USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp Preview
- Matt Babcock
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7
At Babcock Hoops, our primary objectives are to provide NBA Draft coverage and conduct thorough prospect evaluations. While our analysis focuses on players nearing draft eligibility, the process of identifying and tracking talent begins early on. One of the most important checkpoints in that process is the USA Basketball Junior National Team Minicamp.
Each fall, many of the country's top young players gather to compete, showcase their skills, and continue to chart their path toward the highest levels of the game.
This weekend (October 10–12), USA Basketball will once again host the annual minicamp at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event features elite prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 in a series of advanced coaching, skill development drills, and competitive scrimmages.
For USA Basketball, it’s an opportunity to evaluate top young talent and support their development. For the players, it’s also a chance to gain valuable exposure from NBA scouts and talent evaluators in the media.
Top Prospects by Class
This year’s minicamp roster brings together some of the best players in the country across multiple classes. Here’s a look at the top prospects participating:
Class of 2026
Cameron Williams (St. Mary’s High School — Phoenix, Arizona)
Dylan Mingo (Long Island Lutheran High School — Glen Head, New York)
Anthony Thompson (Western Reserve Academy — Hudson, Ohio)
Deron Rippey Jr. (Blair Academy — Blairstown, New Jersey)
Bryson Howard (Heritage High School — Frisco, Texas)
JaShawn “JJ” Andrews (Little Rock Christian Academy — Little Rock, Arkansas)
Taylen Kinney (Overtime Elite — Atlanta, Georgia)
Tajh Ariza (St. John Bosco High School — Bellflower, California)
Qayden Samuels (Bishop McNamara High School — District Heights, Maryland)
Jaxon Richardson (Columbus High School — Miami, Florida)
Class of 2027
Bruce Branch III (Prolific Prep — Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
CJ Rosser (Southeastern Prep Academy — Orlando, Florida)
Marcus Spears Jr. (Dynamic Prep — Dallas, Texas)
Moussa Kamissoko (Long Island Lutheran High School — Glen Head, New York)
Nasir Anderson (Prolific Prep — Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Jordan Page (Broughton High School — Raleigh, North Carolina)
Lincoln Cosby (Montverde Academy — Montverde, Florida)
Malachi Jordan (Dream City Christian — Glendale, Arizona)
Cayden Daughtry (Calvary Christian Academy — Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Joshua Leonard (Wilson High School — Florence, South Carolina)
Class of 2028
AJ Williams (Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy — Hampton, Georgia)
Erick Dampier Jr. (Madison-Ridgeland Academy — Madison, Mississippi)
Colton Hiller (Coatesville High School — Coatesville, Pennsylvania)
Kameron Mercer (Overtime Elite — Atlanta, Georgia)
Bentley Lusakueno (Woodward Academy — Atlanta, Georgia)
Mason Collins (The Tatnall School — Wilmington, Delaware)
Shalen Sheppard (Brentwood School — Los Angeles, California)
Jakyi Miles (Mesa High School — Mesa, Arizona)
Myles Hayes (Woodward Academy — Atlanta, Georgia)
Quinton Wilson (Victory Christian Academy— Lakeland, Florida)
Why This Camp Matters
While the NBA Draft might be years away for these players, events like this represent the starting line of the process.
For players, it’s a chance to measure themselves against the best of their peers, receive top-notch coaching, and take their first steps as part of USA Basketball, an honor that has historically served as the launching point for many future stars. Some of these players may one day not only hear their names called on draft night, but also wear the jersey of the USA Men’s Senior National Team, perhaps the ultimate honor.
For evaluators and scouts, the minicamp marks the beginning of the extensive scouting process that will ultimately shape draft boards.
I’ll be on site in Colorado Springs throughout the weekend to evaluate this next wave of talent. Stay tuned for updates and takeaways from the minicamp.
