Top-of-the-line unbiased underclassmen occasions within the nation, the Crossroads Elite Invitational has made its mark within the grassroots group all through the previous decade. Held in Indianapolis, founder Adam Shoulders and his employees feverishly scout the nation on the lookout for the highest kids who’ve but to hit the nationwide radar, then present them with the platform to get the publicity needed. Gamers equivalent to Michael Porter Jr., Brandon Miller, Darius Garland, Chet Holmgren, Kevin Knox, Gradey Dick, the Thompson twins, and extra all donned the Crossroads Elite jersey far earlier than they had been family names in recruiting circles. The 2023 version of the camp introduced a lot extra who will definitely comply with their path.
The camp jumped off with a abilities clinic led by USA Basketball Director of Youth Growth Don Showalter. Showalter established a baseline for the expectations of the occasion, implementing workforce ideas with various participant improvement drills. Video games adopted on Saturday, culminating with a singular all-star playoff collection on Sunday that introduced the highest 80 gamers in opposition to one different in aggressive trend. New names got here to the horizon, scholarships had been earned, and the competitors degree was excessive all through the weekend at Crossroads.
Listed here are just a few of the standouts from the 2023 Crossroads Elite Invitational:
Niko Bundalo, 6’9, PF, Inexperienced HS (OH), 2025One of many hottest rising juniors within the nation, NBundalo confirmed the inside-out sport that school coaches dream of out of a brand new age ahead. The lefty is a critical athlete who can defend a number of spots, is a critical creator from the perimeter, but additionally isn’t afraid to combine it up within the paint. The mix of ability, manufacturing, and potential make him one more particular product in Ohio’s loaded 2025 class. Having gained over a dozen huge time provides prior to now month, issues actually don’t look like slowing down anytime quickly for Bundalo.
Lincoln Cosby, 6’8, SF, Lakota West HS (OH), 2027So far as upside is worried, Cosby is amidst the elite that the Crossroads Elite Invitational needed to supply. The lefty is a ridiculous athlete, is totally snug dealing with the basket and going to work, and makes you neglect that he’s a mere 14 years previous. The Cincinnati product’s mixture of offensive ability set, measurement, and athleticism set him atop of Ohio’s 2027 class.
Winters Grady, 6’6, SF, Lake Oswego HS (OR), 2025The very best participant on the most effective workforce (champion workforce Darius Garland), Grady left fairly the impression on scouts in attendance on the Crossroads Elite Invitational. The gritty wing can end by means of contact when attacking, shot it nicely from past the arc, and was environment friendly scoring with restricted bounces. Grady holds no scarcity of mid-major provides and has started listening to from quite a few PAC-12 colleges over the previous month.
Toni Bryant, 6’9, PF, North Tampa Christian (FL), 2026There was appreciable buzz surrounding Bryant coming into Crossroads and he actually backed up the hype when his motor was working, each together with his manufacturing and potential. The ahead is an explosive leaper who can defend various spots, confirmed flashes of being a dependable three level shooter, and performed above the rim on each ends. Instantly after the camp, Bryant acquired provides from Illinois and UNLV.
Howard Williams, 6’5, SG/SF, Whitney Younger HS (IL), 2027A participant who I had heard a ton about however had but to see in individual, Williams actually confirmed he was the reality at Crossroads. Proudly owning nice positional measurement at 6’5 (and never showing to be accomplished rising), the rising freshman was an explosive straight line driver, completed within the paint by means of contact, and has excellent pure scoring instincts. Working with the Chi-City Bulldogs and Meanstreets on the AAU circuit, Howard has the potential to be the following particular wing out of the Windy Metropolis.
Stephen Brown, 6’7, SF/PF, Marist HS (IL), 2026Brown was one more Chicago participant to deliver a package deal of grit and excessive degree play to Crossroads. The brand new age ahead can play in and out, maximizing his athleticism to make performs on each ends with switches. He scored when the chance offered itself, was unselfish to a fault at occasions, and saved his foot on the gasoline together with his motor. The Mac Irvin Fireplace ahead remains to be simply 14 years previous getting into his sophomore yr, providing scary potential down the highway.
Elijah Perryman, 6’2, PG, Clayton Valley HS (CA), 2025The catalyst from the championship Staff Darius Garland squad, Perryman got here from California and confirmed that he might maintain his personal with lots of the greatest that the Midwest has to supply. The lanky playmaker had various excessive extension finishes on the rack, could make powerful passes with both hand, and is a menace taking pictures the rock together with his toes set. Nonetheless considerably beneath the radar, Perryman is a reputation that you simply’ll be listening to about on the west coast.
Aidan Cronister, 6’7, SF, Rogers HS (AR), 2026A participant who I used to be not aware of main into the occasion, Chronister actually held it down for Arkansas on the Crossroads Elite Invitational. The lanky wing possesses a fast launch from 3-point vary, is agile sufficient to beat you off the bounce, and makes use of his size to offer a formidable presence on the defensive finish. Already listening to from quite a few excessive main packages, Chronister is without doubt one of the extra fascinating underclassmen on the New Steadiness PRO 16 Circuit.
Cameron Williams, 6’8, PF, Skyline Prep (AZ), 2026The definition of all legs and arms, Williams confirmed his unimaginable long run potential at Crossroads Elite. The brand new age ahead can play each in and out, defends a number of positions, and was automated taking pictures from mid-range. Williams has been working with famend grassroots coach Paul Suber and is working with Vegas Elite within the EYBL.
Jaylen Gunther, 5’10, PG, Youngstown Ursuline (OH), 2027So far as the deepest vary within the camp, Gunther positioned himself proper there with anybody so far as taking pictures Trae Younger-esque threes. The rising freshman is a excessive IQ lead guard, performs inside himself, and can’t be left resulting from his taking pictures means off of the catch and off the bounce. A coach’s son, Gunther actually has all the instruments at his disposal to satisfy his potential to the very best degree.
