AAU season is officially up on us. While there have been a number of outstanding independent AAU events throughout the country to get things going this spring, the circuit truly starts when the shoe companies begin having their events. While Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance all have significant amounts of talent on their respective circuits, there is one league that is usually on a completely different level: Nike EYBL.
Held just outside of Phoenix at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, EYBL Session I offered rising seniors the chance to solidify their reputations in one final AAU go-around. Unlike most other AAU events, players played one game a day, making it difficult to decide which games to watch at times with such a vast amount of talent in the building. Thankfully, the Ballislife team was rolling deep with Ani Umana, Ronnie Flores, and myself all manning different courts to check out the action.
What made the rising junior class (2027) in attendance at EYBL was the vast majority of prospects played their own age group at 16U. Most years, you will see players who are sitting near the top of the national player rankings playing a year or two up in AAU. For the most part, the group of 2027 played their own age, which created no shortage of hyped matchups. In fact, four consensus top-10 recruits (CJ Rosser, Ryan Hampton, Marcus Spears Jr., and King Gibson) all went at it in a hyped Team United vs Drive Nation 16U game that had the vast majority of NBA Scouts forgetting many of the finest players in the 2026 class were playing nearby.
Here are a few of the top 2027 performers who caught our eye at EYBL Session 1:
C.J. Rosser, 6’9, SF/PF, Team United 16U
As far as long term prospects are concerned in the class of 2027, the debate starts with C.J. Rosser and what makes it scary is that his production is starting to mirror his potential. The freakishly long forward has a strong lower body, moves with exceptional fluidity, and is understanding how to utilize his size to create an impact on both ends of the floor. Though anyone could see Rosser passes the look test, it’s the impact he had on the game that has really improved. Averaging 20 points while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, you realize that he’s starting to turn the proverbial corner with his development and has certainly put himself right there for the No. 1 spot in the class of 2027.
Marcus Spears Jr., 6’8, SF/PF, Drive Nation 16U
After just wrapping up an outstanding high school season with Dynamic Prep (Dallas) that saw this five star recruit embrace his role off the bench, Marcus Spears Jr. embraced his role as more of a focal point for Drive Nation in the EYBL. The lefty forward is a swiss army knife on both ends of the court, guarding virtually every position on the hardwood as a game changing defender with a motor. The son of former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears also showed his offensive game via a feathery touch, great cuts and flashes, plus a high level of activity that has made him a lock for a top 5 spot in 2027.
Paul Osaruyi, 6’9, PF, Arizona Unity 17U
A player who we were quite familiar with at Ballislife is 6-foot-9 Canadian forward Paul Osaruyi. Making the FIBA World Championship 16U All Tournament team at just 14 years old, we knew that there was a serious prospect we had on our hands. Since then, Osaruyi made the move to Phoenix to attend CIA Bella Vista and his development was on display. While his 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game at the 17U level may not stand out right away, it’s what he does that doesn’t show up in the box score that takes him to another level. Osaruyi is a physical monster with freakish athleticism, is a capable 3-point shooter, and is really starting to play with a motor on both ends of the floor. There’s certainly been an adjustment process for the sophomore, but as far as long term potential is concerned, he’s up there with just about anyone in the class of 2027.
Ryan Hampton, 6’6, SG, Drive Nation 16U
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that’s seen with the latest Hampton to reach top five status, 6-foot-6 wing Ryan Hampton. The younger brother of former first round pick R.J. Hampton is taller than his big bro, but possesses a similar body type with crazy length and fluidity for a bigger guard. He was able to score the ball with limited dribbles, used his size to provide a presence on in the paint with tough finishes, and produced at a high rate throughout the weekend. The 21.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game that he averaged throughout session one certainly stamped his reputation as one of the top players in the class of 2027.
O’Neal Delancey, 6’4, PG/SG, Florida Rebels 16U
After winning a state title at Gibbs High School (Fla.) and putting on a show at Dinos Trigonis’ Pangos Fantastic 40 last year in Miami, O’Neal Delancey made everyone at the EYBL know he’s far more than just a name in the panhandle state. Averaging 18 points, 7.7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game during session I, the sophomore showed considerable growth as a playmaker while maintaining his constant threat as a scorer when he has the rock in his hands. He is a serious shooter who can also make plays off the bounce, but has developed as a facilitator, especially out of pick and roll play. After his outstanding performance at EYBL, O’Neal finds himself sitting at No. 35 in ESPN’s latest 2027 rankings.
