One of the best independent underclassmen events in the country, the Crossroads Elite Invitational has made its mark in the grassroots community throughout the past decade. Held in Indianapolis, founder Adam Shoulders and his staff feverishly scout the nation looking for the top youngsters who have yet to hit the national radar, then provide them with the platform to get the exposure necessary. Players such as Michael Porter Jr., Brandon Miller, Darius Garland, Chet Holmgren, Kevin Knox, Gradey Dick, the Thompson twins, and more all donned the Crossroads Elite jersey far before they were household names in recruiting circles. The 2023 edition of the camp brought plenty more who will certainly follow their path.

The camp jumped off with a skills clinic led by USA Basketball Director of Youth Development Don Showalter. Showalter established a baseline for the expectations of the event, implementing team concepts with a number of player development drills. Games followed on Saturday, culminating with a unique all-star playoff series on Sunday that brought the top 80 players against one other in competitive fashion. New names came to the horizon, scholarships were earned, and the competition level was high throughout the weekend at Crossroads.

Here are a few of the standouts from the 2023 Crossroads Elite Invitational:

Niko Bundalo, 6’9, PF, Green HS (OH), 2025
One of the hottest rising juniors in the nation, NBundalo showed the inside-out game that college coaches dream of out of a new age forward. The lefty is a serious athlete who can defend multiple spots, is a serious creator from the perimeter, but also isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint. The blend of skill, production, and potential make him yet another special product in Ohio’s loaded 2025 class. Having gained over a dozen big time offers in the past month, things certainly don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon for Bundalo.

Lincoln Cosby, 6’8, SF, Lakota West HS (OH), 2027
As far as upside is concerned, Cosby is amidst the elite that the Crossroads Elite Invitational had to offer. The lefty is a ridiculous athlete, is completely comfortable facing the basket and going to work, and makes you forget that he’s a mere 14 years old. The Cincinnati product’s combination of offensive skill set, size, and athleticism set him atop of Ohio’s 2027 class.

Winters Grady, 6’6, SF, Lake Oswego HS (OR), 2025
The best player on the best team (champion team Darius Garland), Grady left quite the impression on scouts in attendance at the Crossroads Elite Invitational. The gritty wing can finish through contact when attacking, shot it well from beyond the arc, and was efficient scoring with limited bounces. Grady holds no shortage of mid-major offers and has began hearing from numerous PAC-12 schools over the past month.

Toni Bryant, 6’9, PF, North Tampa Christian (FL), 2026
There was considerable buzz surrounding Bryant coming into Crossroads and he certainly backed up the hype when his motor was running, both with his production and potential. The forward is an explosive leaper who can defend a number of spots, showed flashes of being a reliable three point shooter, and played above the rim on both ends. Immediately after the camp, Bryant received offers from Illinois and UNLV.

Howard Williams, 6’5, SG/SF, Whitney Young HS (IL), 2027
A player who I had heard a ton about but had yet to see in person, Williams certainly showed he was the truth at Crossroads. Owning great positional size at 6’5 (and not appearing to be done growing), the rising freshman was an explosive straight line driver, finished in the paint through contact, and has outstanding natural scoring instincts. Running with the Chi-Town Bulldogs and Meanstreets on the AAU circuit, Howard has the potential to be the next special wing out of the Windy City.

Stephen Brown, 6’7, SF/PF, Marist HS (IL), 2026
Brown was yet another Chicago player to bring a package of grit and high level play to Crossroads. The new age forward can play inside and out, maximizing his athleticism to make plays on both ends with switches. He scored when the opportunity presented itself, was unselfish to a fault at times, and kept his foot on the gas with his motor. The Mac Irvin Fire forward is still just 14 years old entering his sophomore year, offering scary potential down the road.

Elijah Perryman, 6’2, PG, Clayton Valley HS (CA), 2025
The catalyst from the championship Team Darius Garland squad, Perryman came from California and showed that he could hold his own with many of the best that the Midwest has to offer. The lanky playmaker had a number of high extension finishes at the rack, can make tough passes with either hand, and is a threat shooting the rock with his feet set. Still significantly under the radar, Perryman is a name that you’ll be hearing about on the west coast.

Aidan Cronister, 6’7, SF, Rogers HS (AR), 2026
A player who I was not familiar with leading into the event, Chronister certainly held it down for Arkansas at the Crossroads Elite Invitational. The lanky wing possesses a quick release from 3-point range, is agile enough to beat you off the bounce, and uses his length to provide a formidable presence on the defensive end. Already hearing from numerous high major programs, Chronister is one of the more interesting underclassmen on the New Balance PRO 16 Circuit.

Cameron Williams, 6’8, PF, Skyline Prep (AZ), 2026
The definition of all arms and legs, Williams showed his incredible long term potential at Crossroads Elite. The new age forward can play both inside and out, defends multiple positions, and was automatic shooting from mid-range. Williams has been working with renowned grassroots coach Paul Suber and is running with Vegas Elite in the EYBL.

Jaylen Gunther, 5’10, PG, Youngstown Ursuline (OH), 2027
As far as the deepest range in the camp, Gunther placed himself right there with anyone as far as shooting Trae Young-esque threes. The rising freshman is a high IQ lead guard, plays within himself, and cannot be left due to his shooting ability off of the catch and off the bounce. A coach’s son, Gunther certainly has all of the tools at his disposal to fulfill his potential to the highest level.