2029 Newcomers Freshman to watch

The GBS2K25 Showcase was absolutely stacked with next-level talent. These young men didn't just show up—they stood out as the undeniable cream of the crop. If you don't know their names yet, it's time to lock in. Their prep careers are poised to be nothing short of exceptional. Let's take a closer look at some of the key newcomers making serious noise.    High-IQ Floor General Perez is a gifted, high-IQ point guard who consistently makes the right reads. He quickly assesses matchups and knows exactly which tools to deploy against any defender in front of him. Whether facilitating, scoring, or defending, he brings a complete package to the floor. What stood out most at the GBS2K25 Showcase was his ability to attack downhill—both in transition and in the half-court. He seeks out contact early, uses his off-hand to shield the ball, and finishes with counter spins, Euro steps, and a full arsenal of creative moves. It's like he's running a mental checklist in real time, and the kid executes like a machine. While he's not yet a consistent perimeter shooter, Perez is highly effective in the mid-range and at the rim. He gets two feet in the paint and scores with poise, using a variety of mid-level tools that make him tough to contain. If he stays on his current trajectory, Perez has all the makings of one of the top point guards in his class.     Underrated, Unshaken, and Unstoppable Western is a gamer—plain and simple. Opponents may underestimate him at first glance. He's not the biggest, not the most athletic, and he's not flying above the rim. But they quickly learn that Western is a tactician who can torch you at all three levels. His three-point shot is reliable, his floater is polished, and his passing is sharp. He makes smart defensive plays and operates like an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. What truly sets him apart is his movement—constant cutting, off-ball relocation, and elite floor spacing. Every decision he makes is purposeful, and every possession is a chance to outthink the defense. As Western continues to mature physically and pairs that growth with his elite basketball IQ, his stock will rise—and he'll be in the conversation for best point guard in his class.     Physical Tools, Relentless Motor, and Big-Time Upside Russell walks onto campus with all the physical tools intact—strong, fast, and aggressive. He pairs those attributes with high energy, a ball-hawking mentality, and a willingness to do the dirty work. Whether it's diving for loose balls, crashing the glass, or earning buckets through sheer effort, Russell finds ways to impact the game within its natural flow or by creating his own opportunities. He's still developing, but the upside is undeniable. A classic tweener, Russell has the potential to become a dynamic two-way wing if he continues refining his guard skills. As he learns to cut with purpose, play above the rim, and expand his offensive versatility, his ceiling rises dramatically.     Physical Force with a Winning Mentality Speights enters his freshman year as a strong, physical specimen—built like a football player and embracing contact like one too. He thrives on physicality, attacking the game with a relentless motor and a hunger for the basketball. Whether it's crashing the boards, diving into passing lanes, or finishing through contact, Speights plays with purpose and toughness. He's versatile enough to be a centerpiece or a key role player. He rebounds with authority, initiates the break, pushes pace, and gets downhill with force. His ability to finish through traffic makes him a constant threat in transition and half-court settings. Speights has also flashed an emerging in-between game, showing signs of touch and control that hint at even more offensive upside. Defensively, he competes with pride—always looking to make winning plays and impact both ends of the floor.     Grit, IQ, and a Game Built for Impact [player_tooltip player_id='2949733' first='Kymani' last='Sims'] is the kind of player who quietly checks every box. He's got the physical tools—strong, athletic, and aggressive—but pairs them with poise, IQ, and off-ball movement that elevate his impact far beyond the box score. He competes with intensity on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he's active and disciplined, contesting shots and fighting through screens. Offensively, he doesn't force the issue—he plays within the flow, makes smart reads, and finds ways to contribute whether he's the focal point or a glue guy. He attacks the rim with purpose, finishes through contact, and shows the ability to hit an open and pull-up jumper. He moves well without the ball, spaces the floor, and makes winning decisions possession after possession. His versatility allows him to play multiple roles, and his motor never quits.     Big Frame, Big Confidence, Big Impact Stanley stepped onto the court with size and confidence that immediately commanded attention. From the jump, he was on a mission to leave a lasting impression—attacking the rim, crashing the boards, and cleaning up putbacks with authority. His short jumper, especially from 15 feet and in, looked smooth and reliable, adding a layer of versatility to his offensive game. He's clearly working on expanding his guard skills and shooting range. While those tools are still being polished, they're trending in the right direction and will elevate his game as he continues to grow. Defensively, Stanley showed real promise as a rim protector—contesting everything in his vicinity and anchoring the paint with presence and pride. His passion is undeniable, and when harnessed properly, it's a major asset. With continued development and emotional discipline, Stanley has the potential to be a dominant two-way force

The GBS2K25 Showcase was absolutely stacked with next-level talent. These young men didn't just show up—they stood out as the undeniable cream of the crop. If you don't know their names yet, it's time to lock in. Their prep careers are poised to be nothing short of exceptional. Let's take a closer look at some of the key newcomers making serious noise.