Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ is a physically imposing four star forward with broad shoulders and exceptional length who possesses an intriguing and versatile offensive skillset with his ability to impact the game both inside in the paint and out on the perimeter. Aggressive from the start and maintaining that approach throughout the entirety of the game, Avent demonstrated a diverse scoring attack— showcasing his floor spacing ability with his outside spot up shooting, putting the ball on the deck and attacking driving angles off the bounce, cutting to the basket for athletic above the rim finishing, and leveraging his physical tools to back down and punish smaller defenders on the interior.

The top-ranked player on the floor, Avent took care of business throughout the game on his way to 21 points and a state title. The future Michigan State Spartan put together a workmanlike performance, calmly and deliberately attacking his spots off the dribble. He was able to convert smoothly over smaller defenders and also flashed his comfort stepping outside the arc as a floor-spacer from the perimeter. His ballhandling from the frontcourt offered a valuable release valve for the Crusaders guards as well, and he posed a consistent deterrent defensively around the rim against an undersized group. It wasn’t Avent’s smoothest game but was enough to leave with the win.

A powerfully built forward with a strong frame and elite length who thrives off interior physicality, Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ exhibited rugged and unyielding toughness around the basket. With the physicality he plays with and his willingness to invite contact, Avent excelled finishing around the basket— particularly with his potent back to the basket game, backing defenders down and with tough and timely offensive putbacks on the offensive glass, capitalizing off second chance opportunities. Although he lived around the basket and seemed to do most his production on the interior, Avent still flashed some of his guard skills— creating off the bounce in isolation from the perimeter to get in paint and finish in traffic around the basket. Highly effective on the defensive end of the floor as well, Avent leveraged his glaring physical tools to also be just as impactful on that side of the floor as well, winning battles on the boards and affecting shot attempts at the rim.

Avent is a versatile forward who consistently rounded out his game and made an impact in multiple areas. He scored in a variety of ways, whether it was finishing inside, knocking down shots, or creating off the bounce when needed. He showed real potential and upside with his ability to adapt to different matchups and play within the flow. Avent also impacted the game defensively, using his length and activity to contest plays and help his team get stops. He plays with good energy and doesn’t need the ball to make winning plays. As he continues to develop, his versatility on both ends gives him a high ceiling at the next level.

A legitimate combination of potent positional size and strong shoulders coupled with elite length, Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ turned in an impressive performance that highlighted his ability to physically dominate around the basket. In Bergen Catholic’s OT victory over Catholic Memorial (MA) Sunday morning, Avent capitalized on the heavy number of touches he saw on the offensive end, particularly in the low post— showing a good understanding of fighting for certain angles on the block to get open and utilizing both his back to the basket game and face up game to use his physical tools to convert on easy layups at the rim. Avent also showcased some of what his mid post game looks like as well, attacking driving angles and imposing his physicality on defenders to finish strong at the rim. Just completely dominating on the interior, Avent also capitalized off second chance points on the offensive glass for impactful cutbacks and opportunities at the free throw line. Pivotal to his long term success at the next level, Avent also flashed his spot up shooting ability, knocking down a pair of open looks from three point range.

A powerfully built forward with massively broad shoulders paired with elite length, Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ turned in a standout performance that highlighted his ability to score aggressively in the paint. Avent’s strong scoring performance saw him for the most part leverage his physical tools to score the basketball from different spots— creating off the bounce in the mid post area for physical drives, back down smaller defenders in the low post area, and even benefit as a cutter to the basket for easy layups in different Bergen Catholic half court actions. A capable spot up threat from the outside, Avent even flashed his perimeter shooting ability knocking down an open look from three in rhythm early on in Bergen’s matchup against Roselle Catholic.

Prep Hoops ranking: 65

Next highest ranking: 70 (ESPN)

PSA Cardinals got hit by the injury bug more than any EYBL team this summer. With numerous top players injured for a peach jam run, Avent was looked to lead the team against the best of the best in the country. The opening day of qualifying Avent put the team on his back in an overtime win over Vegas Elite. I liked Avent’s aggressiveness in the paint and ability to score in tight spaces. Off the board already, Avent committed to Michigan State over Xavier and Seton Hall in a tight recruiting battle.

A versatile offensive weapon at the forward position, Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ possesses good feel for the game paired with his size and that was on display during key moments for Bergen Catholic’s offense Saturday afternoon. Avent exhibited his ability to not only score but also pass out of double teams and make plays for others out the low post. Avent also mixed in some palpable attacks at the basket. Avent also flashed his perimeter shooting down the stretch of their matchup against St. Peter’s, hitting an in rhythm pick and pop three. Possessing a strong and physical frame, Avent was also extremely impactful on the glass, fighting well for position and coming down with a number of rebounds.

Bergen enters the season pegged by many as the top team in the state, and Avent was a huge key as the Crusaders gave a glimpse as to why in a tight win over Patrick School. A versatile modern forward and consensus top-100 prospect nationally, he got off to a slow start but was crucial down the stretch with a number of clutch buckets. What he may lack in explosiveness, Avent makes up for with skill and IQ, as shown in the way he cerebrally broke down his matchup, asserting his will physically on several tough-nosed drives and finishes. His perimeter stroke was a bit off, but Avent tossed in a triple for good measure and overall made it clear why he and Bergen will be such a force to be reckoned with this winter.

Julius Avent Julius Avent 6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026 State #88 Nation NJ displayed his ability to get to the basket and finish around the rim with his creativity off the bounce. Avent used his creativity off the dribble to break his defender down and showcase different finishes with not only nice touch around the basket but also with strength through contact.