The Adidas 3SSB stops provided good opportunities to evaluate some of the nation's top players, but the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships was the best viewing setting for the players in its circuit because of the atmosphere and stakes involved.
There were some terrific 2027s, but we focused on the terrific underclassmen in attendance, with several prospects strengthening their standing while others offered a clearer picture of their long-term projection. From established names continuing to produce to emerging prospects making a case for a rankings boost, here are my notes from Rock Hill.
Mass Rivals’ Antonio Pemberton (No. 46 SC Next 100) got BUSY in a 2-point win vs. Compton Magic, 71-69, to advance to the @3ssbcircuit quarterfinals 😤
-29 PTS, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/rbDaNtKJXB
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) July 17, 2026
Class of 2027
Antonio Pemberton | 6'0" SG | Mass Rivals
Pemberton once again showcased why he's regarded as one of the better pure scorers in the class. Despite being undersized, he consistently created separation off the bounce and supplied instant offense. He's equally comfortable operating on or off the ball, requiring very few dribbles to generate quality looks. His scoring instincts continue to translate regardless of the setting.
Kevin Savage | 5'11" PG | Game Elite
Savage looked like the same dependable floor general we've come to expect. The left-handed point guard connected from deep, controlled the pace, and consistently elevated the play of those around him. He remains appropriately valued nationally and continues to raise the floor of every team he leads.
Gene Roebuck | 6'5" SG | Dream Vision
The sturdy scoring wing looked his best when he stayed within the flow of the offense, attacked in transition, and let the game come to him. Like his positional size, frame and ability to generate a good look in late shot clock situation
Darius Wabbington | 6'10" C/PF | Compton Magic
Wabbington's versatility remains intriguing, but his role offensively drifted too far away from his strengths. He spent extended stretches functioning as a secondary ball-handler, and while he has legitimate passing ability, those possessions often took him out of rhythm. Against Mass Rivals, he appeared rushed at times and settled for contested mid-range jumpers. There's value in using him as an offensive hub.
DJ Hawkins | 6'7" SF | BABC
Hawkins excelled playing in space. The long, athletic wing used his length effectively in transition, showed a reliable stop-and-pop game, and consistently finished over length with impressive touch. His ability to create in the open floor continues to stand out.
Kamari Whyte | 6'3" CG | Mass Rivals
Whyte put together one of his stronger performances during the July live period. He's wired to score and repeatedly touched the paint, creating advantages in the half court with his ability to get to his spots. His aggressiveness as a downhill scorer was a major catalyst for Mass Rivals' offense.
Ahmed Nur | 6'9" PF | Power 5
Nur didn't have a flashy weekend, but he once again demonstrated why he's one of the more dependable stretch forwards in the class. At 6-foot-9, his shooting ability forces hard closeouts, creating spacing for everyone around him. He simply continues doing what he does well at a consistently high level.
Class of 2028
MJ Boyd | 6'2" PG | 99OVR
With Josiah Rose unavailable, Boyd embraced the primary playmaking responsibilities and delivered despite his team's struggles. Sporting a reported 6-foot-8 wingspan, he consistently used his length to finish through contact while keeping defenders off balance with active feet and changing tempos off the dribble. He also knocked down spot-up threes and continued to show why he's one of the more intriguing lead guards in the class.
Xavier Hall | 6'11" C | Team Loaded
Hall physically overwhelmed opponents throughout the event. The 6-foot-11 center combines a massive frame with impressive athleticism, making him nearly impossible to handle once he establishes deep post position. Inside five feet, he routinely imposed his will and finished through contact.
Yann Kamagate | 7'0" C | Compton Magic
Kamagate continues to possess some of the highest defensive upside in the class. The 7-footer is an elite athlete capable of switching across multiple positions, covering ground quickly, and protecting the rim at a high level. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, his athleticism and defensive versatility give him tremendous long-term value. There is considerable talk within the industry that Kamagate will re-class up to 2027.
Parker McDaniels | 6'4" SG | Southern Assault
McDaniels erupted for 38 points in the game I evaluated, reinforcing his reputation as one of the better movement shooters in the class. He constantly relocated without the ball, punished defenders who lost track of him, and attacked closeouts effectively once defenses overcommitted to his perimeter shooting.
Class of 2029
RJ Evans | 6'6" SF | Austin Rivers Elite
Evans continues to impress with his athletic tools and activity level. He's at his best in transition, where he covers ground effortlessly and finishes above the rim. Defensively, he uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and rebounds his position well. His catch-and-shoot jumper is progressing, giving him additional long-term upside as a two-way wing.
Avery Jones | 6'6" SF | Austin Rivers Elite
One of the younger prospects in attendance with a 2011 birth year, Jones flashed significant upside. The physically developed wing attacked the basket with either hand, finished through contact, and demonstrated legitimate 3-point range. His combination of strength, skill, and versatility makes him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the 2029 class.
Eli Murray | 6'6" SF/PF | New Heights
Another 2011-born prospect, Murray stood out with his relentless activity. The versatile forward consistently crashed the glass, cut hard without the ball, and finished plays around the rim. His athleticism, length, and developing skill set provide a strong foundation, making him one of the more intriguing developmental prospects evaluated during the July Adidas 3SSB stops.
