Lukas was originally a 2026 prospect, but doesn’t turn 18 until August, and will be doing a prep year at DME in Florida next season. This past weekend with 7070 Athletics he showcased raw potential at 6’10. Pears has fluid mobility in the open floor, and got out in transition for an explosive dunk in the game I watched against Minnesota Fury . In the half-court he was a threat rolling to the rim where he showcased good hands to catch in traffic before going up to finish with touch off the glass. If he caught anywhere near the basket, Lukas rarely missed. That touch extends all the way out to the three point line where he displayed a smooth looking jumper. He made perhaps his biggest impact defensively as he’s a dominant shot blocker who can get off the floor quickly to swat shots.

Palmer Ridge will need Pears to continue being the dominant interior presence he’s been all season. Averaging 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds, he sets the tone with his physicality and motor. Lately, he’s been on a tear with big performances, asserting himself on the block and crashing the glass relentlessly. In the playoffs, his ability to control the boards and finish through contact can shift momentum and give Palmer Ridge valuable second-chance opportunities

Pears arguably has the highest ceiling in this class as a 6’8 who continues to get better every single time that we’ve seen him, and with how he performed this summer, showed exactly what makes him special. He’s in a groove right now, and he’s a two-way star in the making. He defends at a high level as he’s blocking and altering shots at the rim, he runs the floor well for run-out finishes and dunks, and also showed the ability to shoot the mid-range as well. His game has matured from the start of the summer to now; he seems to be coming into his own, and you can tell that he’s constantly working on his game. This season, Palmer Ridge should will look towards that growth and for him to use his size as an advantage. That team has solid balance, and with a big man who can affect the game on both ends of the floor, that makes them that much more dangerous. He makes a huge rise in the rankings after seeing him a few times in our events this summer, and coaches need to get eyes on him. 

Lukas had his moments this summer, but he really caught our attention in our last tournament when he impacted the game on both ends of the floor. Pears has a long, lean frame, and his long arms and length is a disruptor for opposing bigs looking to grab boards over him or finish around the paint. He blocks shots, runs the floor for easy finishes in transition, and also is starting to get comfortable as a scorer in the post. I feel that he will have a big season statistically, and a big showing heading into the season at our showcase could get a few coaches looking for a forward with good size a player to turn their attention to. We want to see him get out and prove that he belongs. 

Pears is a player we were intrigued by, but wanted to see more of. He’s a long, athletic big who runs the floor, protects the paint, and can stretch the defense. His timing as a shot blocker and ability to finish plays above the rim stood out. He makes hustle plays, screens, and re-screens, and keeps possessions alive with effort. His outside shooting opened up the floor for 7070 Athletics , and he was a presence defensively as well. Excited to see his development, but a player that we’re high on. 

Pears is a 6’6 forward with bounce, toughness, and floor-spacing potential. He plays with force inside, rebounds well (5.0 RPG as a junior), and isn’t afraid to attack mismatches. His handle and three-point range make him intriguing long-term, and he showed flashes this summer with 7070 Athletics . After being unranked, he’s now on the list, and with more consistency as a scorer, he could be one of the biggest risers next cycle. I’m expecting Palmer Ridge to make some noise this year and Pears to have a breakout year. 

Long and lanky wing/forward out of Colorado who showed some nice flashes against Minnesota Heat . Lukas was active on the glass, and wasn’t afraid to initiate some contact to clear out space around the rim. Did a nice job of keeping the ball high off an offensive board, and going right back up with it. Lukas has a lanky frame, but against shorter defenders did a nice job of keeping his balance when going up to finish, allowing him to score efficiently with the chances he had. Fluid mobility to get up and down the floor.

A 6’8″ shooter can be a very desirable piece to any roster. So by stating this, he has a solid foundation to start with. If he can shoot the long ball at a 38-40% clip and then get stronger, he could be the one with the most scouts hovering around.

Lukas Pears Lukas Pears 6'8" | C Palmer Ridge | 2026 State CO | 2026 | 6’8 | Stretch Four | Palmer Ridge | 7070 Athletics

High School: Palmer Ridge

AAU: 7070 Athletics

What He Likes About High School: His coaches and the winning of the program

Dream School: University of Colorado-Greeley

Offers: None

Things He Thinks He Does Well: Shooting & Shooting the 3 Ball

Things He Wants to Improve On The Most This Summer: Being More Aggressive

Favorite Player: Kevin Durant

MJ vs Lebron: Lebron James

Scouts Take: I have watched this prospect for roughly 2 1/2 games on this young spring /summer AAU season. I believe that this kid has a very large upside on the court. He moves well and runs the floor solidly enough. He does typically shoot with a softer touch.

On what I would like to see from him: he hits the nail on the head when he stated that he wants to increase his level of aggressiveness while playing. While I would agree with this, I think aggressiveness can come from physicality, and a major way to gain that physical nature is to gain strength. The prospect, I would say, is behind where a rising senior should be in this department, and I would stress hitting the weights with a specific goal of gaining maybe ten pounds or more. This would help his overall athleticism to pop more and then build the needed confidence along with it. Next, to help with that goal is to break the habit of running to the bottom of the rim and using his height to rebound. Concentrate on correct form and box out away from the hoop. Soon the bumping that that takes will be a weapon.

Upside: As mentioned, this one has a very large upside and does a lot correctly on the court, even when not scoring. If he works, he will be a very recruitable player. At 6’8″ and a player who can shoot a bit, he will be a desirable commodity. Especially if he can add a confident handle to his game where he can either stay out of trouble or have a strong dribble drive. Definitely a plus prospect.

Peers is a particularly unique forward in this group given his efficient shooting from distance, comfortable in open space off the catch. At his best off the ball, he brings a diverse skill set to complement guards off the roll or pop. His especially wide reach makes him a serviceable help defender, comfortable altering opposing shot attempts with his presence alone.