Names to Know after Fall Ball Before the Season

Now that we've played through Fall Ball, NorCal teams are preparing for the start of the season in late November. These are new, up and coming prospects working under the radar, looking to make their presence felt this upcoming season. Some will be starters, others will log key minutes off the bench, but all will help their respective team one way or the other.   Justus Akudinobi 6'8 2026 PF/C from Ygnacio Valley HS: He's a long wiry prospect, still learning. He gives effort defending his position, going after blocks and using his long reach to get rebounds. He's got the length and a few post moves, most of his points will come from putbacks. He'll turn keep it high, hit the jump hook on occasion. He'll look to be a rim protector and defend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2874154' first='Salamen' last='Carr'] 6'3 2027 G from Freedom HS, Oakley: He's a well rounded guard, can do multiple things that contributes to the success of this team. A good ball handler maneuvers his way into the paint, or finish strong and in different ways around the rim including reverses. He gets rebounds, pushes fast during the break, he has good passing in transition, and around the perimeter. He'll get a rebound   [player_tooltip player_id='3038312' first='Delvin' last='Evers-Lyles'] 5'11 2027 CG from Freedom HS, Oakley: He's a fast guard with quality handles, sees the court. He made moves to create shot opportunities for himself, and others using speed, and change of directions, while going to the basket. He gets defenders off balance. We'll see more   [player_tooltip player_id='2440141' first='James' last='Barnes IV'] 6'0 2027 PG from Clayton Valley Charter HS: He's a rising guard who can run the point, quality handles, vision, and patience up top. He goes high and strong driving to the basket, handling contact and challenging blockers. He uses his body to absorb, and leverage to turn the corner getting into the paint from the perimeter. He gets good lift on the paint jumpshot. He has the foot speed to stay close defending his position. At 6'0 he'll get a rebound from the guard position.   [player_tooltip player_id='2638996' first='Pierre' last='Tyson'] 6'2 2027 CG from Cornerstone Christian HS, Antioch: He showed a versatile style of play. He has the tools to take his game to a higher level. The wiry guard can knock down 3's in the corners, and wings if left unattended. He puts pressure on the defense in transition basketball, using speed, and change of direction to finish around the basket. We'll see more.   [player_tooltip player_id='2836275' first='Leo' last='Some'] 6'7 2027 PF/C from Clayton Valley HS: Some is still in the developmental stage of his game (Late Bloomer). Standing 6'7 with a solid body he's going to be a key piece for this team. Right now he's a passer/ ball mover around the perimeter. He'll step out to set screens for shooters, find cutters, and shooters. He has strength with improving balance going up strong for rebounds and finishing for paint points.   [player_tooltip player_id='2136793' first='Kareem' last='Jackson Jr'] 6'2 2027 G from Moreau Catholic HS: He's been a steady contributor since playing his first year on the varsity. He's ready to take the next step with this group. He'll be relied upon to score, defend, and help lead this inexperienced group. He has the tools, handles, speed, change of pace, and a willingness to fearlessly attack the basket from all angles with ball in hand.   [player_tooltip player_id='1711573' first='Cade' last='Krueger'] 6'2 2026 G from Amador Valley HS: He looks stronger, and fit, ready to help lead this team with high expectations with the new transfers. He's an experienced guard, plays hard and aggressive. He handles contact, challenges shot blockers. We're seeing improved shot making from long and short range.   [player_tooltip player_id='2136800' first='Zion' last='Grissom'] 6'5 2027 G/F/W from Clayton Valley HS: Grissom took a big step this Summer playing at a high level winning the 16U 3SSB title with Team Lillard. He's stepped up his game across the board. His level of defensive intensity is up. He has a stronger body to handle physical play in the paint defending, and rebounding. He's knocking down 3-pointers at a good rate, and taking it strong to the basket, he's hitting the short pull-up. Consistency will be key for this rising prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2853469' first='JP' last='Pihtovs'] 6'8 F from Archbishop Riordan: One of NorCal's fastest rising prospects in the class of 2026. He was a reserve coming off the bench for the Crusaders last season. Now he's PH NorCal's #4 ranked prospect #1 (Big) going into the season with much expected from the active big. He has multiple DI offers.

Now that we've played through Fall Ball, NorCal teams are preparing for the start of the season in late November. These are new, up and coming prospects working under the radar, looking to make their presence felt this upcoming season. Some will be starters, others will log key minutes off the bench, but all will help their respective team one way or the other.