Faces of the Future Camp: Class of 2027 Standouts (Pt. 1)

Tavares, Fl. — In a very short amount of time, Faces of the Future Camp has emerged as a must-see event on the youth hoops fall calendar. Steven Reece, also the director of Nike-sponsored E.Y.B.L. program E1T1 United, created the camp only a year ago and welcomed more than 150 campers to the recently concluded 2020 edition.

The purpose of the event is to provide young prospects in the Sunshine State an opportunity to be seen by evaluators from across the country. The Faces of the Future Camp indeed delivered in that regard, filling the gym with nearly a dozen influential and respected scouts as well as videographers.

The two-day event reserved Saturday for third through fifth-graders and hosted sixth, seventh, and eighth graders on Sunday. This is the first of a three-part series that will focus on the sixth-grade participants, as we recap the most impressive performers at the event from the Class of 2027…

Jomar Bernard | Orlando, FL | Class of 2027

A wiry forward, Bernard was one of the taller players among the sixth-graders in attendance, standing nearly 5-foot-10. A versatile two-way talent at this stage, Bernard showed the ability to rebound and initiate transition offense, attack the rim from the perimeter, and proved to be a reliable finisher in the paint. A head taller than most of the campers in his grade division, Bernard glided up and down the floor, and is undoubtedly an impact player at the moment. Expected to play on the travel circuit with Powerhouse Bulls during the upcoming season, he’ll be a valuable contributor to their roster.

Whitfield Bynoe | Orlando, FL | Class of 2027

The diminutive guard caught my eye with his ability to create offense and knock down open jumpers. At Faces of the Future camp, Bynoe exhibited an element of toughness, and made it clear from the first drill that he would not be out-competed on either end of the court. His quickness and instincts allowed him to make plays in a variety of ways, as he intercepted multiple passes, and moved his feet well as an on-ball defender. Bynoe always seemed to be in the mix and was active whether or not he had the ball in his hands. He did not alter his game based on the setting and should be recognized for playing within himself.

Jayviel Cardona | Orlando, FL | Class of 2027

A confident lead guard with plenty of swagger, what Cardona lacks in height, he makes up for with energy and moxie. He forced tempo in transition and flashed the vision necessary to find open teammates in halfcourt settings. Cardona also demonstrated a deft shooting touch from multiple spots on the floor and showed surprisingly deep range on his jumper for a player of his stature. Although he appeared most comfortable with the ball in his hands, the pint-sized floor general also found ways to impact the Faces of the Future camp without the rock. His all-around effort was terrific and helped him earn attention.

Cayden Daughtry | Boynton Beach, FL | Class of 2027 

The shifty combo guard has already earned attention for the quick and steady release on his jumper and displayed more of the same at the Faces of the Future camp. Daughtry appeared comfortable finishing with either hand in the lane and his ability to change speeds with the ball kept defenders off balance throughout the event. He can get end-to-end in a hurry but also has the passing ability to advance the ball and make easy plays for others. The South Florida native is likely to run the show for the upcoming Nightrydas Elite sixth-grade squad during the upcoming season.

Ayden Donald | Seffner, FL | Class of 2027

One of the more advanced sixth-graders in attendance at the Faces of the Future camp, there’s a confidence in Donald’s game that currently separates him from his peers in the Class of 2027. Despite his youth, his approach is that of a crafty veteran, and he flaunted a variety of skills in the condensed one-day setting. Donald flourished in the open court, displaying confidence with the ball, and proficient touch in the lane. Although composed, Donald was aggressive in attacking opponents on each side of the floor, and his pace and feel further differentiated him once 5-on-5 gameplay was underway.

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