25 2025s to Watch during the Live Period

The first weekend of the July NCAA Live period was an eventful one. Tournaments from coast to coast have seen coaches traveling to find players to add to their programs. Players from Louisiana and Texas have participated in tournaments from Atlanta to Vegas so far. This last Live weekend should be just as "lively" as Texas will be the home of multiple tournaments while shoe circuits are holding championships in various states. In this look at the 2025 class, here are some names from Texas and Louisiana that should get a good look during this Live period.   *Players will be listed in no particular order   [player_tooltip player_id='2459986' first='Christopher' last='Gay'] - While he is a wide receiver in the fall, he has had an impressive summer on the hardwood. Gay is lights out in transition and can stretch the floor. Christopher is an intriguing player who has a ton of upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1492966' first='Lantavious' last='Murphy'] - The best all-around basketball player in Louisiana. Murphy can play point guard, wing forward, or power forward for any team. His basketball IQ is high and he makes his teammates better.   DeAndre Lewis - The Mississippi forward/wing is a player who has an abundance of skill. At the Grind Region finals, he showed that he can handle and spot up. Lewis is best in transition situations. He is an elite finisher.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561807' first='Marcus' last='Lofton'] - Lofton is a point guard who can adapt to playing with any style. He can run a team that believes in half court execution or one that can get out and run. His vision and IQ make him an elite facilitator at the point.   [player_tooltip player_id='1492968' first='Chris' last='Lindo'] - As the only true post player on a talented [program_tooltip program_id='2076957' first='Louisiana' last='Elite'] 17U team, Lindo has handled his business. He is a traditional post who can step out and make mid-range shots. His rebounding ability is what sets him apart.   Jalen Williams - Williams is one of the better perimeter defenders we have in Louisiana prep circles. He has two way ability because he can make outside jumpers to go with his defense. His tenaciousness and athleticism will garner some eyes.   Will Beck - Beck will be an intriguing prospect for many coaches. He is a player who has a lot of length that can make three pointers almost at will. Beck is tough for his frame and rebounds the ball very well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2442224' first='Justin' last='Jones'] - An elite perimeter defender who is an electric transition player. Jones can finish with either hand or above the rim in the open floor. His ability to make the corner three is a game changer also.   [player_tooltip player_id='2576094' first='Markell' last='Sampson'] - Sampson is as good as it gets when it comes to rim protection. He reacts well on direct drives and covers a ton of ground with his length when blocking shots out of his area. Catching and finishing in the paint is a struggle but he is improving.   [player_tooltip player_id='2400123' first='Mason' last='Geddes'] - Geddes is a two way player who lays it all on the line when he is on the hardwood. He is as good as it gets on the perimeter defensively and he goes after 50/50 balls. Geddes can also score from the perimeter or at the rim. A 3 and D type player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347283' first='Garrett' last='Shoemaker'] - The [program_tooltip program_id='2076957' first='Louisiana' last='Elite'] wing has forward height with guard shooting and skill. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a threat at multiple levels. If he rebounds and scores in the paint, Shoemaker will be practically unstoppable.   [player_tooltip player_id='2477618' first='Altrie' last='Farris'] - Farris is one of the better two way players I have seen this summer. His perimeter offense is better than anticipated and consists of perimeter shots and offensive rebound finishes. A high level defender who can score is what he is.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347265' first='Jeremiah' last='Lucas'] - Playing on the EYBL circuit has not been too big for Lucas. During game play, he has proved to be a good defender and a better than average spot up shooter. Playing a role on a talented team may help his game grow even more.   Jarius Nealey - Nealey is an athletic guard who can defend all perimeter positions. His athleticism is a plus in the open floor and helps him with finishes at the rim. If the best offensive player on the other team needs to be neutralized, Nealey is the defender you want.   [player_tooltip player_id='2410738' first='Jaydon' last='Norbert'] - The three to four inches Norbert has grown has turned him into a legitimate offensive threat. He still possesses point guard skills with the ability to finish above the rim. Norbert is an improved two way player who is only getting better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1560448' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] - Brown is the best point guard in Louisiana hands down. His handle and quickness allows him to drive past anyone in his way more times than not. Proving he can do that on a consistent basis against bigger guards will open the eyes of a lot of coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590877' first='Jaxon' last='Sneed'] - His play during the Grind Region final showed a guard who can score and distribute. He is a three level scorer who can play either guard position. Sneed's ability to play on and off the ball can pay dividends for a team on the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2400706' first='Jayden' last='Wells'] - While he is a streaky shooter, Wells is still a perimeter threat teams have to account for. He is also one of the faster guards changing end-to-end. His quickness and speed puts pressure on the opposition on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2411601' first='Isaiah' last='Shurn'] - Shurn is a player who makes scoring look effortless. He can score at all three levels and is very consistent from the free throw line area. When he has the ball in his hands, he never looks rattled. Shurn is always in control.   [player_tooltip player_id='1393932' first='Kerel' last='Dean-Woods'] - Woods is a multi-level threat in a 6'7" frame. His ability to stretch the floor and post up puts teams in a pickle defensively. When he is highly aggressive offensively, he is very hard to stop.   [player_tooltip player_id='2442215' first='Bryson' last='Bond'] - Bond is a point guard who knows how to manipulate defenses with his use of the handle. He is also highly accurate with the corner three point shot. His shooting and driving ability is hard for teams to defend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2408250' first='Malek' last='Robinson'] - One of the more athletic point guards in Louisiana. Robinson has an attacking style and is known for his acrobatic finishes at the rim with either hand. He is a hard-nosed defender as well who can change the game with his defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2382176' first='Hunter' last=''] Mack-Nelms - Mack-Nelms is a crafty passer and scorer of the ball. His use of the screen and roll is highly effective. What makes him very good is his basketball IQ and his vision. His ability to see passes before they are open sets him apart from other guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1330583' first='Zion' last='Weeks'] - Weeks is another football player who plays at a high level on the basketball court. His ability to use screens and create pressure on defenses is next level type play. Weeks takes punishment better than most when he finishes at the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2466402' first='Tonio' last='Ambler-Barr'] - The Bossier forward has the ability to play inside and out. He is a better ball-handler than perceived and he can rebound and finish like a power forward. Ambler-Barr has perimeter skills as well which allows him to be a threat.   Tournaments such as the GASO Summer Finale (Carrollton), the Main Floor (Arlington), and others in San Antonio and Bryan are subject to see any of these players. Texas coaches and others in surrounding states will get some last looks at high caliber talent before the summer ends. The players above should definitely be preps to watch during their Live period weekend.

The first weekend of the July NCAA Live period was an eventful one. Tournaments from coast to coast have seen coaches traveling to find players to add to their programs. Players from Louisiana and Texas have participated in tournaments from Atlanta to Vegas so far. This last Live weekend should be just as "lively" as Texas will be the home of multiple tournaments while shoe circuits are holding championships in various states. In this look at the 2025 class, here are some names from Texas and Louisiana that should get a good look during this Live period.