Breakout Candidates: Connecticut

As the summer comes to an end, the travel basketball season has wrapped up and attention on the hardwood will soon turn to the local high schools.   With that in mind, we'll spend the week covering five prospects, from each of New England's six states, that we think are primed for a breakout this winter.   Below, we'll start with Connecticut.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568521' first='Missoni' last='Brown']   The 2027 prospect out of Windsor is primed to be one of the top guards in the CIAC this winter. At 6'0" with a thick and powerful frame, Brown does a great job of making his way to the rim off the bounce and finishing plays through contact in the paint. He's tough, physical, and makes plays with a high basketball IQ. His perimeter jumper continues to come along and he has proven to be a big time playmaker in transition. Defensively, he's a strong point of attack defender that can guard either back-court spot and makes plays both on the ball and in passing lanes. Big time scorer, big time playmaker, and big time potential for a breakout junior season for Brown.   [player_tooltip player_id='2895420' first='Gideon' last='Ekukwai']   The 2026 prospect out of Bridgeport Prep should slide into a bigger role this season and, subsequently, leave his mark on each and every game he plays. At 6'9" with long arms and plus athleticism, Ekukwai does a nice job of impacting games in the paint, on both ends of the floor. He runs the floor well in transition, makes plays as a hard roller out of ball screens, and does a nice job of moving off of drives in the dunker spot. He tries to dunk everything he gets his hands on and has developed his ability to score with his back to the basket. Defensively, he can move his feet in space, really goes after the ball off the glass, and is a high level shot blocker both on the ball and from the help side. Interior finisher, rim protector, and high motor big that should pop for Bridgeport Prep this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711372' first='Eddie' last='Fiske Jr.']   The 2027 prospect out of Old Lyme has had a successful first two years in the CIAC and should prove to be one of the better prospects in the state as a junior. A state champion as a freshman and state runner-up as a sophomore, Fiske has made a name for himself in the state tournament and now will look to continue his success as the focal point of an offense. At 6'4" with the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter, he's a mis-match offensively, scoring at all three levels and making smart decisions with the basketball in his hands. Defensively, he can guard up and down a position, makes an impact on the glass, and can operate as a grab-and-go rebounder that initiates the break in transition. Super versatile, high level winner, and a prospect that will elevate his status at Old Lyme this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2759425' first='Rhaki' last='Lum']   The 2026 prospect out of the Brunswick School had an impressive showing this summer at the NEPSAC Showcase and should be able to use that as a springboard heading into the winter. At 6'2" with a college ready frame and plus athleticism, he's a dynamic offensive performer that makes plays for himself and others. He's a tough shot maker that can break down a defense and score in isolation situations late in the clock, but also shines in transition and when he gets downhill off the bounce. Defensively, he's an elite perimeter defender that utilizes his strength, basketball IQ, and lateral mobility to disrupt opposing ball-handlers. He's got some real Division I interest, but still seems to be a name that is under-the-radar in New England. Toughness, skill, and a winning mentality are all attributes that Lum has and that should allow him to stand out this winter for Brunswick.   [player_tooltip player_id='2571916' first='Henry' last='Veissid']   The 2028 prospect out of Staples has a chance to make his mark in the CIAC as a sophomore. A 6'4" hybrid forward, Veissid makes an impact on the defensive end of the floor first, utilizing his length and versatility to guard up and down a line-up. He makes plays on the ball, creates turnovers in passing lanes, and can block shots around the rim with his length. On the other end of the floor, he does a nice job of running his lanes in transition and can use his length to finish around the rim. He spaces the floor in the half-court and has shown the ability to knock down threes in catch and shoot situations. As he adds strength, he should open up additional elements of his offensive game. Long term potential, impressive length, and a high motor all will contribute to what could be a breakout year for Veissid at Staples.   Keep an eye out later this week as we unveil our Breakout Candidates for the remaining New England states!

As the summer comes to an end, the travel basketball season has wrapped up and attention on the hardwood will soon turn to the local high schools.