Live Period Prospect Eye-Openers – Part 4

July 17, 2024

Rylen Sykes | 2027 | 6-2 | Guard | Oklahoma Wolfpack NXT 15U

Rylen Sykes stands out as a guard for the Oklahoma Wolfpack NXT 15U with impressive stature at 6-2, showcasing a robust skill set that merits attention from scouts and coaches. On the court, Sykes demonstrates exceptional ball-handling skills which, paired with his court awareness, allows him to navigate through defenses effectively and create scoring opportunities. An agile player, Sykes utilizes his size to his advantage on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can shoot over smaller guards while defensively, he’s able to guard multiple positions due to his lateral quickness. Sykes also has a high basketball IQ, evident in his decision-making during fast-paced games. His ability to read the game makes him an asset to the team, especially under pressure situations. His shooting mechanics are polished with consistency from mid-range and beyond the arc. The fluidity in his shot, along with good shot selection, sets the foundation for future development. One of Sykes’ most significant assets is his leadership on the floor. He shows composure and maturity, often guiding his team through complex plays and demonstrating a sense of responsibility.

Rylen Sykes is a promising talent within the 2027 class. His combination of physical attributes, skill level, and intangibles paint the picture of a guard with a bright future ahead.

Quentin Rhymes | 2025 | 6-7 | Guard | Las Vegas Knicks Pro16 17U

Rhymes demonstrates good speed, agility, and vertical leap, making him a versatile and dynamic player on the court. He has a smooth shooting stroke with range extending beyond the three-point line. He shows confidence in catch-and-shoot situations, can create his own shot off the dribble, and he exhibits strong ball-handling skills, capable of navigating through defenses and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. His vision and passing ability are notable. He can facilitate the offense effectively, finding open teammates and making smart decisions with the ball. His size and athleticism allow him to drive to the basket with ease, often finishing through contact. Rhymes uses his length and quickness to stay in front of opposing guards and he is capable of applying pressure and forcing turnovers. He shows good awareness and anticipation on both ends. He possesses a high basketball IQ, understanding the nuances of the game and makes smart plays under pressure.

Quentin Rhymes is a promising young guard with a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him a top prospect in the Class of 2025.

Michael Bradley Jr. | 2027 | 6-4 | Guard | Rhode Island Elite Pro16 15U

Michael Bradley Jr. is a standout guard who brings a comprehensive skill set to the floor. At 6-4, he possesses the size and length to impact both ends of the court effectively.

Bradley’s height at the guard position presents matchup problems for opponents. His wingspan allows him to shoot over defenders and disrupt passing lanes on defense. His athleticism is noticeable, with agility and speed that are atypical for players of his stature. Bradley has a smooth shooting stroke with range beyond the three-point line. His ability to create space with his dribble allows him to get clear looks at the basket. He displays strong ball-handling skills, making him a threat in one-on-one situations and capable of navigating through tight defenses and his height advantage aids his excellent court vision, allowing him to make precise passes and effectively run the offense. With his lateral quickness, Bradley can stay in front of guards while also challenging shots with his reach. Bradley demonstrates poise under pressure and appears ready to take big shots when needed. His work ethic showcases a player committed to improvement and success at the next level.

Michael Bradley Jr. is poised for a bright future in basketball. With continued development, he has the potential to become a high-impact player in high school and attract significant attention from college scouts. His current trajectory places him as a prospect worth monitoring closely over the next few years.

Ji Gary | 2027 | 5-11 | Guard | Rhode Island Elite Pro16 15U

Gary demonstrates excellent quickness and explosiveness, making him a challenging player to guard and a tenacious defender. He has a reliable mid-range jumper and is developing consistency from beyond the arc. He can shoot off the catch and off the dribble. His exceptional ball-handling skills allow him to navigate through defenses effectively. He can change direction quickly and maintains control under pressure. Vision and passing ability are standout features. He excels in creating opportunities for his teammates, often making precise passes in tight spaces. He uses his quick first step to get past defenders and finish at the rim. Despite his size, he can absorb contact and finish in traffic. Known for his tenacity and ability to apply pressure on opposing guards, Gray uses his quickness to stay in front of his man and disrupt offensive flow. He displays good awareness and anticipation, often jumping passing lanes for steals. Gray possesses a high basketball IQ, with an understanding of positioning, timing, and game flow. He is highly dedicated to improving his skills and physical conditioning and is emerging as a vocal leader, motivating his teammates and setting an example with his hustle and determination.

Ji Gary is a dynamic guard with impressive quickness, ball-handling, and playmaking abilities. His high basketball IQ and work ethic make him a prospect to keep an eye on in the Class of 2027.

Chase Dupree | 2026 | 6-3| Guard | Team Scoot Pro16 16U

Chase Dupree is a dynamic 6-3 guard who has been making waves. His physical attributes, combined with his skill set, make him a prospect to be on the look out for. He possesses a solid wingspan that aids in defensive coverage, good size and strength, athleticism, and demonstrates a high basketball IQ. When it comes to shot selection, Dupree has a smooth shooting stroke with the ability to hit from mid-range and beyond the arc and his ball-handling skills allow him to create shots off the dribble. He shows great potential in terms of passing and vision, making him an effective playmaker. Dupree utilizes his length well to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots, shows good lateral quickness which helps in guarding multiple positions. Dupree exhibits natural leadership qualities on the floor, and he demonstrates good situational awareness during games, making smart decisions under pressure.

Chase Dupree is a promising prospect in the Class of 2026 to keep an eye on.

Kevin White | 2026 | 6-3 | Guard | Heartwork Elite NXT 16U

At 6’3″, White has good size for a guard, providing him an edge in matchups against smaller defenders He displays solid athleticism with good lateral quickness, leaping ability, and overall agility. White is a proficient shooter with range extending to the three-point line. He possesses strong ball-handling skills, allowing him to create space and navigate through defenses effectively. White has excellent court vision and passing ability, capable of setting up teammates for easy baskets. He is a reliable playmaker who makes smart decisions with the ball. White uses his size and athleticism to drive to the basket effectively and he finishes well around the rim through contact possessing a variety of moves to evade defenders. White is a strong on-ball defender with the ability to stay in front of quicker guards due to his lateral quickness and defensive instincts. He shows good anticipation and awareness, often disrupting passing lanes and helping on defense when necessary. White possesses a high basketball IQ, understanding game flow, positioning, and making smart plays. He is emerging as a leader on his team, motivating teammates, and leading by example with his play and effort.

Kevin White is a talented guard with a well-rounded skill set, including strong shooting, ball handling, and playmaking abilities. His size and athleticism make him a versatile player on both ends of the floor.