While many casual observers cannot comprehend the current state of NBA salaries, the added cash influx has allowed players to do far more for their respective communities than they have in the past. Many players on your favorite team give back to the city they play in, the city they’re from, the college town they played in, or all of the above. Phoenix Suns star Dillon Brooks did a little of the first two, culminating with the Dillon Brooks Invitational.
Held at the gorgeous Inspire Courts just outside of Phoenix, the Dillon Brooks Invitational was running at the same time as Anthony Ray’s Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, blending local high schools with prep schools. OFF SZN Hoops was outstanding by offering fans and scouts alike a list of the top players to watch, making it an exceptionally easy event to evaluate.
Given the massive influx of Canadians who have made the journey to Phoenix, the event also provided a way for Brooks to give back to both those from his homeland up north and locals in the Valley. Fellow Arizona legends Jerryd Bayless and Koa Peat were also in the building and with games livestreamed via Tanager Sports, it gave players some quality game film before the live signing period begins.
We already took a close look at versatile 6’7 juniors Terrance Byrd, Viktor Babic, and Kur Lual in our recap of the events top overall performers. Here’s a closer look at six more underclassmen who left a lasting impression at the 2026 Dillon Brooks Invitational:
All the info you need for this weekend’s Dillon Brooks Invitational Saturday Showcase games.
10/15-16 (Sat games listed)
@InspireCourts in Gilbert, AZ
via @TheGrindSession https://t.co/UTwPuaA6mJ
highlights via @Ballislife, @OffSZNNetwork , and host of others https://t.co/prE3ETqbJ7
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Darren Ford, 6’1, PG, AZ Compass Prep, 2028
A plethora players out for various reasons for AZ Compass Prep really provided Darren Ford an opportunity to shine from the backcourt. The strong guard was constantly in attack mode, made some outstanding reads out of pick and roll play, and had a bag of finishes at the rim. Karl Malone‘s grandson is constantly carving out his own legacy and has already established himself as a consensus four-star player in the junior class.
Jayvein Moody, 6’1, PG, Mountain Pointe (AZ), 2028
There may not have been a player who helped themselves more at the Dillon Brooks Invitational than Jayvein Moody. The shifty lead guard got it done from either spot when needed, created separation off of the bounce, and made some great reads out of pick and roll. Still falling under the radar, Moody turned heads with his play against the more well known competition that the event had to offer.
Hassan Abdulkadir, 6’10, C, CIA Bella Vista (AZ), 2028
A simply massive big man, Hassan Abdulkadir got it done with his no-nonsense style of play. He made a number of tough catches in traffic, was exceptional passing the ball out of the post, and had no problem finishing through contact. Constantly improving, Adbulkadir has firmly established himself as a high major big man and has the potential to rise up the national rankings given the need for true big men.
Dreyln Okey, 6’8, SF/PF, AZ Compass Prep, 2028
Making the move from Louisiana, Dreyln Okey fit in right away with his new home in the Valley. The athletic wing is a truly elite finisher in transition, was an outstanding cutter, and showed that he could shoot it with his feet set. Still a bit under the radar, Okey has the potential to explode this season with AZ Compass Prep in the EYBL Scholastic.
Jacobi Thompson, 6’5, SF, Mesa (AZ) HS, 2029
Pierce Harrington, 6’1 PG, Saguaro (AZ) HS, 2028
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