PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

“AAU kept me busy a lot of weekends. But when I was not doing that, I was in the gym working on becoming a better 3-level scorer.“

PHD: What’s one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you’ve made the most progress?

“I really focused on getting in the weight room to get bigger and stronger.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“It’s all basketball focused. Getting in the gym every day and still lifting 3-4 times a week.“

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

“For our team, we want to make it back into the State Tournament and make a run for a State Championship. Individually, I want to be an All-Conference Player.“

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

“This past AAU season playing for Lucas Moorman. He was a great coach and pushed me on both ends of the floor.“

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

“ Brett Livingston Brett Livingston 6'6" | PF West Fargo Horace | 2027 State ND . He does all the dirty work for our team and is a big part of our recent success.“

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

“Devin Booker. He has always been my favorite since he was at Kentucky. I like how smooth his game is and how he can get his own shot off.“

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

“I’ve really worked on becoming a complete player. Over the years, I feel like I’ve definitely become a 3-level scorer.“

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that’s a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

“My trainer Korey Lorenz. He has always pushed me to become a better player.“

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a “go-to” move you like to use?

“I like the top of the key for catch and shoot and my go-to move is getting into my step back anywhere on the court.“

Pool: A

Opponents: Sacred Hoops , MN Select Fuerte, Team 1848, MN Fury Goring

Comments: Ryder was named to the All-Tournament Team at SSA’s last event in St. Cloud. Will he keep that momentum and perform well at 2k26? Majkrzak is a scary shooter. It will be fun to see if he looks like one of the best snipers in the gym. Does he take care of the ball and get the job done on defense? PHD is excited to see/hear how it all plays out in a few days.

-Known as a shooter, but he made plays inside the arc

-Impressive drive & score

-Exploited mismatches

-Patient finishes around the hoop, good feet

-Spin-move into a hop-back, hit the short jumper

-Knocked down a catch & shoot triple

-His best basketball is ahead of him, former dead-3 but his game has evolved

-Reliable w/ the rock, gets hot shooting in a hurry, improved decision-maker

-Catch&shoot, catch&slash, catch&pass = effective at all, also boards well for a G

-Long shooter

-Catch & shoot 3-ball from the right wing, nothing but net

-Swing assist to Tan-the-Man for a triple

-Stepped in front of a pass, anticipated well for the steal

-Crashed the O-boards, picked up an extra possession

-Swing assist to Walters for a triple

-Came off the bench & hit some big shots, more than capable 3pt shooter, 6.5 ppg (43 FG%), 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 7 EFFpg, 33 made 3FG (38%), made the top SSA squad

-9 points, 1 triple

-LONG & lanky guard

-Used his length on D to alter & change a shot at the rim

-Sweet backdoor bounce pass to Easy$ for a dunk

-Swing pass assist to KK for a 3-ball

-Mid attack, kickout assist to OT for a trey