2027 Lonnie Lyons talks NBPA Top 100, programs involved, timeline

The NBPA Top 100 Camp took place in Rock Hill, SC again this year and the Baltimore/DMV area had four prospects in attendance including our No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2027 class, [player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'].   The 6-foot-3 lead guard has been on a rapid national rise over the last six months and his recruitment is reaching new heights. For many, the NBPA Top 100 was a chance to gain confirmation on Lyons' progression to this point and as the camp concluded, he left a strong impression on some of the biggest brands in college basketball.   I caught up with Lyons to discuss his experience at the camp, a potential recruiting timeline and the programs who are heavily in the mix.   "It's a huge blessing just being around all these legends and even the guys who are still in the league currently," Lyons told Prep Hoops. "It's a testament to all the hard work you've put in."   The special thing about this camp is the staff does a good job keeping the players secluded to everyone but the instructors, who just so happen to be current/former NBA players such as Rajon Rondo, Shaun Livingston and Cuttino Mobley just to name a few. It's a tremendous learning experience for those prospects who come into it with an open mind and prepared to learn.   "I'd say the thing that I've learned quickly since being here is that you can't bs a rep. It's too much talent on the floor and too many eyes around. He keeps you humble in a sense because you have a lot of guys here who are better than you, taller than you, faster than you and more athletic. It's a reminder that you really cant take any days off because these guys will pass you quickly."   The first day or two is dedicated to welcoming the players into town and then getting into skills and drills that simulate game-like situations. Wednesday and Thursday were dedicated to games and that's when NBA personnel, college staffs and scouts are open to evaluate.   For Lyons, showcasing his ability to fill the role as a true, dynamic point guard was an emphasis. He already gained the attention and interest of several power five programs during his performance at Team USA Minicamp in April. Seeing him perform against elite talent nationally was more than enough for those same programs to pay close attention to how he'd handle another opportunity to compete against the best prospects in the country.   "I'd say my facilitating has been the strongest part of my game here. Just getting my teammates involved, asking a lot of questions and being a sponge. I've been asking all these NBA guys and legends a bunch of questions and just trying to form a relationship with them. I'm just being a sponge during this week."   In four games, the Clinton Grace and [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] product averaged 9.3PPG, 4.0APG and 3.8RPG. His demeanor and approach as a playmaker gave plenty of confirmation to the programs watching that in a national class packed with point guard talent, Lyons is climbing up the ladder quickly. With that, his recruitment is ramping up not only in the high-major capacity, but blue bloods are starting to move in.   As of now, he has an idea for when he wants to trim things down.   "I'm going to cut my list to five after Peach Jam."   At DMV Live this past weekend, a few new programs entered the picture. North Carolina had an assistant coach at every game. UConn head coach Dan Hurley made the trip to get eyes on Lyons and as of yesterday, Washington joined the picture extending an offer.   At NBPA Top 100, Lyons spoke on the core group of schools that have been recruiting him the most:   Syracuse: Great staff. You can tell when you have a group that really cares for you. They aren't like a lot of these other programs that bring up money right away. They're just telling me their plan for me and that plan is to come in and start as a freshman. It's a great program with great history behind it. It's a blessing that SZAAkkkjnxyracuse is on my list.    Maryland: I have a great relationship with Maryland. I talk to Coach Bede almost every other day. That's my guy. I'll definitely come up there for an official visit soon. It'll probably be one of my first ones since it's right up the street.    VCU: It's a family environment there and they have a plan for me too. It's a great community and there's a lot of fans at every game. You gotta want to play in that. It's a great environment. The coaches are genuine. I like that staff.   Tennessee: They were a little late to get involved because they aren't a school that's going to offer you quickly. They watch you play a lot of games before doing that. They just want me to come in and be the two-way guard that I am. You know, come in and facilitate and make an impact right away.    Texas: They believe I fit in their system and I think that too. I've been watching them a lot more. I think I can fit well there and come in and make an impact.

The NBPA Top 100 Camp took place in Rock Hill, SC again this year and the Baltimore/DMV area had four prospects in attendance including our No. 1 ranked prospect in the 2027 class, J’Lon Lyons J’Lon Lyons 6'3" | PG Grace Brethren Christian | 2027 State #26 Nation MD .