Names You Know and Sleepers at Adidas 3SSB
Several talented players and teams will battle it out this week in Rock Hill, South Carolina in one of the nation’s finest venues for youth sports for the the Adidas 3SSB Championship. There are plenty of talent players to watch this week. Some you already know and some new ones. Here is both:
Names You Know
Here are some guys already on the radar looking to get even more motion in July:
Jason Gardner, II – Indiana Elite 16u
A better question may be who has NOT offered Gardner, II. The reasons are obvious, size, athleticism, crazy burst, fearless. His ability jumps off the page with skills you can’t teach. Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame, Depaul, Cincinnati and (new) Texas, to name drop, have offered. More are coming if that’s even possible.
Terrence Hayes, Jr. – Indiana Elite 17u
Hayes came to Prep Ball Stars EPO and jumped over, played through everybody. It’s about time his offers closely match his talent. 13 offers in all, including Nevada, Valpo, Miami of Ohio, New Mexico and Murray State. It would not surprise me to see his recruiting take a more Power 5 jump in July, although putting up numbers at the mid major level and then the jump to Power 5 may be the better play. I am a believer now.
Kai McGrew – Midwest Basketball Club 17u
McGrew is blossoming nicely on the offer side and just picked up a Kent State offer to go with Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State and Texas Arlington, a sort of unusual recruiting pattern. At 6’8′ with a college ready body, McGrew can play inside and out.
Cooper Zachary – Indiana Elite 16u
I know, I know. The physical measurements are the prototype. But any coach who has coached Zachary would tell you that they sleep better knowing he’s on the roster and on the floor. And no one has better production from the guard spot with the numbers. Nevada, Ball State, Toledo and more have offered.
Jashawn Ladd – Indiana Basketball Club 17u
IBC played their way onto the 3SSB platform and Ladd was a big reason why. Crazy athletic at 6’5″, he doesn’t even know how good he is yet and always seems to do something amazing athletically when he is on the floor. Offers already from IU Indy, Kent State, Miami of Ohio, Akron, Indiana State and Ball State. His recruiting may take another leap.
More Players To Watch:
Bradley Basila – Indiana Elite 15u
Anthony Thompson – Indiana Elite 17u
Varshon Clark – Indiana Elite 17u
Luke Ertel – Indiana Elite 17u (injured)
Dezhon Hall – Phenom United 17u (injured)
Sleepers
These players are playing too well to keep being ignored and are on the verge of some offers or more offers in July:
Duke Karnes – Hoopmatics Basketball 17u
Karnes has been a sleeper for a long time having been home schooled his first two years and then spending his junior year at Lawrence North. He has blossomed nicely in the spring with a 15 point average and helping lead Hoopmatics up to 3SSB for July after an 8-0 finish on Adidas Gold. Known as a shooter, he is also explosive/athletic and should open eyes this week.
Don Bowling III – EG10 15u
Bowling is ranked near the Top 10 in the state. He should be in the Top 3 with his talent. The 6’6″, bouncy wing can do it all and has a high motor. Unlimited ceiling for this prospect.
TJ Williams – Hoopmatics Basketball 17u
Williams is one of the craftiest players in the class of 2026. The 6’4″ guard was 2nd team All City as a junior and has had several 20 point moments for surprising the Hoopmatics squad.
Nick Shrewsberry – Indiana Basketball Club 17u
The junior all-star from state champion South Bend St. Joseph helped Indiana Basketball rise up to 3SSB the hard way by going undefeated on the gold circuit. He has a great all around game and is best at clutch moments.
Roosvelt Franklin – Team Indiana 17u
Franklin is just a bucket. Period. However you want or need it. The 6’2″ guard has a solid frame and is a load once he is inside in the paint. Team Indiana moved up after a 7-1 second place finish in their pool at Adidas Gold.
More Players To Watch:
Jamar Thomas – Team Indiana 17u
TJ Clark – Hoopmatics Basketball 17u
Sherman Wright – Indiana Basketball Club 17u
Ian Macon – Hoopmatics Basketball 17u
