If someone else deserves a spot on my first or second team, it’s probably Kamai Samuels Kamai Samuels 6'2" | PG Putnam Science | 2026 State New E . The 6-foot-2 guard was electric all weekend and showed the ability to score consistently from all three levels. He has incredible quickness with the rock in his hands and takes contact so well in the air, so he’s lethal as a driver and scorer. He has touch, skill, and athleticism, and it’s difficult to put a finger on his offensive weakness. Samuels is going to land somewhere at the D1 level, but I’m still surprised his recruitment isn’t buzzing a bit more—he’s better than a lot of guys you’ll find in the portal.

Kamai is a stone cold killer and knows when to go for the jugular. He continues to throw body punches attacking the rim relentlessly and reminds me of Tillery out of New Hampton last year but with a bigger frame. He gets plenty of separation off the bounce to get shots off. He had all kinds of acrobatic FGM inside/out and off the catch/bounce as well against Newman. He can dribble in a phone booth and made downhill attacks especially curling hard of a DHO. Kamai has Sacred Heart and UTEP offers but c’mon coaches are you going to let this one slip your hands?

Samuels was Putnam’s most consistent offensive player this weekend, and their squad was clearly the biggest winner of the NEBL’s regular season finale. The 6-foot-2 guard might be the quickest player in the NEBL, and he uses that burst—combined with his excellent handle and slippery agility—to dart into the lane effortlessly. Once he gets there, he shows off excellent finishing chops and the ability to make accurate and timely spray out passes. Furthermore, he really impressed with his three point shooting this weekend, which is something that could really improve his recruitment if he got it figured out consistently. Defensively, he’s a pest and has a lot more physicality and strength than you think. He’s probably being under-recruited, but this weekend should help that.

25p 6r 1a 6s 8/14 FG 1/2 3P 8/10 FT vs Mt. Zion

-Came away very impressed by the 2-way impact from Samuels, an uber-physical and athletic guard for PSA. Samuels’ ability to bait opponents into sailing crosscourt passes or anticipate changes of direction to swipe away steals allowed him to collect 6 steals– often before heading the other way quickly to switch ends and score before the defense could get set. His speed in the open floor and ability to make sharp turns with the ball in his hands or while navigating screens on the other end makes him a valuable 2-way prospect with a strong floor. The paint touches, FTA numbers, and pace in transition speak to the toughness that he approaches each game with as a physical guard that should see a nice uptick in his recruitment .

Kamai contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds while dishing out 5 assists. He showcased his athleticism, consistently running the lanes and finishing in transition. His quick first step allowed him to get downhill and become a straight‑line driver, where he finished through contact with confidence.

Samuels, with Skyers, might make up the most athletically talented backcourt in the entire nation. The 6-foot-2 guard flies above the rim on takes to the hoop and gets by his initial defender with a quickness that’s unmatched by most. He has a phenomenal handle—he dribbles it so close to the ground and has great control of the rock—and he can elevate and take contact at the rim quite effectively once he gets there. He’s SO strong and loves the body bump. He can also make shots from the outside and defends like a madman. He’s the type of guy you love to play with but hate to play against.

Built player who can bully smaller guards. Gets multiple paint touches off the dribble a game. With that being said scores very well in the paint especially drawing multiple fouls a game. Rebounds very well for a guard. Defensively is aggressive on the ball. A few D1 interest now but after the season 20 plus schools will be calling for him. I like his energy but hoping to see him shoot free throws for a little higher percentage and be able to stretch the floor more at the next level.  

Samuels, who checks in at #26 overall and #4 among the lead guards, is one of the better creators with the ball in his hands. He’s comfortable bringing the ball up against pressure, has the ability to quickly change speeds and directions, and shows impressive vision in the half-court. He’s got good strength, has the ability to finish through contact at the rim, and is a quality defender that does a great job of pressuring opposing ball-handlers. He’s a Division I prospect with offers from programs in the Atlantic-10, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC.

Samuels does a good job of attracting defenses onto him and getting others the ball. He is an elite paint toucher. He can score around the bucket and makes a living from the foul line. He is always a threat as a scorer. Samuels plays with good energy.