July is officially here. Serving as the most important month for AAU basketball, it is the last go around on the circuit for players who are entering their senior year. It is the final opportunity for many prospects to be evaluated in large group settings by college coaches, scholarships are earned, and championships are won on respective shoe circuits. Furthermore, it offers many players the biggest platform that they'll have to be evaluated by large groups of D-1 coaches, as they simply don't have the man hours to go observe every single player at their individual high schools.
With so much on line line, many teams opt to get a preparation game or two in before playing for all the marbles. Enter the Prep Hoops Tune-Up.
Held in Minneapolis, the Prep Hoops Tune-Up brought many of the top programs under one roof at Shakopee High School to get one last go around before playing on the big stage. Teams crossed shoe party lines to get some run in against squads they wouldn't usually face, new concepts were implemented, and fans came out for a standing room only atmosphere for some of the bigger games.
The 2027 group boasted the most talent of any, so here's a deeper look at six of the top seniors from the Prep Hoops Tune-Up:
Baboucarr Ann, 6’5, SG, D1 Minnesota 17U
The top senior in the state of Minnesota lived up to his billing at the tune-up, looking like he was being controlled by a joystick with his ability to change directions at insane angles. The insanely long guard embraced the role of facilitator for others, had a number of unique finishes from crazy angles, and is constantly gaining confidence as a 3-point shooter. Heading to Wisconsin, Ann’s offensive versatility and defensive potential should allow him to receive minutes right away.
Jaeden Udean, 6’2, PG/SG, Gain Elite 17U
One of Minnesota’s elite scorers regardless of class, Jaeden Udean is the ultimate heat check guy and showed that at The Tune-Up with his 30-point outing. The senior exhibited effortless NBA 3-point range, has an incredibly quick release, and has no problem getting his shot off in a hurry against bigger defenders. Running in New Balance’s P32 league, Udean has a chance to make a name for himself this month with his scoring prowess.
Tyler Forrest, 6’1, PG, D1 Minnesota 17U
Playing alongside another future D-1 point guard in Malachi Hill, Tyler Forrest has learned how to adapt to shared duties and has done so perfectly. He totally controls the game with his change of speed, always remains composed, and can finish through contact despite his slender frame. The state champion catalyst already holds mid-mjaor offers and will be a nice playmaker at that level to start things off.
Gavin Walter, 6’3, SG, Hoop Habits 17U
Playing the game with outstanding poise, Gavin Walter did a little bit of everything throughout Hoop Habits time at The Tune-Up. The combo guard was an outstanding decision maker with the ball in his hands, shot it well from deep, and utilized his seemingly saw the game one play ahead with the way that he moved the ball up the floor to shooters. Heading to Northern Iowa, Walter brings a ton of intangibles that you love to see out of a versatile guard in today’s game.
Kellen Troup, 6’8, SF, D1 Minnesota 17U
A player who gets better every time I see him, Kellen Troup really played with more assertiveness at the Prep Hoops Tune-Up. While you have to pick your spots on a stacked team, the super athletic forward showed what he could to by knocking down threes, making timely cuts, and making a presence felt with his athleticism on both ends. Troup recently added an offer from Air Force and plenty more will follow after his 3SSB play in Jjuly given his two way potential as a big wing.
Marcus Marshall, 6’2, PG, Real Phenom 17U
Having played varsity ball since his middle school days at Minneapolis North, Marcus Marshall has been a fixture amongst Minnesota's best guards in the class of 2027. The explosive scorer can turn on the jets like no other, is an above the rim finisher despite his size, and can go on a scoring run as deadly as anyone in the state. Marshall has had a great spring with Real Phenom and has the opportunity to build off that in Puma PRO16 play this month.
