Prep Hoops Next Team Profile : Kansas Players 2027

Kansas Players have turned heads thus far in the Prep Hoops Next circuit season. This dynamic 2027 roster is packed with talented prospects, and are dominant when firing on all cylinders. Kansas Players look to join the circuit again at Nationals to face off against top teams across the country in June.

I was able to catch up with Coach Watson and get a deeper dive into what makes this team gel. 

What are your thoughts on how your team has competed thus far in circuit season? How have you prepared?

The boys have competed hard this year, we finished in the top 4 at our first prep hoops tournament in Oklahoma in March. We have had some injuries to a couple key players this year. That has really made a few kids take on different roles on the team and they have started to grow tremendously. I’m excited to get 2 starts back this month and a 6th man back in june. 

Which Prep Hoops Next event are you looking forward to most and why?

We were supposed to play in our home town Wichita next week but we missed the deadline. so our next prep hoops will be the national championship at the end of june. We look forward to competing against some of the best talent from across the country. It will be a good measuring stick for us.

What are your team strengths and areas that could use improvements? 

We are very good at the guard position and have very good ball handlers and shooters. Even though we are undersized at most big tournaments our post players can handle the ball and stretch the floor. We really need to learn how to close out games and understand that it’s the small things that make good teams great. like diving on the floor, winning 50/50 balls, making the extra pass, turning down a good shot to get a great shot. 

Roster/Player Breakdown 

Luke Henderson, #0

Luke is a true point guard and a floor general that is a pass first score second player that can easily turn into a score first pass second player if needed.

Avant Riley, #1

One of the best Shooters in the midwest. Can create his own shot or create for others because of his ability to handle it and score at all 3 levels.

Jayven Caldwell, #2 

Jayven has made a great trasition to playing the wing spot. He is a lefty that can finish around the basket and can guard 1 thro 5.

Brylon Henderson, #4

Brylon is a defensive stopper and a knock down corner 3 specialist. has some work to do but can score at all 3 levels.

Jordan Mangui #23

Jordan has great hands and touch around the basket. He is a great rebounder and shot blockers. He definitely makes the opponent feel his presence in the paint.

Zander Ford #33 

Zander is a kid that has the ability to turn the corner on any defender and get down hill to score or create for others. He can also stretch the floor for us.

Paxton Scott #3

Paxton reminds me of a white Allen Iverson. He likes to put the ball in the hole and can score at all 3 levels.

Ayden Koen #8

Ayden is a big man that can stretch the floor and will rebound and do all the little things you need to do to win the game.

Jaylen Grey #6

Jaylen is a big man that can do a little bit of everything but when he locks in and puts his back to the basket, there are not many that can stop him.

How does your roster stack up against last season’s roster? Any major changes? 

No major changes from last year, most of my kids have been together since the first grade. All my kids are local and some of the best here in Wichita.

What facet of the game do you want to improve on most going into next season?

I really want to work on my players’ mental ability to process the game and see things before it happens and understand the game in a way that it slows down for them and they can pick and choose their spots effectively offensively and defensively.

Who are your best returning players? Who are your best additions, if any?

Luke Henderson, Avant Riley, Jayven Caldwell, Brylon Henderson, Jordan Mangui,

We have added Jaylen Grey this year and he is a very versatile big.