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Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers

Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Miles Masercola
Miles Masercola July 13, 2026 @ 11:32 AM
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In this article:

Michael Weston
Michael Weston 6'4" | SF | 2028
NC
Ryan Finerghty
Ryan Finerghty 6'0" | SG/PG | 2028
NC
Matt Kuppinen
Matt Kuppinen 5'9" | PG/CG | 2028
NC
Tjay Brunson
Tjay Brunson 6'7" | SG/SF | 2028
NC
Ja’Von Motta
Ja’Von Motta 6'1" | CG | 2028
NC
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had the privilege of making the trip up to Richmond, Virginia to take a look at the Puma Pro16/NxtPro Circuit at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. There was a ton of talent on display and we already took a deeper dive on the 17u division so we're going to take a closer look at the 16u division right now!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2959115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5505601d4b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuppinen orchestrates so much offense for this DB Elite 16u team and has been a huge reason behind their success on the NxtPro Circuit along with how viable they've been vs Pro16 competition when given the chance. Kuppinen's blend of shooting and playmaking allow him to operate with complete comfort in controlling the offense. In the game we watched vs Kentucky Basketball, Kuppinen was getting to his spots and connecting with consistency on jumpers along with getting to the paint and making plays for others. His leadership is obvious, this team follows his lead and it was really impressive to see him perform this way in this setting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2554467"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a551317ddcf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brunson is a real contender for the MVP of Pro16's 16u division and it's easy to see why when you watch him play with this 1 of 1 group. Brunson is a true hyper athlete that is fully aware of the ability he possesses as he flies all over the rim throughout the entirety of the game. Brunson was also able to show his improved touch from beyond the arc as he took his jumpers with confidence and was able to connect on a few. Brunson's ability to utilize his athleticism on the defensive end of the floor is very special as he can come in as a help side shot blocker or operate in passing lanes to swing possessions. In transition, he is simply lethal as he was able to get out on the break and soar above the rim. Brunson has received many offers in recent weeks and I fully expect his recruitment to continue to soar as he heads into his junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3693693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a551317ddd52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Finerghty did a really nice job for DB Elite 16u this past weekend serving as a high level shot maker and a secondary playmaker for this group. He's coming off of a really solid sophomore season at Leesville Road where he averaged double figures and played a key complimentary role alongside their other pieces. He's adjusted to higher usage with DB Elite and is proving to be a vital piece to their success. Finerghty stays calm, has an excellent pump fake and footwork to free himself up for more space, and stays within himself at all times. He showed the ability to operate out of ball screens as well with his active hands highlighting his game on the defensive end of the floor. He's a lock to land amongst the ranked at next update as he continues to make his case as a next level prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1974219"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a551317ddd90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Motta continues to provide this 1 of 1 16u group with steady two way play and reliable shot making from the PG position. He's got an excellent change of pace, deep range off the catch, and maintains a high level of focus during the game to ensure he's on the same page with everyone else on the floor at all times. Motta truly checks so many of the PG boxes as he does such a good job seeing the floor and understanding when to call his own number to get a basket. Motta is a bonafide high level talent and continues to do his job with this 1 of 1 group as they look like a top group in the Pro16 16u Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3693700"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a551317dddec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weston proved himself as a high quality option on the wing with his violent athleticism and motor on full display for DB Elite. He's got some crazy athletic pop off of two feet and he's constantly looking to make above the rim plays in transition. Weston should be a key piece at Southern Durham amongst their stacked roster this season. With this DB Elite team, he's forced to guard the opposing teams big a lot of the time and he does more than hold his own on top of being a mismatch with bigs at the other end. His length and athletic pop can help him overcome size discrepancies on the interior. He's a key piece at both ends of the floor for this group and has been instrumental in their success this travel ball season. No brainer next level talent and it'll be fun to track how his skillset continues to develop with his athleticism and motor already established. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

We had the privilege of making the trip up to Richmond, Virginia to take a look at the Puma Pro16/NxtPro Circuit at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. There was a ton of talent on display and we already took a deeper dive on the 17u division so we're going to take a closer look at the 16u division right now!

Matt Kuppinen

Matt Kuppinen

NC
PG/CG
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS PG/CG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Matt
Kuppinen PG/CG
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
HS
Millbrook
|
NC
Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Kuppinen orchestrates so much offense for this DB Elite 16u team and has been a huge reason behind...
Written by Miles Masercola
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Matt Kuppinen

Instagram Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Millbrook
Club: DB Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tjay Brunson

Tjay Brunson

NC
SG/SF
HEIGHT 6'7"
POS SG/SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Tjay
Brunson SG/SF
Class
2028
Height
6'7"
HS
Cleveland
|
NC
Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Brunson is a real contender for the MVP of Pro16’s 16u division and it’s easy to see why...
Written by Miles Masercola
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Tjay Brunson

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Cleveland
Club: 1of1 (pro16)
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ryan Finerghty

Ryan Finerghty

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Ryan
Finerghty SG/PG
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
HS
Leesville Road
|
NC
Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Finerghty did a really nice job for DB Elite 16u this past weekend serving as a high level...
Written by Miles Masercola
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Ryan Finerghty

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Leesville Road
Club: DB Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Ja’Von Motta

Ja’Von Motta

NC
CG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS CG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Ja’Von
Motta CG
Class
2028
Height
6'1"
HS
Trinity Christian
|
NC
Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Motta continues to provide this 1 of 1 16u group with steady two way play and reliable shot...
Written by Miles Masercola
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Ja’Von Motta

Instagram Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Trinity Christian
Club: 1 of 1 Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Michael Weston

Michael Weston

HEIGHT 6'4"
POS SF
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Michael
Weston SF
Class
2028
Height
6'4"
HS
Southern Durham
|
NC
Puma Pro16/NxtPro Notebook: 16u Eye Catchers
Weston proved himself as a high quality option on the wing with his violent athleticism and motor on...
Written by Miles Masercola
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Michael Weston

Twitter
State: North Carolina
School: Southern Durham
Club: DB Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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