USA Basketball Junior Minicamp: Overall Top Performers
Eighty-four players across the 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes gathered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this past weekend to compete for a spot on next summer’s USA Basketball roster. The USA Basketball Junior National Team October Minicamp is typically the first step of the process each year.
Read Five Stock Risers from the USA Basketball Junior National Team October Minicamp
How it typically works is USA Basketball will host an October Minicamp, a spring Minicamp, and then a June Training Camp. The Minicamps typically consist of around 80 to 85 players, and they last three days.
The Training Camp is different. Thirty to 35 players are typically invited, and throughout the time, they cut the roster down to the final 13. It typically lasts for a week or two, and the final roster of players then leaves straight from the camp to participate in the FIBA tournament.
This weekend was the first step in the process. One thing you know coming into each of these camp sessions is there will be a lot of talent in the gym, and the players will compete.
Day 1 Top Performers | Day 2 Top Performers | Day 3 Top Performers
On3’s Jamie Shaw sat courtside on each of the three days. Let’s discuss the top overall performers from the USA Basketball Junior National Team October Minicamp.
On3 MVP: Five-Star Plus+ PG Brandon McCoy (2026)
The Buzz: Brandon McCoy was one of the younger players to make this summer’s USA Basketball U16 gold-medal winning team. He came into his camp as a veteran. While he played with confidence, he also played with purpose. From start to finish, he played with the mentality that the spot was his and no one was going to be able to take it from him. McCoy has a smooth offensive game. He can create for himself off the bounce and has good feel as he gets into the teeth of the defense. He can pull up and knock down the jumper, finish above the rim, or drop off a crisp pass on target and on time. McCoy was also a very good point-of-attack defender. He has great size for the position and considerable length. His game continues to round out as he is On3’s No. 3 player in the 2026 On3 150.
2. Five-Star Plus+ CG Dylan Harper
The Buzz: Dylan Harper had a lot of eyes on him. Already ranked On3’s No. 2 player in the 2024 On3 150, he did not have much to prove here. However, he came, and he competed. Harper carved out a role as one of the youngest players on the USA Basketball U19 team this summer. He then showed up to Nike’s Peach Jam, where he finished second in scoring at 21.2 points per contest. Harper showed the full package during this event, most notably an improved jump shot. He plays with great balance and is able to attack his spots with the ball. He is a quick processor and a precise passer, and he rebounds his position well. Jackson did not play on day three but did enough through the first two days of the minicamp to be named one of the best prospects in attendance.
3. Four-Star PF Morez Johnson (Illinois)
The Buzz: In this setting, Morez Johnson’s job on the boards really stood out. Consistently, he would end possessions in the small-sided games by cleaning the glass. In the five-on-five play, it was pretty much the same. Johnson is a good post defender, able to wall up on the block and slide his feet to switch. Johnson was efficient on offense, playing within himself. While he knocked down a couple of mid-range catch-and-shoot jumpers – the touch is something he will need to continue to work on – he mostly scored around the rim.
4. Four-Star PG Boogie Fland
The Buzz: Boogie Fland was very consistent in each session throughout the weekend. Fland, On3’s No. 1 point guard in the 2024 class, valued possessions for his team. He took care of the ball and did not turn it over. The shooting really stood out for Fland, especially throughout an event where there were not a lot of shot-makers. Fland confidently got to his spots in the half-court while consistently showing his deep range off-ball-reversals. He scored when needed and distributed when needed. Fland gets by more on pace than he does explosion, but his leadership shined in this setting.
5. Five-Star Plus+ SF Jalen Haralson (2025)
The Buzz: Jalen Haralson showcased his versatility throughout the weekend. His skill and IQ were on full display, especially with his passing. His team got him into different spots in the half-court and allowed him to initiate. He lacked the burst to get past his man in the half-court consistently. But, when playing alongside another ball handler, Haralson was giving real connective, point-forward vibes, and this was where he looked the most comfortable and effective. He is a good rebounder, and he defended on the perimeter and was able to switch down a lineup on the block.
6. Five-Star Plus+ SG Ian Jackson (UNC)
The Buzz: Ian Jackson is at his best when they simply go out and play basketball. This weekend, they limited the sets and the reads, threw in a couple of quick hitters, and allowed the players to play off instinct. Jackson shined. He was able to get to his spots at each level and confidently knocked down jump shots. He finished what might have been the dunk of the weekend, as he dunked on a late-rotating big, and he showed consistent three-point range and form. Jackson seems to love to be playing basketball; he is always smiling and laughing, and he always has a ball in his hands. Jackson also made a concerted effort to guard the ball. He was effective in the small-sided sessions, the drill work, and the five-on-five play. He was playing free, and it was the best basketball I have seen him play in a few months.
7. Four-Star SF Annor Boateng (Missouri)
The Buzz: Annor Boateng has made his mark as a high-level connecting piece. A player that can guard multiple positions and play effective offense from multiple levels of the floor. In July, at the Adidas 3SSB Championships, Boateng started to show some alpha when it came to scoring. That version of Boateng slipped over to this event as well. The wing shot the ball very well, with great form and balance, and he was consistent from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. That player is very valuable when you add in the multiple-position defender with some connecting tendencies but can also create and make shots.
8. Four-Star PG Darius Acuff (2025)
The Buzz: Darius Acuff is the ultimate alpha competitor. Each time he steps on the floor, he wants the ball and the spotlight and does not shy away from any moment. He is wired to score the ball just like he did throughout Nike’s EYBL 17U Circuit. Acuff was most comfortable with the ball in his hands and creating opportunities for himself off the bounce. The passing reads, and shot selection are areas that still need attention. Acuff showed scoring acumen out of the pick-and-roll, and he had a crafty handle with a quick burst that consistently got him in the teeth of the defense and put pressure on the front of the rim. He is able to get a sliver of clean space to rise up on most possessions. In a setting filled with alpha mentalities, Acuff stood out.
9. Five-Star SF Drake Powell (UNC)
The Buzz: Drake Powell is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country. He is capable of guarding on the ball or off the ball and simply cutting off angles for his man and making things very uncomfortable. He has a strong frame with great length. Powell is also a quiet competitor, going hard every possession and making winning plays. Offensively, the jump shot was still not falling from three, but he did continue to show a nice, feathery elbow pull-up. He also showcased a burst off the bounce to get past the first line of defense. The next step is making a play when he is in the teeth of the defense and becoming a threat with the jump shot. Powell’s overall effect on the game is undeniable. His ability to shut his man down stands out in this setting. He also moves the ball well from the wing position.
10. Four-Star SG Caleb Holt (2026)
The Buzz: Simply put, Caleb Holt competes. He has a very physically developed frame, broad shoulders, and great length. He made his mark on the defensive end of the floor, quickly turning defense into offense and putting pressure on the rim. Holt is an explosive athlete and an obvious competitor. Offensively, he played his best in straight lines. He will need to continue developing his wiggle and rounding out the jump shot, which will only expand his game. Holt was comfortable on the ball and seemed to be around the play, making positive contributions consistently.
Other Top Performers
Four-Star PF Chris Cenac (2025) – Chris Cenac was possibly the best defensive big in attendance. Standing a long-armed and twitchy 6-foot-10, he moved his feet, rebounded, and blocked shots. He also knocked down some jumpers and played effectively out of the dunker spot. He is On3’s No. 22 player in 2025.
Four-Star C Xavion Staton (2025) – Xavion Staton was possibly the biggest breakout player of the event. His shot-blocking ability is unique, and it brought an element to the floor that no other player in the camp did, at least to the level of Staton. Raw, but clear upside.
Four-Star C Patrick Ngongba – Patrick Ngongba continues to be on an upward trajectory with his game since July. He has continued to reshape his body, which has given him more burst, which helps around the basket. He is skilled. The jump shot form looked improved, and he has good hands. He is a big who plays big and will continue to reshape his frame and get stronger.
Four-Star SF Tajh Ariza (2026) – This is a pure upside play with Tajh Ariza, but the son of former NBA Champion Trevor Ariza simply continues to get better. The lengthy wing has positional size and is showing flashes of the skill set.
Four-Star PG Kingston Flemings (2025) – Kingston Flemings had a good number of flashes throughout the camp. He has good length, and the feel is very interesting as well. There were a couple of passes he made that opened onlooker’s eyes. He defended the ball with purpose throughout.
Four-Star PG JJ Mandaquit (2025) – JJ Mandaquit stands out in this setting because he knows how to run a team. While nothing flashy, he sets his teammates up in their comfort zones and gets the ball to the right spots. His teammates quickly find him and hustle to their spots because they know they will get it back.
Five-Star Plus+ PF Koa Peat (2025) – Koa Peat is a veteran of the USA Basketball events, and he has consistently produced each time. While not super dynamic, you know what you are going to get from him. Good rebounding, tough straigh-line drives, and somein solid passing. He gives it each time out.
Five-Star Plus+ AJ Dybantsa (2026) – AJ Dybantsa’s game is just so smooth. He can effortlessly get to his spots and knock down shots at each level. There is great skill that goes with his lengthy frame and natural explosion that makes him a unique prospect. When he wanted to turn it on, there was not much anyone in this setting could do.
Four-Star SG Trent Perry (2026) – There was a hustle factor that really stood out with Trent Perry. You could tell that every rep meant something to him. He was very good in the passing lanes, and he showed off some passing chops in the half-court. A competitive connecting piece.
Four-Star SG Kiyan Anthony (2025) – Kiyan Anthony served up some buckets. His game has taken an upward trajectory, and you could see it in this setting. He has a smooth shooting stroke and an understanding of how to get to where he wants to go in the mid-range. The confidence is coming around, and so is the fluidity and athleticism.
Five-Star Plus+ SF Tyran Stokes (2025) – Tyran Stokes is one of the more physically impressive players in the camp. Still young for the age group, he has a naturally strong frame with explosive athletic burst. This setting showed the comfort he is getting with his skill set, playing off the bounce and with his jump shot and range.
Four-Star SG Hudson Greer (2025) – Hudson Greer is a noted athlete; explosive while hunting put back dunks, and plays in the passing lanes. He showed basketball IQ in this setting, moving well off the ball and distributing passes in the half-court. The next step is locking down the jump shot, but the production and the competitive fire are there, with the physical tools.
Four-Star SG Akai Fleming (2025) – Steady. Simply put, Akai Fleming’s weekend was steady. For starters, he has good positional size with a well-rounded skill set. He got to his spots for his jumper, showed smooth and consistent form, and he played within himself. He also showed no fear, wanting the ball. A good weekend.
Four-Star SG Shelton Henderson (2025) – Shelton Henderson produced some numbers across the stat sheet all weekend. He has good positional size, rebounded his area, and showed good instincts on defense. He is also comfortable with the ball in his hands and is capable of making plays for himself and others. While he needs to continue working on the jump shot, his ability to make winning plays affects the game.