Very Good! Georgia has had some very talented and deep classes over the last two decades, including a 2004 class with three McDonald’s All-Americans in 18 year vet Dwight Howard, 13 year NBA vet Josh Smith and Randolph Morris, all in national Top 10. The 2004 class also included 8 year NBA G and ESPN personality Toney Douglas as well as 2nd round pick Robert Dozier. This class has all positions covered, size and tremendous upside that may deliver 2004 style results on the national stage. This is a snap shot of the possibilities, but its just that. These players have to continue working, staying focus and blocking out the outside noise to reach their goals.
AJ Williams (6-6 SG Dutchtown H.S.) has been recognized in early conversations as a top five player in the class. Pushing 6-7, Williams has a sweet stroke from deep, a fluid dribble pull-up and doesn’t shy away from attacking the basket and finishing through contact. He has good roots in the game and a work ethic to add additional layers to his game. In speaking to him and his father he wants to evolve into a defensive stopper to pair with his offensive game. He really opened eyes after playing 17U this summer with some big scoring games.
Peter Julius (6-9 C Mt. Bethel School) is a force in the paint. He is relentless on the glass, making it a big part of his offensive game. His transition from defense to offense is impressive as he rim runs for rim rattlers. As to be expected of the young big, he is raw offensively but does shows improved patience on the block, effective in the dunk spot and possesses good hands. On the other end he forces the opposition to be aware of where he is because of his shot blocking prowess.
Bentley Lusakueno (6-8 PF Pace Academy) Is an intriguing prospect that because of his fluidity, may be able to transition to the wing as the years go by if he resist the temptation to have it all today, its a process. He runs the floor well, can grab and go to start the break with two-three dribbles and shows a good stroke with evolving range. Decision making, ballhandling and guarding the wing will be his challenges in the next two years. If he doesn’t make that transition, he can transition into a high level stretch-4 as he builds his range and strength…thats the intriguing part, he has to pick a lane and stay focused.
Myles Hayes (6-3 SG Woodward Academy) is the most explosive player in the group listed here. No surprise here, coming from an athletic family which includes his dad, former NBA player and Georgia State assistant coach Jarvis Hayes and his uncle Jonas Hayes, head coach at Georgia State. Don’t let the explosiveness fool you, he has more to his game than that as he continues to show improvement in his decision making and range, to go along with his finishing ability. Hayes is very competitive on the defense end, utilizing his length and athleticism to be a disruption on that end.
Blaze Johnson (6-1 PG Grayson H.S.) the lefty point guard is smooth in his approach with an effective pull-up game. He joins a Grayson squad that many believe, rightfully so, is the states top team and one of the nations best. This will give Johnson a chance to continue his development without the weight of having to be a main cog in the Rams wheel. Having said that, Johnson will find his way into key situations down the stretch in games where he will show his ability to make plays and defend the head of the snake. His cerebral approach to the game allows him to affect the game without being sped up by the defense. Tough in the mid-range he cal also stretch the defense.
Brielen Craft (5-10 PG Pace Academy) is one of, if not the best shooter in the group. Slight of build at this stage but tough. Craft can create space with the dribble, can beat you from the perimeter with his deep range and is an effective passer on the move. He like Johnson won’t have the weight of having to carry a heavy load but Coach White will still find ways to utilize the tools he possesses.
Jaden McCullough (6-2 CG Holy Innocent School) can be viewed as the most underrated player on the list. He has crafty ball skills and good use of pick-n-roll to get into the gut of the defense for buckets or showing is awareness of open shooters when he collapses the defense. Good stroke and range on his jumper with a matching floater game. He again will is put into a situation where he can grow without being pressed this season, playing alongside top5 2025 F Caleb Wilson and D1 SG Devin Hutcherson.
King Hernandez (6-0 PG The Walker School) the most physically ready point guard in the group. Hernandez is tough downhill where he uses to strength to finish through contact and against bigger bodies. Hernandez gets paint touches where he can deliver the drop or knock down the pull-ups and floaters. Tenacious on the defense end, he also grabs his fair share of rebounds. He will be called upon to be a big part of the Walker Schools plan this year.
Others of Note
Abu Jallow (6-5 WF Kennesaw Mountain H.S.)
Bryson Jatta (6-1 G Hillgrove High School)
Baer Bailey (6-7 F Greater Atlanta Christian)
Jamai McClure (6-3 G Woodstock High School)
Calvin Goss (5-11 PG Jonesboro High School)
Tristan Robinson (5-10 PG Brentwood H.S.)
Culen Browne (6-3 SG Wilson Academy)
Look for others to emerge, this is a deep class in Georgia.