Nike EYBL Session 1 Recap: Top Prospects Who Stood Out
- Samad Hines
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Nike EYBL tipped off its annual circuit season this past weekend in Emerson, Georgia, bringing together a loaded field featuring some of the game’s next rising stars. An EYBL weekend always offers plenty to take in, and with talent spread across the gym for three straight days, the environment can be overwhelming in the best way. After making the trip to the Peach State, several prospects stood out from the pack.
2027 Beckham Black
Beckham Black, the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, has firmly established himself as the top point guard in the 2027 class in my book. He consistently shows why he is viewed as a true floor general, playing with poise, control, and command in nearly every situation.
Black’s ability to create offense for himself while consistently involving his teammates is eye-opening. He has an advanced feel for when to score, when to facilitate, and how to make the right decision. The 6-foot-3 point guard continues to improve as a shooter and is growing more confident taking shots from all three levels. Defensively, Black makes his presence felt in the passing lanes, using his length and instincts to force turnovers and disrupt opposing guards.
2027 Chase Lumpkin
Few players boosted their stock more this past weekend than Chase Lumpkin, who made a statement in his home state of Georgia. Lumpkin opened the weekend with a terrific 33-point performance in a Friday night win over LiVon (LA) and 2027 guard Ryan Hampton.
The 6-foot-4-plus guard remains underrated nationally, but that may not last long. Lumpkin is a prolific scoring combo guard with a natural feel for putting the ball in the basket. He can score in bunches, but he also showed flashes as a playmaker, suggesting there may be more to his game than he is often credited for.
The McEachern High School product appears to be following in the footsteps of McEachern alumni such as Isaac Okoro, Sharife Cooper, and Ace Bailey, all of whom reached the highest level of the game.
2027 Scottie Adkinson
Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year Scottie Adkinson had a strong weekend running the show for Mokan Elite (KS) during the first EYBL session. Adkinson may not be the flashiest prospect, but he proved he belongs in the conversation among the top point guards in the country.
The 6-foot-4 floor general controls the game with his IQ, pace, and poise. A crafty left-hander, Adkinson embraces contact around the rim and converted several tough, physical finishes at the basket. His change of speed, change of direction, and underrated athleticism stood out throughout the weekend.
Adkinson also brings the court awareness, unselfishness, and facilitating ability that coaches love in a lead guard. Dennis Gates has another gem coming to Missouri, further strengthening a promising guard pipeline that already includes 2026 five-star recruit Jason Crowe Jr.
2028 A.J. Williams
A.J. Williams, currently viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2028 class, showed scouts this weekend why he is considered the next major name out of the Atlanta area.
Williams is a legitimate 6-foot-8 small forward with clear long-term upside. His frame immediately stands out, and he has a solid handle for a player his size. He rarely appeared sped up with the ball in his hands and used his strength to score inside while also making an impact on the glass at both ends.
Offensively, Williams showed versatility by getting to his spots in the midrange and knocking down spot-up perimeter shots. His feel for the game is already evident, making his development over the next few years especially intriguing.
2028 Bentley Lusakueno
Another 2028 prospect with real promise is Bentley Lusakueno. He has a legitimate case as one of the top players in the class alongside A.J. Williams.
Lusakueno is a 6-foot-10 versatile forward who showcased an impressive blend of tools during the opening EYBL session. His length immediately jumps out, and he uses it well defensively as a mobile shot disruptor. Offensively, he displayed the ability to space the floor, make perimeter jumpers, score in the post, and handle the ball surprisingly well for his size.
Lusakueno will certainly be on NBA radars, and his development over the next few years will be worth monitoring closely.
2027 DeMarcus Henry
DeMarcus Henry has generated a lot of buzz over the last few months, and his play this weekend added to that momentum. Coming off an impressive junior season at AZ Compass Prep (AZ), the 6-foot-7-plus wing continues to show long-term promise as a defensive-minded prospect.
Henry’s size, length, and defensive versatility are what could draw next-level decision-makers to him down the road. He can guard multiple positions, switch across the floor, and impact the game with his athleticism and physical tools. He is also an excellent rebounder, consistently using his motor and length to clean the glass.
If Henry continues to improve as an outside shooter, he could unlock another level of his game. As it stands, he profiles as a potential walking double-double with high-level defensive upside.
2027 King Gibson
The 2027 class appears to be loaded with dynamic guards, and King Gibson out of North Carolina is firmly in that mix. The 6-foot-4-plus point guard has developed well under head coach Kevin Boyle over the last few years, first at Montverde Academy (FL) and now at Spire Academy (OH), and that progress was evident in Atlanta.
Gibson brings quick-twitch athleticism and elite burst with the ball in his hands. He was difficult to keep out of the paint, consistently getting to the basket and finishing with creativity. Across three games this past weekend, he scored 20 or more points twice.
He competes, plays with force, and has the athleticism and body control to absorb contact in the lane while still finishing plays.
2027 Moussa Kamissoko
Long Island Lutheran (NY) appears to have another high-level prospect on the way in Moussa Kamissoko. One of the more electrifying players in the 2027 class, Kamissoko posted an eye-opening 30-point game this past weekend and impressed the NBA scouts in attendance.
The 6-foot-8 wing plays with a high motor and can score in bunches from multiple areas of the floor. Kamissoko has noticeable length, gets strong elevation on his jumper, and makes an impact as a rebounder. The Bronx native is an elite competitor, and his passion for the game is evident in his play.
Defensively, he was active in passing lanes and proved to be a pest on the ball.
2027 Cayden Daughtry
The 6-foot-1 point guard is one of the more consistent prospects in the 2027 class, and regardless of the setting, he has repeatedly shown he knows how to put the ball in the basket.
Daughtry is known for his impressive shooting ability, deep three-point range, and speed with the ball in his hands. He is a blur in transition and delivered a superb 33-point performance in the game I watched over the weekend.
He also continues to prove he can be more than just a scoring guard. Daughtry showed growth as a facilitator, consistently getting his teammates involved and making strong decisions as his team's primary ball handler.
