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.
Watching the influencer squads, here are the six top performers that we saw at the Big Time Hoops RWE Circuit of Champions.
Evan Willis, 6'8, SF/PF, RWE, 2028
The most explosive player in the class of 2028 was a walking highlight at The Big Time Hoops Circuit of Champions. Willis utilized his game changing athleticism on both ends of the floor as a shot blocker, constant lob threat, and elite finisher in transition. In fact, he jumped over 7'1 Wisconsin bound Jack Thelen on a put back dunk attempt. The 6-foot-8 combo forward already has a number of NIL deals and will be following in AJ Dybantsa's footsteps at Utah Prep this season.
King Kendrick, 6'0, PG, RWE, 2027
One of the more unique players in the country, King Kendrick brought his ambidextrous game to Minnesota and immediately captivated the crowd who weren't familiar with his game. The super shifty playmaker handled the ball on a string, was great weaving in and out of traffic, and had a unique bag of finishes at the tin. Firmly ranked in the top 100, the Columbus product will be running at Caldwell Academy in North Carolina for his final season.
Brady Pettigrew, 6'4, PG/SG, RWE, 2028
As dynamic of a combo guard as you'll find in the class of 2028, Brady Pettigrew was the perfect fit for the open flowing setting that The Circuit of Champions offered. The combo guard was electric as a finisher in transition, showcased his elite end to end speed, and had no problem finishing through contact as a big guard. The top junior in the state of Illinois was MVP of the EYBL 16U division as its leading scorer and looked the part of a future McDonald's All-American.
Baboucarr Ann, 6'5, SG, ISO Elite 2027
The top senior in the state of Minnesota was matched up against an RWE all-star team with five stars from all over the country, but held it down for the Land of 10,000 Lakes with ISO Elite. The two way guard utilized his length on both ends of the floor, was great changing speeds against his more athletic counterparts, and showed more confidence as a scorer creating for himself. Babou is an early pledge to Wisconsin and enters his senior campaign as one of the front runners for Mr. Basketball.
Kevin Pittman, 6'10, C, PGA Elite, 2027
After dominating the interior in the New Balance P32 with Yanders Law, Kevin Pittman also showed that he could produce against the high major bigs that Big Time Hoops had to offer. The powerful lefty used his broad frame to carve out space, had a monster dunk, and brought intensity against his more heralded competition. The Milwaukee native already holds an offer from Oklahoma State and will be running with We Are United Prep for his final high school campaign.
Jordan Mize, 6'5, SG, RWE, 2028
The electric lefty from Sacramento made the journey across the country to run with RWE and did not disappoint. He was great getting downhill with burst, shot the ball well with his feet set, and was able to get buckets with limited dribbles on anyone. The five star guard from Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) definitely lived up to his reputation and proved that he's one of the elite two guards in the 2028 class.
Editor's Pick
Eligibility Drama: Class Of 2022 vs. NCAA