Buckley, a guard out of Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, checks in at #4 among the combo guards and #13 overall. Buckley has been a stock riser over the first third of the prep season, showing the ability to play as an on-ball creator or off-ball scorer and to fill both roles at a high level. The 6’4″ guard has a big frame that allows him to play through contact offensively, while also showing a good feel for pace and how to get to his spots as a scorer. He’s an above the rim athlete that doesn’t get sped up, finishes in a variety of ways around the rim, and has the ability to knock down shots at a high clip from behind the arc. On the other end of the floor, he’s a versatile defender and solid rebounder from the guard spot.

Buckley, a guard out of Thayer Academy, catches the eye with his combination of above the rim athleticism, feel for the game, and willingness to play physically when needed. The Thayer sophomore has good size on the perimeter and the ability to operate on or off the basketball in the half-court. He plays with good pace with the ball in his hands, doesn’t get sped up, and knows how to manipulate defenders to get to his scoring spots in the mid-range. He plays through contact as a driver and finisher, can go get a rebound above the rim on the defensive end of the floor, and has the versatility to guard any spot on the perimeter.

Buckley, a guard out of Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, checks in at #36 overall and #8 among the shooting guards. Buckley is capable of scoring any time he touches the basketball. He’s an elite perimeter shooter, both in catch and shoot situations and on the move, while also impressing with his burst as a driver and vertical athleticism. Offensively, he has proven over and over again that he can go get a basket late in the clock, particularly in isolation situations. Defensively, he has good positional size and plays with an chip on his shoulder on that end of the floor.

Buckley is one of the top bucket getters in the region and was a major stock riser coming out of the scholastic period this summer. He’s uber competitive, has the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands, and doesn’t shy away from the big moment. He does a nice job of using shot and pass fakes to his advantage, has the ability to manipulate a defense off the bounce, and has more burst than you’d expect when attacking the rim. He’s a true three level scrorer that plays both on and off the ball and continues to add to his offensive game. On the other end of the floor, he makes high IQ plays off the ball.

Brayden Buckley Brayden Buckley 6'4" | SG Thayer Academy | 2028 State New E was the steady floor general for his team. He made excellent passes to teammates in the transition game, got into the paint was his tight handle, and showed off his tough defensive ability on opposing guards causing big time turnovers.

Buckley looks more than comfortable at a high prep school level despite only being a rising sophomore. When he has a head of steam in transition, he’s an excellent finisher and has some nice hops at the rim. He’s so skilled and fundamentally sound with the ball in his hands and always makes the correct play whether it be spraying out or getting to his middy. He can also make the three ball. He should be one of the leading scorers on this Thayer squad and by the looks of his body, he’s still growing and getting stronger. Amazing college prospect to keep an eye on.

This was my first time seeing Buckley play and I was impressed with his all-around offensive game. He has the handle necessary to get to various spots on the floor, and he can elevate in the midrange or at the three-point line to knock down shots. He also has some sneaky elevation at the rim and some really long arms which he uses effectively for all kinds of finishes. Oh, and he’s a really solid passer who sees the floor well and is unselfish. He took his Expressions team down to the wire against a really tough BABAC squad that’s a year older. For a freshman, he’s in an excellent place and should have a nice season at Thayer Academy next year.

I was a big fan of Buckley’s pace on the ball and passing ability. Not being sped up as a processor, Buckley made some nice passes and his lefty pocket pass to a cutting big was my favorite pass of his on Friday. A two foot finisher at the rim, Buckley played on balance and was efficient with the looks he took. One of the standout 15 U players from Friday.