July Live Period Recap: New Jersey’s Biggest Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The July live periods on the 2026 NCAA recruiting calendar have come and gone, leaving a noticeable impact on New Jersey's recruiting landscape. With college coaches lining the sidelines at events and circuits across the country, plenty of the state's prospects took advantage of the exposure by delivering impressive summer performances. Several players elevated their recruiting profiles with new scholarship offers, while others attracted increased attention from college programs thanks to their play throughout July. Here's another look at some of the top stock risers who transformed strong summer outings into significant recruiting momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2202021' first='Aidan' last='Carter'] | 6'7" [player_tooltip player_id='3665515' first='PG' last=''] 2028 New Jersey Roadrunners MHC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2202021' first='Aidan' last='Carter'] is a highly regarded four-star jumbo playmaking point guard whose positional size, poise against pressure, and instinctive decision making make him an ideal lead guard for any offensive system. Combining dynamic shot creation off the bounce with the ability to score at all three levels and the passing instincts to consistently pressure defenses and create opportunities for teammates, his performances during the July live period(s) reinforced that skill set and long term upside that have made him such an intriguing prospect. With his continued development finally aligning with the production, he has continued to justify the interest from HM programs through a series of impressive scoring outings throughout the month of July. Carter continued to add his list of HM offers earning offers from Seton Hall and Ole Miss at the conclusion of last month's live periods. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Iduh | 6'8" F 2027 City Rocks EYBL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Iduh, a physically imposing interior presence with a strong and bruising build, routinely uses his power to establish position and dictate matchups. Idaho's value is felt most on the interior— primarily generated second chance opportunities through his work on the offensive glass while also flashing low post scoring ability while displaying solid instincts and discipline on the defensive end of the floor, rebounding effectively and providing reliable rim protection. Proving that he can make the most of his opportunities in the paint, Iduh received an offer from Jackson State following the end of the July live periods. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2470853' first='Kamsi' last='Awaka'] | 6'9" C 2027 New Heights 3SSB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physically imposing interior presence, [player_tooltip player_id='2470853' first='Kamsi' last='Awaka'] uses his strength and power to establish position, create opportunities, and make his mark in the paint. As he consistently does, he played with an exceptional motor, embracing the physical, hard nosed aspects of the game and excelling in the gritty, effort driven moments. Offensively, Awaka is most effective around the rim, where he is comfortable operating in the low post and converting efficiently as a PnR roll man while his relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds consistently creates second chance scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, he anchors the paint with his physicality, rebounding prowess, and shot blocking instincts. On the heels of a dominant run at 3SSB Championships that saw his New Heights squad win it all, Awaka earned offers from both Providence and Florida to conclude to the July live period(s). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2202019' first='Alex' last='Mazzella'] | 6'0" [player_tooltip player_id='3665515' first='PG' last=''] 2027 [program_tooltip program_id='2078573' first='NJ' last='Beasts'] MHC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2202019' first='Alex' last='Mazzella'] continued to solidify his reputation as a tough, competitive primary ball handler who is capable of taking on expanded playmaking responsibilities. He consistently challenged defenses by proving he could impact the game beyond facilitating, showing the ability to create scoring opportunities. Proving that with steady poise, strong pace, and sound decision making, he can repeatedly make the right reads and winning plays, effectively controlling the game from the point guard position Mazzella continued to receive some more Division II interest, picking up an offer from Millersville. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] | 6'1" [player_tooltip player_id='3665515' first='PG' last=''] 2028 GB Blue Devils MHC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultra confident from beyond the arc and rarely passing up a shot he believes he can make, [player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] continued to showcase his dangerous perimeter shooting ability throughout the July live period(s). His performances were highlighted by fearless shot making, toughness when he got in the lane, and the shooting versatility that has established him as one of the more lethal outside threats. Along with his shot making ability, Junker has continued to demonstrate growth as a playmaker while embracing increased responsibility as a facilitator. His strong showings running the show from the [player_tooltip player_id='3665515' first='PG' last=''] position and playing up a level on 17U throughout the month of July resulted in yet another scholarship offer, this time from Manhattan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2875236' first='Jayden' last='Lau'] | 6'3" [player_tooltip player_id='3665515' first='PG' last=''] 2027 Eddie Lau Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seeing a lot of usage and volume on the ball, [player_tooltip player_id='2875236' first='Jayden' last='Lau'] displayed his ability to be a dynamic three point threat while also serving as a poised floor general who consistently created opportunities for his teammates. Lau shot the ball with confidence and efficiency, knocking down perimeter attempts both off the catch and while creating space off the dribble. He also showed versatility beyond his perimeter shot making, attacking the paint and finishing with impressive touch and creativity around the basket. As a playmaker, Lau demonstrated strong decision making, making the right reads, distributing effectively, and keeping his teammates engaged within the offense. At the conclusion of the July live period(s), Lau received a scholarship offer from Stony Brook, on the heels of showings that proved his ability to be a solid overall playmaker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2628235' first='King' last='Josiah Hamilton'] | 6'6" F 2028 Philly Pride UAA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2628235' first='King' last='Josiah Hamilton'] continued to validate the excitement surrounding his skill set and ongoing development. He showcased a combination of intriguing physical tools, a relentless motor, and increasingly consistent flashes of production across multiple areas of the game. Hamilton has continued to make strides as in his overall guard skills, particularly with his perimeter shooting and ability to attack closeouts, while also making a significant impact through his interior activity, defensive disruption, and overall versatility on that end of the floor. His steady progress over the past several months has continued to draw increased attention from college programs, with Hamilton recently earning a scholarship offer from Alabama State at the conclusion of the July live period(s). <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->