USA October Minicamp: Friday 2026/2027 Standouts

The Team USA October Minicamp got underway on Friday with a session for each the ‘red' and ‘blue' groups. In this article we'll break down the 2026 and 2027 standouts from the opening day of action.    One of the top point guards in the country, Rippey Jr's offensive talent really stands out when he's surrounded with top talent from across the country. The distributing ability Rippey Jr showed on Friday was exceptional as he does an excellent job of changing tempo on the ball and forcing help. Once the defense collapses on him, he's almost always making the right read to a teammate. Able to make no-look passes, jump passes and hit advanced reads, Rippey Jr is the type of lead guard who can make life easy for his teammates offensively. Expect to see Rippey Jr team up with some of the top talent in the 2026 class nationally when he makes a college decision.     One of the fastest risers in the entire country, Howard keeps on adding levels to his game each time he steps on the court. The lefty wing rebounded the ball at a high rate and finished strong in the paint. Able to get to his spots in the mid-range and rise up to shoot over smaller defenders, Howard isn't rushed with the ball in his hands. Another prospect with blue blood options, Howard told both 247 sports and Rivals he'll be deciding between Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina.     Recently committed to Oregon, Ariza's size is a big advantage in the paint due to his ability to handle the ball and sprint in the open court. Ariza had a couple monster dunks where he went right down the lane and rose up to throw it down. That type of versatility combined with a developing 3-point shot makes him a very intriguing prospect at both the college and potentially NBA level.     One of the top defensive prospects in the country, Spears length, foot speed and defensive IQ gave opponents trouble all day. Spears Jr does a nice job of giving space to quicker guards on switches because his length allows him to still contest or block jump shots even if he's a little backed off the ball. The combination of rim protection, switch-ability and pick and roll coverage makes Spears Jr a dominant defensive player. Once the offensive skills come around, Spears has the potential to be one of the top two-way prospects in the country.     After a strong showing playing up on the EYBL circuit, Daughtry was again shining against mostly older competition on Friday. The change of pace ability on the ball that Daughtry showed really stood out to me as he made a couple hesitation dribble moves that left the defense in the dust. One of the top offensive engines in the 2027 class, Daughtry is an elite shooter who can also create for himself off the dribble.     One of a few 2027 prospects playing with the younger group, Hayes Jr is one of the youngest 2027 prospects in attendance this weekend. Showing a natural scoring feel in both the drills and 5 on 5 parts of the day. Hayes Jr was attacking closeouts, finishing with the euro step and had a couple transition buckets as well. Atlanta is absolutely loaded in the 2027 and 2028 classes and Hayes Jr is one of a handful of names to watch this weekend in Colorado.

The Team USA October Minicamp got underway on Friday with a session for each the ‘red' and ‘blue' groups. In this article we'll break down the 2026 and 2027 standouts from the opening day of action.