ND '26 Ranks: 10 Ballers I Need To See

Every year, there are players who grab attention, not always because of gaudy stats or headline-making plays, but because of their potential, versatility, and impact. These are the players who make you look twice, who show flashes of something more, and who leave you wondering just how high their ceiling might be. Whether it's a guard playing with the vision of a seasoned pro, a shorter SG who fills it up, a lanky PF with arms that never stop, a forward dominating despite being undersized, or a raw athlete just beginning to put it all together, these intriguing players don't just fill a role—they spark curiosity. This article highlights a few of those standout names whose unique qualities, rapid development, or all-around influence make them players to watch closely as the summer progresses.   We are talking intriguing ballers. PHD needs to watch these ballers!   See below for our reasons to watch and why these players are intriguing...   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1606306" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    I should get to see him play this coming Thursday/Friday at the NDSU Team Camp. Samek and the Packers came on strong at the end of the high season. Aiden impressed me multiple times in the playoffs. I like his heart, fearlessness, and competitiveness. Aiden is tough and a quick-twitch athlete. He is a streaky shooter who can cash triples in a hurry. This Packer does a good job of attacking and creating. Samek is also a stingy defender who will do anything for a stop or a turnover.     I have not seen him live yet but have heard great reports and his film looks impressive. Carlow has had a fantastic start to his last year of club basketball. On O, Artie is crafty and uber-skilled. He shoots with a quick release, is creative like an artist, and is a matchup nightmare because of his inside-out scoring. Carlow has been solid on defense, he makes it tough on anyone he is matched up with. The Demon has a bright future and will be successful at whichever college he lands at.     I have heard reports that Beckett has been the most consistent player for SSA Black. I have not had a chance to see him live this spring, but I will be watching closely at PH 252K. Pfau has a great feel for the game and has proven that he can get to the rim against anybody. Beckett finishes very well around the rim and has unbelievable footwork in the paint. Not only is he a crafty scorer, but has a knack for rebounding that most guards do not have. His toughness and willingness to work will make Pfau a valuable piece on any team at the next level.     I heard tell that he was running in club ball with Gain Elite. I have not had the chance to see Big Country play this spring and I have not heard a report. Larson is back at his old stomping grounds in Beulah and he should flourish under head coach Brandon Schirado. Larson is a rough-and-tumble interior player who hoops with a high motor. Bennett does not shy from contact, draws a ton of fouls, crushes on the glass, and protects the paint. What college coach does not like size? Especially a 6'8" grinder and hard worker?     Everyone I talk to brags up Cam's energy, effort, intensity, and heart. Cordero was All-Region 1 this past season in Class A. Cordero did a nice job of scoring the ball, he averaged around 14 ppg. He is aggressive off the bounce, a fearless finisher, and a knockdown pull-up shooter from 15' and 3-point land. Cam is also a pest/thief on defense and a playmaker in transition. I hope to watch Cam hoop this summer and he see how his game is expanding. PHD is expecting a monster senior season from Mr. Cordero.     I did not see him live this spring, but his film looked good. I will see Bieber hoop in person in June and July. Coach Moormann says that Grant played at a high level to end the spring season. Bieber scored from all 3 levels and is shooting with high confidence. He has also been a nuisance on defense with his quickness and sharp reactions. Bieber makes it frustrating for the opposition. I am excited to see Grant fill up the net and create problems on defense.     I will see him hoop live in July with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']. BIG Jon is an impressive offensive weapon. With his size, skills, and craftiness, he is a very difficult matchup. Jon is a lefty with a soft shooting touch who will get you buckets from every level on the court. I like his handles, footwork, and scoring versatility. He can bang down low but also knock down the triple and score in-between. Jon's offensive game has to be intriguing to college coaches.     It looks like I will get to see KK play a few times this week between the Horace and NDSU camps/tourneys. [player_tooltip player_id='2713040' first='Will' last='Peterson'] be the best three-point shooter that I see this week? It sounds like he is getting interest from college programs. I believe KK has gone on a couple of visits. All I know is, I like Kaiden's demeanor on the court, sweet shooting stroke, confidence, and extended range. This spring, KK is shooting at a soaring clip, is making clear & smart decisions and has improved his defense a ton.     I have not had a chance to see him live in SSA but he was impressive on BallerTV when I watched. I will see Rae play this week at SDSU and in July at a Prep Hoops tourney. Earl continues to be the definition of an all-around player. He literally does everything on the hardwood. Rae shoots well, handles the rock, is an accurate/skilled passer, slashes for points & assists, drills middys, and hits triples. Earl is also a tremendous defender and he is a productive rebounder on both ends of the floor.     As far as I know, one of the top three-point shooters in ND is not playing club bball. However, I expect that Parker is still in the gym working on his craft, playing plenty of hoops, and busting it in the weight room. I suspect that Washburn will be busy in the month of June with team camps and tourneys. I am hoping to cross paths with the Cardinals or maybe I will catch Jacobson at the Who's Next Combine on the 19th. Last summer, Jacobson impressed me with his handles and passing. His game is evolving and he is much more than just a 3-pointer shooter these days. When you are a high-volume bullseye 3-shooter, college coaches will be interested. It will be interesting to see where Parker ends up for college ball. Whoever gets him, will be landing one of the elite shooters in ND history.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" /></a></figure>

Every year, there are players who grab attention, not always because of gaudy stats or headline-making plays, but because of their potential, versatility, and impact. These are the players who make you look twice, who show flashes of something more, and who leave you wondering just how high their ceiling might be. Whether it's a guard playing with the vision of a seasoned pro, a shorter SG who fills it up, a lanky PF with arms that never stop, a forward dominating despite being undersized, or a raw athlete just beginning to put it all together, these intriguing players don't just fill a role—they spark curiosity. This article highlights a few of those standout names whose unique qualities, rapid development, or all-around influence make them players to watch closely as the summer progresses.