With the NCAA running their scholastic live periods June 11-14 and then June 25-28, most high school players opt to spend the month with their high school programs. Events such as Section 7, Cali Live, the TABC Showcase, and countless others provide five star prospects with the opportunity to gain exposure to D-1 coaches with their high school teams those two weekends. However, the ever so important July live period is right around the corner and many teams wanted to get a slight tune-up before playing for keeps in July.
Enter the GASO Pre-Live Showcase.
Held at the Ryse StarCenter right by the airport in Dallas, the event was in perfect proximity logistically and brought the masses. Most teams played two games to get some run in, implement new sets for July, and/or give others a chance to shine who may not have received that much burn early on. Programs such as Southern Assault (Adidas 3SSB), Rashard Lewis Academy (New Balance P32), 3D Empire (Puma PRO 16), Drive Nation (Nike EYBL), AB Elite (Nike EYBL) and Pro Skills (Nike EYBL) all went at, along with a number of independent teams looking to make a statement.
We’ll have plenty of comprehensive coverage at the conclusion of the event, but here were some of the key notes from Saturday’s GASO Pre-Live Showcase:
Drive Nation Brings the Masses, Leaves Undefeated
Drive Nation came into the GASO Pre-Live Showcase with a 7-4 record, but certainly had a target on their back within the Metroplex. Many programs within the Lone Star State have been dying for the chance to go up against ESPN’s top ranked 2027 Marcus Spears Jr.’s squad all summer long and finally got the opportunity at GASO, creating an outstanding environment for June AAU hoops.
Drive Nation rolled to an 79-53 victory over Rashard Lewis Academy and then topped 3D Empire 55-41 to run the table in Farmers Branch. While Spears Jr. didn’t shoot the ball especially well from the perimeter, the mechanics on his shot are vastly improved and he was very comfortable shooting it from deep when the defense played off him for his absurd first step. Six-foot-4 power guard Avery Moses absolutely stole the show with his ability to lock down defensively, rebound the ball from the backcourt, and maintain a presence as a 3-point threat. Spears’ future teammate at Dynamic Prep, 6’5 2027 Elijah Paez, left no doubt to all every scout in the gym that people are sleeping on him. He was a powerful straight line driver who played above the rim, was tough to stop going downhill, and shot it well from the perimeter. Toss in strong play from glue guys such as 6’8 energetic big Anthony Spencer III and gritty guard Jesse Mutombo, and you see why Drive Nation was able to escape undefeated in some heated games.
Standing room only for #GASO Pre-Live Showcase matchup of Drive Nation #EYBL and Rashard Lewis Academy #P32. Considered by many to be nation’s top player, 6″9 ’27 Marcus Spears Jr. Bringing infectious energy on both ends and playing nearly strictly on wing. pic.twitter.com/DudyO92pHn
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) June 20, 2026
Future Bright for 3D Empire 2029 Group
Playing against EYBL ProSkills and up against Team Dominate’s 16U squad, Texas 3D Empire left a lasting impression with their two victories. The program that produced Anthony Black has an outstanding group of rising sophomores that all have a chance to develop into serious prospects down the road. Six-foot-7 Cavin Gilbert was a game changer on both ends of the floor, utilizing his length and agility to make plays at the rim. Six-foot-5 Joseph Creal III showed the ability to stretch the defense, but also maintained a presence in the paint with his strong frame. Finally, 5-foot-9 Becker McCasland (son of Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland) was electric shooting the ball and a threat both with his feet set or on the move wherever he was on the floor.
Other Notes from GASO Saturday
- Playing for Brazil’s U17 team, Henrique Rocha has no shortage of experience playing at a high level and that was evident at the GASO Pre-Live Showcase. The powerful big man from Empowering Others Academy (Teas.) was a constant lob threat, punished people physically down low, and was a beast on the offensive glass. Coming off of an outstanding showing at Rice University’s team camp with Empowering Others Prep (Texas), the emerging junior will be back at it against two EYBL opponents in the final day at Gaso.
- Tyson Chandler II may not be quite as tall as his Pops (7’1 #2 pick in the 2001 NBA Draft and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler), but showed that he’s a serious D-1 prospect in his own right at GASO. Having grown to 6-foot-9, the younger Chandler is a viable pick and pop threat who is able to impact the game on both ends with his length. Given the way that his father filled out and kept growing late, one could expect Chandler II’s frame to fill out by the time that it’s all said and done.
- 6-foot-6 2030 DJ Parker just finished the eighth grade at Duncanville (Texas) Kenner Middle School, but was just as athletic as anyone at the GASO Pre-Live Showcase. The freshman was one of the most unstoppable players in transition playing up for AB Elite 15U in the NBA division against foes far older, brought tons of energy on the defensive end, and totally got his offense within the flow of the game. Already holding an offer from Georgia Tech, things are trending to five star status for the entire Parker family, as his sister (6-foot-4 Alexis) is considered the top 2031 girls prospect nationally.
Editor’s Pick
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