The shoe circuit is officially upon us. With all of the respective sneaker brands getting ready to get things jumping, it was Puma that took the lead with getting all of their programs under one roof in Detroit for its Pro16 League.
Held at Huntington Place in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Pro16 League packed over 25 courts under one roof to create an outstanding weekend of basketball for fans, players, and scouts alike. The marquee court had all games streamed with commentary on YouTube, rosters were available for all onlookers via their app, and marquee talent showcased their skills while donning the brand that Walt “Clyde” Frazier made famous.
Taking in portions of well over 50 games throughout the weekend, there was no shortage of prospects who caught our eye. Having looked at the top performers, underclassmen who shined, and a number of the seniors with stars next to their names, here are some of the sleepers that we evaluated who could join the college ranks for the 2026-27 campaign:
DeMarco Hunter, 6’7, SF BTI United, 2026
A high upside swingman, DeMarco Hunter, is exactly what you look for out of a big wing in today’s game. The Cali product is out an outstanding straight line driver, is a great cutter, and shoots it well enough to keep you honest from the 3-point line. Holding a number of D-1 offers, Hunter will have no shortage of suitors for next season, whether it be at the D-1 level or at the prep level.
Jae’Quarian Lincoln, 6’6, SF, Houston Apex, 2027
Someone that I was not familiar with going into Pro 16, Jae’Quarian showed that he belonged immediately in a H-Town clash between Houston Apex and Cooz Elite (featuring five star point guard Reese Alston). Tough, no-nonsense wing who is a great finisher in transition, can guard a number of spots, and shoots it well from the perimeter. The combination of intangibles and productivity that Lincoln brings to the table have certainly locked him in as a D-1 prospect.
James Turner, 6’8, PF, 444 Athletics, 2026
A no nonsense big man out of Kentucky, James Turner does all of the little things that you need to help a team win. He set great greens, jumped passing lanes well, and brought intensity with his motor on both ends. Holding a number of D-1 offers, Turner will have to make the decision to join the college ranks this year or join the class of 2027.
Will Goolsby, 6’4, SG, Cooz Elite, 2027
One of the more electric shooters in the event, Will Goolsby showed the ability to totally flip the dynamic of a game with his ability to stroke it. He showed off effortless range from deep, was outstanding of re-locating to open areas, and had the confidence to let it fly in key moments. Running with Reese Alston on both the high school and AAU levels, Goolsby knew how to get to his sweet spots and had a heady facilitator to get him the rock in places he could flourish.
Kye Owens, 6’8, SF/PF, West Virginia Gold, 2026
A product of Cleveland, Ohio, Kye Owens played for Villa Angela St. Joseph before making the move to Euclid for his senior campaign, where he showed his immense upside in the new scenery. The lanky forward rode that wave at Pro 16, showing effortless 3-point range with a high release and making his presence felt as a rim finisher with his cuts. Toss in the fact that he can defend inside and out, and you see why he is just tapping into the immense potential that he brings to the table.
TaHare Beacham, 6’8, PF, Born To Win, 2026
A player that I was not familiar with going into the event, just about everyone that saw Tahare Beacham play on Sunday afternoon walked away remembering his name. He had the dunk of the tournament, changed the game on both ends with his athleticism, and showed good fluidity defending in space. The high academic senior out of a Alabama is still wide open, but should definitely be a priority for programs in the Southeast Region.
Editor’s Pick
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