Event Recap: Sports Academy National Cup - Grande Finale

In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Houston Wilson highlights prospects who stood out at Sports Academy National Cup after spending the weekend in Thousand Oaks, CA at Sports Academy for the 2025 Grand Finale:

The third-annual SA National Cup season reached its thrilling conclusion at Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, CA, showcasing top-tier youth talent across multiple divisions. The 7th and 8th-grade competitions were split into national and regional brackets, while the 6th-grade field combined both divisions into a single bracket, creating an ultra-competitive environment.

The 8th-grade National Bracket saw an all-Paul George Elite showdown, with the Red squad pulling away for a 71-62 victory over Paul George Elite Blue. In the 8th-grade Regional Bracket, Hoop Farm dominated en route to an 88-55 win over Cal Cubs.

The 7th-grade National Bracket delivered one of the weekend’s most exciting matchups, as The U edged out Sports Academy Swish National 55-51. Meanwhile, in the 7th-grade Regional Bracket, CTBxGU secured a 55-37 victory over Pro’s Vision.

With the 6th-grade divisions combined, the championship matchup featured two powerhouse programs. Paul George Elite emerged victorious, defeating Silicon Valley Soldiers 60-33 in a statement win.

Below, we highlight the standout players from the weekend — names you’ll want to keep an eye on in the years to come.

Event Standouts

Bryce Bible | 2030 | The U

Bryce Bible was a difference-maker in the low post, helping lead The U to a 7th grade championship. Using his 6-foot-4 frame, he controlled the paint on both ends, finishing strong inside and altering shots defensively. With soft hands and sound footwork, he gave opponents trouble around the rim and made a lasting impact in the title run. His physicality and presence in the paint set the tone for his team’s success, providing a reliable scoring option and a defensive anchor when it mattered most.

Jeremy Combs | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National

Jeremy Combs continued to display his high ceiling and promise for a talented Sports Academy Swish National Team, creating mismatches with his combination of length, skill, and finesse standing at 6'1". A consistent scoring threat in the paint, he used his footwork and touch to convert inside. On defense, his agility and ability to cover space played a crucial role in Swish’s championship run, disrupting opponents and helping his team reach the 2030 championship game.

Will Conroy, Jr. | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red

Will Conroy, Jr. has already established himself as one of the biggest alphas in the Class of 2029, setting the tone with his physicality and relentless motor. One of the most polished offensive players in his class, he scores with ease at all three levels — whether from deep, in the mid-range, or finishing at the rim. His confidence and skill make him a nightmare for defenders, while his court vision allows him to create for others. With a deep bag of moves, Conroy is a dominant force every time he steps on the floor. Defensively, he has a knack for turning stops into instant offense, using his instincts and quickness to force turnovers and ignite fast breaks.

Freddie Forbes IV | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red

Freddie Forbes IV might not always be the first name mentioned on PGE Red’s loaded roster, but overlook him at your own risk. The sharpshooting guard thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, punishing defenders who lose track of him. His smooth offensive game allows him to pile up points in a hurry, making him a constant threat beyond the arc. Leave him open, and he’ll make you pay. On defense, he stays low, moves his feet, and keeps his man in check, making nothing easy.

Earl Friend | 2031 | Silicon Valley Soldiers

There’s plenty to like about Earl Friend at this early stage of his development. The sixth-grader already stands out with his advanced size and a frame that hints at even more growth to come. Combine that with his polished skill set, and he’s shaping up to be a promising prospect. He plays with confidence, stays aggressive, and isn’t afraid to absorb contact, showing poise well beyond his years. With his ability to finish through defenders and make plays, he’s already a tough cover.

Quali Giran | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red

Quali Giran reaffirmed his status as one of the top prospects in the 2029 class with a standout showing at the Grand Finale. A high-impact two-way player, Giran thrives on and off the ball, displaying elite shot-making ability and sharp ball-handling. He’s a polished playmaker, finding teammates in rhythm while remaining a constant scoring threat. Defensively, his high motor and awareness make him a disruptive presence, anchoring his team on both ends of the floor.

Andrai Griffin | 2031 | The U

Andrai Griffin stood out over the weekend, holding his own while playing up an age group. His size, well-rounded skill set, and scoring ability allow him to fit seamlessly into any lineup. He has a smooth handle for his position, allowing him to create shots off the dribble and navigate through defenders with control. Defensively, his length and quickness give him the tools to be a sharp, instinctive presence, making his impact felt on both ends of the floor.

Terry Hollins III | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select

Terry Hollins III made as strong a statement as anyone over the weekend, showcasing his ability as a true three-level scorer. He put on a clinic in breaking down defenders, using sharp footwork and ball-handling to create space for his shot or attack the rim with poise. His quick first step and explosiveness make him a tough cover, allowing him to generate separation with ease. On defense, his size and length give him the tools to be a disruptive presence, contesting shots and staying active in passing lanes.

Dahntay Jones, Jr. | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red

Dahntay Jones, Jr., the son of former NBA player and current Clippers assistant coach Dahntay Jones, is quickly carving out his own reputation. His pedigree is evident, providing him with the physical tools and instincts to excel, but it’s his advanced skill set and relentless motor that truly set him apart. Offensively, he plays with confidence, using his size and versatility to score at multiple levels while also facilitating for teammates. On the defensive end, his energy and awareness make him impactful, whether he’s pressuring ball handlers or protecting the rim.

Myles Mobley | 2029 | Paul George Elite Blue

Myles Mobley, the son of former NBA standout Cuttino Mobley, is another high-pedigree prospect who made a strong impression in Thousand Oaks. A well-rounded offensive weapon, he not only knocks down shots with consistency but also thrives as a playmaker, setting up teammates with ease. His combination of natural feel and athleticism allows him to control the game’s pace, whether creating off the dribble or finishing at the rim. Defensively, his competitive mindset and instincts make him an active presence, capable of disrupting opponents and making plays in passing lanes. With his balanced skill set and high basketball IQ, Mobley continues to show he’s a complete player with significant long-term upside.

Tru Robinson | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red

Few point guards in the 2031 class are as refined as Tru Robinson. He plays with relentless energy, navigating contact with ease and getting to his spots with precision. On the defensive end, he’s a menace — staying locked in on his assignment, moving his feet well, and using his quick hands to generate turnovers. Robinson’s ability to impact both ends of the floor makes him a name to watch as his game continues to develop, and his confidence only adds to his effectiveness.

Pierce Rush | 2031 | Silicon Valley Soldiers National

Pierce Rush stood out as one of the most skilled players in the 2031 class at the Grand Finale. A lightning-quick lead guard, he operates with a tight handle and advanced ball control, keeping defenders off balance and creating plays for his team. Whether breaking down defenders off the dribble or setting up teammates, he’s always making something happen. His development will be worth tracking, as his growth could determine just how high his ceiling truly is.

Shane Speller | 2030 | Genesis

Shane Speller is a true floor general with a strong command of the game, dictating pace and making smart decisions with the ball in his hands. His advanced feel allows him to control the flow of the offense, whether setting up teammates with precise passes or breaking down defenders off the dribble. While he thrives as a facilitator, Speller also has the ability to score when needed, knocking down shots or finishing at the rim to keep defenses honest.

Spencer White | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red

Spencer White dominated the 6th grade division with his towering 6’3” frame, giving Paul George Elite Red a major advantage in the paint. He finished efficiently around the rim, converting high-percentage looks with ease. Despite his size, he moves well in transition, running the floor and positioning himself for easy buckets. On the defensive end, he anchored the paint as a reliable rim protector, altering shots and making it tough for opponents to score inside.

Matt Barnes Defensive Spotlight

This award goes to the best defensive player in the session. The recipient must exhibit a high-level of defensive capability, affecting the game in multiple ways on the defensive end.

Jahkai Ellison | 2030 | CTBxGU 

Jahkai Ellison, standing at 5’10”, set the tone defensively every time he stepped on the floor as an elite on-ball defender, playing a key role in CTBxGU’s run to the 7th grade regional championship at the SA National Cup Grand Finale. He applies relentless full-court pressure, staying low in his stance, cutting off angles, and dictating where ball handlers can go. With quick hands, sharp instincts, and a knack for jumping passing lanes, he forces turnovers and disrupts offensive flow. Always in his matchup’s space, Ellison turns defense into instant offense, sparking transition opportunities. No one locked up opponents better all weekend.

Additional Event Standouts

Austin Acy | 2029 | Hoop Farm (CA

💡➡️ Length, confidence, and versatility as a scorer

Jaiden Giarrizo | 2029 | Creators Elect (CA)

💡➡️ Craft, smooth handle, and ability to facilitate

Josiah McCoy | 2029 | Creators Elect (CA)

💡➡️ Intriguing size and skill set, shot mechanics, and excellent passing

Bryshon McGee | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)

💡➡️ Athleticism, motor, versatility, and slashing

Hayden Salter | 2029 | Hoop Farm (CA)

💡➡️ Size, efficiency, and rim running

Demir Solomon | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)

💡➡️ Quickness, handle, and two-way aggressiveness

Tristan Sullivan | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)

💡➡️ Craft, handle, and defense

Evan Udoh | 2031 | Silicon Valley Soldiers National (CA)

💡➡️ Size, strength, physicality, and efficiency around the rim

Jamari Wilson | 2030 | CTBxGU (CA)

💡➡️ Quickness, smart decision-making and playmaking