With a relatively dead weekend in between the two high school scholastic live periods, I decided to make the journey from Minneapolis to Dallas for the loaded GASO Pre-Live Showcase. Offering teams from every single shoe circuit, the event was an easy scouting event all under one roof at the Ryse StarCenter in Farmers Branch, Texas.
Houston Hoops (EYBL), Team Nation (New Balance P32), 3D Empire (Puma Pro 16), Rashard Lewis Academy (New Balance P32), Pro Skills (EYBL), AB Elite (EYBL), and Southern Assault (Adidas 3SSB) all brought squads from various age groups to not only compete against each other, but against some of the top independent teams that DFW has to offer.
Having already covered the notables from day two and then the standouts from the final day of the GASO Pre-Live Showcase, we started diving deeper into some of the individual players who helped themselves right before the live period. Star power resided in the loaded 2027 group, and there were a number of 2028 sleepers, but it was the 2029 group that undoubtedly had the most depth at the GASO Pre-Live Showcase.
Here are eight prospects from 2029 who caught our eye:
Justin Reed Jr, 6’4″, PG/SG, AB Elite 15U
With five-star London Jackson out for the weekend with a minor injury, Justin Reed Jr. (son of former Celtics player Justin Reed) stepped up and stole the show for AB Elite. The super-strong two-way guard has a crazy variety of high-level finishes at the rim, utilized his strength when he got going downhill, and rebounded the ball exceptionally well from the backcourt.
Reed Jr. already holds D-1 offers and looks to be one of the better sophomore guards in the Lone Star State.
Calvin Gilbert, 6’8″, PF, 3D Empire 15U
As far as the 2029 group at GASO was concerned, there wasn’t a player who helped themselves more than Calvin Gilbert. The long-armed big converted via a number of quick cuts, had a high level of activity, and made plays defensively with his length. The agility and productivity that Gilbert offered had him as the talk of GASO as far as 2029 players were concerned.
TJ Johnson, 6’3″, PG/SG, Houston Hoops 15U
The best 2029 (and possibly overall) two-way guard that we saw at GASO was Terrance “TJ” Johnson, a super athletic guard out of Plano West. The combo guard is a super-powerful finisher at the rim, changes speeds at a great level, and can defend every perimeter position. Also, a big-time football recruit for Plano Senior, TJ will have no shortage of elite options at the next level.
Felix Okam, 6’9″, PF/C, Houston Hoops 15U
The most dominant interior defender of the event, Felix Okam, showed the immense potential that he brings to the table at GASO. Okam protected the rim like no other with his freakish athleticism, was able to contain perimeter players with switches, and constantly made plays with his level of activity. While his offense is still catching up, Felix has established himself as one of the more interesting big men in 2029.
KJ Gabriel, 6’8″, SF, AB Elite 15U
As far as long-term upside is concerned, there may not have been a 2029 with a higher ceiling at GASO than KJ Gabriel. Approaching every bit of 6-foot-9 with freakish length, Gabriel is able to play solely on the perimeter like a player six inches shorter. The versatile forward confidently shot the ball with his feet set, was an above-the-rim finisher in transition, and is learning how to utilize his length on the defensive end.
The growth (both physically and in his game) that Gabriel has shown since I first saw him at the Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp has you thinking of limitless potential for him.
Vijay Keshaav, 6’2″, PG/SG, Pro Skills 15U
One of the more refined players in Texas’ 2029 class, Vijay Keshaav, reminded everyone exactly who he was on Sunday after a slow start Saturday. The combo guard was a threat to score any time he had the rock, showed super deep range shooting the ball, and knew how to get to his spots at a young age. Already holding high-major offers, Vijay has firmly placed himself on the 2029 radar.
Julius Ogunfuye, 6’6″, SF, Houston Hoops 15U
Another player with absolutely immense long-term potential, I walked into the event not knowing who Julius Ogunfuye was and walked away with a ton of notes. The two-way wing hit open threes, was an incredibly active defender, and showed off track-star speed going end to end. There’s still a ton of refinement to do with Ogunfuye’s game, but he certainly made a lasting impression at GASO.
Jerrell Copeland, 6’6″, SF, Houston Hoops 15U
Considered by many to be the top rising sophomore in New Mexico, Jerrell Copeland showed that he could hold his own with anyone in the Lone Star State at GASO. The bouncy swingman was incredibly crafty, showed that he could really facilitate for others as a passer, and had the versatility to play numerous positions. Running with Albuquerque ABC Prep in The Grind Session, Copeland certainly looks like he’s going to be next in line.
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