Pre-Season Highlights: Up and Coming 2026s

[player_tooltip player_id='1778917' first='Zayson' last='Salanoa'], standing at 6'6”, established himself as a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, especially in early offensive sets. His ability to find open looks in the corner and capitalize on them with near-automatic precision made him a go-to option in such situations. His phenomenal size and length gave him a notable advantage, particularly when it came to crashing the boards, helping his team secure important rebounds. On the defensive end, Salanoa made use of his length to be a presence around the rim, swatting away shots with authority using his left hand. His combination of size, shooting accuracy, and defensive potential made him a well-rounded contributor on both ends of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2555034' first='Cameron' last='Ned'] played well within the flow of the game, impacting every facet without forcing his will. He allows the game to come to him, taking advantage of whatever opportunities arise, whether on defense, offense, or the boards. Ned has proven to be an effective shot maker from beyond the arc, consistently knocking down three-pointers, while also showcasing his playmaking skills off the dribble inside the arc. His ability to balance scoring and facilitating makes him a valuable asset to his team.     [player_tooltip player_id='2557328' first='Jesus' last='Valenzuela'] showcased a pure jumper from the moment he took his first shot, drilling deep three-point bombs with no hesitation when given space. His confidence from beyond the arc was evident, especially from the left wing, where he was at his best. Valenzuela's shooting ability made him a constant threat, stretching the defense and forcing opponents to close out hard, often too late to contest his quick release.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556193' first='Jeremy' last='Mixon'] displayed excellent floor awareness both with and without the ball in his hands. He instinctively executed slips and sharp cuts to the basket, taking advantage of defenders who turned their heads or left the paint unprotected. His ability to read the game allowed him to maintain a consistent tempo, facilitating smooth offensive flow for himself and his teammates. Mixon was key in spacing the floor, creating opportunities for others, and ensuring that the team scored efficiently within the rhythm of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2621937' first='Jermaine' last='Thomas'] came out of halftime with a spark, igniting his team with relentless energy and competitiveness on the defensive end. He dove for loose balls, applied relentless pressure on ball handlers, shut off drives with excellent help-side positioning, and completely boxed out his man to secure rebounds. His defensive intensity set the tone for his team's resurgence. Thomas's impact didn't stop on defense, though. He followed up with back-to-back three-pointers from the right wing, shortening the deficit and breathing new life into his team. His two-way effort turned the momentum in their favor.