Article No. 3 on the NCAA’s July Live Viewing Period, I highlight the 2027 and 2028 standouts I saw on the Puma Pro16 circuit. I was able to evaluate Pro16 on July 10-13 in Richmond, Va., and July 17-20 in Bryan, Texas.
Let’s dive into my evaluations for the underclassmen.
Reese Alston Leads Cooz To Pro16 Title
Reese Alston was the person everyone was talking about in the gym in Bryan, Texas and deservingly so. He led his Cooz Elite squad to another Pro16 Title in the 16U division after capturing a 15U crown last summer. The 2027 point guard controlled each game he played and was the best 2027 player on the circuit. He beat teams with his scoring and playmaking. It was honestly incredible to see the poise, burst and blend of shot and play-making he exhibited. Rafer Alston’s son is a top five point guard in the national 2027 class.
The Cooz Teammates
Will Goosby, 6’4 SG/SF: Goosby helped himself a lot in Bryan, Texas. Shot the ball well from deep and exemplified decent vertical pop on finishes at the rim. Goosby plays hard, makes threes with good stand still ability.
Brodrick Wyatt, 6’3 Guard/Wing: Burly built guard/wing that strung together productive outings at the right time. Uses size well as a driver and can carve space with broad shoulders. Willing passer, can defend taller guys due to his strength, but what I like most about him is he’ll play whatever position needed to win.
Isaak Hayes, 5’9 PG: Recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him during the June scholastic viewing period, Hayes made the right play and made timely shots. I like his full court vision, as he found the leakers in transition for easy layups and just got the ball out of his hands quickly. Hayes also plays with a lot of passion.
2027 Notables
Javon Bardwell, 6’6 SF – BTI National: Was really good as a self creator. Real handle and burst with his off the dribble game. He scored it on all three levels. One of the best performers overall from both weekends at Pro16.
Lincoln Cosby, 6’9 SF – 4:44 Athletics: Was really good in Bryan. He played how he looked because his motor was high and consistent. He decided to play hard and his team almost won the whole thing. I want to see more outings like this from Cosby. The perimeter game at his size is eye popping, but when he’s playing with extra effort, he separates himself from the pack.
Howard Williams, 6’7 SF – Team Haliburton: A fundamentally sound wing that can score it in multiple spots. Seen him post up and utilize footwork and baby fades to generate a clean look. His triple threat game and being a serviceable spot up threat at his size is why he’s nationally known.
Dawson Battie, 6’8 PF – Southern Ties: Impressed with his frame and game. Scored inside and out. Rebounded well and played hard. Even the games he didn’t shoot well he was still impactful.
Lance Williams, 6’10 PF – Urban DFW: Four-man that oozes with talent. Mobile, makes threes and can put the ball on the floor. Motor needs to stay high, but when he’s playing hard, he impacts games with rim protecting and ability to stretch the floor.
Braydon Langston, 6’6 SF – 4:44 Athletics: Bouncy and long armed wing with freakish athleticism. Was one of the best 2027 performers from the first weekend. Best skill is on defense, as he intercepts passing lanes and rim protects. Good cutter and offensive rebounder that excels in transition as a finisher.
Evan Toms: 6’9 C – 4:44 Athletics: Big body post that’s more of your traditional big. Hooks shots and drop step finishes with either hand and seals deep on post ups. His work on post-ups put him in good position to snag offensive rebounds
Zion Green, 6’9 PF – Team ASP: A four-star forward with perimeter skills. Green has a functional handle and promise as mismatch threat. Once he gets stronger and competes more, Green will be really good. His upside is tantalizing.
Deuce Hunt Jr, 6’ PG – YGC: Southpaw guard that has real burst. Good pull-up shooter and can score it on and off the ball. Becoming a better decision maker.
Steve McLeod, 6’8 PF/C – YGC: He’s coming around. Now playing more to his strengths. Posting up hard, showing a strong back-to-basket and improved footwork. Motor and attention is where it needs to be and it’s equating to production.
Jomar Benard, 6’6 SF – Tre Mann: Long and live body. Like effort on both ends and there’s skill as a slasher and cutter. Good athlete.
Triston Hawthorne, 6’7 C – Sipp United: Undersized center but has a 7-foot wingspan. Great timing on altering-blocking shots. Really uses his length and one of the best shot blockers in 2027 in the country.
Deshawn Dillon, 6’3 SG – SIPP United: A scoring guard that’s a confident player. Self creation abilities were displayed and pop when attacking the rim. Did himself a lot of good during July.
Aaron Britt, 6’2 PG – Tre Mann Elite: Downhill threat that puts rim pressure. Fast, has counters and finishes with blend of power and finesse. Dynamic driver, as he can attack both ways effectively.
Gavin Green, 5’9 PG – Fam Elite: On the smaller end but productive due to shot selection, 3-point shooting prowess and ability to get to the rim constantly. Plays the right way and within flow of the game but knows when to hit remix button and get a bucket when his team needs it.
2028 Notables
Bamba Tourey, 7’ C – Tre Mann 15U: Checks a lot of boxes off physically. Made mid-range and 3-point shots. Still learning how to play and stay engaged. Last day of live period he was dominant. Rebounded, blocked shots and finishes with threes and dunks.
Dylan Steffe, 6’ PG – YGC 15U: Paint toucher and facilitator. Knows how to play and dots his teammates when he drives. Physically has gotten stronger, too.
Christian McFadgon, 6’1 SG – YGC 15U: Big-time shooting threat that needs minimal space to launch. Strong basketball bloodlines, plays with an edge and one of best marksmen I’ve seen in the class.
Editor's Pick
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