This is a kid that has the potential to be a STAR in the class of 2030. Guard skills but will end up being a forward. Opened things up with a spot/up three from the top of the key. Followed that up by flashing some slick dribble moves to break past a defender drawing baseline. Then buried another contested triple off the bounce. A big fan of the strides he makes to the basket.

Another Benet Academy 2030 prospect that was ahead of the curve today in many aspects. Had the opportunity to get a glimpse of Rydberg last fall at this event where he was one of the only 8^th graders playing at the freshman showcase and did very well. Today he was one of the most impressive in terms of the way he processed the game and operated on the wing position. He has plus positional size for a 3 man and used his length to impact from inside and out. In the rebounding department he got it done on both sides while pushing for pace off defensive boards. He adds a lot of value in the transition game while being able to be positionless at this stage in the primary break setting. Rydberg has confidence from beyond the arc while knocking down multiple 3’s in the team’s 3^rd game of the day. On the defensive end, he uses his length to get into passing lanes and showed he had a motor to guard grinding out stops. Overall Rydberg was one of the most if not the most intriguing 2030 players in the gym today with a high ceiling to go.

Not only was James Rydberg one of the most obviously talented players at this year’s Midwest Melee; in the next couple of years, he may be one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.

James has such a gift for the game that even when he’s not scoring the ball, you can tell that he’s the most talented player on the floor. The kid’s handles are absolutely off the charts. He can drive the ball hard inside, and if there’s any obstacle in his way-he has the capacity to stop on a dime, dribble back out and assess the floor for a new plan.

He’s so smooth when taking the ball to the rim. He can make acrobatic layups in the face of defensive pressure. And on a fast break, he’s an absolute freight train. For a kid of his age, he has such natural control of his body and can bury off-balance leaners. And he possesses a devastating pump-fake that can get the defender off their feet.

In the Gold bracket title game against Mean Streets, James scored the first 5 points of the game, including a wicked steal-combined with a behind-the-back dribble going to the hoop for a layup. He finished the championship game with 14 points, in a blowout win for the title.

His size, handles, and shooting ability will make him a triple-double threat throughout his high school career at Benet Academy. And he’s a player to keep an eye on at the national level.

The top talent from Saturday has to be the kid with a bright future at Benet Academy: 8th grader James Rydberg James Rydberg 6'5" | SF Benet Academy | 2030 IL .

My experience covering these tournaments may not be as lengthy as others, but in my short time, I’m not sure I’ve seen a player who looks so talented, and appears so comfortable on the basketball court.

This is a kid who just does it all at an elite level: he’s got a nice midrange fadeaway, he can hurt you on the glass with his size and length, he’s got toughness, he’s got speed, he has ballhandling skills… there appears to be no week spot in Rydberg’s game.

Defensively he’s like a dog with a bone; he will chase you down mercilessly-eventually pestering you into either a bad shot or a turnover. And on offense, you couldn’t hardly dream of better handles out of a kid who hasn’t even started high school.

James seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and is humble-yet confident in his own abilities. He takes pride in being a 3-level scorer with a good midrange package, along with the ability to distribute.

James plays on an extremely talented Breakaway squad, but he alone is worth the price of admission.

James Rydberg impressed with his exceptional feel for the game and natural instincts. He showcased a fluid crossover-to-pull-up shooting motion, rocking defenders side to side with his hang dribble crosses before rising into his jumper.

The only 8^th grader at the event Rydberg is someone we had heard good things about and the 6’3” wing showcases quality size and strength at a young age.  Can also really shoot it as he poured them in from mid-range and three.

James did a little bit of everything in a high quality well rounded manner. One of the best IQ players I saw today from a rebounding, passing, and offensive execution standpoint. Found open cutters and made timely assists setting teammates up. Got downhill and made an in and out cross over then went into a spin move against another same size big to then convert on good defense. Set screens on the ball to create opportunities. Comfortable handling it if necessary in half court or transition. Overall showcased an athletic and mobile feel for size and impacts the game in a multitude of ways.