Strictly BBall Newsletter 20

AAU Circuit Catchup and Recruitment Updates

Who is playing the best ball to begin this year’s summer circuits?

by Griffin Greenberg on May 10

The grassroots season is in full swing with us getting some good looks at some of the early top players. Let’s look at the top performers in each circuit, as well as a plethora of recruitment news!

THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

The Best From Summer Circuits

by Griffin Greenberg 

We’re two sessions into the 2024 EYBL and 3SSB circuits and one into the UAA circuit. Let’s look at some top players, teams, and young talent on the rise! 

Early Standouts

Xzavion Mitchell - Team Herro (EYBL)

The forward from Wisconsin and Iowa State commit is having a dominant summer and recently scored a circuit-leading 25.6 PPG and is in the top 10 in rebounding (7.2 RPG). He has been a very efficient scorer shooting 62% from the field and huge in Team Herro’s 6-0 start to the EYBL season. He’s shown his ability to get to the post with a number of crafty moves and finish at a high rate. He also won the EYBL MVP of session II.

Cameron Boozer - Nightrydas Elite (EYBL)

Boozer is once again one of the best players in EYBL. Averaging 25.5 PPG, 14.8 RPG, and 5 APG, he has been one of the best interior players throughout his high school career and has lived up to that in the circuit. Despite Nightrydas falling to the 4-2 New Heights Lightning, he had 23 pts (60% FG), 13 reb, and 6 ast and has also had a 20-20 game. The ESPN No. 2 recruit and his teammates are beginning another dominant year as they eye their third straight Peach Jam Title.

Braylon Mullins - Indiana Elite (3SSB)

Mullins has had a massive summer thus far. The 4-star is one of the best shooters in high school hoops, shooting 45.6% from deep in the circuit and averaging 20.1 PPG. He has a high IQ and plays very well off the ball. Mullins plays very in control, gets his shot off quickly and is also averaging 4.4 RPG and 1.6 SPG. He’s been a huge reason for Indiana Elite’s 9-0 circuit start.

Jamarion Batemon - Power 5 (3SSB)

Jamarion Batemon has made people well aware of who he is so far this summer. Averaging 22.5 PPG (50% from three), 3.5 RPG, and 2.4 APG, Batemon plays with pace and can light it up from deep. Batemon is a high-motor player who scores at multiple levels. He’s been on fire this summer knocking down an average of over five threes a game.

Kingston Flemings - SA Future (NXTPRO Puma)

Flemings is extremely quick and explosive, a few of his many traits that have contributed to his big summer. He’s been one of the biggest stock risers this summer as he has shown his dominance on the court. Flemings is very athletic and crafty with the rock, he displays his quick first step and has taken over multiple games. He had a 37-point, 14-rebound, 6-assist performance in the most recent circuit.

Chance Mallory - Team Thrill (UAA)

Mallory is poised for another dominant summer for Team Thrill again and he’s averaged 23.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.5 SPG in the first session. Mallory has displayed his elite all-around play on the offensive end and high energy and fast-paced play. He’s one of the most exciting players to watch amongst every circuit. Mallory and Team Thrill are set for another strong year in UAA.

Kaden Magwood - Team Loaded VA (UAA)

The 4-star has been one of the most efficient scorers this season averaging 23.1 PPG (55.2% FG) including hitting over three 3-pointers a game. He’s been productive at all three levels and has shown his high-level skill set that allows him to blow by defenders. Magwood has been one of the best scorers of any player this summer and should see a recruitment and rankings increase by the end of the summer.

Top Teams So Far

Team Loaded VA: 9-0

Team Loaded VA has been on fire to start the circuit season. Top-100 PG Kaden Magwood has unleashed his full scoring arsenal, as he averages 23.1 PPG on 55.2% shooting and 55.4% shooting from deep. Alongside him is 5-star Nate Ament who is an all-around player that has the ability to impact the game in many ways. Ament averages 14.4 PPG (39.5% from deep) and 5.7 RPG. Loaded also has Troy Henderson, who serves as a great facilitator, and Latrell Almond, an elite defender averaging 3.0 BPG. They have players that work well together and can make a deep run.

Indiana Elite: 9-0

Indiana Elite has one of the most dominant trios in AAU basketball in 4-stars Malachi Moreno, Trent Sisley, and Braylon Mullins. Mullins is an elite shooter, averaging 20.1 PPG on 45.6v% from deep, making a big impact with his efficiency and fast-paced play. Moreno is a defensive anchor and a highly skilled big, averaging 14.1 PPG (59.8% FG), 6.6 RPG, and 2.5 BPG, and Sisley is a strong 3-level scorer who is active on the glass averaging 13.3 PPG and 6 RPG. Indiana Elite also has strong depth in 2026 Luke Ertel, Mark Zackery IV, Maguire Mitchell, and more. Not only are they undefeated in the circuit, but also hold that title for this whole summer so far.

Nightrydas Elite: 5-1

The back-to-back 15U and 16U Peach Jam champions are among the best teams across all circuits. The 2025 5-star twin brother duo Cameron and Cayden Boozer Nightrydas highlight an energetic team that puts on a show every matchup. Cameron is near the top in multiple stat categories with 25.5 PPG, 14.8 RPG, 5 APG, and 1 SPG and Cayden has shown his IQ and elite playmaking ability, scoring in the mid-range area and at the hoop averaging 10.7 PPG and 6.2 APG. 2025 top-5 Caleb Wilson also joined Nightrydas at Session II, and 4-stars Dante Allen, Dwayne Wimbley, and Alex Lloyd have had a strong start in circuit play. Despite dropping a game to New Heights Lightning, they’ve had a favorable 16.8-point differential in the circuit.

Team WhyNot: 6-0

Team WhyNot has made a statement early in the EYBL season. 5-star Tounde Yessoufou has continued to impress, averaging 20+ PPG, 7+ RPG and 1 BPG. Yessoufou is a high-energy forward who knocks down mid-range shots at a high clip and has freakish athleticism. Alongside him, WhyNot has two top-10 ranked 2026 recruits in Jason Crowe, an elite playmaker who can score at will with high efficiency, and Tajh Ariza, a strong two-way forward who can do a little bit of everything at an elite level. WhyNot also has a strong support cast of Jovani Ruff, Julius Price, Tae Simmons and more.

Team Takeover: 6-0

As always, Team Takeover is right at the top. The defending Peach Jam champions have gotten off to a strong start. They’re led by the unfair and lethal guard trio in 2026 5-star Jordan Smith, and 2025 4-stars Derek Dixon and Nyk Lewis. Smith is one of my favorite players in high school hoops, displaying his grit and grind toughness consistently and not only being an efficient scorer averaging 13.2 PPG, but someone elite on each end. Dixon is a big time shotmaker with consistent clutch ability and gets to his spots with ease. Lewis, a strong playmaking guard, and Christian Gurdak is an efficient inside scorer and rebounder and averages double-digit points. Team Takeover had a strong win against Oak Soldiers in the second session, one of the top EYBL teams that has No. 1 ranked 2025 and 2026 recruits, AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes.

Arizona Select: 4-0

The talented AZ team is led by Kingston Tosi, a dynamic 4-star forward averaging 21 PPG (68.3% FG), 4.5 RPG and 1.5 BPG. In addition to Tosi, Arizona Select has a lot of contributors, including Bryce Quinet, Ryan Burbach, Amare King, and Trevion Curry. But after the 1st session, this team has shown their competitiveness on the defensive end, holding three teams to under 50 points. Arizona Select has a connected squad that has the potential to make a team run into the circuit season.

The Future of the Circuits!

2026 Bo Ogden (ASAK - 3SSB)

Ogden has been playing up for ASAK this summer and has averaged about 15 PPG for ASAK through 2 3SSB sessions. Ogden is a tough-minded player who can put his head down and get to the hoop. The 4-star uses his frame to score over defenders and makes an impact on the defensive end.

2027 Gene Roebuck III (Dream Vision 16U - 3SSB)

Roebuck III is undoubtedly one of the best 2027s in the country. He had a monster freshman year and hasn’t slowed down in the circuit, averaging 18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3 APG, and 1.4 SPG while leading his team to a 9-0 record. Roebuck has a high IQ and can score at multiple levels.

2028 Kyi Kyi Miles (Oakland Soldiers 15U - EYBL)

The rising freshman is playing up with Oakland Soldiers and making his name known this summer. Miles is averaging over 20 PPG while shooting 42% from three, showing off his elite scoring ability. Miles is crafty with the ball and able to get to the hoop with his sudden acceleration and quick first step off the dribble.

2026 Ian Premer (KC Run GMC 16U - UAA)

Premer, who averages a near double double with 20+ PPG and 9+ RPG, is an exciting player to watch. The 6’7” forward uses his strength and size to his advantage and can get to the hoop and make acrobatic finishes. He’s also an elite football player, being ranked in the top 70 in his class and holding several offers.

2026 Christian Gibson (Houston Hoops 16U - EYBL)

Christian Gibson has had a strong start to EYBL and averaged 27 PPG and 4.7 RPG in Session II. The lefty can light it up from deep and is smooth with the ball. He brings energy and plays under control and with confidence. Gibson is one of the more intriguing 2026 recruits in EYBL.

2026 Aidan Chronister (AAO Flight Elite - NXTPRO Puma)

Chronister is a 6’7” wing that is an impressive shooter off the catch and dribble. He has been playing up with AAO Flight and has held his own. He has a promising skill set and has looked better and better, especially with staying aggressive and using his frame to get to the hoop.

2027 Davon Maloney (City Rocks 15U - EYBL)

Maloney had a strong EYBL season with City Rocks, averaging a near double-double at 11 PPG and 9.5 RPG. The 6’7” forward has a good feel for the game, being able to finish around the hoop with his strong post presence. He is active on the glass and a disruptive defender.

Recruitment Recap

Commitments

Class of 2024 5-star Word of God (Raleigh, NC) center Jayden Quaintance has committed to Arizona State.

Class of 2024 5-star Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL) forward Liam McNeeley has committed to UConn.

Class of 2024 5-star OTE (Atlanta, GA) forward Karter Knox has committed to Arkansas.

Class of 2024 5-star Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, NY) guard Boogie Fland has committed to Arkansas.

Class of 2024 4-star Lexington (Lexington, SC) guard Cam Scott has committed to South Carolina.

Class of 2024 4-star Camden (Camden, NJ) guard Billy Richmond has committed to Arkansas.

Class of 2025 5-star Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, FL) forward Jamier Jones has committed to Providence.

Class of 2024 4-star Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, CA) guard Trent Perry has committed to UCLA.

Class of 2024 4-star Link Academy (Branson, MO) guard Labaron Philon has committed to Alabama.

Class of 2024 4-star OTE (Atlanta, GA) center Somto Cyril has committed to Georgia.

Class of 2025 4-star Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale, FL) guard Alex Lloyd has committed to Florida.

Class of 2025 4-star OTE (Atlanta, GA) guard Akai Fleming has committed to Georgia Tech.

Class of 2024 4-star Link Academy (Branson, MO) forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Southern California.

Class of 2025 4-star Hoover (Hoover, AL) center DeWayne Brown II has committed to Tennessee.

Class of 2024 4-star Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA) guard Isaiah Elohim has committed to Southern California.

Class of 2024 4-star Corner Canyon (Draper, UT) forward Brody Kozlowski has committed to BYU.

Class of 2024 4-star Owyhee (Owyhee, ID) guard Liam Campbell has committed to Saint Mary’s.

Class of 2024 4-star Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA) guard Justin Pippen has committed to Michigan.

Class of 2024 4-star The Branson School (Ross, CA) guard Jase Butler has committed to Washington.

Class of 2024 3-star Paul VI (Chantilly, VA) guard Ben Hammond has committed to Virginia Tech.

Class of 2024 3-star Dynamic Prep (Dallas, TX) forward Leon Horner has committed to Texas Tech.

Class of 2024 3-star Kenwood Academy (Chicago, IL) center Jaden Smith has committed to Fordham.

Class of 2024 3-star AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) forward Jayce Nathaniel has committed to UIC.

Class of 2024 3-star Harlan County (Baxter, KY) forward Trent Noah has committed to Kentucky.

Class of 2024 3-star OTE (Atlanta, GA) center Brandon Crawford has committed to East Tennessee State.

Final schools

Class of 2025 5-star guard Darryn Peterson has reopened his recruitment.