Summer Superlatives - The Glue Guys

Next up in the Summer Superlatives series are The Glue Guys!   Years ago, the idea of being a Glue Guy might have been looked at negatively. Today, more and more people recognize that you don't win championships without high level Glue Guys. At all levels of college basketball, even into the NBA, these type of individuals are what allow teams to function at their highest level!   A reminder, these lists are not Top 5 lists! In fact, we'll aim to use each list to highlight standout prospects that we believe will eventually play at a variety of levels of college basketball. From high majors to the Division III level, these superlatives will recognize a wide range of prospects that stood out with their play on the hardwood this summer.   Below are five prospects, The Glue Guys, that stood out this summer with their ability to fill a variety of roles, operate as connectors, and do the little things that helped their teams win a lot of games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1958489' first='Clyde' last='Walters']   Walters, a 6'7" wing out of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, was one of the breakout stars of the NEPSAC Showcases. A 2027 prospect that ran with the Alabam Fusion this summer, he has elite positional measurables, plus athleticism, and an impressive skillset, allowing him to leave his mark all over both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can play on or off the ball, scores it at multiple levels, and has a terrific feel for crashing the glass. Defensively, he has the ability to guard any position on the floor, rebounds in traffic and in space, and can be disruptive on the ball or in the help position. On top of all that, few prospects in the region are better in transition, both offensively and defensively. Syracuse and Ole Miss have offered and are probably just the tip of the iceberg in what should be a high major recruitment going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341335' first='Cam' last='Hailey']   Hailey, a 6'1" guard out of Worcester Academy in Massachusetts, ended the summer as one of the region's top stock risers. Running on the EYBL circuit with Expressions, he continued his ascent after the NEPSAC Showcases, making a case as one of the best floor generals, glue guys, and connectors in the region. He's an elite set-up man offensively that gets into the paint off the bounce at will, sprays it out to shooters, and generally, makes the game easier for his teammates. Defensively, he has the ability to lock down opposing ball-handlers at the point of attack, completely disrupting the flow of an opponents offense. He's helped his teams win a whole lot of basketball games over the last year and when you watch him play, it's easy to see the impact he has. Offers started rolling in in June, first at the low-major level, then at the mid-major level, and finally culminating with a high major offer from Arizona State.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470924' first='Ryan' last='McLaughlin']   McLaughlin, a 6'2" guard out of Milton Academy in Massachusetts, continued to be a star in his role throughout the spring and summer. The 2027 prospect ran with the Middlesex Magic and was one of the best connectors in the UAA. He shares a lot of similarities with the guy above him on this list in that he sees the game at a really high level, makes great decisions with the basketball in his hands, and just seems to make the game and scoring easier for his teammates. Defensively, he's capable of guarding either spot in the back-court, knows how to play angles, and is willing to hit the floor for loose balls. On the other end, he's a good decision maker in ball screens, makes the extra pass to open shooters, and has shown the ability to score at multiple levels when needed. He's the perfect example of a Glue Guy in that he'll do whatever is asked of him because he just wants to win. There's a long way to go in his development and recruitment, but it wouldn't be suprising to see the Ivy and Patriot Leagues make him a priority down the road.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696648' first='Kaden' last='Bedard']   Bedard, a 6'0" guard out of the Newman School in Massachusetts, made the most of his opportunities this summer, proving to be one of the top connectors in the region. A 2026 that ran with Team White Mamba on the travel circuit, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and a blue collar approach to the game. He's got an edge and a toughness, but has really come a long with with his ability to make reads in ball screens and to knock down shots from behind the arc. He's a capable ball-handler, willing ball mover, and has the ability to finish through contact in the paint. Defensively, he shines with his willingness to take on any matchup, understanding of what his team needs from him, and effort to win loose balls. He'll guard up when needed, sticks his hand in at the righ moments for deflections, and isn't afraid to take a hit or give up his body for the good of the team. He's really come on strong the last few months and should be a prospect that get looks at both the D2 and D3 levels this fall and winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2467414' first='Patrick' last='Ricca']   Ricca, a 6'0" guard out of St. Paul's School in New Hampshire, played at a high level throughout the last two months, cementing himself as a prospect that can help his team win a lot of basketball games. The 2026 prospect spent the summer running with NE Elite and used that experience to show his ability to run a team offensively, guard at the point of attack defensively, and contribute to winning as a lead guard. He's a capable shot maker from the perimeter, has good floor vision, and more often than not, makes the right decision with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he plays with a high basketball IQ and does a nice job of guarding opposing ball-handlers and keeping them out of the paint. He's another prospect that will slide into any role asked of him and seems comfortable operating as a complimentary piece that makes those around him better and does so while winning a lot of games. He'll play in college for sure and has quickly become a highly coveted recruit at the Division III level in New England.   Next up in the Summer Superlatives series - The Rim Protectors!

Next up in the Summer Superlatives series are The Glue Guys!