Prep Hoops Live: Next-NEXT Generation
Going into Prep Hoops Live in Kansas City. I was prepared to to spend most of the weekend covering players from the younger age divisions. What was I was not anticipating was covering a group of extremely good players who…
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Continue ReadingGoing into Prep Hoops Live in Kansas City. I was prepared to to spend most of the weekend covering players from the younger age divisions.
What was I was not anticipating was covering a group of extremely good players who have yet to step foot in high school. One of the players on this list won’t even do that next year. Accordingly I haven’t listed schools (just states) attended. As that is presumably still up in the air for next year.
Following are five next generation players who put themselves on the map this weekend in Kansas City.
Cade Murphy 6–5 2026- Tennessee (pictured at top) Has as close to a complete scoring package as you will see at this grade level. Simply put there was not much he could not do offensively. Very good ball handler who got to his spots on the perimeter easily. Once there used his size to shoot over the top of defenders. Solid athletic frame that you would not categorize as skinny. Showed excellent strength by finishing through contact on more than one instance. Competitive disposition and played with a little bit of a nasty streak. Finished with 16 points in a victory over Quad City Shockers (IA). One of my favorite players on the weekend regardless of class. The Knoxville area is going through a nice run of producing national blue chip prospects (Blue Cain, BJ Edwards etc) If Murphy can improve his explosiveness he could be next up. The size and skill are already there in a big way
Colin Stack 6–8 2026- Illinois Prospect who passes the eye test in a major way. Very skinny but also a very long prospect. Accordingly did most of his damage defensively for Full Package. Already an excellent rim protector. Even playing up a grade level. Lateral quickness also aids this area of his game. Offensively appears to be more comfortable on the perimeter. Moved well off the ball and obviously has been well schooled in how to play in pick and pop situations. Did get pushed down low a bit. But fought hard and was not afraid of contact.
Kendre Harrison 6–7 2026– North Carolina Like his 865 Elite teammate Murphy. Harrison doesn’t need to add much physically to his game. If he’s done growing (which I doubt) there is a lot work with already. Has plenty of size and burst on a thick well put together frame. Has broad shoulders and wide base. Is not going to get pushed off his spot when he establishes post position. Showed the ability to finish with both hands around the basket.
Jonathan Jordan 6–0 2026- Missouri Gateway Basketball Club featured a handful of 2026 prospects playing with their top squad. My favorite of the bunch was this point guard. Main feature of his game was speed. Showed an sudden first step with dramatic acceleration. Already shows a high level of leadership and assertiveness. Was in the game late and wanted the ball in his hands during crunch time of a close loss to Collective Elite out of Canada. Despite his speed. Not some type of small water bug point guard. Has a stocky and sturdy frame with good height for the position already.
Jeremiah Profit 6–4 2027- Southern California I made a point to double check with this players coach before his game. Just to make sure the year printed wasn’t a typo. I’m glad I did. Because there is not one part of me that would have believed this player was seventh grader. To be frank. I don’t know if I would have believed he was a ninth grader. Very advanced game with legitimate wing skills already. Has a effortless and quick release from beyond the arc. It’s more of a line drive at this point in his development. But it was effective. Had four three’s in a loss to Wisconsin’s Chapman Academy. Did most of his damage from deep. But was not afraid to mix it up down low. Showed a encouraging level of grit and toughness. Played through what looked to be a twisted ankle to finish with 17 points on Friday night.