The 2023 NCAA spring live period has come and gone. With all three shoe circuits holding events this past weekend, I opted to check out the Nike EYBL in Phoenix, as did approximately 300 D-1 college coaches. Held at gorgeous Legacy Park in Mesa, it was a one stop shop to see the nation’s strongest shoe circuit all under one roof. Games were played with a 30-second shot clock, rotations shortened up, and teams played every game fighting for a spot in July’s prestigious Peach Jam. Vegas Elite emerged as the only undefeated 17U team after the weekend, but plenty of other teams had guys who took their recruitment to new heights.
Of the games that I took in, here are a number of the top rising seniors (2024) from the Nike EYBL Phoenix stop:
John Mobley Jr., 6’1, PG, Vegas Elite
The catalyst for the EYBL’s top program is Mobley Jr., an intriguing lead guard from Las Vegas power Bishop Gorman. Having grown both physically and in terms of his skill set, “Juni” blends deep three point range with the poise that you look for out of a high major playmaker. The 9-assist, 1-turnover performance that he had against a super gritty Chicago Meanstreets squad was evidence of the progression that he has made as a facilitator while maintaining a presence as a scorer. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mobley is heading home to run the show for Ohio State next season.
Karter Knox, 6’5, SG, Florida Rebels
The leading scorer in the EYBL’s 17U group (21.4 PPG), Knox has certainly emerged out of his brother's (Portland TrailBlazer Kevin Knox Jr.) shadow and has carved out his own reputation as an NBA Draft prospect. The power guard is a reliable 3-point shooter (39.1%), uses his length/athleticism to provide quite the on ball defensive presence, and was downright fearless attacking the rack. Knox’s combination of skill, ability to utilize his physical tools, and freakish athleticism put him right there in the conversation for best shooting guard in the class.
Aidan Sherrell, 6’11, C, Vegas Elite
Playing for an absolutely loaded Vegas Elite squad, there isn’t a single player who is going to put up huge numbers. However, Sherrell does a number of things that don’t show up in the box score. The Hillcrest Prep (AZ) big man is an outstanding rim protector, is a constant lob threat in the paint, and offers outstanding mobility on both ends of the hardwood. Toss in some intriguing raw talent on the perimeter and you see why he’s a focal point for the EYBL’s best team.
Bishop Boswell, 6’4, PG/SG, Team CP3
There may be flashier players in the class of 2024, but Boswell is the definition of stability as far as guards are concerned. The Charlotte native showed that he can score the rock efficiently (54% FG, 41% 3-PT), shows excellent IQ when picking his spots, and offers the ability to play both guard spots that you look for out of a high major guard. Boswell is posting averages of 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for 7-1 Team CP3.
Elliot Cadeau, 6’1, PG, New Heights Lightning
Cadeau has been a name that we have been familiar with for quite some time, but has shown that he can play whatever role you need out of him. With the 7-1 New Heights Lightning, the Jersey product has opted to play more of a facilitator, and it’s been evident with his numbers. Elliot crushed the EYBL in assists at 10.5 per game, has a near 6:1 assist to turnover ratio, and utilized his crazy athleticism to show growth on the defensive end. Rolling to UNC to play for Hubert Davis, there has been much speculation that he could make it to Chapel Hill a year early in the class of 2023.
Morez Johnson Jr., 6’8, PF, Meanstreets
Johnson is a prospect who has been known in the Midwest since he entered high school, but has firmly established himself as one of the nation's finest throughout his high school career. The Illinois commit blends old inner city toughness with today's versatility. He is able to switch on virtually every position for spurts, is a double-double threat every time he steps on court (finished tied for first in EYBL in rebounding), and is constantly adding to his offensive arsenal. Playing for reigning Chicago Catholic League champs St. Rita's, Johnson will be one of the pre-season favorites for Illinois Mr. Basketball as a senior.
Justin Begg, 5’11, PG, Houston Hoops
Matched up with five star point guard Elliot Cadeau, Begg showed no fear and ultimately handed the five star playmaker his first loss of the EYBL season after a 17-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist performance. The Houston Episcopal catalyst shot the ball well from beyond the arc, did a great job getting into the teeth of the defense, and got his highly touted teammates the rock in scoring positions. Owning a handful of D1 offers, Begg is the type of facilitator that any coach would want to have running their program.
Daniel Jacobsen, 7’0, C, JL3 Elite
Jacobsen helped himself just as much as anyone at session 2 of the EYBL. After a promising year in the NIBC where he showed flashes for Legacy Early College (SC), the New Mexico big followed things up with a productive outing in Phoenix. Jacobsen shot the ball well from beyond the arc, used his improved strength (added 25 pounds in the past year) to show growth on defensive end, and brought a lot more confidence to the table for JL3. Still a bit under the radar, Jacobsen has the tools and the game to really break out.