Kansas City Classic Recap, Part III — Additional Rising Prospects

When you're watching a game, there are always a few players who catch your eye with how they play — whether it's doing the little things, bringing energy and an edge, or showing a developing skill set that can take over in stretches. They're difference-makers. If the Kansas City Classic was any indication, these names should keep trending up this summer and have a chance to become household names.    Smith's play immediately stood out over the weekend. A true stretch forward, Garrett was most effective as a screener — both creating opportunities for teammates and popping to space. He had stretches where his perimeter shooting was effective, helping create a balanced, spaced floor for others to attack. Smith was also comfortable and confident with his back to the basket, finishing over the top of defenders and operating with a deliberate and patient demeanor. As a true inside-out player, his frame held up well. If he can continue to develop on the defensive end and become a more aggressive rebounder on both sides of the ball, you'll see a player whose game translates to the next level, with programs likely coming after him in waves. There's still plenty of room to grow, but the foundation is there.     Wanrow was undoubtedly one of the most intriguing prospects in Kansas City. A true do-it-all forward, Aiden played a positionless brand of basketball, showing he's comfortable doing whatever is needed and skilled enough to impact the game in a variety of ways. He ran the floor well, getting up and down the court with a combination of power and speed in transition. Aiden played well above the rim with noticeable explosiveness and embraced physicality. In the half court, he has the ability to post smaller defenders, slash off the wing, and even stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. Aiden, a two-way player, also impressed defensively, creating turnovers and forcing mistakes with a rugged style of play in the paint while still being able to switch onto perimeter players and shoot gaps. A definite stock riser, I fully expect multiple college programs to show interest and extend offers his way over the next few months.     Another long and active wing, Ray didn't need the ball in his hands to manufacture offense over the weekend. Jakarion created extra possessions by attacking the offensive glass, many of which turned into scoring chances for himself. He stayed active defensively and consistently played bigger than his frame, using his plus wingspan to jump passing lanes and rotate effectively around the rim to force tough, contested finishes. A long strider, he also showed flashes of his slashing ability from the perimeter, finding and cutting through gaps in the defense while still being able to finish through contact. Ray's developing game appears to be rounding into form, and if he can begin shooting the ball at a high percentage from the perimeter, it should open the floor even more for him to take advantage of his athleticism.     King checks all the boxes of a tough two-way guard with good positional size and IQ. His play did all the talking in Kansas City, with shot-making and strong defense leading the way. He was a steady and constant threat from the perimeter, especially in transition, where he sprinted into open space and let it fly off the catch. An interchangeable piece offensively, he can operate from anywhere on the floor and in multiple different actions. He was effective off the ball, consistently finding openings while ghosting or popping out of ball screens and playing off advantage situations. Defensively, he was tough and versatile, using his body well and chesting up ball handlers, especially when they try to get downhill into the paint. He's a next-level player without question — the only thing left to see is how many programs extend offers over the next few months.     Shooter's shoot, and Long is no different — he plays to his strength and uses it as a weapon. Long is a volume perimeter shooter who doesn't lack confidence and is always looking to stay aggressive. Over the course of the weekend, he had stretches where he caught fire and knocked down multiple threes in short bursts. He has a knack for creating or finding space, often just needing the slightest of room to free himself. Omar also looks to be operating with the ball in his hands more often, which could be valuable as he continues to expand his offensive game. Adding another layer of creation and facilitation will be important for Long as he uses the spring and summer to keep growing and developing.     While Coleman still looks to increase his production, there's no denying his potential. Physically, he checks a lot of boxes in person — he has legitimate next-level length, and his frame still appears to be filling out. Defensively, he can protect the rim and play in different schemes, whether man or zone, with his length consistently coming into play. He moves well enough to defend multiple positions and contain ball screens. You also saw flashes of offensive skill, whether it was handling the ball in the open floor, stretching the defense, or simply operating in space. If Carter can continue to develop physically, everything else is there — it's just a matter of time before the production blows up. With the level of competition he'll see this summer, there's little doubt he'll be pushed consistently, and more Power Four programs should enter the equation.

When you're watching a game, there are always a few players who catch your eye with how they play — whether it's doing the little things, bringing energy and an edge, or showing a developing skill set that can take over in stretches. They're difference-makers. If the Kansas City Classic was any indication, these names should keep trending up this summer and have a chance to become household names.