BY ZACH SMART Exploiting mismatches by taking smaller defenders to the rim, levitating and freeing up air space for his jumper, and playing instinctively on the defensive end, Class of 2026 PSA Cardinals forward Julius Avent was among the top performers during Peach Jam. Putting the ball on the deck comfortably at 6-foot-7, sticking the outside shot with consistency, and … [Read more...] about Class of 26 forward Julius Avent sets officials
Top-50 prospect Aiden Derkack updates recruitment after Peach Jam tear
By SAM LANCE NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — The most productive player at Nike EYBL Peach Jam may have been class of 2026 four-star prospect Aiden Derkack. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard/wing out of Colonia (NJ) was a menace for Team Final and didn’t back down from anybody. Particularly in a game vs. Tyran Stokes, Derkack found himself pitted against the No. 1 overall prospect. … [Read more...] about Top-50 prospect Aiden Derkack updates recruitment after Peach Jam tear
UPlay Canada standout Dionycius Bakare breaks down commitment to Penn State
By JAMES MADDEN & SAM LANCE NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Penn State landed a commitment from Canadian prospect Dionycius Bakare this July, who chose the Nittany Lions over Arizona State, SMU, South Florida and Washington. Bakare is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound wing and spent his AAU season with UPlay Canada of the EYBL circuit. He averaged 11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds across 20 … [Read more...] about UPlay Canada standout Dionycius Bakare breaks down commitment to Penn State
Class of 2028 five-star guard Brady Pettigrew talks early offers, summer lessons learned
By ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & SAM LANCE Brady Pettigrew is emerging as one of the top players in the 2028 class. This 6-foot-3 rising sophomore out of Bolingbrook (IL) spent the summer with Nike EYBL Meanstreets 15u working on his game. At Peach Jam, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 assists and 2.4 rebounds. “It’s been great,” Pettigrew said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else … [Read more...] about Class of 2028 five-star guard Brady Pettigrew talks early offers, summer lessons learned
Four-star Jayden Hodge talks transfer to Montverde, upcoming FIBA U18, recruitment
By SAM LANCE CARTERSVILLE, GA — It’s been a busy summer for class of 2026 four-star prospect Jayden Hodge. The 6-foot-6 small forward has been a standout for NJ Shoreshots on the Under Armour circuit all summer, and with the AAU season wrapping up, he’s now looking forward to FIBA basketball. Hodge represents Belgium and will compete at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in August. … [Read more...] about Four-star Jayden Hodge talks transfer to Montverde, upcoming FIBA U18, recruitment