GameChangers: All Upside Team

Allen Pettigrew

April 20, 2022 @ 11:24 AM

When Suarez steps onto the court with his gangly 6’2 frame, you might not think much of him. Then the game rolls and you notice how productive he is. As the lone 2025 prospect on a court filled with talented 2024 prospects, Suarez was 2 rebounds away from a 15 point double-double. He can take defenders off the bounce for drive and kick scenarios that led to 4 assists. When he gets downhill, he finishes through contact. He can hit shots in the midrange and beyond the arc. He’s a heady player that knows how to draw fouls and read passing lanes. The future is bright for a prospect that averaged 18 and 8 as a freshman on varsity.

Idell Walton III | PHS Academy 2023

The stories on Walton III are urban legend-esque. He’s a former tight end that’s only played basketball for a few years. His lone varsity season ended in all area all star accolades where he dominated practice with college prospects that have played basketball their whole lives, including a two sport Division 1 athlete. The 6’7 2022 prospect has been one of the hottest JUCO prospects since that day. The size, the motor, and athleticism all jump out to bring you a double-double threat that still has room to develop wing skills. He runs the floor hard, finishes above the rim, defends 2-4 with ease, and has the strength to switch onto smaller 5s.

Jaden Wolner | SWFL Hoops Inc. 2024

Wolner has all the confidence to be a lead playmaker. The 6’4 foot sophomore drives to the hole with multiple ways to finish around the painted area. He’s already hitting layups at tough angles. Can stop on a dime for pull ups and runners. He’s a good passer that can make plays when driving downhill of find cutters with no look passes. Everything he does right now involves putting pressure on the front of the rim. That’s why he’s on this list. He’s only going to get better at it as he develops a better control of the game.

Christopher Cruz Christopher Cruz 6'3" | CG Leto | 2024 FL | G1 Sports 2024

Cruz has grown on me throughout his sophomore season. The 6’4 wing throws his wide frame around to make things happen on both ends. He’s developed a nice off ball game that’s helped him produce with his physicals, but it’s his IQ in those situations that impress me. He’s never out of position, plays with toughness, and has solid footwork with the ball in his hands. Cruz has shown flashes of hitting outside shots this season as those perimeter skills continue to develop he’ll have a great inside out game.

Ian Trucker | Nine Strong 2024

Trucker stands out among 2024 prospects thanks to his size and frame. Once the ball is tipped, the bouncy wing produces on both sides of the ball. He can knock down shots beyond the arc and take steals coast to coast in transition. Trucker is a strong finisher at the rim with the frame to power through contact. He has a bit of wiggle on drives. His best basketball is ahead of him, but his flashes are enough to put points on the board now.

Dallas Lambert | SWFL Hoops Inc. 2025

The 6’3 wing played up an age group, scoring 18 points per game. He’ll enter high school with a frame that’ll make him feel at home with older competition. Lambert already plays with physicality. You can see it on drives and cuts to the basket where he’s more than ready to take or give a hit when finishing around the rim. He has the length and athleticism to play above the rim.

Alexander Springs | Florida Kings 2025

Springs was the model for athleticism in the 15U division. He’s the spear of an undefeated team that walked away with several blowout victories this weekend. The 6’1 guard overwhelms the age group with his speed and bounce. He creates turnovers in a press and gets in passing lanes with ease. He finishes above the rim on the break, penetrates in the halfcourt, and attacks angles with both hands.