Whether you like it or not, social media influencer teams are here to stay. In the upper Midwest, squads such as ISO Elite, PGA Elite, and Jumpman Elite put together squads with many of the best in the area. Players from every shoe circuit combine forces to create mega teams that represent their respective areas. However, nationally, there is one team that trumps all: Cam Wilder's Rod Wave Elite.
In conjunction with Big Time Hoops, RWE made the journey to Minnesota with a squad loaded with five-star talent and a crowd that followed. In fact, RWE's last appearance in the Land of 10,000 Lakes made national headlines after an entire AAU tournament was shut down due to a fight during a hyped RWE matchup. What is little mentioned is that the aforementioned brawl was actually between one of the event's security guards and a fan, but needless to say, RWE brings that energy and it was no different at the Big Time Hoops Circuit of Champions at a sold-out Mahtomedi High School.
Having already profiled the five-star prospects who took part in the event, here are a few of the other prospects who helped themselves with their play in Minnesota:
Peter Julius, 6'9, C, RWE Elite, 2028
A no-nonsense big man, Peter Julius showed the impact that he brings to the table with minimal plays run for him at the Circuit of Champions. The powerful big man showed improved hands on a number of tough catches, rebounded the ball well, and really competed with Wisconsin recruit Jack Thelen down low. A constant lob threat, Peter enters his junior campaign as one of the best true big men in ATL and a bona fide top-100 player.
Jack Thelen, 7'1", C, ISO Elite, 2027
The best big man in the state of Minnesota, Jack Thelen showed that he could hold his own with the frantic up and down pace of August AAU basketball. The lefty is an elite passer over the top of defenders, is a presence at the rim when he walls up, and is able to turn over either shoulder on the block. Heading to Wisconsin, Jack goes to a program known for its outstanding player development and should continue to make strides in the right direction.
Ichima Idoko, 6'8", SF, ISO Elite, 2028
As far as the junior class in the state of Minnesota is concerned, there isn't a player with a higher ceiling than Ichima Idoko and he proved that against a loaded RWE squad. The two-way lefty wing showed his potential on the defensive end by taking the task of guarding his five-star counterparts, had a feathery touch shooting the rock from the perimeter, and utilized his height to score over the top of people. Idoko is still putting all of his tools together, but the sky is the limit as far as long-term potential is concerned.
Trey Edwards, 6'4", SG, RWE, 2027
Making the journey from Dallas, Trey Edwards showed why he can put points on the board effortlessly for RWE at the Circuit of Champions. He was superb shooting the ball with his feet set, scored with limited dribbles, and made you pay if you tried to chase him off the 3-point line. After having an outstanding summer with Houston Hoops in the EYBL, the four-star recruit just announced that he will be playing his senior campaign at Brewster Academy.
King James, 6'6", PF, Jumpman Elite, 2027
The most powerful big man in Minnesota's senior class had a great New Balance running with Yanders Law and carried that over with Jumpman Elite against the high major talent that the Circuit of Champions had to offer. King James got off the ground with strength in a hurry, brought immense toughness to the table, and showed the force that he can be as a rebounder. His offensive skill set still needs some work, but the grit that he brings to the table makes him a pleasure to watch and should allow him to be a contributor this season at We Are United Prep.
Jaeden Udean, 6'2", PG/SG, PGA Elite, 2027
The best pure scorer in the state of Minnesota had a monster New Balance P32 Finals with Gain Elite and proved that he could get buckets against the five-star talent that RWE offered. The electric lefty has effortless range both off the catch or the bounce, has immense confidence when he gets hot, and can really shoot the rock on the move. Air Force is the latest school to reach out to Udean, who has been a double-digit scorer on the varsity level since he was a middle schooler.
Tre Moore, 6'1", PG, PGA Elite, 2028
The best two-way point guard in Minnesota, Tre Moore displayed what he can bring to both ends of the floor at the Circuit of Champions. He showcased his blazing end-to-end speed, put immense pressure on the rock defensively, and is much more confident as a 3-point shooter. Doubling as a big-time football recruit, Moore will have his choice of either sport at the DI level in 2028.
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