New Balance is here to stay. The brand that was once known for orthopedics invested a ton in its basketball division and the results are showing. Cooper Flagg, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Darius Garland, and Co. are all rocking the NB and it's paving the way for the next generation of young talent, as seen in the New Balance P32 League.
Stopping in Memphis to take in the talent, we got a chance to evaluate a number of the P32's top programs from the south at last weekend's regional event. Flagship programs such as Max Levels Elite and the Gateway Knights dominated the event, but P32 CEO Josh Woodson, Kris Becker, and Shu Negga put together an outstanding group of teams that offered no shortage of sleepers that will be popping up on D-1 recruiting radars sooner rather than later.
Having already examined the Max Levels Elite duo of 6'9 '29 Alex Alexander and 6'0 '28 Aiden Clark in depth, here are a number of other top underclassmen who stood out at the Memphis New Balance P32 regional:
Coleman Watson, 6'4, PG, Gateway Knights 16U, 2028
A player whose best days of basketball lay ahead of him, Coleman Watson changed the game with his size and length from the lead guard position at the New Balance P32 Memphis Regional. The wiry guard had a number of creative finishes at the rim, threw opposing guards off with his change of pace, and created a number of deflections with his on ball D. As he continues to emerge in the P32, expect his recruitment to rapidly take off this spring.
Cjay Maduforu , 6'3, SG, Max Levels Elite Dallas 16U, 2028
An absolute freak athlete, Cjay Maduforu was the best two-way guard that we saw at the 16U level at the Memphis stop of P32. Maduforu utilized his long arms and freakish athleticism to change game with deflections/blocks, brought intensity on both ends of the court, and showed really nice touch as a finisher when he got to the rack. It was my first time seeing the Braswell, Texas native in Memphis, but it certainly won't be my last with the energy he brings on both ends.
Bison Lott, 6'3, PG/SG, Max Levels Elite Dallas 16U, 2030
Playing up two years as an eighth grader, Bison Lott showed that he belonged in the New Balance with the older kids at the New Balance P32. The two way guard doesn't look out of place playing against older competition physically, can finish through contact, and was comfortable playing either guard position. Having already played varsity as a middle schooler at Fort Worth Christian, Lott is ready to make an impact from day one once he officially hits the high school ranks.
Mohamed Kourama, 6'8, PF, Gateway Knights Agbo 17U, 2028
An absolute physical specimen, Mohamed Kourama showed that he could hold his own playing up at the 17U level in P32. The lefty big man attacked the rim with straight line drives, shot it well with his feet set from 3-point range, and excelled playing through contact. A D-1 prospect in both basketball and football, Kourama is bound for a big senior year at legendary St. Louis program Chaminade (home of Jayson Tatum, Brad Beal, Davide Lee, and more) in both sports.
Vance Weber, 6'5, SG/SF, Gateway Knights 15U, 2029
A bigger wing with size, Vance Weber was one of the better wings with size that we saw at the 15U level in Memphis. He was a great straight line driver, will make you pay if you run him off the 3-point line, and can finish at the rim over the top of you. Another player for STL power Chaminade, Weber is one of the more interesting 2029's that I have seen from the Show Me State.
Beck Lee, 6'0, PG, Yanders Law 15U, 2029
An incredibly productive guard, Beck Lee put up monster numbers on the 15U level for Yanders Law at the New Balance P32. The lefty played the game with great pace, got to his sweet spots with soft finishes in the lane, and was a scoring threat any time that he had the ball in his hands. It was my first time seeing Beck Lee, but it certainly won't be my last on the P32 Circuit.
Editor's Pick
New Balance P32 Memphis Regional: Top Performers