With the NCAA July live period upon us, it has been a logistical mess for D-1 coaches to coordinate where to go. There are now five shoe circuits all running competing events (Nike, Puma, Adidas, Under Armour, and New Balance) at the same time and colleges are only allowed to have four coaches in the gym at once, so someone gets left out. Rather than chasing all of the players you’d like to observe around to different gyms, New Balance made things a one stop shop with its Elite 75.
The brainchild of P32 Director Josh Woodson and his staff, the Elite 75 brought together the 75 best prospects from the New Balance P32 League for a two day event prior to AAU play during the live period. This allowed coaches and NBA scouts alike to get in and get a glimpse of the best that New Balance has to offer prior to jettisoning around the country to cross off their boxes. The high level of competition provided a different evaluation atmosphere that proved priceless when looking at P32 prospects.
With only eight players from the class of 2029 selected to play in the Elite 75, here’s a more in depth look at five who have the potential to be outstanding down the line:
Alex Alexander, 6’10, PF, Max Levels Elite, 17U
The marquee 2029 in the New Balance P32, Alex Alexander showed his full bag of skills that have made him an SEC priority at the Elite 75. The lefty had an explosive first step when facing and going to work,made a number of tough catches in the paint, and showed that he could finish through contact against older competition. Making the move from Dallas to Gillion Academy (Va.) next season, Alexander will receive high level, tough coaching and will see similar competition running on The Grind Session.
Tate Van Ritchie, 6’11, C, HFX Metro 15U
A player I hadn’t seen before, Tate Van Ritchie was one of the more intriguing developmental bigs regardless of class at the Elite 75. He showed his agility running the floor, showed nice touch as a finisher at the rim, and didn’t back down in the paint against the stronger bigs in the older division. In an area not known for producing big names, Tate Van Ritichie definitely has the potential to be one down the line with the right progress.
Jaylen Mason, 6’4, SG, DC Assault 15U
Someone who has produced from the first time that I saw him, Jaylen Mason was a model of consistency at Elite 75 amongst the 2029 guys. The strong guard made an impact with his length, showed that he could finish through contact on his straight line drives, and was super crafty at the rack as a finisher. Already holding offers from George Mason, Tennessee State, and Hampton, Mason showed that he’s a bright spot for DC Assault.
Ben Varrie Jr., 6’4, SG, Michigan Unified 15U
Having gained significant buzz out of The Mitten, Ben Varrie Jr. continued to show that his immense potential for an emerging Michigan Unified program. The powerful guard was great getting downhill and using his shoulders, shot it well from three, and showed that he could defend all three perimeter spots. “BB” is heading to Benton Harbor HS next season, where he has the potential to follow the likes of Wilson Chandler, Robert Whaley, and more as a high major prospect.
Jaylen Velez, 6’5, SG, DC Assault 15U
As far as a physical profile is concerned, Jaylen Velez checks all of the boxes. The long armed guard moves incredibly well, scores within the flow of the game, and has the ability to create off of the bounce. The North Carolina product is running with DC Assault in the P32 circuit, and definitely looks like one of the more intriguing 2029 guards out of the Tar Heel State.
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