Early NEXT Circuit Stock Risers: 2027 Bucket Getters

Bradshaw’s a big guard with a stocky build but a very fluid game and an impeccable combination of power and skill. For Team Griffin, Bradshaw is a go-to scorer who shows a good basketball IQ, a strong on and off ball skill set, the ability to create his own shot and also set his teammates up with his quick change of direction dribbles. Throughout his weekend on the circuit, Braelon showed off his passing ability and court vision as he always found the open man and rarely got careless or made mistakes with the ball.

Justin Jones comes equipped with athleticism that makes it tough to contain by just one man. This pure slasher beats defenders with his explosive right hand attack in the half-court, Jones displays a great burst in his first step that gets him to the rack at will. Justin Jones is also elite in transition with the speed to go coast to coast before the defense can set up.

Adam McKnight has been one of the biggest standouts on the circuit so far, he’s already began developing ideal size for his position along with a sturdy basketball body, including the strength and mentality to use it at the small forward effectively. McKnight has the moves to operate from the inside-out, often utilizing a sweet turnaround jumper in the mid-range and even showing off his patience and footwork on the block with his use of pump fakes, up-and-unders, and step-throughs. This 6-foot-3-inch athletic prospect has shown the confidence rise high over a defender and convert a layup or dunk through contact thanks to his fantastic midair body control. Adam has already given us two of the most jaw-dropping plays we’ll see all season when he drove the full length of the floor, took flight with his right hand, and tomahawk slam dunked all over a contesting opponent resulting in the points and the free throw, the energy Adam brought following the dunk was electric as well. McKnight’s also becoming a lob threat and he hasn’t even hit high school yet. Coming out if timeouts, coach was able to call Adam’s number on a baseline inbounds play underneath the basket and he didn’t disappoint. Not only did McKnight catch the ball at its highest point but he finished the dunk with both hands. 

Traylin Reed is the type of player you can never count out, he can heat up and take over a game at any given moment no matter how slow of a start he’s having. This kid is already showing clutch qualities, whenever the game is on the line he rises to the occasion and closes it out in spectacular fashion. Any time the ball is in Traylin’s hands he’s a threat to put it in the hoop whether he’s coming at you in transition or in the half court. Reed breaks a man down before slashing in and out of the lane before finishing through traffic, his penetration skills can really land a team in foul trouble.

Blake Wilson has managed to dominate his competition as high percentage shot maker within lane, if he’s able to get to the rack he’s sure to score it. For an 8th grader Wilson’s footwork and instincts for when and how to score are on the next level. His amazingly skilled and polished footwork is what sets Blake apart from others at his position. Very crafty, Wilson displays variety of moves that he can go to at a moments notice. The name Blake Wilson is one to keep track of, he’ll be a well-known hot commodity in the state of Texas all throughout high school while consistently showing glimpses of greatness with his offensive wizardry.