In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Tyler Glazier spotlights prospects who stood out at USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp after spending multiple days on-site in Colorado Springs, Colorado:
After a multi-year hiatus due to COVID, the annual October edition of the USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp returned this month with a loaded group of talent. The primary objectives in this structured environment are to get better and embrace the Team USA culture, and minicamp practices provide an excellent opportunity to see how players buy in and measure up for possible spots on the U19, U16 and Nike Hoop Summit teams in 2023. This unique setting is why the majority of NBA teams assign evaluators to get a first-hand look at potential draft prospects. Pro Insight was also on hand to take in all the action as some of the nation’s top players battled it out.
Upperclassmen
Coen Carr | 2023 | 6’5” Wing | Legacy Early College (SC) *Michigan State commit
In an event structured to get the most out of highly-ranked prospects, it was Coen Carr who redefined what playing with energy meant throughout the weekend. A wrecking ball of intensity and pogo stick athleticism, Carr wasn’t there to make friends on the court, but to show why he belonged. While the jumper and perimeter skills are still a work in progress, Carr does an excellent job playing to his strengths and thrives as an assertive slasher, ferocious finisher, productive rebounder, and high motor defender. The fit with Michigan State and Tom Izzo couldn’t be more perfect as Carr encapsulates much of the ‘Spartan Dawg’ culture, already. Expect him to quickly endear himself to fans and scouts alike when he gets to East Lansing.
Layden Blocker | 2023 | 6’2” Guard | Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) *Arkansas commit
At 6’2” and 170 pounds, Layden Blocker is a force full of energy who plays much bigger than his listed height might suggest. A fierce competitor, Blocker especially excels defensively as he pressures the ball beyond half-court, creating havoc in passing lanes. As one who continues to rise up the rankings thanks to his underdog approach, Blocker relishes each opportunity to measure himself against his peers and show he belongs with the best. Offensively, Blocker is hyper quick with the ball and is constantly looking to push the pace and put pressure on the rim. While he showed glimpses of stretching the floor and quarterbacking the offense throughout the weekend, Blocker is still developing in those areas, but projects to be a tough cover once all aspects of his game are dialed in. Look for Blocker to have a big senior season with Sunrise Christian Academy as he makes a push for five-star status and a return to GEICO Nationals.
Annor Boateng | 2024 | 6’5” Wing | Little Rock Central (AR)
Similar to Blocker and Carr, Annor Boateng separated himself from the group primarily due to his high motor and two-way potential. At 6’4” 200 lbs with a near 6’11” wingspan, Boateng automatically pops as someone with pro level tools at the guard spot. In conjunction with his high level athleticism and gritty approach to the game, Boateng excels at slashing to the hoop, out-rebounding his position and embracing defensive assignments. Sprinkle in his improving 3pt efficiency and budding perimeter skills and you get a player who’s tough not to like. Only a junior, Boateng returns to Little Rock Central as a newly minted five star recruit and with an eagerness to win a state title after falling to Nick Smith Jr. and North Little Rock in the semifinals last season.
Jared McCain | 2023 | 6’3” Guard | Corona Centennial (CA) *Duke commit
No stranger to the USA Basketball philosophy, Jared McCain returned to participate in the JNT Minicamp after winning a gold medal in the FIBA U18s this summer in Tijuana, Mexico. Amidst a group of talented guards, McCain’s poise and leadership helped set the tone for practices and scrimmages. At 6’3”, McCain is a cerebral floor general who continues to gain a better understanding of how to manipulate defenses as a playmaker, get to his spots as a creator and remain aggressive as a scorer. He quickly emerged as a go-to-guy anytime he was on the court and was intentional about making the most of his opportunities in front of numerous NBA evaluators. Look for the future Duke guard to have a statement year with a deep Corona Centennial squad as they pursue another CIF title.
Tyler Smith | 2023 | 6’10” Forward | Overtime Elite
One of the more all-around skilled upperclassmen in attendance, Overtime Elite product Tyler Smith instantly captures your attention due to his blend of smooth body mechanics, 6’10” frame and guard-like perimeter skills. As a versatile offensive threat, Smith has the ability to act as a lob target around the basket, knock down open shots, attack closeouts, and grab-and-go on occasion. Smith has an innate knack of making the game look easy at times and rarely forces the issue as a scorer. In addition to his offensive skill, Smith possesses the natural tools to be a disruptive defender, which he shows flashes of when covering ball screens and quickly cutting off lanes while in help. Smith’s performance surely opened some eyes over the weekend while simultaneously validating the Overtime Elite developmental program.
Underclassmen
Cameron Boozer | 2025 | 6’8” Forward | Christopher Columbus (FL)
If there’s anyone to use as an example in favor of changing the NBA draft age requirements to allow prospects to go straight to the pros out of high school, Cameron Boozer would be that guy. Born a pro, Boozer once again established himself as one of the most productive and efficient players in the country in front of the majority of NBA teams. At a listed 6’8” and 227 pounds with a near 7’1” wingspan, he has a knack for making the game look easy due to his advanced feel, inside/outside skill-set, fluidity, high motor, and strong mental approach. In short, Boozer plays with a level of polish and maturity that makes it nearly impossible to grasp that he’s only 15 years old. Expect Boozer to continue his dominance as he embarks on a national schedule with the Christopher Columbus Knights (FL) this season.
AJ Dybantsa | 2026 | 6’8” Forward | St. Sebastian School (MA)
Perhaps the most impressive prospect in attendance not named Cameron Boozer was Massachusetts native AJ Dybantsa, who initially made national waves last season as he was dominating older competition as an 8th grader. A live body with major physical/athletic tools at 6’8”, 185 pounds, a 6’11” wingspan and a versatile two-way package, it’s easy to see the upside and developmental track for Dybantsa to continue blossoming into a highly-coveted recruit and possible draft prospect in the near future. However, aside from his natural gifts, it was Dybantsa’s energy, vocal leadership and alpha mindset that helped separate him from the rest of the group as he seemed to take advantage of every opportunity to match up against some of the biggest names in youth basketball. The ceiling is truly the roof when it comes to Dybantsa as he aims to cement himself as one of the top prospects in the country regardless of class.
Isiah Harwell | 2025 | 6’5” Guard | Wasatch Academy (UT)
In his second appearance with USA basketball and fresh off visits to UNC and Duke, Isiah Harwell brought a different element to the weekend as an athletic and big bodied two-way guard. Harwell’s impact was consistent both days of practices as he primarily stood out due to his finishing ability, shooting upside, defensive toughness, and rebounding. He also showed flashes of his improved comfort with the ball and court awareness in an effort to continue expanding his game as he shifts to more of a go-to offensive threat with Wasatch Academy this season. While the NIBC is a level up in talent compared to what he routinely faced in Idaho, expect Harwell to adjust and produce as he’ll likely be the catalyst for the Tigers.
Christopher Nwuli | 2025 | 6’7” Forward | Bishop Gorman (NV)
Aside from Hillcrest big Jayden Quaintance, Bishop Gorman forward Christopher Nwuli possessed the most intriguing blend of raw tools, natural talent and drive relative to his peers. At 6’7” and 189 pounds with broad shoulders and a plus-wingspan, Nwuli immediately demands your attention as soon as he steps on the floor. When packaged with his 37” vertical leap (recorded at The Blueprint Combine in Las Vegas) and quick-twitch athleticism you get an eyebrow-raising player who can dominate on both ends. Initially evaluated by our staff in 2020, Nwuli has continued to make incremental leaps in his game over the past few years — and with this being his first time participating in a Team USA environment, Nwuli was able to measure himself against many of his peers. Although he only participated in Saturday’s practices, his defensive impact, shooting upside and strong finishing all helped separate him from the group and make a positive impression in front of NBA evaluators. While he sat out day two for precautionary reasons, Nwuli's presence was still felt as he remained engaged on the sidelines being one of the more vocal participants in the gym. Watch for Nwuli to continue ascending as one of the more coveted recruits out west as he shifts from being more of a role player to a featured piece for Bishop Gorman this season.
Jayden Quaintance | 2025 | 6’8” Big | Hillcrest Prep (AZ)
In a group short of true big men, Jayden Quaintance immediately popped due to his raw physical tools for his age. Rarely do you see a true 15 year old who is 6’8” with a strong 226 pound frame, a 7’3” wingspan, huge hands and big feet with still so much room to grow. And as intriguing as the tools are, Quaintance’s development on the court appears to be aligning with his development off the court as things seem to be clicking into place for the young sophomore. Initially evaluated in November of last year, Quaintance has made massive strides with his feel for the game, all-around athleticism and overall confidence over the past 11 months. In a setting that may have been intimidating only a few months prior, Quaintance didn’t shy from the competition and succeeded at establishing himself as one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in the building. Expect him to have a productive season with Hillcrest Prep next to Baylor commit Jason Asemota and Aiden Sherrell.
Tyran Stokes | 2026 | 6’6” Wing | Prolific Prep (CA)
Initially evaluated by our staff at MADE Hoops and Pangos Junior All-American Camp in early 2022, Tyran Stokes has continued his linear trajectory by putting together an extremely strong performance at USA Basketball against some of the top competition in the country and in front of NBA personnel. Stokes showed the total package in Colorado Springs by stretching the floor, knocking down pull-up jumpers, attacking closeouts, finishing with authority, crashing the glass and bringing defensive energy. With his mature frame (222 pounds and a 6'11.75" wingspan), natural explosiveness and tangible development you get a player who can bring value and productivity at the wing position in a number of ways while still growing his game. Look for Stokes to be an instant impact player on the national stage with a loaded Prolific Prep quad this season.
Meleek Thomas | 2025 | 6’3” Guard | Lincoln Park (PA)
In his second go around with USA Basketball after participating in mini-camp in New Orleans surrounding the 2022 Final Four, sophomore guard Meleek Thomas didn’t waste any time establishing himself as one of the top guards in the entire event. At a wiry and relatively unassuming 6’3” and 167 pounds, Thomas was virtually unguardable for the majority of drills and scrimmages during both days of practice. A smooth and functional athlete, Thomas picks apart defenses as a lead ball-handler, scores the ball efficiently at all three levels and is a disruptor on defense. As someone who prides himself in being one of the better two-way players in the country, Thomas put his full skill-set on display at USA and routinely had the gym buzzing after each practice. It was another feather in the cap for the accomplished underclassman as he aims to represent team USA on an international stage in the future.
Other Notables
Cayden Boozer | 2025 | 6’3” Guard | Christopher Columbus (FL)
Tough, sturdy guard who showcased his defensive toughness and tough finishing ability
Stephon Castle | 2023 | 6’6” Guard | Newton (GA) *UConn commit
Polished guard who can make the game look easy and act as a secondary creator
Eric Dailey, Jr. | 2023 | 6’7” Forward | IMG Academy (FL)
2023 NBA draft eligible forward who impresses with his activity, consistency, versatility and two-way upside
Justin Edwards | 2023 | 6’7” Wing | Imhotep Charter (PA) *Kentucky commit
Smooth operator at 6’7” who possesses creating, facilitating and shot-making skills
Sam Funches | 2026 | 6’10” Big | Germantown (MS)
One of the youngest players in attendance and efficiently stretches the floor and protects the paint
Caleb Gaskins | 2026 | 6’7” Wing | Holy Trinity Episcopal (FL)
High upside wing with intriguing two-way versatility as the youngest player in attendance
Jalen Haralson | 2025 | 6’6” Guard | Fishers (IN)
Well-built guard with positional versatility and smooth scoring ability
Caleb Holt | 2025 | 6’5” Guard | Buckhorn (AL)
Fearless competitor with upside to be an efficient two-way option
AJ Johnson | 2023 | 6’5” Guard | (Formerly) Donda Academy (CA)
Lanky guard who is a smooth athlete, exceptional creator and crafty scorer
Karter Knox | 2024 | 6’5” Wing | Tampa Catholic (FL)
Do-it-all wing who’s productive as a slasher/finisher and a tough defender
Nyk Lewis | 2025 | 6’0” Guard | Gonzaga College (DC)
Quick scoring guard who can pick apart defenses with his creating and shot making proficiency
Alier Maluk | 2025 | 6’9” Forward | Imani Christian Academy (PA)
High-upside forward who can create his own shot, space the floor and switch defensively at 6’9”
JJ Mandaquit | 2025 | 6’1” Guard | Real Salt Lake (UT)
One of the more impressive guards in attendance, popping as a high IQ player who efficiently runs the show and sets up teammates for easy looks
Vyctorius Miller | 2024 | 6’4” Guard | AZ Compass (AZ)
Impressive defensive intensity in this setting, paired natural self-creation and scoring ability
Jalen Montonati | 2026 | 6’5” Guard | Owasso (OK)
Long and rangy guard who plays well off of others and is a sniper from deep
Koa Peat | 2025 | 6’7” Forward | Perry (AZ)
A physically-gifted prospect who brings intangibles to the table as well via his focused approach and rebounding + defensive motor
Darryn Peterson | 2025 | 6’5” Guard | Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (OH)
Smooth combo guard with an advanced offensive repertoire
Jaden Toombs | 2025 | 6’9” Big | Dynamic Prep (TX)
Dirty work big who can slide defensively, stretch the floor and bang inside
Nigel Walls | 2025 | 6’9” Forward | St. Francis Episcopal (TX)
Long versatile forward with a smooth jumper and a disruptor in passing lanes
Elijah Williams | 2026 | 6’5” Wing | Scottsdale Christian (AZ)
Intriguing upside wing who can knock down shots and is productive as a slasher
Wesley Yates III | 2023 | 6’4” Guard | Beaumont United (TX) *Washington commit
Strong guard who’s a tough shot-maker and physical defender
