senior year results are pending.

Ball security

Assist to turnover ratio isn’t something that can be taught, you have to value the ball, value possessions over everything. He’s one of the more sure handed point guards in college, a very low mistake player who you cns trust either the ball. I was unshaken to find his actual assist to turnover ratio numbers but when you see him play, it’s evident. I see a world where Foster can really raise his NBA draft stock this season. We can count on him taking care of the ball, his defense and his shooting from 3. If he puts all three together for another season he could very well hear his name called come NBA draft time.

Areas of improvement

There are areas he needs to improve in I’ll rifle through a few here next.

Efficient scoring - self creation which was never an issue for him, he’s shown flashes awhile at Duke but he needs to show that consistently, he needs to change the narrative that he’s just a passing player. He already has a really good handle, he’s strong and he has creating for others within the offense. Really getting back to the Caleb Foster that use to break defense down and score at an elite clip especially in 1on 1 scenarios. I’m not saying he needs to score 25th, but if he can show that he can beat his man consistently within the framework of the offense it’s a positive. He already and the potions size and shooting ability.

PnR Passing - prove that he can be and effective distributor snd improved decision maker in the PnR. He’s not a natural passer so he often missed reads coming off ball screens. With the NBA leaning so hard on the pick and roll Foster will have to make a jump in that area and prove he can distribute at a higher level.

Ft shooting - it’s mind boggling that he shot 40% from three point range but only 58% from the charity stripe. As a point guard, he’s got to improve that, he’s the player with the ball in tight games, he’s the one who will be looked to to make decisions which could Include holding the ball and running out the clock or the player trying tot draw a foul late in the game.

Health - this is something out of his control, but worth mentioning. His history of lower leg injuries while at Duke, might raise some red flags. But on the other side, he’s proven to be a warrior and hard worker when it comes to rehabbing and doing what’s necessary to get back on the court in a timely manner.

Leadership, mettle and his defining moment at Duke

Foster is a proven leader, has shown plenty mettle by persevering through injuries, losing his starting spot and heartbreaking losses in back to back seasons. The page has been turned, and he’s writing on a blank canvas in a new book in what could be the final chapter of his story at Duke.

Defining moment

On March 7, 2026, he fractured his right foot during Duke’s regular-season finale against North Carolina while going for a loose ball. He had surgery the next morning, and Coach Jon Scheyer initially indicated that Foster would be out for an uncertain period, with the earliest possible return being the Final Four, if Duke managed to advance that far. There was only two options, shut it down and prepare for next season or rehab and try to give it a go.

The Sweet 16 game , heart of a lion

Duke vs St. John’s, the story line was there, the matchup was clear, St. John’s defense vs Duke’s star power. Rick Pitino vs Jon Scheyer. With all that said, Caleb Foster stole the show with his gutsy perfomance, scoring 11 points and it all taking place less than 3 weeks from him breaking his foot. The game was a heavy weight slugfest, back and forth all game, and then Foster checked in and the momentum tilted in Duke’s favor considerably, foster scoring consistently on the St. John’s point guards especially in crunch time . He finished with a more than decent game too propelling Duke to a win and a spot in the elite 8.

Uncharted Territory

As he heads into next season, Foster and Duke will be entering a territory they haven’t dealt with under Jon Scheyer. A senior backcourt in Caleb Foster and John Blackwell ( transfer from Wisconsin). They will look for both of those gentleman to step up as upperclassmen and lead this team. We know that Duke basketball is synonymous with one and done prospects. They aren’t known for having seasoned seniors in their ranks. But this time around, it’s different. Foster isn’t just another player returning, he’s now the veteran presence on a team that’s as deep and talented as Durham has seen in years, and that comes with its own set of expectations.

Foster has experienced it all , the hype, the pressure, and those heartbreaking tournament runs that end just short of glory. He’s been to the Elite Eight, and he knows the sting of watching a season slip away one step from the ultimate prize, not just once, but multiple times. Those near-misses leave a mark, they linger in the mind of a competitor, pushing him through every offseason workout, every solitary session in the gym, and every rehabilitation moment after the foot injury threatened his last chance at redemption.

Now, as a senior on a team designed for a deep run with plenty of depth and talent, Foster is not just chasing a championship, he’s seeking closure. He’s in pursuit of the one thing that has eluded him through all the heartache and setbacks since he first arrived at Duke as a bright-eyed freshman. It’s not a question of whether he wants it badly enough, it’s whether this will finally be the year when fate stops getting in his way.

Will Caleb Foster lead Duke to a championship? Or will he join the long list of great players whose careers ended short of the pinnacle? We all expect the best from Forte this

A good balance of talent across all positions has been on display in the 2026 U18 AfroBasket. From my standpoint, here is a list of players who really stood out, not because of scoring but because of a wide range of attributes, from potential to wingspan to shooting and poise. They caught my eye for a number of reasons that span far more than a box score. I always look for immediate impact and future potential, I consider how a player fits into a scheme on both sides of the ball, and more.

overall this was a very solid tournament with great talent, college staff’s should be all over this one.

Tier 1-

immediate impact players at the next level, needle movers, players who will come in and propel a team to new heights.

Tier 2 -

talented, high ceiling players. Just need a structured role within the system.

Tier 3

Developmental player, sometimes still raw, just need more development, players who will be good they just need a little more time than others, but the talent is definitely on par and on track.crt

Tier 1 — Standout Prospects

#9 Abdoul Karim Diallo — 6’10” C (Mali) — Rim runner, long defensive presence, elite offensive rebounder, patient post scorer with an automatic lefty jump hook, good footwork, flashes passing out of the post. Needs to improve FT shooting and post counters

#14 Ngaba Yaya — 6’9” (Chad) — Elite shot blocker and defensive anchor, high motor, incredible reach/rebounding. Expanded his offensive toolbox with a 33-point outburst, he has three-point range in low volume and positives signs for things to come with his on-ball creation. trending into top-tier status in the tournament. Very good athlete, love his mobility, can handle the ball, operates as hub

#32 Raphael Ouedraogo — 6’11” C (Côte d’Ivoire) — Great foot speed for his size, plays passing lanes, protects the rim, explosive vertical lob threat, plays hard, instinctual defender. Still raw with footwork/fundamentals; FT and jumper need work. still very young but an elite prospect due to his size and upside.

#10 Sekou Ousmane Bagayoko — 6’2” SG (Mali) — Strong, broad-shouldered on-ball defender with great lateral movement, very good shooter with some creation chops. strong finisher, efficient/no wasted motion getting downhill.

#22 James Minlend — 6’7” W (Cameroon) — Versatile, unmatched foot speed, guards multiple positions, strong transition scorer. Versatility on both ends, really good slasher. Handles and scores, capable shooter. A high major prospect for sure.

Ronny Ewanke — 6’9” (Cameroon) — Physical force, strong footwork/motor, scores with power on the block. Nice touch, uses either hand to score, really broad shoulders rebounder extraordinaire. Needs to be more assertive at times.

#17 Junior Djibrine — 6’5” (Chad) — Explosive Athlete, rebounder/slasher, strong finisher, plays with passion. Can stretch the floor, guards with pride, physical wing. A dawg in defense.

#10 Jean Philippe Oka — 6’7” W (Côte d’Ivoire) — Versatile scorer (slashing, shooting, rim attacks), elite wing defender, big time scoring punch off the bench, improved playmaking and shooting mechanics. Scores from multiple places in the floor, his 3-ball is looking really good. Alredy holds D-1 offers.

#6 Nathan Djako — 6’3” G (Côte d’Ivoire) — Elite defender/shooter, slasher, pushes pace, shoots with efficiency, downhill beast, rebounds really well. Most consistent wcorer in Côte d’Ivoire

#5 Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze 6’4” G (Cote D’Ivoire)- very good shooter, can be a movement or catch and shoot player, he has deep range and knows how to get open. Very good scorer, elite quickness and a deceptive ball handler.

#9 Bacary Doucoure — 6’10” C (Senegal) — really talented big man who’s length , athletic ability, vertical threat, great motor, strong offensive rebounder, active on both ends. Very good around the rim, good hands, strong finisher, good footwork. Very talented prospect who’s budding offensive game jumps out. Very decent looking shot now it’s also about consistency.

Tier 2 — Strong Contributors

#6 Nolan Ngangmeni - 6-2 Guard- very good shooter, high level passer and plays with poise, can be crafty off the bounce. Quickness and speed on his side.

#4 Bara Danfakha — 6’8” Wing (Senegal) — Active multi-position defender, nice lefty stroke, good passer, athletic finisher. Big time wingspan.

#12 Cody Mbengue — 6’8” F (Senegal) — Fast, agile, long, high motor, strong finisher/rebounder, good passer out of the post; needs to add weight.

#7 Papa Moussa Diallo — 6’2” PG (Senegal) — Creative handle, elite speed/quickness, lethal first step, collapses defenses, passes well.

#10 Harinosy A’Ranty Rasetriarivony — 6’0” PG (Madagascar) — Calm, patient pick-and-roll operator with good vision and a good shooter; among the tournament’s top PG conversation.

#1 Mouhamed Badiane — 6’5” G (Senegal) — Best on-ball defender in the tournament; full-court pressure, elite length, forces turnovers. really sits down and guards created havoc.

#2 Victor Endurance Sunday — PG (Nigeria) — Good shooter, intelligent playmaker, draws fouls. get’s downhill. Need to clean up shot selection

#9 Isaiah John — SG (Nigeria) — Tough, downhill guard , creative; shooting needs work. Able to run an offense when he’s playing at a slower pace.

#2 Adem Rafrafi — 5’10” PG (Tunisia) — Lethal pull-up, pick-and-roll maestro, pass first player, if he can develop a skid tenge jumper or floater it will help him counter the defense and how they try to force him to their spots. Really need to do better telling care of the ball too, had a double digit turnover game.

#92 Idriss Toumi — 6’8” W (Tunisia) — Quick-release, high-confidence perimeter shooter with lightning quick release, positional size. Needs to diversify his offense, can’t be stuck in just a shooter role, especially when he’s 6-8 and has a decent body to absorb contact.

#15 Belal Sohaib — 6’9” (Egypt) — Long, skilled, good footspeed and passing; needs to add strength. fundamentally sound. Needs to be more aggressive and assertive.

#49 Sofiane Ben Bougrine Ben Rezouk — PG (Morocco) — Patient pg, great pace, plays with head up.

#20 Babacar Samb — 6’9” (Senegal) — Long, athletic, good defensive tools vertical lob threat, needs to add strength. Could develop into an elite player with some good development.

#3 Noah Mohamed El Baze — G (Morocco) — Fundamentally sound scorer, good jab step. Shooter with confidence and playmaking chops.

Tier 3 — Notable Prospects to Track

#29 Asaad Kaidar Ahmed Youssef Hendawy — 6’10” C (Egypt) — ball mover, offensive hub possibilities, he can handle it for his for his size, floor spacer with his shooting, needs strength

#2 Jason Ake — PG (Côte d’Ivoire) — Physical slasher, good playmaker/facilitator, attacks from angles and creates advantages off the bounce.

#11 Bryan Lionel N’Goli — 6’5” (Côte d’Ivoire) — Multi-tool player, physical build, defends/rebounds/scores.

Bayero Aliyou — 6’9” C (Cameroon) — Floor-spacing shot blocker, good screener/mobility.

#15 Hugo Victor Ngabonziza — 5’11” PG (Rwanda) — Heady, good vision/passer, slick with the ball; team lacks weapons around him.

#23 King Ariel Uwishema — 6’8” F (Rwanda) — Young wing, physical tools, face-up game; needs strength.

Mugisha Calvin — 6’4” G (Rwanda) — Plays bigger than size, high energy, strong motor.

#2 Sambala Mady Issa Sissoko — 6’1” PG (Mali) — Heady, tough on-ball defender, creates downhill.

#14 N’Dji Inourahima Coulibaly — 6’6” F (Mali) — Long, electric in transition, athletic finisher; needs to control pace.

#10 Timothée Ndohoudou — 6’4” PG (Chad) — Good size, gets paint touches; needs shooting/ball security development.

#92 Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanatena — 6’7” C (Madagascar) — Offensive hub, good passer, strong glass presence, good roll man.

#60 Aboubacar Sidiki Konaté — 6’6” W/F (Madagascar) — Two-way ability, floor-stretching three-point shooter, active hands.

There’s a shift happening in basketball right now, and if you’ve been paying attention to the game the way I have, from my home in Knoxville, Tn I’ve been tuned in from day 1, pumped out 4 scouting reports so far on prospects that are halfway around the world, it almost feels as if I’m in the building. This tournament is a scout’s dream, why? The talent map has been redrawn. Every year, more and more African players are crossing oceans, leaving behind everything familiar, chasing a chance not just to play a game they love but to change the entire trajectory of their families’ lives. They are sacrificing it all in hopes of bringing peace and prosperity along with a better life to their loved ones.

I’ve always said this, and I’ll say it again here: the United States might not be the best country in the world, but we have the best opportunities in the world. That’s not blind patriotism talking; that’s 22 years of military service backed with 9 years of scouting talking, traveling the world and seeing where the game can take these kids. America is a place that raw talent, if you’re willing to sacrifice for it, can take you further than almost anywhere else on earth. And for a generation of African players, that promise isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s showing up in draft boards, box scores, and now, on the AfroBasket stage. Big stakes!

That’s what makes AfroBasket 2026 feel different. This isn’t just a continental tournament anymore, it’s global.

I feel obligated to help in any way I can with exposure to the tournament and what it has to offer in terms of talent. It is a proving ground, right along with other camps like the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders and the NBA Academy Games. It can serve as a launch pad, a springboard, a stage, or whatever you want to call it, where the next wave of NBA-caliber talent gets to represent their country and flag. Scouts are present and watching. Front offices are watching looking for the next talent that can push their franchise to the next level. While families back home for these kids, entire nations are watching young men carry a responsibility far heavier than a basketball. They are playing for keeps. This type of grind hit homes!

Because that’s the part people miss. These aren’t just prospects. In some cases, these are sons who grew up sharing one pair of shoes with a sibling, who played on dirt courts and cracked concrete, kids who have no plumbing, no central air, sometimes no real rim or backboard, and more importantly no food or very little. Kids who have sacrificed time and energy, kids who learned the game not because it was convenient, but because it was the one thing that felt like a way out. A way to climb to the mountaintop and summit and stand at the pinnacle of basketball success, to hear their names called don draft night.

A mixture of old and new talent, here’s a short list of NBA players with African roots:

- Joel Embiid — Cameroon

- Giannis Antetokounmpo — Nigeria

- Hakeem Olajuwon — Nigeria

- Dikembe Mutombo — Democratic Republic of Congo

- Bismack Biyombo — DRC

- Serge Ibaka — Republic of the Congo

- Luol Deng — South Sudan

- Pascal Siakam — Cameroon

- Victor Wembanyama — Congo

- Jonathan Kuminga — DRC

- AJ Dybantsa — Congo

- Nate Ament — Rwanda

- Felix Okpara — Nigeria

- Ugonna Onyenso — Nigeria

Why This Matters

Every one of these names started somewhere far from the bright lights, if it was a barefoot court, a refugee camp, a seminary classroom, maybe even better than normal conditions for some, a street corner selling sunglasses to survive the day. None of that was the plan. All of it became the foundation. and the reason why success did not escape them.

That’s the story AfroBasket 2026 is writing in real time. These kids have blank canvases, and they are their own Picassos, their own James Baldwins. It’s not just a tournament, it can be the first chapter in their personal novel and their story. And for every kid on that continent watching their heroes compete under their own flag, it’s proof that the road from home to the NBA isn’t a fantasy. It’s a path other people have already walked, one sacrifice at a time.

Talent doesn’t have a passport. But opportunity still has an address, and for a lot of these young men, that address starts with a plane ticket, a dream, and a family back home counting on them to make it worth the sacrifice.

Côte d’Ivoire - the U18 AfroBasket is a big time tournament and a place where kids from the motherland can all come together under one roof to compete and represent their country. The individual talent here is excellent. At the end of this tournament I will be compiling all my reports and data into one players only scouting report from the U18 AfroBasket. If you’d like to receive that report you can reach out to me by clicking the button below and sending me a message.

Message me

What became apparent to me was, watching this tournament unfold, there are 3 tiers of players playing, in terms of development, projection and ceiling.

Tier 1 — The Separators

The players in this tier are the ones whose development arc is undeniable. Every possession, they’re pulling away from their peer group, not just in production, but in feel, processing speed, and how they impact winning. They’re already playing at a level that translates upward. This is the tier college programs and pro scouts should already have circled snd are informed on.

Tier 2 — The Cusp Group

This tier is the group of players that are Talented, competitive, and closer than people to the first tier than one might think. These are players with real tools, potential and talent who just need fine-tuning, tightening a handle, sharpening shot selection, adding strength, cleaning up decision-making in live-ball reads. The foundation is there and can be worked. With the right reps and the right program, this tier turns into tier 1 fast, really fast.

Tier 3 — The Clay

This tier consists of thr players you can shape and mold (develop), like clay. The players who have the Physical gifts and natural talent, instincts and other things you can’t teach. What’s missing is structure: skill development, IQ reps, strength training, consistency. This is the tier that separates good programs from great ones. Whoever gets these kids into the right development pipeline unlocks the most long-term value.

Day 4 game recap

Cameroon vs Rwanda |Game Recap & Standouts

Cameroon vs Rwanda

Cameroon controlled this one with size, physicality, and a wing who kept getting downhill. Ronny Ewanke bullied the interior with his frame and motor, while James Minlend used his length and burst to get into the paint and create offense whenever he wanted it. Rwanda leaned almost entirely on the back of its point guard, Hugo Vincent Ngabonziza, who did his best to keep possessions organized while being heavily pressured by a Cameroonian roster who it seemed like it was the gameplan to key in on him and stop him from creating for others. The finality of the game became pretty clear in the 3qtr, Cameroon pulled out an 18 point victory in the end.

Standouts

Ronny Ewanke — Cameroon, 6-9

A physical player who asserted himself from the opening tip. Ewanke’s footwork stood out as much as his strength, he was able to set his feet and works with real footwork and technique on the block. Throw in the fact that he’s a very high motor player and doesn’t take possessions off, it was inevitable that he dominated this game. Something worth note his screen setting is very good. He was just deleting the Rwanda defenders with his screens, getting his teenaged open and seeking his man under the basket.

• Physicality / strength

• Footwork in the post

• Motor, plays hard every possession

James Minlend — Cameroon, #22, 6-7, Wing

Minlend was the most versatile player on the floor for Cameroon. He showcased his transition scoring, pushing the pace and finishing plays himself before defenses could get set. In the halfcourt, his foot speed let him get into the lane and create his own shot rather than waiting on the offense to generate one for him. That same foot speed shows up on the other end, he’s long and lengthy enough to guard multiple positions, which makes him a matchup problem in either direction. His development trajectory is trending in the right direction.

• Transition scoring

• Foot speed, offense/ defense

• Self-creation getting into the lane

• Positional versatility on both sides of the ball.

Hugo Vincent Ngabonziza — Rwanda, #15, 5-11, Point Guard

A good lead guard with vision and poise with the ball , he plays under control and reads the floor well. The issue is context, not talent: Rwanda doesn’t have many weapons around him, which forces him into over-dribbling as he tries to manufacture offense that his teammates aren’t creating on their own. He’s crafty enough to survive it, but the load he’s carrying is heavier than it should be for a guard his size. So he struggled and was the only bright spot for Rwanda.

• Vision / passing feel

• Patience with the ball

• Craftiness creating in tight spaces

Tunisia vs Senegal |Game Recap & Standouts

This one started slow and stayed slow for long stretches. Both teams struggled to find offense early, after they locked into each other defensively in a way that made every possession a fight. Turnovers piled up on both sides, but it was Senegal’s defense that tilted the game. Senegal doesn’t rely on one lockdown stopper, they have a multitude of individual defenders who all sit down and guard fircely, and that collective pressure is what took this game over. Tunisia’s point guard was the only true sure handed ball handler on the roster. Senegal keyed in on that and used that to their advantage. Wearing him down and forcing him into double-digit turnovers, which completely disrupted the Tunisian offense at its source. Senegal pulled away late and closed the game out with a 22-point win.

Tunisia

Adem Rafrafi — Tunisia, #2, 5-10, Point Guard

A very good point guard, heady, a pick-and-roll maestro, and a good shooter who typically handles pressure well. Today Senegal’s defense forced him into a bind: shoot or drive. He kept choosing to drive, and it cost him. The clearest development area is finding a middle game for him, a floater or midrange shot he can go to when the paint isn’t fully open, so he has a counter beyond just shooting or attacking downhill. He also needs to simplify his game overall, he can get too loose and flashy with the ball which leads to silly turnovers. Has talent and skill is there and as he develops he will get better

• Pick-and-roll operator

• Shooting

• Needs: middle game (floater/midrange), simplifying decision-making, ball security

Idriss Toumi — Tunisia, #92, 6-8, Wing

A very good perimeter shooter who can heat up in a hurry. His release is quick with a high release point, which makes his jumper tough to bother. He’s not afraid to let it fly, plays with real confidence and competes hard on every possession. He has to be more assertive on offense, and if his jumpshot isn’t falling, what else can he be?

• Quick, high release point

• Shot confidence — not afraid to shoot

• Plays hard

• Offensive diversity

Senegal

Babacar Samb — Senegal, #20, 6-9

A long athlete with great lift and very good defensive tools. His feet are agile for his size, which lets him move well on that end. The clear next step is adding strength , he needs to get stronger to hold up against physical play, especially on the offensive end.

• Length and lift

• Defensive tools

• Agile feet

• Needs: strength

Cody Mbengue — Senegal, #12, 6-8, Forward

An explosive, eye-catching athlete who’s developing his footwork well. He moves well on defense, has the length and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions, and plays with a high motor. He’s a good passer out of the post and a strong finisher around the rim off his athleticism. Broad shoulders and a strong build already, though he could still stand to add more weight to hold up against bigger frontcourts.

• Athleticism / explosiveness

• Developing footwork

• Positional versatility on defense

• Passing out of the post

• Finishing at the rim

Mouhamed Badiane — Senegal, #1, 6-5, Guard

The best on-ball defender in the entire tournament. Badiane matches up full court and applies an extreme amount of pressure on the ball, and he never lets up. He’s excellent at beating his man to the spot, which forces the ball-handler to turn his back to the defense, a habit that disrupts entire offenses, not just individual possessions.

• Full-court, on-ball pressure defense

• Beating ball-handlers to the spot

• Relentless effort, never stops

Bacary Doucoure — Senegal, #9, 6-10, Center

A very good vertical threat and an extremely long, high-motor athlete. He has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass and changes ends well in transition. On defense, he’s a good helper who’s very active in the dunker spot and on both ends generally. A fiery competitor who plays with an edge.

• Vertical / lob threat

• Offensive rebounding

• Transition , changes ends well

• Help defense / activity in the dunker spot

Bara Danfakha — Senegal, #4, 6-8, Wing

A very active defender with length and fluid hips that let him guard multiple positions and recover well when beaten. Offensively, the lefty has a nice stroke and slashes and cuts effectively, finishing at a high level off his athleticism. He’s also a very good passer — a lot of talent packed into one player, and he’s quick and explosive off the floor.

• Fluid hips — guards multiple positions

• Recovery defense

• Lefty jumper

• Slashing / cutting / finishing

• Passing

Papa Moussa Diallo — Senegal, #7, 6-2, Point Guard

A very good player off the bounce with a creative handle and elite speed and quickness. His first step is lethal, and he gets downhill fast enough to consistently collapse defenses before they can react.

• Ball handling / creativity off the bounce

• Elite speed and quickness

• First step / downhill pressure

Colt Delimpo

5’11” | Point Guard

Great Crossing HS (KY) / Future Elite 2028 (16U/NxtPro)

Delimpo is a crafty, high-IQ point guard who plays with a pace, swagger and an air of confidence that’s proof that he doesn’t need to complicate the game to be effective. He’s just goes out there and does his thing, he already is armed with a lethal jumpshot with deep range on it. He’s very efficient shooting the ball , for his high school team (Great Crossing), he shot s scorching 40% from the 3-point arc, I’m unsure of his 3-point shooting for his AAU team, but he was a good scorer.

17.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest.

More about his game

Colt is lethal in the midrange, using crafty moves combined with fundamental skill to create angles and get by his man. He’s tough and doesn’t shy away from contact, even against defenders who get overly physical with him.

His court awareness is another positive marker in his game, he knows exactly when to be aggressive and go get a bucket versus when to control tempo and put his teammates in position to succeed. That’s the real signature of his game: he makes everyone around him better full stop. Such an unselfish player who just wants to win.

Midrange killer

The narrative around the midrange shot in today’s game is an interesting one, but Colt is as efficient as anyone I’ve covered this year from that area of the floor. He knocks shots down over and over, and he’s consistently able to get into the teeth of the defense to create those looks.that goes into his understanding of the game, take what they give you!

Outlook

He’s definitely a kid to keep an eye on, his development arc is pointing in the right direction, the combination of his hard work and willingness to embrace the grind to get better only shows that he will

be successful, he’s looking to have a break out high school campaign after this successful spring and summer. He will be attending the NextUpRecruits Elite Explore Camp held in Lexington, KY, on September 12, 2026.

I woke up early enough this time to casmatxh the first game of the day, I ends up watching three out of four games today before having to leave to work. The three games I watched ended how I thought they would pretty much. 2 complete blowouts and 2 closely played games. It all made for great theatre and a fun few hours of basketball.

This tourney is really shaping up to be a 2 horse race with two clear contenders to win it all, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali. Both teams have a boat load of weapons on the offensive end, on defense they both pressure the ball, protect the rim and rebound at an elite level.

Different flavors of dominance

I thought Egypt would give cote d’voire more of a fight, but they lost by 47 as cote d’voire proved to be too fast and athletic and talented in every area for the Egyptians. The home team , Côte d’Ivoire leaned on every bathe it could, and boy did they use the motivation of playing at home infront of Amit and friends to their advantage. Leaning on everything a host nation is supposed to lean on, crowd energy, home pride, defensive toughness, rebounding, rim protection and more to pull away from Egypt, winning by 27 points 89-62! Chad turned Day 3 into a track meet on its own terms, forcing Nigeria, playing with two roster additions that clearly disrupted their chemistry as Chad forced Nigeria into 33 turnovers, and they looked like a different and uninspired team than they showed the first day. Nigeria tuned it on late and closed the gap some but ultimately they ran out of time with Chad winning by 9. Mali put on a clinic against a supremely overmatched Gabon with a 76 point win, I’m sure that’s some kind of record. An overmatched Gabon team, saw Mali jump out to a 31-point first-quarter lead and never letting off the gas, winning 113-37 (59-15 at the half). The home team , Côte d’Ivoire leaned on everything a host nation is supposed to lean on, crowd energy, home pride, defensive toughness, rebounding, rim protection and more to pull away from Egypt, winning by 27 points 89-62!

Who stood out in the 3 games that I watched

some of the players listed below, I’ve mentioned in previous articles, some were too goof not to mention again, or something I saw this today that I might’ve missed the first time around.

#14 Ngaba Yaya, Chad, 6’9”

Very long arms with an athletic, well-proportioned build, not skinny, and a fluid mover who runs the floor well. His reach is a real weapon on the offensive glass, and he’s quick off his feet and off the ground. Handles well enough that his team trusts him to bring the ball up at times. Touch looks decent. Active offensive rebounder who uses his length to create extra possessions. Vertical rim contester, his length lets him challenge shots at the basket and alter a lot of them without needing to foul.

#17 Junior Djibrine, Chad, 6’5”

Very muscular build with long arms and powerful legs that translate directly into his leaping ability. Strong, downhill driver and leaper who finishes through contact with real power. Strong enough to guard bigger players and quick enough to stay in front of perimeter players, a versatile defensive frame.

#10 Timothée Ndohoudou, Chad, 6’4” PG

Good positional size for the point. Needs to develop his jumper and tighten up his ball security; adding a floater would help him finish possessions he currently starts well. The positive: he consistently gets paint touches, though he’ll need to learn to play more off the ball at two-guard. Decent defender who gambles often, he has the tools to be a good one long-term but needs to play with more discipline on that end.

#4 Mohamed Keita, Mali, 6’6”, G

Big wing with lively legs and a strong motor. A good shooter who defends and rebounds at a level that’s unusual for a guard, and plays well within the flow of the offense.

#10 Sekou Ousmane Bagayoko, Mali, 6’2” PG

Very strong frame with broad shoulders. On-ball defender with great lateral movement and the strength to hold position and cut off drives. Good-looking jump shot, strong finisher around the rim, and no wasted motion, straight to the point getting downhill.

#9 Abdoul Karim Diallo, Mali, 6’10” C

Really good at selling his man on post-ups when defenders try to front him. The lefty jump hook is automatic, playing like he’s on an MVP campaign this tournament. Footwork is better than expected coming in, legitimately good for a player his size. One of the clearer standouts of Day 3.

#2 Sambala Mady Issa Sissoko, Mali, 6’1”

Heady point guard who plays tough and defends well on the ball. Gets downhill effectively and creates real problems for defenses once he’s in the paint.

#10 Jean Philippe Oka, Mali, 6’8” ,G

Rough shooting night, but his defense and rebounding carried him through it. Guards his matchup well in one-on-one situations, plays the passing lanes, and generated a number of deflections that helped his team.

#14 N’Dji Inourahima Coulibaly, Mali, 6’6” F

A long wing prospect whose body type calls to mind Dame Sarr. Still a bit raw with the ball in his hands, but electric in transition and the open floor, gets off the ground quickly and attacks the rim with reckless abandon. Needs to learn to control his pace and slow down at times.

#12 Mouhamed Diamel Sanogo, Mali, 6’6”,G/F

Another physical piece up front for Mali, a big man with good footwork who carves out space and eats glass.

#7 Nathan Djako, Côte d’Ivoire, 6’3”

Elite defender who also shoots the ball well. Slashes and gets into the lane to push pace; really shoots it when his feet are set and his body is squared up.

#11 Bryan Lionel N’Goli, Côte d’Ivoire, 6’5”

Built like a football player, a multi-tool piece who can defend, hit shots, and rebound the ball.

#32 Raphael Ouedraogo, Côte d’Ivoire, 6’11” C

Great foot speed for his size, able to play passing lanes and protect the rim. Very instinctual defender. Decent hands, finishes around the rim at a high level, and is an explosive leaper with real vertical lob-threat capability. Plays extremely hard every possession. Biggest area for growth: his free-throw shooting and jump shot both need work. Everything else profiles as an elite-level prospect.

#15 Belal Sohaib, Egypt, 6’9”

Long, lengthy prospect with real touch. Needs to add strength and toughness, but the skill level is undeniable, good foot speed and a nice passer both out of the post and facing up from the perimeter.

#29 Asaad Kaidar Ahmed Youssef Hendawy, Egypt, 6’10” C

Good handle for his size and can shoot it. Still a little slim and needs to get stronger, but his offensive profile speaks for itself.

I’ve traveled the world throughout my lifetime, and most of that was due to the military. I always found myself in heavily contested areas where safety was a priority. I’ve visited several places in Africa before, but never Côte d’Ivoire. I hear nothing but good things about the country. As basketball is becoming more prevalent across Africa. I am having more of a personal affinity to African hoops. I guess I can blame it on the 40% Nigerian heritage in me.

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I try not to even look at box scores unless I absolutely need to. I like to see prospects at surface level and intuit their rawest form, a player can score 1 point and still be a good prospect. He can have a horrible game and still flash some of his best tools and attributes. There’s so much to evaluating a player beyond the stat sheet, and that’s what makes this fun and why I love it.

Cameroon vs Tunisia

Cameroon pulled out a 12-point win against a formidable Tunisia squad, and the margin honestly undersold the gap in talent and size on the floor. The wing and guard play sliced up the Tunisian defense over and over, while Cameroon’s size on the interior cleaned the glass and erased shots at the rim. This was a game where the more talented, more physical roster simply imposed its will.

Cameroon

James Minlend (6-7, W) — Minlend is a really versatile player who plays with end-to-end speed. His foot speed on defense is unmatched, he moves laterally about as well as anyone on the floor, which lets him guard multiple positions and stay in front of quicker guards. He’s a really active defender who never takes a play off, and that same speed shows up in the open floor, where he’s a legitimate weapon in transition. On the wing: he puts it in the floor well, Jumpshot needs a little bit of work, but he’s a capable shooter at this point.

Ronny Ewanke (6-9, F) — Ewanke plays with really fundamental footwork for a big man his size. He scores on the block with ease, relying on his power and strength to seal and finish over smaller or less physical defenders. It’s a simple, repeatable game built on footwork and force, and it worked all night against a Tunisia frontline that couldn’t match his strength.

Bayero Aliyou (6-9, C) — Aliyou is a big man who can put the ball on the floor, which already separates him from a lot of traditional centers. He’s a shot blocker with really long arms and very good mobility, so he protects the rim without fouling out of position. He also sets really good screens to free up his guards and knows how to pin his man deep underneath the basket, which creates easy post touches.

Nolan Ngangm (PG, 6-2) — Ngangm is a high-IQ point guard with good playmaking skills who plays with his head up, looks to advance the ball. He likes to get into his pull-up game and is a very good shooter off the dribble. The next step for him is adding more blow-by speed and better separation off the dribble, which would open up his pull-up even more against tighter ball pressure.

Joachim Barthelemy Basson (6-5/G) — Basson was one of the more impressive playmakers on the floor, especially off the bounce. He has a tight handle and is able to get around defenders to either create space for others or score for himself. He’s a really patient player who understands angles and knows how to bend a defense before he attacks it. His really long arms also show up on the defensive end, where he racks up a lot of deflections.

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Tunisia

Adem Rafari (5-10, PG) — Rafari is a tough point guard with a lethal pull-up game. He’s a strong, physical player who makes the right play and doesn’t back down from contact or from the moment. He’s extremely quick and loves to play fast. He’s a good pick-and-roll guard who reads coverages well and knows when to shoot versus when to get downhill.

Idriss Toumi (6-7, W) — Toumi is a really good jump shooter who doubles as a pick-and-pop threat. He plays with great toughness and energy on both ends, and at 6-7 he has good positional size for the wing, letting him shoot over closeouts when used as a movement shooter.

Senegal vs Rwanda

Senegal jumped all over Rwanda, using their size and length to pressure the ball from possession one. That pressure forced a lot of turnovers and generated deflections all over the court. Senegal’s half-court offense was really good, they ran their stuff and consistently got the shot they wanted. The one knock is pace: they need to slow down in transition, because that’s where most of their unforced turnovers came from. Rwanda waited until about three minutes into the game to try to fight back, and by then it was too late. Rwanda plays a hundred miles an hour, and they may need to throttle back a bit to be competitive in games like this. Senegal never took their foot off the gas and blew the game open. From a talent standpoint there was a lot to like on film, the box score won’t fully show it, but if you know what you’re looking at, the talent is obvious.

Rwanda

Mugisha Calvin (6-4, G) — Calvin is a guard who plays much bigger than his size. He’s a very high-energy player with a ton of lift in his legs and real athleticism to go with it. He has a strong body and his motor runs hot from tip to horn, which lets him compete on the glass and in transition against bigger players.

Hugo Victor Ngabonziza (5-11, PG) — Ngabonziza is a really heady point guard who’s a little undersized but consistently makes the right reads. He’s a good pick-and-roll operator and he can shoot the ball, which makes him a threat even when he’s not creating for others.

Ariel Uwishema (6-8, F) — Uwishema is a young wing with a lot of upside. He can put the ball on the floor and already has the physical tools of a wing/forward, with a good face-up game and a willingness to attack the rim. He needs to get stronger to absorb contact and bumps at the next level, but the talent is obviously there, he just needs time to develop into it.

Senegal

Papa Moussa Diallo (6-5, G) — Diallo is a strong, athletic point guard with long arms and a great feel for the game. He’s a decent shooter who makes plays and consistently gets into the lane, using his strength to finish through contact rather than avoid it. Good size for his position and uses that size to see over the defense to make reads.

Code Mbengue (6-8, F) — Mbengue is a long, athletic rebounder who goes and gets the ball on both ends of the floor. He runs the floor with swiftness, quickness, and purpose, and his really long arms let him challenge everything at the rim as a really good help defender. His footwork is a little ahead of his time for his age, and he already has a good post game, especially going over his right shoulder. If he can develop counters in the post his profile will increase significantly.

Mohamed Badiane (6-5, G ) — Badiane is an absolute ball hawk on defense. He plays with very long arms, moves great laterally, and is able to put constant pressure on his man, forcing ball-handlers to turn their backs and spin away from him full court. His point of attack aggression on defense is a game changer.

Papa Ndiack Faye (6-5, W) — Faye is an elite two-way player with great tools across the board, his length, athleticism, motor, and skill all show up on tape, making him one of the more complete prospects in the tourney.

#9 Bacary Doucoure (6-10/C) the 15 year old big man led his team in points rebounds and blocks. This young prospect is oozing with talent , his size and ability to change the game with his inside scoring and defensive ability. He has good hands Knows how to pass out of a double teams. A true matchup nightmare. With a developing post game.

I missed the first match of the day since I had woken up late; that game saw Madagascar win against Gabon with a buzzer beater. I do hate that I didn’t see it, but I really needed the sleep. The 3 games that I watched, I was able to come across some really impressive players who caught my attention and thus showing why this event should attract more attention, a large number of talented youngsters and genuine prospects competing together today.

The defending champions Mali appeared to be a top team, until I watched that Cote D’Ivoire squad.

I’ll break down the game and the players that stood out to me below!

The composition of the teams that qualified is as follows: 12 teams, divided among 3 different groups, all of whom are strong and capable.

First day results:

Mali 66, Morocco 45

Defense decided this game, since Mali’s length, athleticism and ability to apply pressure proved too much for Morocco to cope with over the 40 minutes, and the statistics confirm what the eye can see: Mali won the rebounding contest 57 to 41 (24 offensive rebounds compared with Morocco’s 8), caused 22 Moroccan turnovers while committing only 15 themselves, and out-stole Morocco as well. Morocco was never able to overcome Mali’s pressure, hitting just 28.8% from beyond the arc and a very poor 13.6% from three-point range (3 out of 22), and never managed to get back into the game.

The 6’10” Abdoul Karim Diallo was the headline was Abdoul Karim Diallo, who recorded a line of 21 points, 17 rebounds (9 offensive), 6 blocks and 3 steals having scored on 9 of 14 shots in the game. With his ability to protect the rim and his dominance in securing rebounds, he stood out even in a one-sided contest and achieved the best efficiency rating of any player in the tournament. Diallo is a player who attacks at the basket and has a long defensive presence, finishing plays above the basket. He is also a very effective offensive rebounder, thanks to his good lift and quick reactions when he gets off the ground, which allowed his 9 offensive rebounds to be the highest. He is quick to recover on defense and is known as a solid switch defender capable of guarding all the way out to the perimeter in ball-screen situations. His height enables him to challenge a high number of shots even though he is not the main defender responsible for protecting the rim on a particular possession. He also shows patience in the post and has a reasonable ability to pass to cutters when he is double-teamed. However, he will need to work on developing post-scoring moves beyond his initial actions of using power, his length and a quick jump.

Mamadou Niama Sissoko scored 11 points on 4 of 8 attempts and recorded 3 rebounds and 3 steals in 20 minutes of play. On defense he covers the passing lanes, has a real ability to shoot from long range and scores off bounce passes while at the same time being an athletic driver. Mohamed Keita contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, although he only managed 2 of 10 from the field; he is a player who takes long-range shots and was ineffective in the first game (he was 1 of 4 from three), but I am confident in his overall game and therefore think that he simply had a poor shooting night. He is extremely fast, a good athlete who increases the pace of the game and is active when defending the ball. Mahamadou Sylla made his impact by grabbing 8 rebounds (3 of them being offensive) and scoring 6 points on 3 of 6 attempts, thus providing Mali with a strong and efficient finisher near the basket who complemented Diallo’s presence in the front court and helped account for the team’s 24-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. N’Dji Ibourahima Coulibaly, a young wing, scored 7 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, provided 3 assists and recorded a block. He is a tall, athletic player who drives the ball and represents a big potential for the future that should be kept an eye on as the tournament progresses, showing signs of secondary playmaking alongside his defensive efforts. Point guard Sekou Ousmane Bagayoko ended with 7 points and 7 rebounds but was only successful on 3 of 19 shots, he is the player responsible for organizing Mali’s offensive play and will need to improve his choice of shots as the tournament goes on.

Noah Mohamed Ali El Baze scored 16 points for Morocco, making 6 of 11 shots (2 of 4 from 3), grabbed 11 rebounds and recorded 3 assists. He is the team’s main scorer and is able to score both inside and outside the paint, and at the same time he became their top rebounder as well, taking on a double responsibility in a game in which nothing else around him succeeded. Sofiane Ben Bougrine Ben Rezouk contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists; he is very patient in executing plays and maintains a good pace while keeping his head up. Ismail Driouch gave the team a boost from the bench with 3 points and 6 rebounds, going 3 of 4 from the line and putting up a physical fight against a stronger frontcourt.

Egypt 95, Nigeria 68

The advantage was clear of size, physical strength, and overall experience. From the very beginning, Egypt outmatched Nigeria, since a 32-point first quarter set the tone, and thereafter Egypt moved smoothly thanks to a high level of ball sharing: its 29 assists from 41 made baskets show that this attack passed the ball efficiently. Although Nigeria remained competitive in terms of rebounding (they had 42 compared to Egypt’s 52) and went to the free-throw line frequently (28 attempts), their 23 turnovers and their stagnant offensive play (with only 12 assists) meant that they were never able to make any real attempt to catch up.

Six Egyptian players scored in double figures. Rami Magdy was the top scorer, obtaining 17 points from an efficient 6-of-12 shooting performance (4-of-9 from three points). He is a shooter and scorer who has real range for a forward of 6’5”. Seifalla Ahmed was the most efficient scorer during the game regardless of which team he played for, making 8-of-10 from the field to score 16 points and grab 7 rebounds; he is an interior player with excellent hands and footwork. If his role increases, he is a name well worth keeping an eye on. Belal Sohaib came close to a double-double from the bench, scoring 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, registering 7 rebounds and 3 assists; he is a physical combo forward with shooting ability and creativity, and has strong hands and footwork which give him an outstanding rebounding record that is worth watching. Zeineldin Ahmed Aly Mohamed was Egypt’s most effective secondary creator, scoring 11 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and recording a team-leading 5 assists without making a single turnover; he is a versatile player who covers both the frontcourt and the wing and contributes in many areas. Asaad Kaidar Ahmed Youssef Hendawy scored 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, recorded 2 assists and 2 steals; he is a floor spacer who kept taking three-point shots (he was 2-of-10 that night) and is surprisingly active in rebounding for a wing, as well as a good finisher at the basket when he gets the ball. Ahmed Mohamed Osama Mahmoud Bakry scored 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting and had a team-high of 6 assists. He is an active big man with good hands and feet, a solid post player who likes to be physical and can get the ball into the paint, with a very soft touch and good shooting ability for his height, together with real ability to facilitate while moving. The point guard Mohamed Khaled Mohamed Ahmed Diab, who played from the bench, added 4 rebounds and 3 assists to provide energy; he is a composed and aggressive player who plays within the game’s pace and control.

For Nigeria, Victor Endurance Sunday was the top performer, scoring 15 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and registering 4 assists, and he was successful on 9 of 12 free-throw attempts. He is a good shooter and has solid ball-handling abilities, although his jump shot didn’t go well that night (he made 3 of 13), and he makes smart decisions in play, drawing fouls and playing with intensity, as his 12 free-throw attempts indicate a strong desire to move down the court. On the other hand, he at times plays too quickly and has to slow down and take control of the game’s tempo; he committed 8 personal fouls and had problems with turnovers throughout the game. Victor Emeka Nwafor scored 16 points on 6 of 14 shots. Serving as Nigeria’s main source of offensive production on a night when the team as a whole had a difficult time shooting; he will have to improve the efficiency of his shot selection since making 14 attempts to score 16 points represents high-volume, moderate-efficiency shooting. Isaiah John scored 14 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and recorded 2 steals, but had to take 15 shots to do so (he made 4 of 15, including only 1 of 4 from three-point range); he is a tough, aggressive guard who is both tough and creative with the ball, but he needs to work on his shooting after having a poor record from distance and shooting only 26.7% overall even though he managed to score effectively. Olakunle David Kayode scored 6 points on 3 of 5 shots and had 6 rebounds; he has a gentle touch around the basket and good footwork. Emmanuel Oshiobugie Idornigie was one of Nigeria’s few positive contributions from the bench, scoring 9 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in a good performance as a reliable two-way frontcourt player.

Côte d’Ivoire 104, Chad 51

They overwhelmed Chad. All of their advantages, physicality, size, shooting, and defense,were with them and the statistics show that they had total control: Côte d’Ivoire shot 49.4% from all shots (59.6% from two-pointers and 32.3% from three-pointers), forced 42 Chad turnovers and collected 22 steals. They were ahead 31 to 14 at the start and then opened up a large lead with a 30-point fourth quarter, securing a victory by a margin of 53.

Six different players from Côte d’Ivoire scored in double figures. Jason Ake, playing out of Wilson Academy in the U.S., nearly posted a triple-double in reserve minutes: 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, a steal, and a block. He’s a slasher who uses his body well to bump defenders off balance, a good and physical on-ball defender, and a good jump shooter who is also a true playmaker at the point, his 9 assists led all players in the game by a wide margin, and he’s very good at facilitating and making others better. Karl-Randell Kouame-Zeze, a 6’4” combo guard who spent last season with Paris Basketball’s academy before signing with Caen Basket Calvados in France’s Nationale Masculine 1 this summer, co-led all scorers with 19 points on elite 8-of-12 shooting (3-of-6 from three), adding 5 rebounds and 4 steals, one of the most well-rounded stat lines in the entire group phase slate and clear evidence of a shot-making guard who can hurt you from the perimeter and off the catch, with real defensive activity to match. Nathan Djako, a local Ivorian club product out of HBUC, matched Kouame-Zeze with 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting and 4 steals, Deh-Dimitri Azema, who comes from Paris Basket in France, scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shots (2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line); he is a reliable scorer who can score both inside and outside, and is a solid three-point shooter who is not afraid to take shots. He plays to his own abilities without attempting to do too much, offering an efficient and low-usage type of scoring attack. Jean-Philippe Oka, who is listed at around 6’8”, scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and had 5 rebounds; he guards by dropping into position and uses his long arms to interfere with the ball, and his ability to distribute the ball has improved as he has become stronger in handling the ball, with better shooting mechanics than before. Oka has a genuine record of achievement that goes beyond this tournament. showing a significant impact even though he didn’t score many points. He is an outstanding defender when guarding the ball, with long arms and good lateral movement, and he cuts to the basket and goes to the free-throw line rather than waiting, which shows aggression if not a high level of efficiency; he doesn’t actively look for shots and instead waits for his chance off the ball. Sincere Fashion Hudson scored 5 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, recorded 5 assists, and had an impressive 6 steals, the number of steals being the standout figure. He brings a different pace and calmness to the offence when coming off the bench as a good mid-range shooter and passer, and the 6 steals indicate real disruption at the point of attack even though this wasn’t fully reflected in his other statistical figures. Raphael Ouedraogo scored 6 points on 3-of-7 shots with 5 rebounds (3 offensive) and 2 steals; he is a young, tall and vertically oriented defender who moves well laterally and covers a lot of ground on the floor. However, he is still in an early stage of development and needs to improve his footwork and fundamentals, and although his size and length make him a major target for shot-blocking, he has decent hands and is capable of challenging anything at the basket. Médard Dabiré, another US prep school product from Wasatch Academy, added 8 points on 3-of-7 shooting with 3 rebounds and was efficient enough inside to keep the defenders honest. Bryan Lionel N’Goli scored 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting (4-of-6 from the free-throw line) off the bench, being an efficient complementary scorer who didn’t miss many of his shots. For Chad, Ngaba Yaya was the only positive aspect of the game, coming close to a double-double by scoring 16 points on 7-of-13 attempts, grabbing 10 rebounds (5 offensive and 5 defensive), recording a steal, and finishing with 2 blocks. The 6’9”, 207-pound forward is active when it comes to rebounding thanks to his energy and determination to compete; he is an excellent shot blocker and a key defensive player, and is physically prepared with a athletic and functionally strong build, in addition to being a skilled roller who covers a lot of ground.ne rim-runner with a long and disruptive defensive presence, resembling a big man who finishes plays above the rim and who is able to grab the offensive rebounds with excellent leaping ability and a strong work ethic. After having been off the dribble, he is quick to come back on defence, has the lateral ability to be a good switch defender, and challenges a high number of shots simply because of the amount of space that his height creates around the basket. He demonstrates patience when in the post, doesn’t rush the possession while down low, and at times shows a reasonable passing ability when he has the defence collapsing on him.

#75 Mamadou Niama Sissoko — 6’7” Sissoko is a difficult player to defend since he doesn’t easily fit into a single defensive category; he aggressively contests passing lanes, has a real ability to shoot from three points, and can also drive to the basket after a bounce play due to his very effective first step. The combination of his long-range shooting and his ability to drive downhill makes him very hard to game plan against at this level, as defenders can’t simply stay back and challenge him to shoot or cut off his lanes and challenge him to drive. Moreover, his height and good instincts when it comes to passing lanes give him some defensive versatility in addition to being an offensive threat. As he continues to improve his shot selection and decision-making, he has the capabilities to become a key scorer at the next level.

Morocco

#3 Noah Mohamed El Bazi — 6’5” (his height is not officially recorded), born on June 16, 2008. He is Morocco’s top scorer and the main driving force behind their offensive attacks, being able to take his own shot from outside the arc or get the ball on the floor and then attack forcefully down the court. His jump shot is more developed than would be expected for his age group and could be his most effective individual skill; he shoots it quickly, has range, and doesn’t delay when he has a clear chance to do so. Apart from his ability to score directly, he is resourceful and a clever scorer who is good at creating space for himself by using changes of pace, hesitation moves, and footwork to gain separation rather than just relying on speed. Since his team places a great deal of trust in him, he handles the offensive responsibility well and displays the kind of shot awareness that comes from a player who is used to being the central figure in a defenses game plan.

#49 Sofiane Ben Bougrine Ben Rezouk — PG (both his height and date of birth are not officially listed), born on February 18, 2009. Ben Rezouk is a calm and patient point guard who keeps his head up and regularly looks for opportunities to score in the paint rather than settling for three-point shots. The fact that he is able to probe the defence and then collapse it before making a decision shows that he has a mature understanding of his role; he is not chasing statistics or forcing the pace, but instead runs the offence in the correct manner and allows the defence to determine whether he will score, pass or kick the ball out. The way he is patient with the play indicates that he is good at reading the court and has confidence in his teammates, qualities which tend to become more valuable as the level of competition increases and defences become more disciplined.

Nigeria

#5 Olakunle David Kayode — 6’10” and born in 2009. Kayode has the physical attributes that scouts look for in a young big man, combining a soft touch near the basket with good footwork, which provides him with a solid basis to become an efficient interior scorer as he grows. It should be noted that he needs to play with more steady engagement from possession to possession, whether that involves boxing out, moving along the floor, or remaining defensively attached. Since players with his mix of handling and footwork have the potential to be very successful, the key aspect of his development should be reducing the difference between his occasional bursts of performance and a more consistent standard level of effort.

Victor Endurance, who was born in 2009 and has his height not officially listed, is a good shooter and scorer with decent ball-handling abilities; he regularly attempts to make reads and plays, draws fouls, works hard, and generally knows how to apply pressure on a defence. The one habit that is limiting his performance is his pace, on occasion he plays too quickly, rushing both the possessions and his decisions when it would be better for him and his team to slow down and control the tempo. Because of his ability to score and create opportunities for others, he has a high potential as a point guard.

Isiah John — SG, born on August 26, 2009 — is a tough defensive guard who plays with an aggressive and attacking attitude and displays real creativity when holding the ball, using changes of direction and hesitation to defeat defenders on bounces. He is not one who fears contact and this tenacity is shown by the fact that he readily drives towards the paint and finishes among defenders. Although his jump shot requires improvement, at the moment his game is based on driving down the court, and the inclusion of a more dependable outside shot would complete his game and make him much harder to plan against.

Egypt

#30 Ahmed Mohamed Osama Mahmoud Bakry (height not officially listed), born April 12, 2008. Bakry is an active big man with great hands and feet, embracing physicality as a good post player who isn’t afraid to bang in the paint. What makes him more than just a bruiser is the skill package around that physicality: he can put the ball on the floor, his footwork is above average, he shows a very soft touch for his size, and he shoots the ball well for a player his size and role. He also facilitates and passes well on the move, which offers a layer of offensive flexibility that a lot of physical post players lack, letting him#12 Mohamed Khaled Mohamed Ahmed Diab — PG, born on December 13, 2008. When he came on as a substitute, Diab immediately displayed composure, along with an aggressive style of play characterised by speed and control, showing a certain level of maturity in the way he operated the attack in his capacity as a reserve player. He would speed up the pace of the game whenever the chance arose, yet he never appeared to lose control while doing so, which is a good indication of his overall understanding of the position. At present he is an average passer for a point guard, and if he can improve his vision and decision-making when passing, he will progress from being a reliable alternative option to becoming a more well-rounded floor general. Rami Magdy – PG, 196 cm, 6’5”, born on July 29, 2008. He is a well-rounded scorer and has all the necessary abilities; he can shoot, score off the bounce, and has the ability to go all the way to the basket when he decides to. Because of the combination of his shot-making and his quickness when moving down the court, he is difficult to defend against when playing the point guard position, since he can beat defenders either by using the power of shooting or by simply blowing past them with his speed.h pure shooting gravity or simply blow past them with quickness.

Côte d’Ivoire

#2 Jason Ake — PG, 6’3”, born on July 31, 2008. Ake is a physical type of player who makes good use of his build to knock defenders off balance as he moves towards the basket, and this same physicality is evident on the defensive side of the court where he is a solid and tenacious defender when guarding the ball. He doesn’t just drive the ball, he also has a nice jump shot which keeps the defensive teams on their toes. The combination of scoring close to the basket, good shooting ability, and real play-making instincts gives him a well-rounded skill set rather than making him a one-dimensional slasher.

Deh-Dimitri Azema, who is 6’5” (196 cm) and was born on January 8, 2008, is an efficient scorer capable of scoring both inside and outside the arc, and he is a solid three-point shooter who is not afraid to take the shot when he is open. What is particularly notable apart from his ability to score is his discipline: he confines himself to his own game and doesn’t attempt to do too much, instead choosing when to take shots rather than forcing situations. This sort of shot selection and restraint in attack generally works well as he progresses through the levels and has to share the ball with more skilled teammates.

#10 Jean-Philippe Oka — 6’8” (203 cm), born on January 2, 2009, is a versatile forward who drops into defensive positions and uses his long arms to interfere with opponents who have the ball; alongside this, his performance has also improved considerably on the offensive side. This season his ability to create plays has increased significantly and he is now noticeably stronger in possession, allowing him to start plays and make them rather than just ending them. His shooting technique also looks cleaner, and the combination of improved ball-handling, playmaking, and shooting shows that he is a player who is actively developing new skills, a progression that is therefore causing a great deal of excitement among the various schools.

#3 Chris Junior Echui — 6’8” (203 cm), born on November 3, 2008, is an outstanding on-ball defender who has long arms and is good at moving his feet side to side, which enables him to guard several positions and interfere with ballhandlers when they attack. Offensively, he shows discipline by cutting and going to the free-throw line rather than taking difficult jump shots, and instead of actively looking for shots he waits for his chances to come along as part of the offensive flow. This patience, combined with his excellent defensive abilities, makes him a valuable two-way player at the high level and an important asset to the team.

#6 Sincere Fashion Hudson — PG (both his height and date of birth are not officially listed). Hudson offers his team a different appearance from the starting players. He is a reliable shooter and passer in the mid-range, enabling him to control the pace of the game and create scoring opportunities in that area of the court, which many younger players tend to avoid by going for the basket or the three-point line. The kind of skill involved in being a link player, someone who slows the game down, makes the correct read, and scores from an open mid-range shot, is useful for balancing a rotation that is otherwise made up of faster, more attack-oriented guards.

#32 Raphael Ouedraogo — 6’10” , born on November 5, 2010. He is a young, tall, and vertical defender who is good at moving side to side and runs the length of the court, which gives him a defensive ability well above what you’d expect for someone of his age. Although he is still in a raw stage and needs to improve his footwork and basic skills, that is nothing surprising considering how much younger he is than the other players in this group. Even in this undeveloped state, he is already a big-time vertical shot-blocking target with decent hands, and his size and length let him challenge everything at the rim regardless of who’s bringing the ball. Given his age relative to competition, his defensive abilities alone make him one of the more interesting long-term prospects in the league.

Chad

#14 Ngaba Yaya — 6’9” (206 cm), born March 2008. Yaya is just a monster, an athletic worker who’s very active on the glass with a real motor and the will to compete on every possession, an elite shot blocker and defensive anchor who looks physically ready for the position with an athletic, functionally strong build. He’s a very strong rebounder on both ends of the floor, which combined with his rim protection makes him a legitimate two-way anchor rather than just a shot blocker. Offensively, he’s a skilled roller who covers a lot of ground, giving his team’s ballhandlers a trustworthy target in pick-and-roll. The two areas to sharpen are his passing out of loose balls and double teams, where quicker, more decisive reads would cut down on empty possessions, and his frame, he already plays strong, but adding more weight would only reinforce his physical, high-motor style of play.

Big wins and big losses — that’s the story of the 2026 national champion Michigan Wolverines. Former head coach Dusty May rode this group to the top of college basketball, then bolted for the NBA in a move that felt like it came out of nowhere. He walked away just 11 weeks after cutting down the nets, the first coach to leave a program for an NBA job immediately after winning a title since Larry Brown left Kansas for the Spurs in 1988.

Michigan lost Three lottery-caliber pieces — Johnson, Lendeborg, and Mara, combined for over 40 points and 20 rebounds a night. Michigan wasted no time. Mike Boynton Jr. (former Oklahoma State head coach, 119-109 over seven seasons), who was already serving as defensive coordinator/associate head coach, was elevated to interim head coach on June 23. On July 10, the school removed the interim tag and signed him to a two-year deal (ESPN).

The bright spot: Boynton was a key architect of last season’s No. 1-ranked defense, and he’s done an equally impressive job on roster retention. Of the 14 scholarship players set for 2026-27, 13 have stuck around despite losing May. The only departure is guard L.J. Cason, who transferred to Miami while still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in February , he won’t be available to play this season regardless of where he landed.

Roster Outlook

Backcourt

Michigan’s backcourt will be electric — Cadeau pushing the pace, McKenney scoring in a multitude of ways. Add Liburd and Goodman into the mix and you’ve got a versatile group that can fill it up. McKenney is the only one of the group without an above-average defensive profile, so that’s something to watch.

Offensively, Cadeau is the engine and primary playmaker , he sets the table and makes sure everyone eats. If he can keep shooting in the mid-to-high 30s from three, that bodes well for Michigan. McKenney will need to carry a heavier scoring load; he’s never been shy about putting up shots, but can he stay efficient with a bigger role? Goodman and Liburd will need to be difference-makers, whether off the bench or starting at small forward, whichever Boynton decides.

Overall: high-octane on offense. Defensively, they’ll need to make up for the lost interior size, especially against dribble penetration and around the rim.

Front court

Michigan’s frontcourt is a reload rather than a like-for-like replacement, and the mix of size, physicality, and skill still points toward one of the better units in the country. Thiam is the headline piece, a 7’2” rim protector with touch and finishing around ball screens, though he lacks Mara’s playmaking and passing, and needs to add strength to hold up against bigger, more physical fours and fives, his length will be a factor. Estrella brings a different flavor: an undersized-for-the-position but relentless glass-eater whose motor and physicality were forged in Knoxville, where Rick Barnes publicly challenged him to toughen up and he answered by becoming an enforcer on an elite Tennessee defense. Reed adds size, experience, and defense at the 4, but his availability is the swing variable after back-to-back season-ending injuries. Møller gives Boynton a seven footer off the bench who lives on the offensive glass, even if he’s a bit rugged and limited laterally, while Goodman a swingman who will play on the perimeter and inside and incoming freshman Costello round things out with wing-forward versatility and stretch shooting, respectively. The collective question mark is spacing, Thiam is a career 29% three-point shooter, and if the bigs can’t extend defenses, opponents can pack the paint against a backcourt-heavy attack. Overall, teplacing yaxel lendenbirg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson is virtually impossible, Michigan did and excellent job bringing in size and skill to ease the pain of losing so much up front. Michigan will still be competitive on the glass and around the rim while still spacing the floor with perimeter shooting.

Returners

Elliot Cadeau (G, Sr.) — 10.5 PPG, 5.9 APG on the season; 12.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 1.7 SPG over the 6-game title run. Final Four Most Outstanding Player; All-Big Ten honorable mention. His 3PT% jumped from 28.1% at North Carolina to a career-high 37.6% at Michigan, the number to watch this season. Boynton has called this group “the best backcourt in the country.”

Trey McKenney (G, So.) — 9.9 PPG on 46.2% FG in the regular season, 12.0 PPG on 54.8% FG in the postseason. That jump says he’s built for the moment, and he’s expected to shoulder a much bigger share of the offense this year.

Oscar Goodman (F, R-So.) — 1.4 PPG in a limited role behind a deep frontcourt last year. Native of Australia; brings athleticism, physicality, wing scoring, rebounding, and transition play, a classic plug-and-play piece.

Ricky Liburd (G/F, RS-Fr.) — Redshirted in 2025-26. Athletic three-and-D potential; reportedly logging heavy gym time, knowing he has a real shot to play, he just needs to be ready when his number’s called.

Additions — Transfer Portal

Moustapha Thiam (C, 7’2”, 250 lbs, Jr., ex-Cincinnati) — 12.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG on 52.5% FG at Cincinnati. The headline get, replacing Mara. Elite touch and finishing in ball-screen actions, soft hands, respectable midrange game, legit rim protector, needs to add strength. Doesn’t match Mara’s passing; don’t expect the elite reads Michigan got used to last year.

J.P. Estrella (F, 6’11”, 240 lbs, RS-So./Sr., ex-Tennessee) — 10.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG. Helped Tennessee reach the Elite Eight, where Michigan eliminated them. A glass-eater with a serious motor. Long considered “soft” until Rick Barnes publicly challenged him; he answered by becoming an enforcer on an elite Volunteers defense.

Jalen Reed (F, 6’10”, 245 lbs, Sr., ex-LSU) — Brings experience, physicality, and defense at the 4. The swing factor is health, he’s suffered season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons. If he stays on the floor, he could be a real shot in the arm for a frontcourt shaping up as one of the better ones in college hoops.

Marcus Møller (C, 7’3”, 230 lbs, ex-Unicaja Málaga U22, Denmark) — Talented international big who’s worked through some real off-court challenges but has been cleared and looks likely to contribute this year. Enormous at 7’3” and keeps possessions alive on the offensive glass; can be a little rugged and doesn’t move great laterally, but should be an immediate contributor.

Incoming Recruiting Class

Brandon McCoy Jr. (Combo G, 6’5”, 190 lbs) — Five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American out of California. Explosive athlete who attacks the rim and finishes strong with strength. Jump shot still developing, average shooter now, but with real long-range upside under the right coaching. Likely to make an immediate impact, possibly in a classic sixth-man role. Fiercely competitive and doesn’t shy from a defensive challenge; his high school career had ups and downs since his sophomore year but he’s always graded as a valuable player.

Quinn Costello (F/C, 6’10”, 195 lbs) — Four-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American from Medford, MA (The Newman School / Middlesex Magic AAU). Stretches defenses with an impressive shooting touch for his size, forcing bigs to guard him beyond the arc and opening driving/cutting lanes for teammates. Not just a paint-bound big, good mobility lets him face up, handle, and operate in ball-screen actions.

Lincoln Cosby (F, 6’8”–6’10”, 195–205 lbs) — Consensus four-star, reclassified up from the 2027 class. Expected to redshirt in 2026-27 while recovering from ACL surgery.

Joseph Hartman (G, 6’6”, 190–193 lbs) — Four-star recruit, ranked No. 79-96 overall. Strong athlete who uses his body well attacking the basket. Standout skill is sharp shooting from beyond the arc. A decent defender who should earn real minutes.

Malachi Brown (F, 6’5”, 185 lbs) — Three-star out of Knoxville, TN, who chose Michigan over his only other offer, UC Santa Barbara. Not expected to play much this season.

Coaching Staff

Mike Boynton Jr. takes over as head coach in his first season at the helm, having joined May’s staff in 2024 as defensive coordinator after seven years as Oklahoma State’s head coach. Retained assistants Akeem Miskdeen and Kyle Church enter their third season each, Church nearly followed May to Dallas given a long history between the two dating back to Louisiana Tech, but ultimately chose to stay. Mike Martin joins as a new assistant, hired July 13 after previously serving as head coach at Brown. KT Harrell was promoted from director of basketball operations to assistant coach, following a standout playing career at Auburn.

On the departure side, Justin Joyner left in March to become Oregon State’s head coach, this is a big loss, Joyner was a star with recruiting chops. He should thrive at Oregon state. Drew Williamson and Mody Maor both followed May to Dallas and joined the Mavericks.

Projected starting 5

PG — Elliot Cadeau (returning, All-Final Four run) — locked in as the engine.

SG — Trey McKenney — locked in, expected to take a major leap after averaging just under 10 points off the bench last year while shooting 39% from three.

SF — battle between Ricky Liburd and Brandon McCoy Jr. — this is the most unsettled spot on the roster. Liburd (6-4, redshirt sophomore) has the staff buzzing about his long-range shooting even though he didn’t play a minute during the title run. McCoy is the five-star freshman addition and an above-average defender, but some outlets project him coming off the bench initially. Goodman is also in the mix here or at the

PF — Jalen Reed (LSU transfer) — high-IQ, versatile forward who can also slide to the 5; expected to soak up minutes after playing sparingly the last two seasons.

C — Moustapha Thiam (transfer, 7’2”) — the headline frontcourt addition, brought in to replace Aday Mara’s rim-protection.

Watch out for the SG positions, it seems like it’s a tight three-way race among McCoy Jr., Liburd, and Goodman. No matter who ends up starting, it looks like McCoy is going to see plenty of playing time. It’s worth mentioning that Michigan was really close to landing Juke Harris, the former Wake Forest player who ultimately chose Tennessee. They were definitely in the running for him before he made his choice.

Strengths

1. Elite backcourt continuity. Returning your two most experienced guards, including a Final Four MOP, after a title season is a massive stabilizing force most contenders don’t have.

2. Experience, size, versatility for Michigan as they were able to land multiple portal big men in three straight offseasons , a proven pipeline. Thiam in particular profiles as a two-way, All-Big Ten-caliber center from day one. They have the size and quality depth to wear teams down.

3. Continuity in scheme and culture. Boynton was the architect of last season’s No. 1-ranked defense and has been alongside this exact group for two years, which should soften the transition compared to an outside hire. If he can galvanize this new group they will be just fine on the defensive end.

3 Questions & Risk Factors

1. First-year head coach under win-now pressure. Boynton’s benchmarks (Final Four, or two of four aggressive markers) put real pressure on a program adjusting to a new voice, and his lone previous head-coaching stint (Oklahoma State) produced just one NCAA appearance in seven years. I think his contract is kinda ridiculous , but he seems confident enough with this group to do well and to ensure those contract expectations are met.

1. No proven wing scorer. Missing on Juke Harris leaves a hole at the three that will likely be filled by committee (Liburd, McCoy, Brown) rather than a single proven difference-maker.

2. floor spacing from the bigs. Thiam is a career 29% three-point shooter; if he and Estrella don’t space the floor as advertised, defenses can pack the paint against a backcourt-centric attack. Reed a career 37% shooter at a very low volume. Can Costello be the piece to make this all work?

Floor - sweet 16

Ceiling - Elite 8

Read more

Overview

On paper, and one you know will be in the mix to do special things before all is said and done. Houston will always be built on toughness and defense, with one of the most comprehensive, no-nonsense approaches to roster construction and style of play in the country. It’s pretty simple, a direct quote from Sampson that I found : an "alpha" competitor with high character, relentless defensive intensity, and a willingness to earn everything rather than expect guaranteed playing time”

For me personally when I see the Houston staff out on the recruiting trail, I like to try and find out who they’re interested in and who they’re watching. I’m a hardcore Duke fan, but I admire and respect everything Houston stands for. Every time I evaluate a Houston target through my own lens, I come up with the same reaction: “man, that kid is tough” or wow, he is really locked in on defense snd he’s tough.

Kelvin Sampson has the reputation of an elite coach and culture creator, I could go on and on about his greatness, but for the sake of getting this article done, I’ll save the praise for now.

Key departures

Houston’s departures were headlined by three players who heard their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft: Kingston Flemings (16.2 PPG), a lottery selection, Chris Cenac Jr. (9.6 PPG), taken 27th overall by the Boston Celtics, and Emanuel Sharp (15.4 PPG), also drafted. Rounding out the exits was senior guard Milos Uzan (11.3 PPG), who wrapped up a standout career and moved on after exhausting his eligibility, going undrafted in the process.

Roster Breakdown

Likely Starting Five

1. Dedan Thomas Jr. (G) — Senior transfer from LSU, slots in as the new primary point guard/lead guard to replace Uzan’s playmaking. One of the best pure passers in college basketball.

2. Corey Hadnot II (G) — Senior transfer (Purdue Fort Wayne), scoring guard to help fill the void left by Sharp. An absolute bucket-getter who can get hot in a hurry.

3. Mercy Miller (G/F) — Returning junior, the most proven wing on the roster and a likely focal scorer, ready to embrace a much bigger role as a go-to scorer/playmaker.

4. Joseph Tugler (F) — Returning senior anchor, elite defender/shot-blocker and the clear frontcourt centerpiece. Moving to the 4 spot, he’ll finally get his chance to prove he can score consistently.

1. Split on this one between Delrecco Gillespie / Arafan Diané (F/C) — The 5 spot is a genuine question mark, not in a bad way. Houston has two candidates who fit really well, and with Tugler sliding to the 4, both players could carve out a role and compete for the starting job.

Backcourt

Houston will have to replace a lot of perimeter scoring. The backcourt alone accounted for 42.9 combined points per game between Kingston Flemings (16.2 PPG), Milos Uzan (11.3 PPG), and Emanuel Sharp (15.4 PPG), all three now gone via the NBA Draft or exhausted eligibility. With that production went the defense, leadership, and experience that anchored the Cougars’ guard play. Here is where Dedan Thomas Jr., Mercy Miller, and Corey Hadnot II. 3 very good players.

Mercy Miller - a 6-4 guard who can absolutely fill it up. He’s a dynamic scorer off the bounce who excels at catching and shooting, with an athletic burst that allows him blow by defenders and finish at the rim. I’d call catch-and-shoot and attacking downhill his best skill, and his first step is lethal. He will have to prove that he has some playmaking chops.

Dedan Thomas — I’ll go as far as saying he’s the best passer in college basketball. His feel and IQ are unmatched. He runs an offense with high-level intelligence and keeps everyone involved and happy through his distributing. He’s especially sharp in pick-and-roll situations, he can manipulate the defense with his eyes and consistently makes every level of pass, take away the first pass he has enough intelligence to read the backside side of the defense and manipulate it.

On offense, the southpaw shot just 30 percent from three in an injury-shortened season at LSU, well below his 34.6 percent career clip, so there’s reason to expect a bounce-back rather than a real red flag. Still, he’s efficient enough with the ball, smart enough at using angles and ball screens to get loose. His middle game is elite, while not being the most athletic or the quickest, he still knows how to use angles and screens. Once he shakes loose from the defense, his floater is his primary weapon. He has a strong frame, and with two years of college under his belt he’s considered experienced and a veteran.

Corey Hadnot II - a 6’3” Guard (Atlanta, GA) — Electric scorer who can create for himself at a high level, he’s wired to score the basketball. At 6’3”, he plays much bigger than his size suggests, he’s a fearless offensive weapon, and we could see him excel even more at Houston. On defense, he’s very fleet of foot and can really be a pest, he’s capable of sitting down in a stance and making his man work thanks to great lateral movement and the ability to beat his man to the spot. Perfect pairing in the backcourt with Thomas

Frontcourt

Coach Sampson has another very good roster and he still has defensive anchor Joseph (jojo) Tugler. A combination of Tugler and anyone is good, throw Diane, Gillespie and Silimana, now you have an elite front court on both sides of the ball. If Diané’s motor, and conditioning holds up he could very well be the starting center at some point. If the lights are too bright early we will see the more seasoned and more versatile, Gillespie step in and hold it down.

Jojo Tugler — the all-world defensive savant is taking his talents to the power forward position, a move that signals an expanded viewing of his offensive repertoire, aimed to give him more of a chance to show he’s more than the rim-runner and play-finisher we’re used to seeing. He’s a self-described “mobile big.”

Quote from Tugler: “I’m made for it, I can move baby, I’m a mobile big.”

Arafan Diané (C, 7’1”) — at 7’1” with a 7’4” wingspan and a nearly 300-pound frame, immovable in the post and hard to get around, with good hands and educated feet. He can score on the block in a variety of ways, he has the drop step, R/L jump hook, the dunk obviously and his face up game is evolving nicely.

Delrecco Gillespie is a big-time athlete who can stretch the floor and put it on the deck on offense. He’s a real scorer at 6’8”. If he can come in and score like he did at Kent State, he can raise the ceiling of this team. His self-creation is what makes me most eager to watch , I want to see if it translates to Big Ten play.

Djafar Silimana (C, Redshirting 2026-2027) — as I was writing this article the college injunction was passed granting players a 5th year. This is still something very much up for debate in the courts but as of now it seems a go. Back to Silimana, he’s an absolute freak athlete with a great motor and shot-blocking skills. He’s a little bit of a project as he’s still raw in some areas, his upside is major though , I really see an NBA future on the horizon for him. Bottom line, at Houston, he will have time to develop.

Attention: Not sure how this plays out honestly, but this is something to note with recent changes in the ncaa regarding eligibility: the move to an age-based five-year eligibility rule, where athletes get five years of competition to be completed within five years of high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first, redshirts don't exist anymore

The Cougar dilemma and some keys to winning NCAAT games

So why can’t Houston get over the hump?

Half court scoring - not able to generate good shots, crunch time scoring, interior scoring.

Multiple half-court scoring answers.

The more weapons, the better. Teams that live on transition or have one shot-creator get taken out by elite defenses that force them into the half-court. You need at least two or three guys who can create their own shot when the game slows down. Hadnot/Milker/Thomas - all check this block, even if it’s not at an elite superstar level, all can create shots for themselves, can they do it when needed is another question

Free-throw generation. Getting to the line matters more in March, officiating tightens, possessions get scarce, and teams that can draw fouls control tempo, add easy points when shots aren’t falling. Generally do better Just scouring the numbers, this should definitely be a concern, the backcourt players on the roster really average about 3-4 ft’s a game, a very low rate. Houston will need more production in that area, the guards will have to attack the rim more.

Offensive rebounding / second chances.

This isn’t a Houston issue but it’s worth listing. A cold shooting night is inevitable at some point; teams that crash the glass can survive a bad shooting percentage by generating extra possessions. This is where Houston excels, Diane, Tugler and Gillespie are all glass eaters. They all have big time motors and are known to outwork the competition so rebounding and creating second chances is something Houston normally excels at

Ball security and easy looks in crunch time.

Dedan Thomas is one of the most sure handed point guards in college you can have, as a Junior (2025-26, LSU, cut short): 4.0 A/TO in 16 games (104 assists to 26 turnovers) before a season-ending left foot surgery, and he was leading the SEC in the category before falling off the leaderboard due to the 75% participation minimum. In the final minutes of close games are tournament killers, see Houston’s 2025 title game collapse, where they couldn’t generate easy looks against the Florida Gators. Composure and simple, high-percentage actions late matter more than flashy sets.

Interior scoring/post touches as a release valve.

When guards go cold, having a big who can score on the block or finish through contact gives an offense a way to manufacture points without needing a jumper to fall. Tugler will look to step into this role, but that is yet to be seen from him in his time at Houston, Gillespie and Diane figure to play into this more than Tugler. Gillespie has the experience, while Diane has the profile as a prolific interior force.

Spacing to support your best player.

Shot creators and shot makers need room to operate, Hadnot and Miller are the two perimeter guys who will be expected to score the ball and create for themselves, which will also collapse a defense and shift it, leaving others open for clean looks. Thomas in the PnR will also bend the defense in his favor and find others. Teams with enough shooting around them to force defenses to respect the perimeter tend to have easier scoring reps in the half-court.

Coaching Staff

Kelvin Sampson remains the head coach and the program’s central figure, giving Houston one of the more established staffs in the country. That continuity helps explain why the Cougars usually replace talent without losing their identity. They are a hard working staff and reduce to sacrifice the standard.

• Kelvin Sampson — Head Coach

• Kellen Sampson — Assistant Coach

• K.C. Beard — Assistant Coach

• Mike Ekanem — Assistant Coach

• Hollis Price — Special Assistant to the Head Coach / Assistant Coach

• Anthony Goldwire — Director of Player Development / Assistant Coach

Summary

The frontcourt gives the Cougars a real post presence. Tugler is the most important returner, his defense, rebounding, and toughness fit the program’s identity perfectly, while Diané and Silimana give Houston legitimate size to develop over the season. Add in Gillespie, and the Cougars should be able to pressure opponents on the glass and protect the rim without sacrificing much versatility.

Dedan Thomas will be the most important perimeter player and leader. He’ll be tasked to do what he does best: a mix of scoring and heavy facilitating, using his feel for the game to keep the offense organized and get his teammates involved.

Floor - Elite 8

Ceiling- FInal 4

This one is going to be tough for me as a Duke fan, but I’ll put my pride and bias aside. UConn has been nothing short of elite under Dan Hurley. Three trips to the national championship game in four years, with two titles in back-to-back seasons, is something every college basketball fan should appreciate.

Entering the 2026–27 season, this roster will look different, especially without star, Alex Karaban. That presents a new challenge, but it shouldn’t define the ceiling of this team. There’s still plenty of talent in place, paired with high-level coaching, but the biggest question remains: who steps up as the alpha?

I’ll dive into all of that in this piece. Hurley has balanced the transfer portal and high school recruiting well, building a roster that’s both talented and versatile across positions. Ultimately, though, this team’s ceiling will come down to two things: whether the frontcourt can hold up defensively and whether the backcourt can consistently create offense. Those factors will determine if UConn is a true Final Four/national Title contender or something else.

UConn projected starting lineup:

• PG: Silas Demary Jr.

• G: Braylon Mullins

• F: Nik Khamenia

• F: Egor Amosov

• C: Najai Hines

Roster

Talent, shooting positional size, and versatility is a constant with Dan Hurley’s rosters, this upcoming season will be no different I’ll discuss the backcourt and the front court to predict how UConn puts this puzzle all together.

Backcourt

Solo Ball - (out for the 2026-2027 season) he chose to undergo surgery on his left shooting wrist to repair damage sustained from playing through a severe wrist injury.

Silas Demary Jr. - had a solid debut season at UConn, averaging 10.1 PTS 4.5 REB 5. 9AST

44.6. The junior guard provided steady two-way play for the Huskies, showing toughness, defensive versatility, and dependable backcourt production while battling a nagging ankle injury during the year.

Braylon Mullins - after his back breaking 3 -pointer in the closing seconds vs Duke in the elite 8 , Mullins who’s an elite shooter and highly skilled guard will be looking to bring more magic to storrs, and to improve upon his game which he’s been primarily just a a shooter at UConn his development arc should be to take a jump in the creation area and for him to improve defensively. Overall his development might be the most important of any player on the roster.

Nik Khamenia- this one hurt, but I’m happy for Nik. He transferred in from Duke leaving a program where his minutes were up and down, looking for a bigger role he bolted to UConn where he figures to replace Alex Karaban who was out of eligibility and was drafted to the NBA. One thing I’ll say, Nik’s attitude and style of play fits at UConn’s style, he’s a hard nosed versatile forward who does whatever it takes to get an advantage and win some games. He can guard multiple potions and he fits multiple offensive roles. A true Swiss Army knife.

Colben Landrew - a consensus 4star top 25 talent in the 2026 class. Has a very skilled scoring profile, at 6-6 ha has a massive 6-10 wingspan. He played for Wheeler high school in Marietta Georgia where he averaged 24 points 6 rebounds and two assist. He has a very strong body and is a decent athlete, does most of his damage off the bounce, he should do really well in Hurley’s offense. And could play a vital role off the bench.

Egor Amosov- the former Real Madrid U21 player is a high-level shot-making Russian wing/forward with a strong scoring profile. He’s an excellent shooter both off the catch and on the move, capable of creating separation and knocking down tough looks. Amosov plays with physicality and shows the traits of a mature scorer who understands how to get to his spots and produce.

He isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he’s a decent one he will have to improved his defensive mobility, particularly on the perimeter he will be tested against smaller, quicker players. Still, his offensive skill set gives him clear value.He’s tough, competitive, and unafraid of physical play. While he may have to earn his minutes early, his shooting and scoring versatility give him a strong case to either crack the starting lineup or be a high-impact first option off the bench.

Reserves

Junior County is a big guard who plays with pace, takes care of the ball, and gives you real value as a connector on both ends. He was the 2026 Utah Gatorade Player of the Year at Wasatch Academy were he averaged: 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in 25-26

Jaye Nash- is a steady point guard who can organize an offense, create for others, and bring a veteran presence to the backcourt, transferred in from Jackson state were he averaged 5.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 25.5 minutes per game

Jacob Ross -is a long, versatile forward with projectable size, solid scoring touch, and enough two-way upside to fit as a multi-positional wing.

Nils Machowski- He was Second Team All-SoCon honors, as a junior in ’25-26, averaged 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in a team-high 33.7 minutes per game, lightning quick release in his jumpshot and can catch the floor at an elite level should fit in great in a heavy player an all movement offense that plays with space

Front court

This is where things get a bit tricky. UConn has multiple players who can slot in at either the 3 or 4, several of whom were mentioned in the backcourt outlook.

Hurley prefers a skilled four-man, which is where players like Nik Khamenia and Egor Amosov come into play. It speaks to just how versatile this roster is, and that flexibility is a major strength.

If UConn wants to lean into a more perimeter-oriented, skill-based offense, they can scale pieces across positions up or down seamlessly. If they opt for a more conventional approach with two bigs, you’re looking at lineups featuring Hines alongside some of the front court options that will be discussed in that breakdown.

Na’jai Hines — the 6-foot-11 bruiser, spent the 2025–26 season at Seton Hall, averaging 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and a BIG EAST-best 2.2 blocks in just 18.0 minutes per game during his freshman campaign.

Hurley has a preference for physical, interior anchors, and Hines fits that mold. For him to maximize his impact, he must stay on the floor, limiting fouls and improving conditioning will be critical.

Offensively, Hines is a load. He establishes deep post position, seals effectively, and sets punishing screens. He’s a strong rim runner who presents a consistent high-hands target and finishes with both finesse and power. He also draws fouls at a high rate, and there are very few defenders who can handle him one-on-one.Floor spacing is not part of his game at this stage, he is strictly a low-post presence.

Reserves
Elmir Džafić — another international, physical big who can stretch the floor out to 10–15 feet. At 7-0 he presents a massive target on the block and consistently uses his size to seal and pin defenders under the rim. fundamentally sound and strong as an he runs the floor well and shows a workable face-up game. An excellent rebounder, he plays with the toughness and edge commonly seen in Bosnian bigs. You’re going to need a lot do rest and recovery and Tylenol for muscle pain and soreness if UConn decides to roll him and Hines out together.

Oskar Giltay - didn’t play much at Stanford, but now at UConn he’ll look to carve out a role and contribute. He’s a very mobile, athletic big with intriguing upside, runs the floor well and provides solid rim protection as a shot blocker. He as the strength to hang, but at this level he’s a skilled front court piece who can give you spot minutes and provide relief without a significant drop-off.

Interchangeable Players who can also play the 4 spot, mentioned in the backcourt section:

• Nik Khamenia 🔄

• Egor Amosov 🔄

The depth is unusually interesting because it includes several international and transfer pieces: Egor Amosov, Oskar Giltay, Nils Machowski, and Elmir Džafic. That gives UConn multiple ways to scale lineups up or down, while also creating the kind of competition in practice that Hurley’s teams usually use to sharpen roles and toughness.

X- Factors

Nik Khamenia and Colben Landrew are the swing factors for UConn. Khamenia fits naturally into that connector role, his skill set bridges the gap between guard-oriented and big-lineup basketball while providing facilitation and scoring without much drop-off in toughness or production.

Landrew development, he needs to bring scoring punch and projects as a key piece off the bench. He fits the primary scorer mold with his combination of skill and size, giving UConn another reliable offensive option.

Coaching staff

Dan Hurley has a strong case as the best coach in college basketball right now. The run he’s on is both historic and dominant. Some of his sideline antics may not be well received, but when you’re winning at that level, it becomes secondary, and he has unquestionably delivered.

His staff plays a major role in that success. Associate head coach Kimani Young enters his eighth season at UConn and is an elite relationship builder and recruiter with a sharp basketball mind. Mike Nardi, now in his second season, brings another high-level perspective after developing under Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright at Villanova. Mike Pegues adds value with his work developing big men, along with contributions in recruiting and scouting.

Losing offensive coordinator Luke Murray to Boston College is a significant blow, but this is a staff built to adapt. The formula remains the same, it’s just different ingredients.

Summary

With an elite roster and arguably the best coach in college basketball, UConn continues to operate at the highest level. Their culture and consistency keep them firmly in the blue-blood conversation year after year. Hurley has upheld that standard of excellence since taking over as head coach and hasn’t allowed the program to dip below the bar set before his arrival. He will have his teams ready to compete for a national title, there’s no question about that.

Prediction

Floor - Final Four

Ceiling - national champions

Intro

Louisville made some dramatic moves and spent a lot of money to ensure it has a championship-caliber roster. On paper, Louisville should be able to compete with anyone. But the game isn’t played on paper, so let’s break down how the Cardinals got to this point and project what the season could look like. It all starts with recruiting. Pat Kelsey and his staff did a great job corralling talent. I know we’ve all heard about the enormous dollar amounts that were spent, but the reality is that the rumors might not be aligned with reality. The rumored $30 million deficit will hang over their heads all season long and will be the biggest talking point if they falter. Besides that, you cannot deny that Louisville and put an elite collection of talent together and they should be fun to watch.

Roster Breakdown

Projected starters

I’m not a coach or a member of the Louisville staff, so my starters prediction is based entirely on the players’ talent, past performance at previous schools, and current fit.

PG: Jackson Shelstad — a lightning-quick point guard who can shoot with accuracy and put pressure on defenses in transition. He makes plays well in the middle third of the floor and can get hot quickly. At Oregon, he often played without much surrounding talent, but that will be different here, so he’ll need to balance getting teammates involved with staying aggressive.

SG: Adrian Wooley — the smooth-shooting southpaw should be counted on for a bigger scoring role. He connected on 35 percent from three and has the upside to be even more efficient from the arc. His shooting will be a key part of Louisville’s spacing and offensive ceiling in Louisville heavy 3-point shooting offense.

SF: Karter Knox — the Cardinals’ wild card, Knox can give Louisville a different level of physicality if he stays healthy. His shooting, transition scoring, and potential as a post scorer give him a unique offensive ceiling. His talent has never been the question; the bigger concerns are health, focus, and consistency. At times, he can float through possessions and look disengaged, but if he tightens that up, he should be in line for a big year.

PF: Alvaro Folgueiras — the Iowa transfer and elite floor spacer gives Pat Kelsey a type of forward he has not typically had. If Folgueiras consistently stretches the floor, he can open driving lanes for Louisville’s perimeter players while also creating more room for Flory Bidunga to work one-on-one inside. He is also a tough, aggressive scorer and rebounder, which is not something you always get from European players. He does not back down from a challenge and is not afraid of the bright lights.

C: Flory Bidunga — the prize of the transfer portal, Kelsey was able to get him on campus and keep him there, which was a major win. Bidunga is a household name in college basketball, and I love the fit for him at Louisville. The Cardinals’ high-octane offense matches his ability to run the floor and catch lobs in transition and in the half court. He is an elite post defender and a very good rebounder on both ends. Natural progression for players is to expand their game, and while I’ve seen footage of Bidunga shooting threes, a low-volume approach probably serves Louisville best. If the plan is for him to shoot a high volume of threes, that could backfire, especially since he has not taken a three-pointer in college yet. They will be better off using Bidunga as a screener and ball mover, then getting him involved in different actions around the basket

Backcourt

Louisville has a loaded backcourt, with Jackson Shelstad, Wooley, and Knox as the primary options, backed by Montgomery and Johnson. That depth should allow them to sustain the breakneck pace and high-volume three-point shooting Pat Kelsey prefers. If that group can come together, play efficiently, and fully leverage the three-point line, they’ll be a difficult team to guard.

Shelstad is coming off a strong season at Oregon, where he averaged 15.6 PTS, 2.9 REB, and 4.9 AST on 39.1% shooting from the field.

Getting Wooley back was significant. He had a productive season and looks poised for an expanded role, averaging 8.7 PTS, 3.9 REB, and 1.8 AST while shooting 45.0% from the field.

Knox posted similar production at Arkansas prior to his injury, finishing with 8.1 PTS, 4.5 REB, and 1.2 AST on 46.0% shooting.

Reserves

Guard depth: London Johnson- former g-league player. He’s a Pick and roll guard who can create a shit for himself

De’Shayne Montgomery- athletic freak, great in transition, he’s more of a shotmaker than a shooter, plays passing lanes on defense, electric dunker

Frontcourt:

Depth is always a strength, especially in a sport like basketball where injuries and foul trouble are inevitable. This frontcourt not only has depth, but quality depth. Bidunga and Foulgeiras are expected to carry the bulk of the minutes and project as an elite pairing. If either is sidelined, Ekezie and Dynes provide reliable reinforcement, both being true centers capable of holding the line.

The lingering question, however, is floor spacing. specifically, who stretches the floor when Foulgeiras is off the court. I think Knox can play some small ball 4 and be a threat but that’s going to have to be decided in the flow of the game by the staff.

Reserves

Obinna Ekezie Jr. — At 7-foot, he is a physical force and was the No. 1 ranked big man in his class. He’s Extremely talented, and the best natural post scorer on the team, he will need to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game, but projects as a major impact player for Louisville.

Gabe Dynes — His presence is most felt as a rim protector. Despite limited minutes last season, in 2025 he averaged 3 blocks per game in just 21 minutes. His production suggests clear defensive value, and as his minutes increase, it becomes a key decision point for Kelsey moving forward.

Staff outlook

Pat Kelsey remains the program’s driving force, but Louisville’s staff has undergone significant changes entering the 2026–27 season. John Andrzejek was brought in as associate head coach, a key addition given his defensive background with former national champs, Florida. Sean Dixon joined as an assistant coach, while Tim Austing was added as special assistant to the head coach, both great fits and personalities. Ronnie Hamilton, Mike Cassidy, and Jermaine Ukaegbu all retained and will be entering their third season at Louisville.

These moves carry added weight because Louisville lost key staff members in Brian Kloman and Thomas Carr. As a result, these hires are not just additions but replacements that shift the staff’s overall strengths. Andrzejek brings head coaching experience and a defensive mindset, Dixon adds ACC familiarity and recruiting connections, and Austing provides Kelsey with a trusted voice who has deep local and regional ties. The three retained will be tasked to do the same things they were doing as assistants but at a higher level .

outlook

The big picture is simple: Louisville looks deeper, longer, and more complete than a typical early offseason roster projection. Shelstad will need to be good, and if he settles in quickly alongside Bidunga and Foulgeiras, the frontcourt should be strong enough to drive a winning season. As a whole, this group has enough shot creation and interior presence to contend in the ACC right away and make serious noise in the NCAA Tournament. Defense remains the biggest question mark.

The coaching staff appears more aligned with the roster. Kelsey has added experience in playmaking, defense, player development, and roster construction, which should help the Cardinals with both in-game adjustments and the ongoing demands of modern college basketball. The next step is dialing back the heavy three-point emphasis and leaning into the strengths of this roster.

Floor - elite 8

Ceiling - final 4