May Live Period Preview: Further '28 Prospects To Look Out For

One of the most highly anticipated weekends of the spring AAU season will be here in just a couple of days as the May live period approaches— giving college coaches a key opportunity to return to the gym and evaluate prospects in person. As players continue to separate themselves with impressive spring performances and gain traction in their recruitment, here's yet a further look at several 2028 prospects aiming to make a statement during this year's May live period.    [player_tooltip player_id='2683638' first='RJ' last='Wicks'] has quickly established himself as a reliantly productive and extremely versatile front court presence, continuing to showcase the intriguing dimension he brings to this NJ Panthers 16U offense through the unique skillset he offers for his size and position— finishing effectively around the basket out the dunker spot area, attacking closeouts and getting downhill off the dribble, creating second chance opportunities on the offensive glass, and showing comfort operating with his back to the basket in the post. At the same time, Wicks has continued to emphasize perhaps the most valuable aspect of his game— his ability to stretch the floor and pull opposing bigs away from the paint, consistently presenting himself as a dependable C+S threat from the perimeter.   Possessing a skillset that is of a high premium at the next level particularly at his position, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Wicks start to see himself on the radar of college coaches.     A crafty point guard who's part of the driving force for [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force']'s strong and dynamic backcourt, [player_tooltip player_id='2967445' first='Sean' last='Bilodeau'] has shown the ability so far this spring to impact the game in multiple ways beyond simply running the offense and facilitating as a ball handler. He's a legitimate floor general who keeps defenses honest with his ability to score from different areas on the court—using dribble penetration to create and capitalize on crafty finishes from different angles in the paint while also displaying the confidence and deep range accuracy as a dynamic perimeter shooter.   Off to a strong start this spring and looking to get on the radar of college coaches in the coming months, look for Bilodeau to garner attention from the likes of high academic programs.     After closing out his sophomore season on a strong note and establishing himself as a legitimate frontcourt piece, [player_tooltip player_id='2833843' first='Owen' last='Wucherpfennig'] has proven over the last several weeks to have carried that momentum into his spring 16U season. Wucherpfennig's activity in the paint consistently stands out, as he uses his ideal positional size, impressive length, and relentless motor to be effective on the interior. Offensively, he's shown flashes of his finishing ability—especially on dump off passes from driving guards while capitalizing on second chance opportunities with impactful putbacks and flashing some of his developing back to the basket scoring ability as well. His defensive presence on the interior is equally as eye catching— where he uses his physical tools to alter shots around the rim while also making a strong impact on the glass as a rebounder.   The combination of high energy and effort he approaches the game with paired with his ability to thrive off strictly activity is surely to attract the attention of scholarship coaches at the next level.     A forward who consistently makes his presence felt in the paint through nonstop interior activity and physicality, [player_tooltip player_id='3544161' first='Mateo' last='Bensimon'] has continued to establish himself as a dependable frontcourt force, especially as an interior scorer. His biggest impact comes as an efficient and reliable finisher around the rim, where he displays a versatile scoring attack—attacking closeouts off the dribble from the perimeter, converting in the low post with polished footwork and soft touch, finishing effectively as a roll man in various PnR actions, and capitalizing on dump off passes from penetrating guards. Bensimon is equally as impactful on the glass, where he stands out as a relentless and active rebounder, using a strong second jump to secure boards and generate second chance opportunities.   Bensimon brings significant value as a strong and impactful interior paint presence and the continuation of that impact should soon catch the attention of several high academic coaches.     Fully entrusted with leading the way for this 17U Geo Baker squad while playing up an age group, [player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] has opened the spring with a handful of strong showings and has looked rather comfortable taking on legitimate point guard responsibilities, something a little different than what he's accustomed to playing with his high school team. Junker's performances have been highlighted by tough and confident outside shooting, further reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous and versatile perimeter threat. With increased playmaking duties than normal, Junker has shown he's more than capable—navigating ball pressure with poise and composure, demonstrating solid court vision as a facilitator, and consistently finding bigs inside to generate scoring opportunities for guys on the interior.   Having picked up an offer from NJIT earlier this spring, look for Junker to continue to garner the interest of several scholarship programs throughout the course of the rest of the spring.     Taking on a slightly expanded role as a primary ball handler in recent weeks while also maintaining the semblance of a confident and efficient perimeter shooter and aggressive slasher, Thorp has put together a number of bright moments as an overall guard. Thorp has remained a scoring threat consistently creating rim pressure as a slasher by pushing the pace in transition for tough coast to coast finishes through contact while also attacking open driving angles in different half court sets. All while still impressing his typical shot making self, as a spot up threat, capitalizing on late closeouts and defensive rotations to knock down open C+S opportunities, including shots from deep range.   Emerging as a strong complementary guard, Thorp could soon start to generate the interest of college coaches at the next level if continues to showcase his ability to impactful from either guard spot.     [player_tooltip player_id='2786649' first='Avery' last='Cano'] is a legitimate two way impact guard who makes his presence felt on both ends of the floor as a timely and reliable scorer and as a tough and relentless on ball defender. Offensively, Cano thrives at putting the ball in the back in a variety of ways— consistently knocking down open C+S threes and fluid pull up jumpers while also attacking closeouts effectively, getting into the paint where he often displays touch on floaters and the physicality to finish through contact, often drawing fouls and earning a handful of trips to the FT line. Defensively, Cano competes at such a high level— staying in front of drives off the bounce, challenging shot attempts, rebounding well for his position, and showing excellent instincts and anticipation as an on ball defender and in the passing lanes.   Cano's flown slightly under the radar however going back to his freshman year has always put up big numbers and been insanely productive. Maintaining that level of consistency could definitely bode the attention of high academic coaches at the next level.

One of the most highly anticipated weekends of the spring AAU season will be here in just a couple of days as the May live period approaches— giving college coaches a key opportunity to return to the gym and evaluate prospects in person. As players continue to separate themselves with impressive spring performances and gain traction in their recruitment, here's yet a further look at several 2028 prospects aiming to make a statement during this year's May live period.