2029 Players To Watch

The Class of 2029 is shaping up to be a very strong group for New Mexico basketball. Even as underclassmen, these players are already making names for themselves this summer. They are living up to the hype, showcasing their talent, and putting everyone on notice. Look for these players to make a major impact for their teams throughout the rest of the travel season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2892400' first='Jashon' last='Morinia'] was recently named to the RecruitLook Hoops 15U All-Showcase First Team. He plays with the aggression and IQ to constantly keep the opposition off balance. Jashon controls the pace of the game and thrives when getting downhill, creating opportunities to score or use his elite vision to set up teammates for easy looks.   Offensively, he always looks composed and in control, never rattled by defensive pressure or adjustments. His team's aggressive defensive style allows them to push the tempo in transition, and when Jashon gets out in the open floor, he can put points on the board in a hurry.   Jashon is also a major reason his team can be so aggressive defensively. He takes pride in locking up his matchup and making opponents work for every inch on the court. His basketball IQ impacts both ends of the floor, allowing him to anticipate plays, disrupt passing lanes, and use his quickness to create problems for the opposition all game long.     Jerrel Copeland is an elite athlete who can impact the game in just about every way on the court. Currently competing on the EYBL circuit, Jerrel has been showcasing his skill set against high-level competition. During the most recent Nike EYBL session, he posted an impressive stat line of 20 points, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.   Jerrel has the ability to score in bunches once he finds his rhythm. He does a great job of building confidence through easy baskets in transition, attacking the rim for layups and explosive dunks. Defenders have to stay alert whenever he drives the lane because he has no problem finishing above the rim and trying to dunk on defenders.   He also rebounds well and pushes the pace immediately after securing the ball, creating fast-break opportunities for his team. On the defensive end, Jerrel contests shots effectively without fouling, and his athleticism makes him extremely difficult to beat one-on-one. As a help-side defender, he has the quickness and instincts to rotate over for steals and blocks.   Look for Jerrel's stock to continue rising throughout the summer as he keeps proving himself against top competition.     [player_tooltip player_id='2967333' first='Talen' last='Miller'] is a strong, physical player who knows how to impose his will on the offensive end. Using his size and strength to get to the basket, he combines power with a soft touch around the rim to consistently finish through contact.   Recently, Talen played a major role in helping his team overcome an 18-point first-half deficit. He scored efficiently from the mid-range and attacked the basket throughout the game, putting constant pressure on the defense. Once help-side defenders began to overcommit, Talen showcased his vision and basketball IQ by making great passes to open teammates.   Talen is the type of player who will do whatever it takes to help his team win. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, or handling the little things that impact the game, he consistently brings toughness, effort, and a team-first mentality every time he steps on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2875245' first='Diego' last='Camacho'] recently competed at RecruitLook Hoops Kansas City, where his team finished with a strong 3-1 record. Throughout the weekend, Diego showcased his ability to operate in the pick-and-roll as a primary ball handler. He consistently made smart decisions, whether it was creating scoring opportunities for himself or delivering easy passes to teammates for open looks.   One of the biggest things Diego did well was keeping constant pressure on the opposition. He attacked with confidence, pushed the pace, and made defenses work every possession. Diego also rebounded the ball well and immediately looked to get his team out in transition. He does an excellent job of keeping his head up and moving the ball quickly, never holding onto it longer than necessary while looking for teammates sprinting down the floor.   Diego has clearly been putting in extra time and effort in the gym, and that hard work is showing throughout this travel season.     [player_tooltip player_id='3581905' first='Elias' last='Rodriguez'] is a calm and composed player who never seems rattled by what the opposition is trying to do. He brings a team-first mentality every time he steps on the court and consistently does whatever is needed to help his team win. If his team needs scoring, Elias can provide it. If they need tough defense and energy, he delivers that as well.   His ability to score from multiple spots on the floor makes him a difficult matchup. Elias plays with a smooth pace and never looks rushed or out of control. He stays patient, reads the game well, and looks for the best available shot, even if that means making the extra pass to set up a teammate.   While he primarily plays the off guard position, Elias is more than capable of stepping into the role of primary ball handler when needed. His composure, versatility, and basketball IQ allow him to impact the game in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor.

The Class of 2029 is shaping up to be a very strong group for New Mexico basketball. Even as underclassmen, these players are already making names for themselves this summer. They are living up to the hype, showcasing their talent, and putting everyone on notice. Look for these players to make a major impact for their teams throughout the rest of the travel season.