Five 2026 Grassroots Prospects to Watch
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As we near the start of the Grassroots Season, anticipation is high for players, coaches, and even scouts! There are new programs, new names to learn, old faces in new places, and under-the-radar guys ready to break out throughout the…
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Continue ReadingAs we near the start of the Grassroots Season, anticipation is high for players, coaches, and even scouts! There are new programs, new names to learn, old faces in new places, and under-the-radar guys ready to break out throughout the state! For most of these Sophomores, it’s a chance to stand out and make a statement while playing against others their age or excel with a new AAU program. Check out this list of five intriguing prospects that could be in store for a strong Spring:
Elton is one of the Top Sophomores in the state and will be running with Upward Stars SE 3SSB SE this season. In the past year, Smith has won both an E15 EYBL Championship with Team CP3 and a SCISA State Championship with Cardinal Newman High School, so he will be looking to keep his winning ways going with Upward. He has a strong frame that is dominant on the glass and can push the tempo as well. Smith averaged over 9 rebounds per game during the high school season but was over 3 assists per game as well. His ability to do many things on the court will be an important asset for Upward Stars SE 3SSB throughout the spring.
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Braysen is another prospect who will be wearing a new jersey this AAU Season. Stockman has joined the newly created Middleton Hoops Elite, an EYBL Champions League program sponsored by Charleston Native Khris Middleton. Braysen is one of the elite scorers in the state and is coming off a High School Season where he averaged over 20 Points Per Game. Stockman has a very tight handle with a nasty stepback and is efficient at scoring from close or long range – all of which should translate well to MHE this spring.
MJ and the rest of his Next Level SC squad have got an early start to the Grassroots Season. They went 4-0 in the opening PUMA NXT Event of the Season in Atlanta. Littlejohn has good size on the wing and is a high-level shooter. This attribute adds spacing to any offense, but he can also create off the dribble if run off the three-point line. MJ is also very active in transition and on the defensive end, proving to be more than just a shooter.
Highlights
Caslaru is one of the more intriguing big-man prospects in the class. He has progressed well over the past year and will team up with Garner Road Basketball Club on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit this Spring. Mark has a very nice faceup game and is a strong rebounder. During the High School Season, Nation Ford had a deep frontcourt so it will be intriguing to see if Caslaru can carve out a large role for himself with Garner Road.
Coming off a solid High School Season at Dorman High School, Breazeale is looking to get back into things with Carolina Pressure , one of the states more successful independent programs over the last couple of year. Peden is a guard that has a strong body and makes an impact on both ends of the floor. On offense, in particular, he has a knack for putting the ball in the basket with a nice mid-range game and an ability to finish with either hand. He has started brightly for CPB this Spring, so keep an eye on him as the season rolls on.