Big Shots Virginia Beach Jam: Underclassmen Standouts

The Big Shots Virginia Beach Jam always brings together some of the top young talent from across the region, and this year's event was no different. Several prospects used the weekend to boost their stock, but a few players consistently stood out with their production, athleticism, and overall impact on winning. Here are three 2028 prospects who made a strong impression in Virginia Beach.    Few players in attendance matched the combination of athleticism and upside that Justice Powell brought to the floor. The 6-foot-4 wing has continued to emerge as one of the more intriguing prospects in Virginia's 2028 class, and he showcased exactly why throughout the weekend.   Powell's ability to score from multiple levels immediately jumps out. He has a smooth jumper that looks comfortable both off the catch and off the dribble, but what separates him is how explosive he is attacking the basket. Once he gets downhill, defenders often find themselves playing from behind. He possesses a powerful second gear and finishes above the rim with authority, turning routine drives into highlight-reel plays.   What makes Powell especially appealing long-term is that he isn't just an athlete. He has a developing skill set that allows him to create his own offense, knock down perimeter shots, and make plays in transition. After averaging 18.5 points and seven rebounds per game during the high school season while earning All-State honors, he showed that his game continues to trend upward heading into the summer. With his length, athleticism, and scoring versatility, Powell is a player college coaches should monitor closely over the next few years.     Tim Neville put together one of the more complete weekends of any wing prospect in attendance. The 6-foot-6 sophomore consistently impacted the game on both ends of the floor and displayed a skill set that translates well to the next level.   Neville thrives as a slasher. He uses his quick first step, long strides, and athleticism to get into the paint and finish through traffic. Whether attacking in transition or off a rip-through move in the half court, he was constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses. His body control around the rim stood out, as he finished difficult layups while also showing the ability to rise up for explosive dunks.   What impressed me most was the growth in his perimeter game. Neville has become a legitimate shooting threat, particularly when moving without the basketball. He does a great job finding open pockets in the defense and is capable of knocking down catch-and-shoot opportunities from beyond the arc. Defensively, he uses his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and make plays on the glass.   The combination of size, athleticism, scoring ability, and academics—he carries a 4.4 GPA while taking honors courses—makes Neville one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in Virginia's 2028 class.     Ayo Awosanya may not always be the loudest player in the gym, but his impact is impossible to ignore. The 6-foot-5 wing plays with a physicality and toughness that consistently affects winning.   Awosanya excels when attacking the basket. He is strong, aggressive, and embraces contact. Once he gets a shoulder past his defender, he becomes extremely difficult to contain. His ability to finish through traffic and generate paint touches made him one of the more productive wings I watched throughout the weekend.   Beyond his scoring, Awosanya brings tremendous value as a rebounder and defender. He plays bigger than his listed height because of his motor and willingness to compete on every possession. He was active on both backboards, routinely extending possessions for his team while also limiting second-chance opportunities on the defensive end.   Defensively, he showed the ability to guard in space, move his feet, and contain drives without sacrificing physicality. That two-way versatility is a major reason multiple college programs have already begun to invest in his recruitment. Players who can defend multiple positions, rebound, and score efficiently are always valuable, and Awosanya checks all of those boxes.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>   These prospects continue to develop rapidly, and Virginia Beach provided another opportunity for them to separate themselves. Justice Powell showcased elite athletic upside and scoring ability, Tim Neville demonstrated why he is one of the more versatile wings in Virginia, and Ayo Awosanya proved once again that toughness, motor, and production still matter.   All three prospects left Virginia Beach with momentum, and each looks poised for a big summer as they continue establishing themselves as names to know moving forward.

The Big Shots Virginia Beach Jam always brings together some of the top young talent from across the region, and this year's event was no different. Several prospects used the weekend to boost their stock, but a few players consistently stood out with their production, athleticism, and overall impact on winning. Here are three 2028 prospects who made a strong impression in Virginia Beach.