KY Expo '26: Sleeper Prospects

The Prep Hoops Kentucky Expo brought talent from across the state to Louisville this past Sunday. Over 85 athletes were divided into 10 teams for 5-on-5 action. Here are a few under-the-radar prospects that flashed some long-term potential:    Quardai, also known in Louisville as "Dai Dai," is another kid that I've watched put in the work from afar over the past few years. He somehow evaded my transfer radar after making the move from PRP to Western. I'm excited for him to compete for a impact role at the varsity level and if his KY Expo performance serves as any indicator, Dai Dai should be able to hold his own. He's young for his class which means we could see an evolution in his strength and/or athleticism at any point. Regardless, he has good hoop instincts that equip him for knocking down open shots, finding lane slashers, and making a quick move in the half court when need be.     Hooper was unexpectedly one of the most explosive guards that I laid eyes on at the KY Expo. He got off the ground in a hurry for various audacious putbacks that took me by surprise. When he wasn't hunting offensive rebounds, he was at work creating space to get his shot off. Hooper was most effective in the midrange where he was able to elevate over the defense and knock down contested shots. He also defended the perimeter well throughout the day. I vividly remember him successfully blocking multiple 3pt shot attempts.     Shyne surely didn't see many shot opportunities that he didn't like at the KY Expo – an expected approach to showcase/camp setting. Team 10's success in going undefeated on the day could also be an easy explanation for his quick trigger. Regardless, I was impressed by his confidence and range as a shooting threat from deep. He knocked down quite a few attempts that made me question if the environment sparked a bit of risk-seeking behavior or if his ability to make difficult shots is an embedded piece of his game. I'll be sure to check him out at Jeffersonville this season to further assess his decision-making in addition to the court vision and ball handling abilities that he flashed.     Braylon is the type of kid who's motor and drive to play winning basketball can take him far. He's in a tricky position with a Bowling Green squad that'll return about 95% of its roster but don't be surprised to see him work himself into a role this year if not next. He didn't force much or step too far outside of his lane at the KY Expo this past weekend. What he did do very well, however, is knock down catch-and-shoot 3pt field goal attempts at a high level. So much so that he was able to demand the defense's respect which opened up driving lanes. He found success in knocking down runners off one foot and with finding slashers when he put the ball on the floor.

The Prep Hoops Kentucky Expo brought talent from across the state to Louisville this past Sunday. Over 85 athletes were divided into 10 teams for 5-on-5 action. Here are a few under-the-radar prospects that flashed some long-term potential: