Pre-Season Highlights: Breakout Prospects to Watch

[player_tooltip player_id='2463407' first='Tyson' last='Harris'] stood out as a stocky combo guard with a unique blend of strength, power, and versatility. His ability to play off the ball effectively helped him to navigate defenses, using his physicality to create space for himself. Whether cutting to the basket or spotting up for a shot, Harris understood how to position himself for open and high-percentage opportunities. His strong frame made it easy for him to absorb contact while maintaining balance, making him a tough matchup for defenders, both on the perimeter and inside the paint.     [player_tooltip player_id='2610437' first='Caden' last='Deffebaugh'] didn't waste time making scoring felt knocking down his first three-point attempt as he rotated around the perimeter for the catch-and-shoot kick out where he showed fluidity with good balance and well aligned footwork, setting the foundation for his outstanding play.     Dylan Steffe's a skilled ball-handler with great court vision who can do anything with the ball showing his pure dribbling to passing fluidity. Steffe maintained complete control of the ball showcasing precision and creativity in his passing, threading the ball through tight windows or throwing guys open with his passes. Steffe's knack for shifting from handling pressure to setting up a teammate in one smooth motion sets him apart as a dynamic offensive force.     [player_tooltip player_id='2625457' first='Colin' last='Noble'], standing at 6'5”, brought relentless hustle to every possession, covering immense ground on defense and contesting shots far from his initial position. His effort in extending plays, creating second-chance opportunities, and providing timely putbacks showcased his high basketball IQ and commitment to winning. Offensively, Noble's intelligence was on display, as he found ways to score efficiently without needing the ball in his hands for long, often cutting sharply into the paint or popping out for open threes. His well-timed movements made him a highly effective and versatile presence on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2625458' first='Jacob' last='Ariyo']'s lock down on-ball defense came behind his intelligence, anticipation, and relentless effort. He played with great defensive positioning, cutting off angles, and staying disciplined in his stance. He excelled at reading his opponent's moves and tendencies, often anticipating dribble drives or pull-ups before they happen. By staying low, using strong footwork, and applying constant pressure, he made it difficult for the opposing team's primary scorer to get comfortable or create separation. His defensive prowess proved to be a matter of outworking his opponents while using instinctive and calculated moves to shut them down.