This weekend I spent my time in Bryan, Texas evaluating the Adidas 3SSB circuit. It was a compilation of good talent in all classes. Previously we broke down the 2027 standouts and today we take a look at the best of the lot in the rising tenth-grade (2028) class.
Young Talents on 3SSB Circuit
Dylan Betts, 7’0 C – Tru ColoradoA very tall prospect with strong basketball bloodlines. Has a soft touch coming off the right shoulder. He’s raw, but he shows flashes of what he can be down the road. Also, Betts’ passer vision and execution are promising. Connected on cutters when he caught the ball from the high post. Once his motor turns up and he keeps polishing his skills, he will be a big-time producer.
Josia Rose, 6’4 Wing – 99ovrLefty, sturdy built guard/wing that’s a plus athlete. Aggressive driver, capable shooter from the corner, and one of the best rim protectors I saw in the 15U division, despite his size.
Monta Ellis Jr, 6’3 SG – 99ovrSon of former NBA’er and 2005 Mr. Basketball USA Monta Ellis. Junior is carving out his own name, and I think his best basketball is clearly ahead of him. Can shoot it, good vertical athlete, and can attack the rim in spot-up scenarios. His aggression comes and goes, but when that part of him stays on, he’s a very tough cover.
Noah Washington, 6’4 SG – Indiana EliteTwo-guard with a smooth release and elevation on his jumper. A high IQ guard who moves well off the ball and plays with a purpose. Washington doesn’t waste dribbles and is always in a position to score the ball.
Caleb Coolman, 6’4 SG – Indiana EliteGuard with good size and length who impacted games with his scoring and play-making. He shot it well off the bounce and catch, finished with finesse and craft and found the open man on drives. Was impressed with Coolman’s assertive nature and shooting touch.
Parker McDaniels, 6’4 SG – Southern AssaultShooter with a very high feel for the game for his age. A more developed body, but Parker knows how to play and is a big-time spot-up and movement shooter that can attack a closeout and get to the pull-up jumper. It’s his smarts that separate him from other “shooters” in th3 2028 class, but interested to see how the other parts of McDaniels’ game develop over time.
Blaze Johnson, 6’3 PG – Atlanta CelticsSouthpaw scoring guard that connects on three levels. Creates separation in isolation and effortlessly gets to his spots. A big-time bucket-getter who was one of the best 2028 prospects and performers in the 15U division.
Kypton Norris, 6’0 PG – Midwest Basketball ClubSkilled and crafty point that got his teammates involved. He kept the defense guessing due to his perfect blend of scoring and passing. Liked the pace Norris played with and had control of the game in Midwest Basketball’s win vs Indiana Elite.
Jeremiah Humphries, 6’4 Wing – Houston RaptorsSturdy wing that constantly gets to the paint. Embraced and finished through contact, Humphries is a physical driver that creates space on drives due to broad shoulders. Scored in transition and off finishes from offensive rebounds.
Kareem Smith – Bey, 6’4 Wing – New World 16UPlayed up on the 16U division and held his own. Tough and versatile wing who is a quality on-ball defender. Makes open threes, rebounds well and he’s a dependable switchable defender. Blended in well on the team and can impact winning outside of scoring the ball.
Special 2029 Talent
King Bacot, 6’3 Guard – Team Loaded 15UA big guard who was an impact player for his team. Lefty with a strong frame and effectively played both guard spots. Adequate mid-range shooter, looks to put the defender on his hip, which creates a positive outcome for himself. King just has one of the more advanced IQs for guards I’ve seen in 2029.
