2024 HoopFest Statement Session Prospect Watch – Part 1

August 13, 2024

Chris Birden | 2026 | 6-9 | Forward | South Kent (CT)

Twitter: CJBirden_Jr

Chris Birden is a standout defender with elite shot-blocking instincts. His wingspan and timing make him a formidable rim protector, and he excels in switching onto smaller players without losing effectiveness. Birden’s mobility and agility for his size allow him to be effective in transition and when defending multiple positions. He can guard on the perimeter and hold his own in the paint. Shows advanced footwork and a variety of moves in the post, making him a reliable scoring option down low. He’s capable of finishing through contact and uses his body well to create space. He displays a consistent perimeter shot with the that extends to the three-point line. His shooting mechanics are smooth, indicating future growth as a stretch-four.

Christopher Birden is a promising prospect with a high ceiling. His defensive abilities, rebounding, and potential to stretch the floor make him an attractive recruit for the next level. As he continues to develop his offensive consistency and ball-handling, he could become a standout player in college and potentially beyond. With his physical tools and work ethic, Birden has the potential to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court.

 

Tyshawn Duncan | 2026 | 6-8 | Forward | Alexandria Senior High School

Twitter: own_ty23

Tyshawn Duncan is a highly athletic forward with explosive leaping ability. He’s quick off the ground, making him a powerful finisher around the rim and a high-flyer in transition. He uses his size and athleticism to dominate the boards, especially on the defensive end. He’s aggressive in pursuing rebounds and can initiate the fast break after securing the ball. Duncan is an impactful defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. His lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of smaller players, while his strength and wingspan make him a formidable presence in the paint. He displays good footwork, a solid understanding of post positioning, and he is effective at sealing defenders and finishing through contact, making him a reliable option in the low post. Duncan plays with a high motor and brings consistent energy on both ends of the floor. He’s a vocal leader on the court and sets the tone with his physical play.

Tyshawn Duncan is a dynamic forward with the athleticism and defensive versatility to excel at the next level. His ability to impact the game with his rebounding, defense, and energy makes him a valuable asset on the court. As he continues to develop his perimeter shooting and ball-handling, Duncan has the potential to be a highly sought-after prospect. With his work ethic and physical tools, he could become a standout player at the next level.

 

Drew Cooper | 2026 | 6-8 | Forward | Franklin Parish High School

Twitter: N/A

Drew Cooper is One of the best shooting big men in Louisiana. His ability to stretch the floor is a key part of his offensive game, making him a matchup nightmare for other whoever is guarding him. Cooper can score from anywhere on the floor. He’s equally comfortable in the post, mid-range, or beyond the arc. His combination of size, skill, and touch makes him one of the most versatile offensive players in his class. Cooper has good court vision and the ability to facilitate the offense from the high post or out of double teams. He is capable of making smart, quick decisions, which adds another dimension to his team’s offense. Cooper has a well-rounded post-game, with a variety of moves and counters. He’s effective with his back to the basket and his footwork and touch around the rim make him a reliable scorer in the paint. He reads the game well and understands defensive rotations, offensive spacing, and how to exploit mismatches.

Drew Cooper is one of the premier big men in the Louisiana Class of 2026 with a rare combination of size, skill, and shooting ability. His versatility makes him a unique offensive weapon, and his rebounding and passing add further value. If he can improve his defensive consistency and leadership, Cooper has the potential to establish himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Louisiana.

 

Kerel Dean | 2025 | 6-8 | Forward | Bossier High School

Twitter: @_rel03

Kerel Dean is an athletic forward with impressive length, making him a disruptive presence on both ends of the floor. His wingspan allows him to be an effective shot-blocker and rebounder, as well as a tough defender in the paint and on the perimeter. Dean excels in guarding multiple positions. He has the lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller players and the strength to battle with bigger opponents in the post. His shot-blocking ability and anticipation make him a defensive anchor. He thrives in transition, where he can use his athleticism to run the floor and finish at the rim. He is a consistent threat on the break, often finishing with powerful dunks or smooth layups. Dean has shown growth in his offensive game. He’s comfortable scoring around the basket and is a deadly perimeter shooter that adds to his versatility as a forward.

Kerel Dean is a promising forward with the physical tools and defensive capabilities to excel at the next level. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive versatility makes him a highly valuable prospect. As he continues to develop his offensive game, particularly his ball-handling, Dean has the potential to be a highly sought-after player in the class of 2025. With continued growth and refinement, he could become a key contributor at the collegiate level.

 

TJ Jamison | 2027 | 6-3 | Guard | Calvary Baptist

Twitter: @TyroneJamison3

TJ Jamison is a natural scorer with the ability to put up points from all three levels. He’s effective at driving to the basket, finishing through contact, and has a reliable mid-range jumper. His ability to create his own shot makes him a constant threat on offense. Jamison possesses great athleticism, allowing him to explode to the rim and finish above the defense. His quick first step helps him blow by defenders, and his leaping ability makes him a strong finisher in traffic. Jamison displays good vision and passing ability, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll situations. He is capable of making smart decisions with the ball and setting up his teammates for easy baskets. Jamison uses his athleticism and quickness to be an effective on-ball defender. He is capable of defending both guard positions and possesses the ability to be a lockdown defender. Jamison shows a solid understanding of the game, making smart reads and playing with poise. His basketball IQ is evident in his decision-making and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes.

TJ Jamison is an exciting young player with a well-rounded skill set and significant upside. His scoring ability, athleticism, and potential as a two-way player make him a top prospect in the class of 2027. As he continues to refine his shooting, add strength, and develop his overall game, Jamison has the potential to be a standout guard at the next level and beyond.

 

Monte Farmer | 2026 | 6-8 | Forward | Washington Marion High School

Twitter: @montepop1

Monte Farmer is an athletic forward with excellent mobility for his size. His ability to move fluidly on the court allows him to be effective in both transition and half-court settings. His quickness and leaping ability make him a strong finisher at the rim. Farmer is a standout defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. He uses his length and lateral quickness to disrupt opposing players, whether on the perimeter or in the post. His shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts are advanced for his age. Farmer is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. He’s aggressive in pursuing the ball, using his length and athleticism to secure rebounds. His ability to crash the boards often leads to second-chance points for his team. Farmer displays solid post moves and footwork, making him a reliable scoring option in the paint. He is comfortable finishing at the rim, and he has good touch around the basket. His ability to score through contact adds to his effectiveness inside.

Monte Farmer is a promising forward with the physical tools and defensive capabilities to make an impact at the next level. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and rebounding make him a valuable asset on the court. As he continues to develop his perimeter skills and offensive consistency, Farmer has the potential to become a highly regarded prospect in the class of 2026.