The 2023 NCAA spring dwell interval has come and gone. With all three shoe circuits holding occasions the weekend of April 29-30, I opted to take a look at the Nike EYBL in Phoenix, as did roughly 300 D-1 school coaches. Held at beautiful Legacy Park in Mesa, it was a one cease store to see the nation’s strongest shoe circuit all below one roof.
There was no scarcity of battles amidst the underclassmen, particularly on the prime of the 2025 and 2026 teams. Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg are in fixed debate for the highest participant in 2025, whereas A.J. Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes are 1A and 1B in 2026
With this being the primary time that many D1 coaches laid eyes on among the youthful prospects within the flesh, there have been no scarcity of gamers who exploded, in addition to those that cemented themselves amongst the elite of their respective lessons. Listed here are a number of of the aforementioned underclassmen who caught our eye:
A.J. Dybantsa, 6’8, PF/SF, Expressions 17U, 2026It’s actually uncommon that you simply see a freshman dominating the EYBL, however Dybantsa is doing that, sitting second in 17U in scoring at 20.4 PPG after two classes. The 6-foot-8 do-it-all ahead makes use of his powerfully constructed body via contact, gives potential as a flexible defender, and has developed rather more confidence as a 3-point shooter (34.1 % 3PT). Touted by ESPN because the #1 participant in 2026, there has already been appreciable chatter with reference to Dybantsa touchdown within the class of 2025.
Cameron Boozer, 6’9, PF, Nightrydas 16U, 2025Considered by most to be the highest participant within the class of 2025, Boozer introduced the mix of manufacturing and successful tradition to justify his lofty rating. Main the E16 in each scoring (27.1 PPG) and rebounding (12.5 RPG), Boozer is just placing up online game numbers throughout the board. His .784 FG proportion and .480 3-point proportion make you suppose they’re typos. The within/out recreation that Boozer gives, his willingness to get others concerned, and his continuous staff success (undefeated in EYBL, again to again state titles at Columbus HS, and so forth) place him at prime of the category.
Cooper Flagg, 6’9, PF, Maine United 16U, 2025Maine’s best has lived as much as his lofty fame within the EYBL, tying Boozer for first in scoring at 27.1 PPG and drawing no scarcity of onlookers within the course of. The brand new age ahead scored in any respect three ranges, did an amazing job of using mismatches together with his dimension, and was at many instances the staff’s facilitator offensively. Flagg definitely lived as much as the hype and reminded coaches, scouts, and followers alike that he is likely one of the finest gamers in highschool basketball no matter class.
Tyran Stokes, 6’7, SF/PF, Vegas Elite 17U, 2026The main scorer (14.3 PPG) for the one defeated squad left in 17U play (Vegas Elite is 8-0), Stokes confirmed that he has no drawback making his affect felt in opposition to older foes. The Louisville native is just unstoppable in transition, can defend a mess of positions, and stored numerous performs alive together with his exercise on each ends. The power for Stokes to acclimate to no matter scenario he’s put in on the hardwood is likely one of the virtues that make him one of many actually particular prospects within the class of 2026.
Darius Acuff, 6’1, PG, The Household 17U, 2025Acuff Jr. left Phoenix was one of many hottest gamers within the class of 2025, incomes gives from the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State, and a bunch of others after his monster 30-point efficiency in opposition to MOKAN. The sophomore playmaker is nice in choose and roll play, makes use of completely different speeds exceptionally properly, and might end via contact. Recent off of each a Detroit PSL championship and state title with Cass Tech, Acuff is the subsequent gritty guard from the Motor Metropolis that you simply’ll catch at an influence 5 faculty.
Marcus Johnson, 6’2, PG/SG, Spiece Indy Warmth 15U, 2025Next up within the Garfield Heights (OH) pipeline is Johnson, an elite shot creator from Cleveland. The lefty is elite at creating separation off of the bounce, is a menace to attain each time that he has the ball in his arms, and has made critical strides as a creator for others. The son of former Ohio Mr. Basketball Sonny Johnson picked up excessive main gives from LSU and Ohio State within the days following EYBL Phoenix.
A’Mare Bynum, 6’8, PF, Mokan Elite 16U, 2025Bynum definitely isn’t the flashiest within the EYBL, however he’s the kind of old skool no nonsense participant who is just going to win you video games. The lengthy armed ahead punished defenders within the paint together with his capability to complete via contact, managed the glass, and confirmed good imaginative and prescient when hit with doubles. It wasn’t simply me who noticed the potential and upside that Bynum gives, as each Cal and Nebraska put scholarships on the desk for him over the previous few days.
Desmond Bellot, 6’2, PG/SG, Expressions Elite 15U, 2026A versatile guard, Bellot confirmed that he may play both backcourt spot equally properly for Expressions Elite all through the E15 session. Enjoying varsity basketball since he was 13 years outdated, Desmond exhibits an IQ of somebody properly past his years, is aware of tips on how to end with contact within the paint, and was excellent in collapsing protection. Bellot remains to be flying a bit below the radar nationally, however has established himself as a well known commodity within the Northeast.
