Big Shots: '26 Standouts

-Turned in the best PG performance that I saw all week, masterfully spearheading the Warriors' attack on the defensive and offensive ends of the floor. The handle and back foot burst have taken a leap, allowing him to get past his matchup without turning the ball over to run his offense efficiently. Defensively he was a huge spark plug for his team, as he generated 6 steals in a close game that turned into baskets at the other end of the floor. His shot creation continues to improve with each outing-- scoring off of one-leg faders in the paint off the dribble or with stepback threes. His vision and chemistry were huge in producing some big-time outputs from his bigs.     -Really liked the improved moxie and motor that Caldwell is playing with on this Warriors team. The athletic big is flying in for offensive rebounds and wrestling away 50/50 balls from opponents to create extra opportunities for his team. His spacing and speed in the open floor allowed him to collect a few easy ones in transition or earn a trip to the FT line. His mix of scoring moves and putbacks around the basket make him difficult to defend without fouling.     -Man oh man, talk about perimeter wiggle. Edwards has really sharpened his handle to navigate through tight gaps in the defense to create for himself in the halfcourt despite whatever the defense throws at him. Highlight of the day was a beautiful hesi dribble before crossing over and blowing by his matchup on the way to the rim in transition. Thought that he did a great job of taking what the defense gives him in ball screen actions to either rise up for an open perimeter jumper, blow by to the rim, or dish to a teammate.     -The shot creation on display from Burnett in a win over the Warriors was really impressive as he finished with an efficient 25 point performance with four made 3s on the night. Burnett uses his handle well to get into his jumper quickly off the bounce and also did a great job of drawing fouls both inside and outside of the 3 point arc. Even though he did have the jumper going, he still found opportunities to duck under closeouts to get into 1 or 2-dribble pull-ups that hit nothing but not.     -Has the prototypical size and skillset for a stretch wing/stretch four that has a diverse skillset that can fit alongside a variety of different pieces. Helgason hit shots off of movement, was active on the glass, and showed that he can put it on the deck a little bit to get to the rim. Helgason has a sneaky vert and showed his ability to finish plays above the rim with a poster dunk in transition.     -Probably the twitchiest athlete I saw this weekend, rotating over from the weakside to swat a floater that was at the top of the square. Wove through traffic in transition like a Porsche, bursting through gaps to the rim to finish with two hands. Liked the fact that the ball didn't stick in his hands on the perimeter, did a great job of scanning the floor from the wing to shift the defense with skip passes and lobs.     -Thought he was really effective in his minutes off the bench for the Warriors as an athletic guard defender that did a great job generating ball pressure both off the ball and at the POA. Shipley is a super athletic off-ball guard that uses his quickness and strength to cede ground so he doesn't get called for the block foul before timing in a swoop in at the ball perfectly to collect steals. Shipley spaced the floor well with his shooting, got downhill, and played within himself. If he can continue to make his stifling defense a calling card, he should enjoy a very productive summer to give him some positive momentum heading into the season.     -Edwards serves as a physical bowling ball of a prospect that lays his body on the line for his team. Edwards will do anything to help his team win a ball game whether it's out-toughing a big for a key offensive rebound, flying around defensively, attacking the rim, or switching effectively on ball screens to stifle bigs or clamp down guards. He utilizes a strong lower body to shade his defender towards the sideline and has come a long way to instinctively know when to show the refs his hands to avoid a cheap foul call when defending drives to the basket.

Darius Bivins

VA #4

PG #1

HEIGHT 6'0"

POS PG

CLASS 2026

View Player

Darius Bivins

State: Virginia

School: Bishop O'Connell

Club: Washington Warriors

-Turned in the best PG performance that I saw all week, masterfully spearheading the Warriors' attack on the defensive and offensive ends of the floor. The handle and back foot burst have taken a leap, allowing him to get past his matchup without turning the ball over to run his offense efficiently. Defensively he was a huge spark plug for his team, as he generated 6 steals in a close game that turned into baskets at the other end of the floor. His shot creation continues to improve with each outing-- scoring off of one-leg faders in the paint off the dribble or with stepback threes. His vision and chemistry were huge in producing some big-time outputs from his bigs.