While it was great getting a first glimpse at some of the elite 2029 and 2030 prospects that I hadn’t laid eyes on yet, USA Basketball did a better job than anyone in the nation of assembling the top upperclassmen all under one roof in Colorado Springs. In fact, over 90% of the US born players in the Top 25 of the classes of ’27 and ’28 made the venture to the Springs, giving NBA scouts, media, and the USA Basketball staff an outstanding opportunity to get a fair evaluation of the creme de la creme.
Call that a 𝒮𝓁𝑜𝓌-𝓂𝑜 score
@malachijordannn
#OctoberMinicamp https://t.co/hFcYDFjrJH
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) October 10, 2026
While the sessions did offer some instruction that was certainly great for both parents and players alike, USAB also gave the players plenty of opportunities to put the aforementioned actions to work in live 3 on 3, 4 on 4, and 5 on 5 play. This provided a fair look at prospects in a multitude of settings, resulting in a different standpoint on some that you don’t typically see with their high school or AAU programs.
That being said, here’s a deeper look at some of the Saturday evening standouts from the USA Basketball Mini-Camp:
Erick Dampier Jr., 6’10, C, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Miss.), 2028
While the class of 2027 is top heavy with guards, the class of 2028 is an absolute gold mine for centers. Bamba Touray, Yann Kamagate, Bentley Luasenko, Dylan Betts, and Erick Dampier Jr. all find themselves amongst the top ten players nationally in various rankings. At USA Basketball, Dampier made it clear he was coming for that top spot.
The massive center put his 7-foot-7 wingspan to work both as a rim protector and as a finisher. He carved out space deep in the paint, was a constant lob threat, and played with a mean streak unlike that I had ever seen it of him. All in all, there wasn’t more that the younger Dampier cold have done in Colorado Springs to make his case for best center in the class.
Reese Alston, 6’3, PG, Second Baptist (Texas), 2027
As far as playing the game at their own pace, there may not be anyone better in the nation than Reese Alston. His ability to start/stop, utilize his burst, and get defenders on his hip is unlike any other guard in the nation. Toss in his elite handle, ability to pass with both hands, and improved bounce vertically and you see why he’s a no brainer McDonald’s All-American that has locked up his status as one of the nation’s truly elite.
Beckham Black, 6’4, PG, Southeastern Prep (Fla.), 2027
The top point guard in the nation lived up to his billing at USA Basketball, utilizing his size and patience against other lead guards. The Dallas product is truly special with his ability to pass the ball to the opposite side of the court, has a next level ability to control tempo, and will shock you with his ability to dunk in traffic down the lane. Having started at the Overtime Elite Pro Day in Atlanta, Black continued to build equity with NBA executive with his vastly improved 3-point shots with his feet set.
Colton Hiller, 6’6, SG/SF, Coatesville HS (Pa.), 2028
Having just been donned the top player in the nation for 2028 by Rivals, Colton Hiller did played up to his billing in Colorado Springs. He is vastly underrated passer, is great creating separation with his jab step, and has elite release getting his shot off over the top of opposing wings. Hiller is carrying on the tradition at Coatesville set by Rip Hamilton in what will be a legendary high school career.
Malachi Jordan, 6’6, SF, Prolific Prep (Fla.), 2027
Though he’s been on the radar for a while now, I think that many forget how good of a prospect Malachi Jordan really is. The powerful wing explodes off the floor with strength as well as anyone in the class, is a constant presence as an offensive rebounder/cutter, and is exceptionally versatile on the defensive end. Toss in the fact that he can facilitate for others a bit, the sky is the limit for Jordan has he continues to improve his outside jump shot.
Benjamin Berrouet, 6’8, PF, Dynamic Prep (Texas), 2028
One of the most skilled players in the class of 2028, “Benji” Berrouet got it done with his unique game in Colorado Springs. He utilized his powerful lower body to carve out space on the low block, showed exceptional court vision and decision making out of dribble hand-offs, and was reliable shooting the ball from the 3-point line. Running with Dynamic Prep for his junior campaign, we will have no shortage of opportunities to see Benji in both Overtime Elite and with their traditional high school schedule.
Editor’s Pick
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