Grassroots Reflections: Best New Hoopers I’ve Seen Since Spring
As is the case, we see a ton of new players season to season. I’m looking in the rear view and reflecting on the best new players I’ve seen these past few months. Get a glimpse of some rising talent…
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Continue ReadingAs is the case, we see a ton of new players season to season. I’m looking in the rear view and reflecting on the best new players I’ve seen these past few months. Get a glimpse of some rising talent and under the radar upperclassmen!
Pascal Munezero, 5’9 G – VT Elite + Blueprint Basketball/Burlington H.S. Class of 2027
The best incoming freshman I’ve seen so far, Pascal Munezero. He’s a PG with legit 3-level scoring, serious athleticism, and remarkable finishing around the cup. Pascal balances his attack with savvy passing/orchestration, making those around him better. An ultra-competitor with a defensive fire and hustle mentality, Munezero plays hard as anyone with a skillset beyond his years.
Tej Stewart, 6’3 W – Green Mountain Select/Twinfield H.S. Class of 2026
With a frame that’s built for the next level, Tej’s size and skillset have him looking like the modern swingman. Stewart’s a solid 2-level scorer from inside and from 3, and his vision as a passer culminates in easy finishes and hockey assists. In addition, he defends multiple positions, rebounds the rock, and knows how to make plays in the open court. Tej is one of Central VT’s best.
Noah Jenks, 6’0 G – Hartford Hurricanes/Hartford H.S. Class of 2026
Jenks comes with immense speed and a tight handle. Noah’s an adept slasher with an attack mentality, storming the rim with tough finishes and crisp kick outs. Moreover, his off-ball relocation sets him up with open jumpers, allowing him to knockdown the J or attack closeouts. Tough on the defensive end and a solid rebounder from the guard slot, Jenks plays at a high pace with aggressiveness.
Tobey Bellows Tobey Bellows 6'4" | PG Harwood Union | 2024 New E , 5’11 G – Green Mountain Select/Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2024
Bellows may be the best passer in the group. Tobey’s ability to make those around him better is undeniable; he sees plays develop ahead of others and he’ll drops dimes in ball screen actions, send lasers into the second layer, and cut defenses up with feeds all over the floor. Moreover, he’s a threat from 3 within 22-feet, so defenders have to respect his jumper. Tobey is balanced and composed with crisp playmaking.
Paul Comba, 5’8 G – VT Elite/South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025
The combo-guard knows how to cook. Comba can get hot in a hurry with his shooting from distance and ability to finish around the rim. Yet he also has sound off-ball instincts and an awareness of what shot is a good shot depending on who he’s playing with. I’ve seen him grill defenses as the 1st/2nd option and I’ve seen him as a role player who moves the rock quickly and hits his open looks. Adaptable and dependable.
Ryan Lockerby, 6’4 W/F – Northeast Celtics/BFA St. Albans Class of 2027
The big fella is coming into his own as a modern 3/4 swingman. Lockerby’s a natural around the post with his go-to moves on the block, face-up game, and interior work as a rebounder and rim protector. But he’s also shown he can step out to the wing, hit the jumper, drive to the rim, and send crisp kick outs when help slides over. Ryan comes with versatility and a competitive edge.
Dylan Rubin, 6’3 G/W – West Island Lakers (Montreal, CA) Class of 2026
Across the northern border there’s a ton of hoopers; here’s one who came down to VT and showed out. Dylan is a long and agile wing who slides between the 2/3 slot, yet he plays bigger than he is at times too. Rubin’s an adept rebounder who has nice rim protection instincts. And of course, he can push the ball in transition, shoot the rock, and finish inside. Unselfish with a ton of hustle, Rubin makes those around him better with his work ethic and passing touch.