Event Recap: Up Next Elite Camp

In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Conrad Chow highlights prospects who stood out at the fourth annual Up Next Elite Camp after spending the weekend at L.B. Landry High School in New Orleans, LA.

The Up Next Elite Camp once again lived up to its name, bringing together some of the most exciting young prospects in the classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030 for a weekend of high-level teaching, competition, and mentorship. Guided by a united team of four basketball minds including Coach Jonathan “JT” Thomas, James Parlow, Bryan Hammond, and Brandon Demas, an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans — the camp emphasized attention to detail while pushing players to expand their basketball IQ. From breaking down film to hands-on instruction, athletes were challenged to think the game at a deeper level, including in-depth work on Spain pick-and-roll reads and other pro-level concepts.

Adding to the atmosphere was an impressive lineup of current NBA and professional players who gave their time to mentor and connect with the next generation. Headlined by NBA All-Star Ja Morant, the gym was filled with pros and collegiate guys like Jarace Walker, Bub Carrington, Keyonte George, Eric Dailey, Malachi Smith, Darnell Cowart, and Armando Bacot, who all offered perspective, encouragement, and real-time teaching. Special guests from the New Orleans Pelicans including Derik Queen, Jaden Springer, and Micah Peavy also came through to support, underscoring the camp’s unique environment of access and inspiration.

What distinguishes Up Next Elite Camp is its holistic approach. As Coach JT explained in the camp’s opening message, the goal is to nurture well-rounded basketball players by not only refining skills on the floor but also analyzing game film and sharing the kind of behind-the-scenes advice that fuels long-term growth. Blending competitive action with meaningful mentorship, the camp provided participants with an unforgettable opportunity to sharpen their craft and build relationships that will serve them well as they continue their basketball journey.

Below, we highlight the standout players from the weekend — names you’ll want to keep an eye on in the years to come.

Event Standouts

Ashtin Chancellor | Jim Hill HS (MS) | 6-6 Forward | 2028

Ashtin Chancellor immediately pops with an intriguing frame and notable positional length. A lefty forward with a chiseled build, he impacts the game on the glass and as a rim runner. Chancellor thrives as a rolling big man, setting solid screens and finishing plays with explosive two-foot leaping ability. He consistently scored on putbacks, showcasing his nose for the ball as a rebounder. While his touch and patience as a finisher are still developing, his ability to defend in space and switch onto multiple positions adds to his long-term intrigue. With continued polish around the rim, Chancellor’s blend of size, strength, and mobility positions him as a name to track in 2028.

Marceles Duncan | Rangeview HS (CO) | 6-6 Forward | 2028

A product of the Utah Mountain Stars program on the UAA circuit, Marceles Duncan brings a strong two-way presence to the floor. He possesses broad shoulders and a sturdy frame, making him a reliable finisher at the rim off straight-line drives. Duncan’s defensive instincts stand out, as he regularly generates deflections, anticipates passes, and moves his feet well when switched onto guards. Offensively, he processes the game at a high level and can score in a variety of ways while seamlessly toggling between on-ball creation and off-ball activity. A true gamer who really helped himself at the Up Next Elite Camp, Duncan combines toughness with IQ, projecting as a forward who can impact winning on both ends.

Darius Kieffer | Warren Easton Charter  HS (LA) | 5-9 Guard | 2028

Even with just one day of participation, Darius Kieffer left a lasting impression. Compact and physical with strong legs, Kieffer plays with a fearless mindset and explosive burst going downhill. His craft around the rim is advanced for his age, as he uses pivots, body control, and angles to finish against length. A heady guard who doesn’t shy away from contact, he brings toughness to both ends of the floor. Kieffer’s ability to change pace and apply pressure off the dribble makes him a dangerous lead guard.

Kai Lowery | Northwestern HS (SC) | 6-1 Guard | 2029

Representing Ja Morant’s Twelve Time program on the Jr. EYBL circuit, Kai Lowery is a skilled guard with impressive ball control. His low center of gravity allows him to dictate tempo, keeping defenders off balance while probing for opportunities. Defensively, Lowery shows good instincts with active hands and smart positioning. On offense, he thrives as a scorer but also looks to create for teammates, playing with visible enthusiasm and confidence and earning praise from the NBA guys in attendance. With his foundation of skill and competitive edge, Lowery is a promising backcourt prospect in the 2029 class.

Chris Roberts | Parrish Community HS (FL) | 6-3 Guard | 2028

The younger brother of 2026 guard Evan Roberts, Chris Roberts carries his own reputation as a versatile backcourt threat. A downhill scorer, he excels at attacking the rim but is equally dangerous pulling up for threes in transition or knocking down tough mid-range jumpers off the dribble. Roberts showed confidence handling the ball, running some point while also spacing the floor. His defensive energy was just as notable — he talked throughout possessions, got into passing lanes, and matched up across multiple spots. With his blend of scoring ability, toughness, and defensive versatility, Roberts projects as a guard who can fill a variety of roles at the next level.

Joshua Sanders | Central Fellowship Christian Academy (GA) | 6-8 Big | 2029

Joshua Sanders is one of the most intriguing long-term prospects from camp. A lanky lefty with tremendous length, Sanders combines mobility with skill. He moves fluidly for his size, consistently corrals rebounds, and punishes defenses with a strong second jump. Offensively, he keeps the ball high and has shown touch on one-dribble pull-ups and pick-and-roll finishes. His catching hands make him a reliable lob threat and roller, while his shooting mechanics hint at future floor-stretching potential. With his upside as a mobile, skilled big man, Sanders’ ceiling is among the highest in his class.

Dylan Vaughn | East Ascension HS (LA) | 6-3 Wing | 2028

Dylan Vaughn impressed with his activity and efficiency throughout the weekend. While still filling out physically, he thrives in transition where his active hands fuel fast breaks and his finishing ability shines. Vaughn is a willing passer who made the extra swing to keep the offense flowing, while also showcasing his ability to deliver sharp pocket passes off penetration. As a downhill driver, he consistently applied pressure to defenses, balancing scoring with playmaking. With his two-way energy and efficient approach, Vaughn is a reliable wing who makes winning plays.

Tory Walker, Jr. | John Curtis Christian School (LA) | 6-3 Wing | 2030

Just entering the 2030 class, Tory Walker, Jr. already carries long-term intrigue with his blend of size, length, and scoring instincts. A high-volume scorer, Walker showcased his ability to create off the dribble and shoot from deep. His polish and composure stood out against older competition, a credit to his experience with Jet Academy on the Jr. EYBL circuit. Smooth and talented with the ball in his hands, Walker is a name to track closely in the coming years as he continues to refine his versatile offensive arsenal.

Jacori Wright | Sumter HS (SC) | 6-3 Wing | 2029

Wiry and lanky with natural scoring touch, Jacori Wright is a smooth perimeter threat with upside. He stretched the floor with his shooting range, while also showing off a polished turnaround jumper and advanced footwork for his age. Defensively, Wright’s active hands and length allowed him to disrupt ball handlers at the point of attack. His ability to score in multiple ways — whether from deep, off the dribble, or in mid-post actions — makes him one of the more versatile offensive wings in his class. With added strength, Wright projects as a possible dynamic two-way presence.

Additional Notable Performers

John Arroyo, Jr. | Jesuit HS (FL) | 5-10 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ Quick release on jumper, shot preparation, confidence

Torry Beaulieu, Jr. | Madison Preparatory Academy (LA) | 5-7 Guard | 2029

💡➡️ Outside shooting, OTD package, repeatable mechanics

Cristian Belton | Camden HS (SC) | 6-1 Guard | 2029

💡➡️ Physical frame + tools, high motor, finishing at the rim

Camryn Brown | McDonogh 35 Senior HS (LA) | 5-4 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ Calm demenaor, active dribble in the lane, floater game

Ayden Ducre | Slidell HS (LA) | 5-11 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ Spot-up shooting, straight-line driving, off-hand finishing

Rashad Isaac | L.B. Landry HS (LA) | 6-0 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ Assertiveness, deep range, ball-handling acceleration/deceleration 

Kyle Jones | John Curtis Christian School (LA) | 5-9 Guard | 2029

💡➡️ Defensive stance and mindset, soft touch, opportunistic scoring

Braylon Kinsey | Northshore HS (LA) | 6-6 Forward | 2029

💡➡️ Frontcourt size, functional handle, brute finishing

Asaiah Miles | Holy Cross HS (LA) | 5-2 Guard | 2030

💡➡️ Corner shooting, confidence, off-hand passing

Ronald Navarre | Archbishop Rummel HS (LA) | 5-8 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ OTD scoring, spot-up shooting, balanced

Alexander Scott | John Curtis Christian School (LA) | 6-4 Forward | 2028

💡➡️ Defensive engagement, extra efforts, budding positional size

Leroy Smith | McDonogh 35 Senior HS (LA) | 5-8 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ Defensive disruption, pick-and-roll manipulator, shooting gravity

Rayshard Thomas | Vanderbilt Catholic HS (LA) | 6-1 Guard | 2028

💡➡️ In-game processing speed, frame filling, slashing

Rhys Trapani | Brother Martin HS (LA) | 5-8 Guard | 2029

💡➡️ Fundamentally sound, transition scoring, catch-and-shoot shot prep

Anthony Trotter | Jim Hill HS (MS) | 6-2 Guard | 2029

💡➡️ Unselfishness, developing future length, perimeter shooting