Strictly BBall is here to stay in the new-age basketball media scene. Curating a TikTok account that has over 2.8 million followers, founders Joe Doerrer and Nolan Newberg have mastered the art of basketball storytelling in short-form. With an Instagram that has over 620k followers, their narrated videos allow viewers to get a grasp of players beyond their actual games themselves. The duo have rapidly expanded over the past half a decade, partnering with the NBA amid countless other national brands that are household names. They sponsor a team in the Twin Cities Pro-Am and for the third consecutive year, have brought some of the nation's top talent to Minneapolis for the Strictly BBall 3x3 Nationals.
Sponsored by VKTRY insoles, the 2026 3x3 Nationals was held at Minnehaha Academy, the former home of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs. Strictly flew in top talent from Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, and then a select team from all over the country along with Minnesota's best. Ultimately, it was Wisconsin who took home the crown, but that wasn't without considerable intrigue amongst the 20+ DI prospects who were playing for keeps at the event.
Here are six of the top performers that we saw from the 2026 Strictly BBall 3x3 Nationals:
Max Jones, 6'5", SG, Team Wisconsin, 2027
After having an outstanding New Balance P32 Finals with Midwest Renegade, Max Jones carried over that momentum with an MVP showing for champion Team Wisconsin. The elite shooter has big-time range, is capable of shooting off the dribble, and makes smaller guards pay with his size. The Milwaukee product already holds a number of DI offers and will continue to add more as the transfer portal dries up.
Darius Wabbington, 6'11", C, Team Arizona, 2027
Perhaps the most skilled big man in the class of 2027, Darius Wabbington certainly lived up to his reputation at the Strictly BBall 3x3 Nationals. The new-age center showed off his remarkable handle, deep shooting range, and innate ability to find cutters in the half-court setting. Modeling his game after Nikola Jokić, you can't help but notice the similarities, and Darius left no doubt in everyone's mind why he will be a future McDonald's All-American.
Kyle Amadi, 6'5", SG/SF, Team Texas, 2028
A player I wasn't familiar with, Kyle Amadi was a straight game-changer from the wing at Strictly. The athletic guard showed some wiggle off the bounce, was an above-the-rim finisher once he got to the rack, and shot the rock well enough to keep defenders honest. Having recently proven himself as the winner of the Overtime Elite Dream Challenge, which earned him a full NIL deal with OTE, Amadi is destined for a breakout junior campaign.
Baboucarr Ann, 6'5", SG, Team Minnesota, 2027
The top player in the state of Minnesota continued to hold down the throne at Strictly. He utilized his length both as a defender and a finisher, is incredibly unique with his takes to the rack, and is showing more confidence by the day as a 3-point shooter. Heading to Wisconsin next season, the two-way guard will have the chance to contribute right away with his versatility.
Deuce McDuffie, 6'7", SF, Team Wisconsin, 2027
A high-upside swingman who is constantly improving, Deuce McDuffie showed his full package during Team Wisconsin's championship run. The lanky wing has a creative handle, used his explosive first step to get to the rim, and was a threat to dunk on anyone once he got there. Heading to Monarch Academy in the EYBL Scholastic for his senior year, McDuffie has the type of raw talent to shoot up the national rankings.
Isaak Hayes, 6'0", PG, Team Texas, 2027
A walking bucket, there weren't many better pure scorers than Isaak Hayes at Strictly. He showcased super-deep range, threw defenders off with his change of pace, and just got it done with his old-school approach to the game. Already holding DI offers, the Fort Bend native will be one of the players to watch in DFW.
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