In a camp that is absolutely loaded with talent, it is exceptionally hard to pick out a few players to write about given that 90% (if not more) will ultimately wind up becoming high major players at the collegiate level.
Having taking a deep dive into the top three prospects in the class of 2029 (RJ Evans, JJ Crawford, and Draydne McDaniel) as well as elite 2030 prospects DJ Parker, David Moudouyi, and Aylen Garnett with our coverage yesterday, we felt it would be more appropriate to take a look at some fresh faces. Many of the aforementioned players had some big games (including a rematch of RJ Evans and JJ Crawford), but we’d be remiss not to look at other players with five-star potential.
Going with just one session on Saturday (the rest of the day was filled with invaluable education for both parents and players), action was hot and heavy in the evening. With the competitive nature high, a number of players rose to the top and here are six underclassmen who caught our eye on Saturday at the 2026 USA Basketball Fall Mini-Camp:
Austin “Bear” Acy, 6’6, SG, Chaminade (CA) HS, 2029
An absolutely relentless guard, “Bear” Acy was in attack mode every second that he was on the hardwood in Colorado Springs. The son of NBA veteran Quincy Acy put his athleticism to work on the defensive end, used his physical style of play to finish through contact, and was fearless with his straight line attacks to the rim. While it’s exceptionally early in the process, Acy has firmly supplanted himself amongst the top perimeter players in the class of 2029.
Jeremiah Triplin, 6’9, PF/C, James Island Charter (SC), 2029
A player who I had heard tons about but had not seen, the long-term potential Triplin possesses was obvious to anyone in Colorado Springs. The long-armed big man possesses an ideal frame, made a number of tough catches in traffic, and even showed that he could shoot threes when he had his feet set. Playing under the tutelage of NBA champion Khris Middleton, Triplin has everything pointing in the right direction ton continue his growth as a serious prospect.
Braylen Alexander, 6’3, SG, Central (AL) HS, 2029
There wasn’t a player in the younger group who was more deliberate coming off of screens than Braylen Alexander. He showed outstanding patience, had no problem shooting on the move, and is bringing the mid-range jump shot back with efficiency. ESPN was the first to rank him in the top 25 nationally, and schools such as Auburn, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M followed with scholarship offers.
Tory Walker Jr., 6’5, SG, John Curtis (LA) HS, 2030
Next up out of New Orleans is Walker, a two-guard with the frame that you look for out a guard at the next level. He has the size of an NBA two-guard, can create off the bounce, and didn’t look out of place at all playing against older competition. Already holding a a handful of high major offers, it’s safe to say that Walker has secured five-star status when the national 2030 rankings come out.
Eli Murray, 6’6, SF, St. Francis (NY) HS, 2029
A nightmare to guard as a power wing, Murray was absolutely relentless at the USA Basketball mini-camp. The powerfully-built sophomore played through contact when attacking the rim, made a presence as an offensive rebounder, and guarded virtually every position on the hardwood for stretches. While he isn’t as highly ranked as many of his counterparts in Colorado Springs, Murray came out and showed that he could hold his own with anyone.
Bryce Irby, 6’6, SF, Cleveland Lutheran East (OH), 2029
Constantly gaining confidence as the camp goes on, Irby showed the promise that has the city of Cleveland buzzing about him. The lanky swingman moved gracefully on the floor as a defender, was a beast in transition, and made a number of plays in transition with his quick twitch athleticism. Irby has picked up offers from much of the Big Ten and has all of the potential to ascend up the national rankings.
Editor’s Pick
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