September 6-7, 2025 – Houston, TX
It’s been over 12 years that I’ve covered Coach John Lucas’ high school camp. I had the pleasure of seeing kids come into camp with the hope of getting exposure and exploding onto the national map. This year was no different. A lot of players that came to me underexposed, definitely put themselves on the national map. The talent all around from guards, wings, and bigs was very impressive. I will be doing a two-part evaluation list.
Below are some of the players that really caught my eye and impressed me.
Part One:
2028 Blaze Johnson 6’4 PG (OTE) Atlanta, GA
For such a young player, Blaze’s game is very complete. He plays with a good pace and can score at all 3 levels. He’s very effective playing either guard position, but is better suited at the point guard position. His best attribute is probably his IQ; his understanding of the game is off the charts.
2027 Reese Alston 6’3 PG (Second Baptist) Houston, TX
The improvement year to year of the young man is outstanding. He has always been talented, but his confidence has helped take his game to another level. The way he competes is a joy to watch. It seems like he’s just tapping into his potential. He’s so dynamic with the ball in his hands. He seems to have the game in total control.
2029 Draydne McDaniel 6’8 WF (Prolific Prep) Dania Beach, FL
The skill and understanding of the game for this fourteen-year-old freshman is incredible. He sees the floor like a PG and isn’t scared to get physical and bang in the paint. He’s definitely ahead of his time. What makes the young kid so special is that he has no idea how good he can be. He is just out there having fun.
2027 Isaiah Santos 6’5 W (Seven Lakes High) Katy, TX
He came into camp on a mission, and it showed. He played like a grown man. His explosion to the basketball and his ability to finish above the rim were very impressive. He had no problem absorbing contact and finishing. He was one of the best passers out of the post during camp. His best attribute is his ability to play within himself.
2028 Madden Hill 5’10 PG (Clear Springs High) League City, TX
This young dynamic point guard has been a problem for years. His control and flair for the game are fun to watch. He has no problem getting in the lane and finishing among the trees. If left open, he can make you pay by knocking down the NBA three. He also is a major factor on the defensive end, making it hard for the opposing team to get into their offense.
2028 Bryson Jatta 6’2 PG (Hillgrove High) Douglasville, GA
This was my first time seeing this young man, and I was blown away. He was explosive and played above the rim. He seems to be as fast with the ball as without. He kept the defense on their heels. He showed the ability to knock down the 3 with consistency. He was a problem all camp.
2028 Erick Dampier, Jr. 6’10 C (Madison Ridgeland Academy)Madison, MS
He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders with his high rankings and his namesake on his back. A lot of players would fold under the pressure. He seems to thrive in it. His footwork for his age is outstanding. He stays active around the basket and can dominate with his physicality. Once he gets the ability to consistently knock down the 15-footer, the country will really be in trouble.
2027 Nolan Coffman 6’6 WF (Lyon County Basketball) Kuttawa, KY
He was by far one of the purest shooters in the camp. He knows how to make space to get his shot off. He just knows how to play basketball and has a great understanding of the game. I like the way he adjusted to the play of the camp.
2028 Ephriam Moore, Jr. 6’9 C (Beaumont United) Beaumont, TX
He’s a true big man that understands his position. He is very impressive with his back to the basket. His footwork at this age is way ahead of schedule. He showed a good touch from midrange by knocking down the 15-footer. He showed his ability to protect the paint by contesting shot after shot. He was impressive rebounding the ball on both ends.
2030 David Moudouyi 6’9 F/C Maplewood, NJ
His length and athleticism were a problem for defenders all weekend. He had a nonstop motor, and his ability to finish way above the rim was definitely intimidating to his opponent. He put a few players in the rim during camp. He runs the floor like a greyhound and impressed me with his ability to handle the ball on the perimeter. If this prospect continues on the path he’s on, he can be special.
2027 Tyrone Jamison 6’2 PG (Calvary Baptist Academy) Shreveport, LA
He’s been one of the most dynamic guards in the country since 7th grade, and nothing has changed. He’s lightning quick, with the ability to stop on a dime. He has no problem getting anywhere he wants on the court. He can also control the game without scoring, with his ability to pass. What impressed me the most this weekend was his ability to knock down the 3-ball with deadly accuracy.
2028 Carter Bagley 6’4 G (St. Mary’s Catholic High) Phoenix, AZ
He was one of the physical and active players all weekend. He stayed playing downhill and attacking the basket. His ability to oppose his will on his opponents was fun to watch. He showed he could also pop out and knock down the occasional 3. On the defensive end, he bought the same physically.
2028 Jordan Mitchell 6’3 G (Male) Louisville, KY
His ability to compete on both sides helps set him apart from many players in his class. He plays with passion and patience. He was focused from the start until the end of camp, and it showed in his skill work and his games. He can score in bunches and at all 3 levels, but his true and final position is PG, and he has shown he can play that position very effectively. I just loved the work ethic.
2027 Kamari Whyte 6’4 G (Vermont Academy) New York, NY
He has a lot of the NYC game in him. He really liked playing downhill and putting the ball in the basket. Playing in traffic came easily for him. Finishing through contact seemed to amp him up even more. I would never want to take away his aggressiveness, but with his ability to get in the lane and draw the double team, it would make it so easy to drop off to a teammate, then forcing a difficult shot.
2027 Howard Williams 6’7 F (OTE) Chicago, IL
He came in with a lot of hype, and he definitely lived up to it. He’s by far one of the most physical and skilled wings in his class. He has the ability to blow by bigger players and go through smaller players. I was very impressed with his ability to shoot from long range. He had quite a few 3’s go through the basket without touching the rim.
2029 Damien Robinson 6’1 PG (Landstown High) Virginia, VA
He was one of the most polished players in camp. He plays with good patience and a high IQ. He showed the ability to get his teammates involved, and when he needed to, he took over. His ability to navigate in traffic was fun to watch. He put himself in position to be another good PG to come out of the Boo Williams program.
2027 Maddox Harden 6’8 F (Oak Ridge High School) Orlando, FL
He fits the pattern of a Florida wing. He’s long, athletic, fills the lane, and finishes above the rim. He’s strong in the paint and showed some nice footwork. He showed the ability to knock down the 15-footer. I didn’t see him shoot many from 3, but if he adds that to his game, his game will go to another level.
2029 Herbert Wekem 6’9 PF (Jordan Christian Prep) Auburndale, FL
The energy he brings on both ends is fun to watch. His activity in the post makes it very hard to guard him. He’s a very good offensive rebounder, and his ability to finish with a soft touch was impressive. The most effective part of his game is the defensive end. He seems to contest every shot, and his ability to change jand get his hands on somm many shots is something to see.