As far as events are concerned, Phoenix is quickly becoming one of the nationβs basketball capitols. With a combination of great weather, affordable travel, and no shortage of facilities, The Grand Canyon State plays host to a legit hoops event virtually every single weekend. Given a relatively slow slate of games back home in Minneapolis, I opted to shoot to Phoenix to take in the Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic 3.
Mixing a middle school AAU tournament with a prep school showcase, there was no shortage of talent in Phoenix. Prep schools from California, Canada, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, and a host of others descended upon the Phhacility to get some quality games in. Leo Sotomayor and his staff were incredibly accommodating, keeping me up to date with schedule changes and letting me know some sleepers, making it a super smooth event to cover.
Here are a few of the players who certainly saw their stock rise from the 2024 Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic 3:
Houran Dan, 6β11, C, Canyon International Academy (AZ), 2024
There wasnβt a single player who helped themselves more at Hoopers On1y than Houran Dan, a near 7-foot Chinese import who has been in the States for a mere few weeks. The athletic big man ran the floor well, ripped the rim off at every available opportunity, and showed nice touch facing the basket. Having played with the 19U Chinese National Team, Houran is known across the pond, but will certainly establish himself as a high major prospect here in the states.
Jayden Williams, 6β9, C, Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2024
A player that some have seemingly forgotten about, Jayden Williams is certainly one of the best big men left on the board for the class of 2024. Having signed with Overtime Elite last year, Williams made the move to Bella Vista and is reminding people why heβs a high major prospect. The long armed Georgia native is an imposing shot blocker, is great playing as a rim-runner, and can finish in traffic with either hand. Still super open in terms of his recruitment, Williams is definitely a name worth checking out before the season comes to its end.
Mason Abittan, 6β6, Red Rock Academy (NV), 2025
One of the better wings with size in the event, Mason Abittan exhibited why he has been turning heads at both the EIBC and at Hoopers On1y. Heβs an automatic shooter with his feet set, looks to dunk absolutely everything in transition, and has a solid first step for straight line drives. Mason already holds offers from Radford, Weber State, and Cal State Bakersfield with many more to follow.
Tammar Brown, 6β10, C, Rocktop Academy (PA), 2025
Someone who I was admittedly not familiar with entering the event, Tammar Brown certainly left his mark as one of the highest ceiling players the event had to offer. Owning a massive frame, Brown utilized his wingspan on both ends of the court, showed surprising coordination, and converted with both hands around the rim. Still far from an unfinished product, Tammar Brown is a name to monitor closely over the next year and a half.
Jaxon Olvera, 6β4, SG/PG, Golden State Prep (CA), 2024
One of the most productive overall players in the event, Jaxon Olvera was getting it done from both guard spots for both Golden State Prep teams at the Hoopers On1y Phhacility Classic. Olvera has no shortage of confidence attacking the rack, is a legit 3-point shooter, and has also shown the ability to facilitate an offense. Having an outstanding prep year, Jaxon Olvera is certainly someone who has produced at a high level and will be interesting during the late signing period.
Nishayne Sharpe, 6β0, PG, Canyon International (AZ), 2026
The younger brother of Blazers rising star Shaedon Sharpe, Nishayne Sharpe is quietly building his own legacy in Phoenix. Sharpe is a super quick guard who can get into the paint at will, utilizes his speed to play serious on ball defense, and is playing with much more confidence than when I saw him earlier in the season. Given his older brotherβs size (6-foot-6) and freakish athleticism, Iβd say you may want to buy stock in the next player to come from the Sharpe family.