Waters has been a fulcrum of the Philly Pride program for the past couple summers on both the 16U and 17U levels, developing into a pitbull of a two-way guard in the process. Coming off a strong senior year at Friends Select, Waters will take one last go at the UAA circuit, suiting back up with Philly Pride and looking to leave a strong last impression in the minds of scholarship-level coaches. He’s an aggressive dribble-drive threat with a strong frame that he puts to use on both ends of the floor, and has really made strides in his poise and decisionmaking from the lead guard spot over the years. Already a fifth-year senior, he’s certain to move on to college next fall and could prove to be a strong late pickup for a D2 or JUCO program, with high-academic D1s being justified in throwing him a look as well.

After making a name for himself as part of a crowded rotation at West Catholic, Waters opted for a repeat junior year at Friends Select and has seen an uptick in his development with the coinciding increase in on-court responsibility. Previously more of a change-of-pace option in the backcourt, Waters has made impressive strides toward being a true two-way lead guard. With a blend of explosiveness and physicality attacking downhill, he’s tough to keep from his spots with nice dexterity as a finisher and an increasing ability to make the proper passing read from the middle of the lane. He’s also an intimidating point-of-attack defender, using his strong chest and quick hands to mirror the ball and force turnovers before pushing the ball back the other way. Waters should be a priority at the D2 level with the chance to push himself toward D1 territory if he can show a more consistent perimeter stroke.

At the UAA S2 in Cincinnati, Waters showed that he is a unique two-way guard prospect. On defense Waters was an extraordinarily disruptive on-ball presence. Waters guarded for 94 feet, and the combination of his speedy lateral movements and active hands produced numerous steals. Waters also had a knack for grabbing every loose ball. On offense, Waters scored at every level. His quick first step and elusive handles got Waters to the rack where he laid the ball in with either hand. His dribble drive skills set was complimented by an accurate 3-point stroke. College coaches will love that Waters was willing to do all the “dirty work” that helped produce wins.  

Every prospect at the Donofrio Classic can get buckets, but the squads that find success have high school stars willing to adapt their game to fit the team’s needs. That sentence perfectly described the role Waters filled for his M-Sport squad this week. On Wednesday night, Waters contributed 14 points and proved that he could generate offense at every level. Still, it was the non-scoring elements of his game that really impressed. Waters was a willing passer who delivered timely dimes to teammates. He also rebounded at both ends of the court. Plus, Waters played tenacious defense which can be a rarity at the Donofrio Classic. His quick lateral movements and active hands enabled Waters to pick pockets. College coaches will love his high IQ and court awareness too.

Returning alongside his Philly Pride teammates for another run on the UAA circuit, Waters’ steadying and tough-nosed presence off the bench was key in helping secure a narrow OT win over fellow UAA member NJ Shoreshots. Previously seen as more of a scoring guard or combo, Waters looked comfortable as a true lead guard. He was steady and consistent in his reads off the dribble, touching the paint in the halfcourt for drive-and-kicks and routinely slicing the floor in transition before hitting the ball ahead to an open teammate. Having really packed muscle onto his frame in the past year, Waters was also a consistent factor at the point of attack defensively. He’s certainly on the scholarship radar and will have a chance to catch the eye of D1 coaches as he continues coming into his own as a floor general.

Now that he’s in the 2026 class, Waters’s impact as a defensive ball-stopper will be felt even more. He’s capable of completely shutting down offenses because he’s so strong as an on-ball defender. Far from being one-dimensional, Waters is a streaky shooter from deep and a connective passer with a developing handle. Joining the Friends League should allow him the room to keep expanding his game.