Amidst the various shoe sponsored circuits, the Under Armour Association got things kicked off in Mesa, Ariz., at Legacy Sports Park. There will be another stop in Rock Hill, SC and then the UAA will culminate with the UAA Finals in July in ATL. College coaches will be permitted to attend all of the Under Armour sessions, as their interest in the portal will subdue and they get back to evaluating prospects from the grassroots and scholastic ranks.
Games were won, scholarships were earned, and new names popped on the radar at the Under Armour Association Session 1. Here are a few of the top rising senior performers:
Derik Queen, 6’10, C, Team Thrill 17U, 2024
The highest ranked senior in the Under Armour Association lived up to the hype and more in Phoenix, pacing Team Thrill to a 5-0 record in front of future lottery pick (and Team Thrill alumni) Jarace Walker. Rocking a new svelte frame, the uber talented big man was far more explosive than he was a year ago. The Baltimore native got whatever position he wanted on the block, converted via his feathery touch with both hands, and used his more slender frame to pop above the rim from a number of dunks. Blending his new frame with his immense skill set for a new age center, Queen will have his choice of virtually any school in the nation.
Vyctorius Miller, 6’5, SG, West Coast Elite 17U, 2024
One of the smoother players in the class of 2024, Miller helped West Coast Elite cruise to a 5-0 record. The L.A. native is a big time shot creator who has no problems creating separation, has quick hands on D, and has really shown potential as a potential combo guard down the road. Gonzaga, LSU, Kansas, San Diego State, and USC were just a few of the college programs sitting courtside to watch Silkk The Shocker’s son put on a show in Mesa.
Cole Certa, 6’5, SG, Illinois Wolves 17U, 2024
One of the most fearless players that we saw in the UAA was Certa. Owning no shortage of confidence, Certa showed ridiculous range on his jumpshot and was a threat any time that he was on the court. Just as impressive as his shot itself was how well the Bloomington Central Catholic guard relocated without the ball and constantly stayed on the move. Having visited Notre Dame this past week, Certa had no shortage of blue blood programs sitting courtside evaluating him throughout the weekend.
Jayce Nathaniel, 6’8, PF, Team Curry 17U, 2024
While I had heard the buzz about him, it was my first time checking out Nathaniel at the UAA and he did not disappoint. The versatile forward shot the ball well from the perimeter with his feet set, was a constant double-double machine, and beat slower defenders with straight line drives to the rack. The Lanier HS (GA) forward already owns a Georgia offer, but there are countless more high major programs who were sitting courtside to see him in Phoenix.
Tey Barbour, 6’4, SG, DC Premier 17U, 2024
A player who I had not seen prior to the weekend, Barbour definitely showed that he’s a wing to watch in the DMV. Barbour was the model of consistency scoring double figures in all five games, getting to the rack with limited dribbles, and keeping the defense honest with his perimeter jumper. Holding a 4.2 GPA, Barbour already holds offers from Harvard and no shortage of other high academic mid-major programs, so he’s going to be good both on and off the court for a long time.
Chris Catchings, 6’5, SF/PF, Houston Defenders 17U
While he doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of any particular position, Catchings is merely one of those dudes who gets it done. Able to play inside and out, Catchings can punish smaller guys on the block with his broad shoulders, shoots it out to the 3-point line, and defends multiple positions. Owning a 3.9 GPA, Catchings has had programs such as Yale, Lehigh, Old Dominion, and Sam Houston State inquiring about the Fort Bend Marshall junior’s services.