As the Nike EYBL Peach Jam approaches, we wanted to focus on some of the talented underclassmen as we recently gave a detailed rundown on the 17U teams focused on taking the Peach Jam title.
The EYBL features many of the top players in the country, but only a handful of rising juniors (2027s) and only one rising sophomore (2028s) are playing 17U. The 17u circuit is senior-oriented.
A few talented players from the Class of 2027 are playing up on 16U, and one standout 2028 player is playing 17U. We wanted to get those players in the spotlight, as well as give a rundown on the Top 2028s on the 15u circuit.
Lone Wolf On 17U
Michai White, Brewster Academy (NH)/City Rocks 17U 6-1 2028
White is the lone 2028 player competing in the 17U EYBL, and he’s had his moments and some terrific on the job training moments. Make no mistake, it’s benefitting him even thouhg the numbers don’t jump off the page. White is averaging 4.6 points per game on just over 28 percent shooting. The growth has been evident for White in the EYBL, as a 14-point outing on eight shots in his last game shows the development is happening. Heading into the final stop, White is expected to continue to be a vital piece for City Rocks as they fight for a spot at Peach Jam. Whether White gets to Peach Jam or his summer is cut short after stop four, the trials and tribulations of playing up will only further his development and benefit him long term.
Top 5 2027’s Playing 17U
1. Babatunde Oladotun, Blake (MD)/Team Durant 6-8
Babatunde is the top ranked prospect in the 2027 class and was called up to the 17U team after stop one in Arizona. Despite the team’s lack of success, Babatunde has shown that he belongs in the top age classification this summer. Utilizing his physical abilities, Oladotun has averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game through eight games played at the 17U level. Oladotun has natural scoring skills and a good motor that helps him affect games on both ends of the floor. His opening weekend in the 17U circuit in Memphis was dominant, as he averaged 15.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on nearly 53 percent shooting from the floor. It what one would expect from such a highly-regarded player.
2. Cayden Daughtry, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)/Florida Rebels 6-0
Daughtry is one of the top scorers in the EYBL, currently ranking 7th on the circuit with a 20.1 ppg average. As the lead guard and primary ball handler for the Florida Rebels, he does have a high usage rate but he also impacts the game in a variety of ways. Daughtry is a versatile scorer and possesses an elite long-range jump shot, having made 18 3-pointers at nearly 41 percent from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring ability, he is also one of the most active defenders on the circuit, ranking in the top 5 overall with an average of 2.3 steals per game. Currently ranked inside the top 30 in the national class of 2027, Daughtry’s play this summer makes him a prime 2027 McDonald’s All-American candidate.
3. Paul Osaruyi, Bella Vista Prep (AZ)/Arizona Unity 6-10
Osaruyi is one of the more physically imposing players in the EYBL regardless of age and class. At 6’10, Osaruyi is constantly on the glass and creates a ton of second-chance points for himself or teammates. Not much of a long ball threat at this time of his development, Osaruyi lives in the paint and finishes above the rim constantly. Osaruyi is at his best in transition but has shown flashes of success in the half court, displaying a smooth mid-range pull-up and an array of moves in the post, including some ability to score over both shoulders.
4. Jaylan Mitchell, Spire Academy (IN)/Brad Beal Elite 6-7
Mitchell is an athletic forward with length who has been a spark for a Brad Beal Elite club that sits atop the Raveling Division at 9-2 so far. Playing for one of the better 17U teams has been beneficial for Mitchell, as he has room to grow by playing up. Mitchell is averaging just under six points and nearly four rebounds per game this season. His best game of the summer came in Memphis against Uplay, as he scored 10 points and knocked down two 3-pointers in the game.
5. Ahmad Hudson, Ruston (LA)/JL3 6-8
Hudson is one of the top athletes in the EYBL, regardless of class. He is ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the country for the 2027 class, and he brings toughness over from the football field to the basketball court. Hudson has a wide, strong frame that he effectively uses, along with his athleticism, to dominate games on the boards. Currently, he ranks as the fifth-best rebounder in the EYBL, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, and is the second-best offensive rebounder, averaging 4.1 per game. Hudson is an adequate ball-handler, but excels most in transition, on the boards, and above the rim.
EYBL’s Most Impactful 2028’s
(listed alphabetically)
Erick Dampier Jr, Madison-Ridgeland (MS)/Alabama Fusion 15U 6-9
Dampier Jr. is arguably the most physically imposing player in the 15U circuit. A big-bodied bruiser, he leads in overall rebounding, averaging 12.6 rebounds per game and ranks tenth on the offensive glass, pulling in 3.7 per contest. He’s a coordinated athlete who moves well up and down the floor, getting to his spots to work in and around the basket. A smooth inside game and a soft touch around the basket make Dampier a big problem in the 15U division. One of Dampier’s strength is in pick and roll, often leading to a drop off roll pass with a finish above the rim.
Colton Hiller, Coatesville (PA)/PSA Cardinals 15U 6-4
Hiller has emerged as one of the biggest stock risers in the country this summer. Despite being one of the younger players in the circuit, Hiller is a prolific scorer, ranking eighth in the 15U division with an average of 20.5 points per game. His quick first step and tight ball-handling skills enable him to navigate defenses and consistently reach his shooting spots. Hiller plays with a strong motor and is a leader for his team on both offense and defense. In a standout winning performance against The Family, Hiller scored a season-high 33 points on just 16 shots and hit five 3-pointers.
Bentley Lusakueno, Pace Academy (GA)/Team CP3 15U 6-8 2028
The top ranked prospect in the 2028 class has been crucial for Team CP3, which currently holds a 6-2 record and sits at the top of Division C. Lusakueno is a physically gifted player with a wingspan of 6 feet 10 inches. He consistently alters shots and stays active in the passing lanes. Although he has played in only a few games this summer, Lusakueno has demonstrated impressive skills, averaging nearly 10 points and just under seven rebounds per game. Defensively, he has been strong, averaging 1.5 steals and one block per game. As a pure athlete, Lusakueno runs the floor well without the ball and has also shown potential with the ball in his hands, averaging three assists per game.
Kam Mercer, OTE (GA)/Indy Heat 16U 6-4 2028
Mercer has been an EYBL standout this summer, playing up in the 16U category. Mercer has been a spark for one of the best 16U teams in the country, as his Indy Heat team is 8-0 heading into stop four. Mercer has been at his best this summer on the open floor, getting into the paint and finishing at the rim while averaging 9.8 ppg. A guard with size, Mercer has been phenomenal on the glass (5 rpg) and averages more than 1 per game on the offensive end. Mercer has found success defensively as well, averaging more than two steals per game.
A.J. Williams, Dutchtown (GA)/Georgia Stars 15U 6-7 2028
Williams might be ranked behind Lusakueno in the 2028 class by recruiting services, but Williams has been the best player in the EYBL’s 15U division. Williams is the best player on Peach Jam 15U favorites, the Georgia Stars. That unit is undefeated heading to Augusta. Williams is fourth in scoring, averaging 21.1 points per game, and seventh in defensive rebounds this summer, with an average of 6.9 per game. A true 3-level scorer, Williams plays with no fear and wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line, as he has been fantastic from the line, shooting 85.7 percent this summer and sealing multiple games at the stripe.
Wallace Wright III, Lone Star (TX)/Drive Nation 15U 6-0
Wright, better known as Trey Wright, is more known for football than basketball. Wright is an elite athlete, ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in Texas for the 2028 class. Despite being an elite player on the gridiron, Wright leads the EYBL 15U in scoring, averaging 24.9 points per game. His combination of speed and athleticism makes Wright a nightmare matchup. A strong handle gets Wright to his spots, and a smooth shot allows him to score in bunches. Wright gets to the rim with ease and can knock down the long ball, currently 41.9 percent on 43 attempts this season. Wright is a pure scorer but competes on the defensive side as well. Averaging 3.1 steals per game this season, he ranks sixth in 15U, and despite his size, he competes on the glass, pulling in nearly four per game. His best game of the summer so far came against Team Melo, as he scored 36 points on 22 shots and knocked down eight triples in a four-point win.
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