2026 Commonwealth Classic: Impact Bigs (16U)

The Commonwealth Classic brought a collection of talented teams to the beautiful Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, VA for a two-day event full of hoops. For me, this was an excellent chance early in the grassroots season to see check-in on some familiar prospects and add a ton of new ones to track moving forward. Taking a look at the 16U division, the Commonwealth Classic featured several impactful bigs.    Jaidyn Rudisell's impact was felt on both ends of the floor all throughout the event. Long, athletic, and coordinated, Rudisell shined as a play finisher in the halfcourt and out in transition including multiple two hand slams. There were intriguing ball skill flashes led comfortable drive and kicks, a transition bump slam against Hoops Academy and a full court push into a near poster slam that he couldn't get to go down against the Metro All Stars 16U (loved the effort and aggressiveness despite the miss). Defensively, Rudisell blocked and contested shots at the rim with his blend of length and mobility. Rudisell's showing feels like the beginning of what could be a sensational summer for him.     After the Commonwealth Classic, it's clear that Hathaway is poised for a breakout summer and rise up rankings. He was arguably the best two-way player in the 16U division and perhaps the entire event. Hathaway rocked the rim on several finishes and protected it with big swats and affected countless shots with weakside contests to force misses. The toolsy big man offered flashes of a functional handle and multiple touch (c/s 3 and midrange jumper) that have real promise. On top of the tools and skills, Hathaway often played with an admirable amount of energy and competitive spirit that should endear him to his teammates and coaches.     Hundley was a major two-way presence for the Metro All Stars. He leveraged his outstanding length to block multiple shots at the rim and on the perimeter alongside extension rim finishes. Hundley finished strong in the paint on a couple of post scores in the lane in traffic, showcasing footwork and balance. I was really impressed by the passing feel. Against DMV Impact Mims, Hundley delivered multiple outlet passes that led to good opportunities. One of those occurred after fluidly sliding out on the perimeter to block a three-point attempt. Hundley like many of prospects at the event, should be primed for standout summers.     Playing with 434 Select, Lee thrived operating as their primary big man thanks to his mature frame, physicality, and touch both at and around the rim. Being undersized didn't stop Lee from embracing physicality, finish through contact, and being active on the glass. Lee's ball skills and perimeter skillset is something that will ultimately decide his collegiate position and offensive upside.     Hathaway's blend of size and strength make him such an overwhelming presence. There wasn't anyone in the 16U division hat could come close to matching his stature. He carved out space on the block for deep post seals and scores, created second chance points opportunities, and rebounded in and out of his area. He's still learning how to consistently leverage his physical tools on both ends of the floor and work his way into basketball shape. As those two factors progress, I'm excited about the leap he could take in his game.

The Commonwealth Classic brought a collection of talented teams to the beautiful Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, VA for a two-day event full of hoops. For me, this was an excellent chance early in the grassroots season to see check-in on some familiar prospects and add a ton of new ones to track moving forward. Taking a look at the 16U division, the Commonwealth Classic featured several impactful bigs.