The third Nike EYBL session took place in Kansas City over Memorial Day weekend, bringing together a tremendous amount of high-level talent for a four-day event featuring many of the top teams and prospects in high school basketball matching up against one another. With one final stop remaining in Las Vegas this July before Peach Jam, the event provided another important opportunity for players to improve stock, continue building momentum, and make strong impressions in front of the many college coaches and NBA scouts in attendance.
AJ Williams 6’8, 210 SF – CP3 (2028)
Williams (pictured) averaged 21.8 points per game on 44.8% FG%. He killed it from midrange with his elevated jumper, staying squared up and showing no wasted motion in his shot. He also took advantage of his size in the post, where he utilized his fadeaway effectively. He struggled from three-point range at 27.3% on 5.5 attempts per game, but the form is clean and the long-term shooting outlook remains encouraging. He doesn’t have a lot of creativity as a ball-handler, but he’s consistently balanced and under control when attacking the basket. Williams also excelled drawing fouls, averaging 8.8 free throw attempts per game, including a remarkable 21 attempts in a game against Team Durant, while converting 82.9% from the line. Defensively, he showed versatile potential and stood out as a rebounder on both ends, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, including 4 offensive boards. Already viewed as one of the elite young prospects in the country, Williams has firmly entered the conversation as the top overall high school prospect regardless of class, with a blend of size, scoring instincts, production, and long-term upside that is difficult to ignore.
LJ Smith 6’4, 180 PG/SG – Team Melo (2027, Ohio State)
Smith put up a lot of points at 19.3 per game on 49.1% FG% with his new team. He lit it up from 3 at 40.6% 3PT% at a high-volume of 8 attempts per game. He showed deep range on his shot and a lot of comfort shooting off the dribble. Along with his perimeter shooting, Smith can score in isolation and handles the ball well when pressured. While he’s best when scoring, he’s capable of making plays for his teammates at 3.3 assists to 1.3 turnovers per game.
CJ Rosser 6’9, 195 SG – Team United (2027)
Rosser looked better than the first two sessions, moving more off the ball to score on cuts and the connecting end of alley-oops. He made a few in the midrange but still struggled from 3PT at 29.2% 3PT% on 6 attempts per game. He brought a presence defensively, blocking a lot of shots at 3 per game and coming away with 2 steals per game. As usual, he rebounded well with 8 per game and drew a lot of fouls, with 5.3 free throw attempts per game, and an improved 81% FT%. Rosser’s tools and talent are undeniable but still has room to improve. Rosser posted a 4-game average of 21.5 points per game on 49.2% FG%.
King Gibson 6’6, 185 PG/SG – Team United (2027)
Gibson played with aggression. He averaged 18 points per game and did a good job balancing scoring vs facilitating but struggled with efficiency from the floor (39.6% FG%) and didn’t shoot well from distance at 20% 3PT%. He made a lot of good plays in the pick and roll but was high on the turnovers at 5.5 assists to 3.8 turnover per game. He’s quick and wasn’t afraid to take it straight to his defender to score or draw a foul, shooting 9.5 free throws per game at 84.2% FT%, and did a good job seeking out the mismatch. Gibson also rebounded well for a guard, pulling down 6.5 per game.
Chase Lumpkin 6’5, 170 SG – Jet Academy (2027)
Lumpkin showed a little bit of everything. He scored on some volume but shows impressive touch from everywhere on the floor. He shot well from 3PT at 37.9% on 7.3 attempts per game but not so efficient from inside the arc at 32.1% FG% (25.9% 2PT%), as his finishing at the rim can improve. He got to the free throw line well and connected at 90%, playing with aggression and effort. He rebounded (7.5 per game) and passed well with 5.8 assists to 2.3 turnovers per game. He has good feet defensively and active hands, seeming to get his hand in there to disrupt often and came away with 1.8 steals per game. Lumpkin showed his quickness and athleticism over the course of the four games.
Frashad Tisby 6’6, 185 SF – Jet Academy (2027)
Tisby has a good body and looks like he still has some physical maturing to do. He’s athletic and had some good takes to the rim, showing body control and dunking in the crowded paint. He has some versatility as a defender, defending the post and some on the perimeter. He didn’t show any perimeter shooting, going 1-3 from distance over 4 games, but made 9 of his 10 free throws. Tisby averaged 14.3 points on a highly efficient 72.7% FG% and 6 (2.5 offensive) rebounds per game.
Tai Bell 6’3, 200 PG – Jet Academy (2028)
Bell had a good showing with 17.5 points per game on 59.5% FG%. He can shoot but he wasn’t big on chucking up a lot of quick looks from the 3PT line, going 3-6 over 4 games. He has a shifty handle and can pass, creating for himself and teammates well, but he was high on turnovers with 4 assists to 3.5 turnovers per game, including 6 alone in the game against Team United. He seemed like a solid athlete but didn’t show too much explosion when I watched him. Bell also grabbed 5.5 rebounds per game and shot 8 free throws per game, connecting on 71.9% FT%.
Beckham Black 6’4, 180 PG – AB Elite (2027)
Black excelled running the offense but his shooting splits were a bit down in Kansas City (43.1% FG%, 33.3% 3PT%, 73.8% FT%) on his way to 20.5 points per game. He was great in the pick and roll; hitting the roller or making an accurate skip to a shooter. There are times he gets caught in the air with the ball and turned it over a lot but the good far outweighs the bad with 8.3 assists to 5 turnovers per game. He got his hands on a lot defensively, intercepting a lot of passes to start the break, recording 1.5 steals per game. Black played aggressive, shot 10.5 free throws per game, and had a few impressive dunks throughout the event.
Isaiah Santos 6’5, 210 SF – AB Elite (2027)
Santos played hard and scored a lot at the rim while going full speed. He was good finishing in transition, running the floor, and staying alert. He finished above the rim at times and did a good job using his body around the basket to score in the post. He played good defense on the perimeter and in the post. He also rebounded very well with 9.8 per game, doing an excellent job of converting second chance points aggressively attacking the offensive glass with 4.3 offensive boards per game. He showed some occasional passing but was best scoring with 18 points per game on 57.1% FG%, 37.5% 3PT%, and 80.8% FT%.
Marri Wesley 6’5, 205 SG – AB Elite (2027)
Wesley played well off the ball, spacing the floor (45.5% 3PT%) and scoring at the rim to average 13.8 points on 54.1% FG%. He’s a good transition finisher with his length and athleticism, as he can challenge defenders. He can also post up smaller players but can play with more consistent aggression. He played versatile defense and rebounded well (5.8).
Colton Hiller 6’7, 210 SG/SF – PSA Cardinals (2028)
Hiller can really shoot the ball, connecting at 40% 3PT% on 8.8 attempts per game. He’s nearly automatic off the catch and scores well in the midrange after taking contact and using pivots to free himself some space. He has a strong base, footwork, and some craft in the post as well. Hiller averaged 25.8 points on 53.8% FG% and shot 7.5 free throws per game, but for whatever reason struggled at 63.3% FT%. Hiller also averaged 5.5 rebounds without grabbing a single offensive board in his 4 games and 1.5 steals per game.
Tyrone Jamison 6’2, 155 PG – JL3 (2027)
Jamison was a high-volume scorer (19.8 points on 18.5 shots (35.1% FG) and 9.3 3PT attempts (21.6% 3PT%)) but made things happen with the ball. He made all 19 free throw attempts over the 4 games. He’s quick and handles the ball well, avoiding traps and penetrates with either hand. His court vision in the half-court is impressive too, doing a good job getting teammates involved while taking care of the ball with 5 assists to 1.5 turnovers per game. He also rebounds well for his position with 6 per game.
Jamaal McKnight 6’0, 180 PG – Team Durant (2027)
McKnight had a good showing, putting up points and getting others involved. He averaged 15 points on only 41.2% FG% but shot better from 3PT at 44.4% on 4.5 attempts per game. He consistently put a lot of defensive pressure on the ball, coming away with 1.5 steals per game, and competes well on that end. He’s a below-the-rim finisher in the paint but used his floater in the midrange. McKnight knows how to make his teammates better and find them where they’re effective, averaging 5.3 assists to 2.3 turnovers per game.
Cayden Daughtry 6’2, 150 PG – Florida Rebels (2027)
Daughtry made things look easy, playing at a good pace and making plays on a routine basis. He put up big numbers in a few areas and was highly efficient. He showed his limitless range and middle game with his pull-up and floater, scoring 24 points per game on 61.1% FG%, 47.4% 3PT% (4.8 3PTA), and 87.5% FG% (21-24). Where Daughtry really stood out was his 10.5 assists to only 1.8 turnovers per game, doing a good job leading the offense without getting loose or forcing over the course of each game. In addition to his offensive game, he rebounded well for a point guard with 5.8 rebounds and had some good moments defensively with his vocality and effort, recording 1.8 steals per game.
Carson Crawford 6’8, 180 SF – Florida Rebels (2027)
Crawford is an athletic forward, showing reliability as a finisher, as he’s effective running the floor and catching oops. He’s not a heavy scorer but provides value and effectivity as secondary or even third option, averaging 13.5 points on an efficient 65.8% FG%. He’s a capable passer with a solid 2.8 assists but 2.3 turnovers per game. He doesn’t show a lot of 3PT shooting, shooting 40% 3PT% on a small sample size (2-5), but he’s shooting a respectable 36.4% (4-11) over his 8 total games. I would like to see him get more free throw attempts, only shooting 3 in 4 games. Crawford stood out as a rebounder on both ends with 9.5 per game and 3.3 coming on the offensive end, where he’s capable of throwing down a tip-slam.
Rowan Phillips 6’7, 185 SG – Team Final (2028)
Phillips wasn’t too efficient but showed ability as a shooter and scorer. He reads and reacts well with the ball, showing scoring instincts and averaged 16.5 points on 45.5% FG%. He gets good movement off the ball and draws fouls well, shooting 8 free throws per game but only connecting at 65.6% FT%. He didn’t show much explosive ability when I watched him but he’s smooth with the ball, getting into the midrange or hitting difficult shots at the rim without being too fazed by the defense. His 3PT shooting was up and down game to game but ultimately shot 33.3% 3PT% on 3.8 attempts per game. Phillips didn’t contribute much in any other area with only 1 rebound, 0.5 assists to 2.3 turnovers, no blocks, and 0.5 steals per game.
Ryan Hampton 6’7, 190 SG – Nightrydas (2027, Kentucky)
After two winless sessions with LivOn, Hampton joined Nightrydas and came away with an undefeated session. This was my best viewing of Hampton. He averaged 21 points per game and in the game I saw him, his scoring had much more flow than usual, but he can still improve his 42.6% FG% 4-game average. He didn’t show any explosive athleticism, but he did a good job selling his crossover, slashing and finishing contested shots with either hand. He got to the free throw line well, shooting 7 free throws per game, connecting at 71.4% FT%. He also spaced the floor and shot a much improved 37.5% 3PT% on 4 3PT attempts per game. Hampton showed some rebounding with 5.5 per game but not too much in any other area outside of scoring with 0.5 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game.
Gabe Nesmith 6’7, 185 SG – Nightrydas (2027)
Nesmith is one of the more naturally talented players in the class with innate creating and scoring ability. He’s a bit iso heavy and tries to get fouled on jump shots, often settling for contested shots, sometimes even shooting off one foot but he can get it going as a scorer. He’s a good athlete too, showing quickness and getting up well as a finisher. He has room to tighten up and improve shooting consistency, but Nesmith was productive, scoring 22.5 points per game on 48.6% FG% and 29.6% 3PT%. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and passed 3 assists to 2.3 turnovers per game.
Lewis Uvwo 6’11, 225 C – Nightrydas (2027)
Uvwo continued to dominate on the defensive end, blocking 3.8 shots per game. He dunked everything around the basket, scoring 12.5 points per game and was very efficient at 63.2% FG%. He can’t stretch the floor or shoot at all, going 0-3 from 3PT, airballing both attempts against Team Thad and going 2-6 from the free throw line. His high energy play helps him as a rebounder with 12.5 per game, 4.8 on the offensive end. Something that stands out about Uvwo is how excited he gets for teammate’s success on plays he’s not involved with. Uvwo continued his strong summer and helped Nightrydas to an undefeated weekend.
Tyson Pogi 6’2, 155 PG – Mokan Elite (2027, Oklahoma State)
Pogi is a high-volume scorer, who can fill it up when he gets hot. He’s quick and creates for himself off the dribble, where he can get to the rim to hit a tough layup or shoot in the defender’s face from the perimeter. He averaged 15.8 points per game on 42.3% FG% and 40% 3PT% on 8 attempts per game, including a 7-13 3PT game against Team United. In addition to his scoring ability, he shows plenty of capability as a playmaker, dropping dimes mid-dribble to record 5 assists to 2 turnovers per game.
Asa Montgomery 6’7, 195 SF – AOT (2027)
Montgomery is leading the EYCL in scoring at 29 points per game. He’s a wing with a strong lower body that allows him to get up well around the basket as well as lift on his elevated midrange pull-up. He has a strong frame too and likes to initiate contact but has a tendency to duck and force his way to the basket at times. He had some nice dunks and finished a few alley-oops. He can shoot from 3PT but can still improve consistency at 31.8% 3PT% on 5.5 attempts per game. He’s a capable passer too with 2.8 assists to 2.5 turnovers per game. He seems more like an undersized four as he likes to use his body and play with his back to the basket rather than try to break down defenders from the perimeter. Montgomery posted a 4-game average of 28 points (53.2% FG%), 79.3% FT% (7.3 FTA), 8.8 (3.5 offensive) rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
Quali Giran 6’2, 160 PG – Oakland Soldiers 16U (2029)
Giran has good length and strength for his age. He has a calm demeanor and doesn’t show much emotion or get rattled. He has a good first step and handles the ball well but is selective when driving, not forcing an offensive attack against a set defense when playing in the half-court. He played off the ball a lot as a secondary handler and is currently 5th in scoring on 15U at 21.5 points per game. He has a nice 3PT shot, midrange pull-up with proper mechanics, and had a few dunks in the game I saw, showing solid athleticism. Giran was productive and efficient in all 4 games in Kansas City, averaging 23 points on 67.3% FG%, 40% 3PT% on 3.8 attempts, 84.2% FT%, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists to 1.3 turnovers, and 1.3 steals per game.
