LAS VEGAS — The Border League is the highest group occasion of the autumn, as the most effective high-school competitors from across the nation gathers underneath the brilliant lights of Sin Metropolis for 3 days of high-level video games. On Sunday evening, NBA scouts and school coaches sat courtside because the No. 1-ranked participant within the nation, AJ Dybantsa, squared off towards the No. 2 participant within the nation, Cameron Boozer.
Dybantsa and Utah Prep took residence the shut win over Boozer and the Explorers (Florida), 69-68. Dybantsa’s first-half efficiency was unimaginable as he confirmed off his elite shot creation, endurance as a ball-handler and defensive versatility along with his 7-foot-3 wingspan. He completed with 28 factors (together with 5 3s) and 4 rebounds within the win, whereas Boozer tallied 20 factors, 10 rebounds and three blocks for the Explorers.
“I simply needed to take that problem, going towards Cam [Boozer]. He is a tricky competitor and I simply needed to go on the market and play protection and our group did an important job with spacing, so I am glad we bought the win,” Dybantsa mentioned after the sport.
Dybantsa and Boozer are projected to go on the prime of the 2026 NBA draft. This is a have a look at seven prime performers that scouts have been following carefully all weekend.
If there have been any questions nonetheless lingering as to who the most effective participant in highschool basketball is, no matter class, Dybantsa silenced all critics this weekend with how effectively he performed. The abilities he possesses at 6-9, together with how effectively he reads the sport, is so spectacular, and he is additionally turning into an elite defender, sitting down and guarding the change off the perimeter. On Saturday evening, he took over a tricky recreation towards the Florida Rebels and completed with 20 factors, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in a 64-58 win. There are few gamers on the high-school stage that may take over possessions and constantly make the fitting learn. The way in which Dybantsa processes the sport at simply 17 years outdated is the rationale so many groups are eyeing the 2026 NBA draft.
Dybantsa’s recruitment has been distinctive with solely a few blue bloods in play and BYU the favored touchdown spot. New BYU head coach Kevin Younger and his workers made Dybantsa a precedence and have been current within the fitness center all weekend for Utah Prep’s video games. Kansas State, Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, Baylor and Auburn are additionally within the combine for the No. 1 participant within the nation.
The 6-9 ahead has been a extremely touted recruit since he hit the scene as a freshman, and has been one of the vital constant gamers over time along with his stable all-around recreation. Boozer is the most effective outlet passer off rebounds and has improved his ball-handling, main the break at occasions. His measurement and passing capability is harking back to a younger Kevin Love, and though his 3-point shot wasn’t constantly touchdown this previous weekend, the arrogance he exhibits within the pick-and-pop is promising for the NBA stage.
Boozer, and his twin brother Cayden, not too long ago committed to Duke and are each following of their dad Carlos’ footsteps on the subsequent stage.
Whereas twin brother Cameron has all the time been a top-3 recruit, Cayden’s rise and enchancment over his high-school profession has additionally been spectacular. He led the EYBL in assists (6.5 per recreation) and is comfy with the ball in his palms. He is affected person within the half-court set and all the time trying up in transition, hitting teammates up the courtroom for straightforward buckets. The Explorers performed a little bit chaotic at occasions on the Border League, but it surely’s the poise of Cayden that brings all the pieces along with a number of choices off screens, whether or not that is hitting Cameron or junior Jaxon Richardson for straightforward lobs within the pick-and-roll.
McCoy is the No. 1-ranked junior within the nation and has such a whole recreation for his age. His protection is the place he excels, locking down each positions within the backcourt. The 6-4 level guard had a sequence of offensive possessions the place he hit a step-back 3 with a giant in his face after which hit a turnaround jumper within the nook throughout an in depth recreation towards AZ Compass in a one-point victory.
UCLA had three coaches watching McCoy and his teammate Christian Collins on Saturday, whereas Arizona, Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, USC, Kentucky and Oregon are different colleges within the combine.
Collins was a top performer at the USA Basketball junior minicamp every week prior and did not skip a beat on the Border League. His mixture of size, measurement and abilities on the block makes him an intriguing NBA prospect. The 6-8 ahead confirmed a real inside-outside recreation and is enhancing on his perimeter reads off pin-downs and pick-and-pop conditions. He’s affected person with nice physique management on the rim.
Collins’ checklist of faculties consists of Oregon, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, USC, ASU and Cal, with Kentucky head coach Mark Pope making the journey to California for a apply earlier this month.
Brown has added a little bit of weight to his body since becoming a member of DME Academy (Florida) for his senior season. The 6-3 guard has all the time been a lethal shooter, however he is exhibiting extra craftiness within the lane and ending with floaters over larger opponents and stronger gamers. He has the power to take over video games and is comfy with the ball in his palms when the sport is on the road. Brown is called a scorer, however his most underrated trait is his passing, and he was superior as a facilitator this previous weekend.
Brown took a latest go to to Kentucky on the finish of September and the 5-star guard can also be within the combine for Indiana, Ole Miss, UCF, Alabama, Windfall, Louisville and Texas.
What Burries did on Saturday towards powerhouse Montverde Academy was one of the vital spectacular performances of the weekend. Though his group, The Vale (California), got here up brief, Burries was the most effective participant on the courtroom. He is a powerful guard who can bully his option to the rim, however he additionally was hitting quite a few 3s over the weekend off the dribble.
Burries, a 6-4 senior guard, is recent off latest visits to Alabama and Arizona. Assistant coaches from each applications have been current all weekend in addition to three coaches from UCLA. Coaches from Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, SMU and BYU and several other NBA scouts are watching Burries as he progresses and performs by his senior season.