In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Michael Visenberg highlights prospects who stood out at Sports Academy National Cup after spending the weekend in Thousand Oaks, California for the SANC’s 2025 Session 2:
The third year of the Sports Academy National Cup officially took off in January 2025, with Session 2 in Thousand Oaks being among the deepest in the event's history. It featured some players who are now going into their third and final year of the tournament. Also, the winner of 2029 in both 2023 and 2024, SQUAD (CA), had some of their players on separate teams. This means not only will there be a new 2029 champion, but the potential for fierce competition in that age group will be even greater. Along with 2029 having a ‘National’ and ‘Regional’ division, there are divisions in 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033, as well.
With 57 total teams, a majority of the weekend saw five courts going at once at Sports Academy along with a court being played on at Ventura College. In Session 2, the National Division’s prize money was $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and free admission to the Grand Finale for third place. 2029’s National Division champion was Paul George Elite Red (CA), who never won a game by fewer than 10 points. The runner-up was Creators Elect (CA), while Paul George Elite Blue (CA) claimed third place over Pro’s Vision Select (CA).
The 2029 Regional champion was Cali Wave (CA), who defeated Oakland Soldiers Green (CA) in the final, 52-51. In the deep 2030 bracket, the finals saw Arsenal (CA) continue its string of dominance with a 77-51 win over Paul George Elite Red. 2031 saw Paul George Elite Red narrowly defeat the Inglewood Guard Dawgz (CA), 64-60. Arsenal also took care of business with their 2032 and 2033 groups, beating the Silicon Valley Soldiers (CA) in their final 62-42 in 2032, and besting Creators Basketball (CA) 50-29 in 2033.
The talent of the event was immense, with plenty of competitive games and fundamentally sound teams. If Session 2 is any indication, there will be plenty of competition and some players who could improve by leaps and bounds as the months progress. Here were just some of the standouts who made strong impressions in Thousand Oaks:
Event Standouts
Krawford Bailey | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
With perimeter skills and enough size where his team relied on him to play multiple positions, Bailey did a bit of everything for his team. One of the things he does best is run the break off a defensive rebound, where he can get to the rim or get it to open teammates. He also takes advantage of mismatches, where he blows by bigger opponents or finishes over smaller ones. Bailey is also a threat from outside, making him a real tough cover. He used his size and movement to affect things defensively, and should be a name to follow on the West Coast next year heading into high school.
Javez Coleby | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
Relatively new to competitive basketball and coming from The Bahamas, Coleby was an absolute force for the 2029 Session National champions. With a frame that looks like he might be ready for college in a few months, he was a massive presence on the boards and consistently fought for prime positioning down low. Already finishing above the rim with ease at 6’8”, he also has good hands and even shows some touch on drives and short jumpers. A serious rim deterrent, his size, length and timing made him the preeminent shot blocker in the gym, along with having ground coverage that allowed him to guard outside of the paint.
Will Conroy, Jr. | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
The Seattle native showed what a complete skillset he brings to the table as the MVP of SANC Session 2. He has what could be classified as both football strength and athleticism, with an offensive skillset that allowed him to be effective from every level. Conroy, Jr. is incredibly vertically explosive on drives, using raw speed and footwork to generate opportunities. His pull-up game is incredibly advanced, as he is able to create from both the mid-range and from deep. He’s a skilled distributor and is very quick to the ball as a rebounder. Defensively, his hands are quick and he is so difficult to move off his spot, along with his lateral quickness. One of the best players in this age group currently, Conroy, Jr. makes PGE Red an absolute threat to take home the Grand Finale title in March.
Yakai Craig | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
Craig brings a high level of creativity in his ball handling, distribution, and shot creation, which led to his team’s success. He has the ball on a string, and beyond his assortment of dribble combos, he has advanced footwork that aids in creating space and getting into the paint. His finishing craft is a sight to behold, as he had one of the most impressive sequences of the weekend and this is not at all a rare occurrence for him. His shooting touch is another weapon and he also found teammates in scoring position with regularity. Craig was a part of Arsenal’s defensive identity, with tools and quickness on that end of the floor that offer a glimpse into his potential on D.
Deshawn Deyampert, Jr. | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)
Pro’s Vision Select was a very tough out, competing and winning a couple of the weekend’s closest match-ups. Deyampert, Jr. hit multiple clutch shots in these games, including a sudden-death three-pointer to lead Pro’s Vision to a 22-point comeback W over San Diego Soldiers in the 2029 National quarterfinals. Beyond his ability from the outside, he is adept at finding space, can create off the bounce, and has big time energy which gets him out in transition often. He gets low and covers ground on defense, too. DDJ was the leader of one of the toughest teams in the building at Session 2.
Jaiden Giarrizzo | 2029 | Creators Elect (CA)
Creators Elect point out that they are a team without re-class players, but beyond that they are a squad that plays team basketball and is quite fundamentally sound. Giarrizzo takes a real leadership mantle, with his ability to break down defenses off the bounce and get to the basket, all while making great reads to lead their potent offense. He can kick it to shooters, and also has the rare skill at this level to make post entries. His handle, toughness in the paint, and defensive approach were all big keys to the team finishing as S2 runner-ups.
Quali Giran | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
A longtime favorite from the Sports Academy National Cup, his game just keeps adding new wrinkles and his growth spurt since last year hasn’t hurt, either. Beyond being taller, his vertical athleticism has improved leaps and bounds, as he’s now finishing at the rim in space. He also gets noticeable elevation on drives to the basket even amidst traffic, while his pull-up game has become very versatile, showing lift and balance on his jumper. His handle is also a strength, and he can be a primary or secondary playmaker. Giran is one of the better perimeter defenders in his age group, his footwork and timing as a transition defender and ability to contest shots all stand out.
King Harris | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
Truly a player that does not seem to get tired, Harris really goes all out on both ends and leads by example. He can play both on and off-ball, has feather-like touch on his jumper and he can attack the basket in both transition and the half court. Throughout the weekend, he popped as an unselfish passer who got his teammates involved. Harris showed a great nose for the ball, plus floater touch and advanced footwork. Defensively, his energy and communication stood out, and oftentimes he was turning defense into offense. Arsenal had an average win margin of 39 points on their way to the 2030 title, with Harris being the identity driver for them during the Session.
Dahntay Jones, Jr. | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
We were able to see Jones, Jr. at the Pangos Jr. All-American Camp last year, and could see the growth in both his height and skillset. One of the taller players in his age group, he covers plenty of ground and can really get a head of steam in transition. He’s dangerous off a rebound, cuts well, and is a corner 3 threat. He also experimented quite a bit at S2, showing that there should be further development to his game and more on-ball potential. He showed impressive energy as a defender, causing many events while switching up and down the lineup.
Josiah McCoy | 2029 | Creators Elect (CA)
One of the top scoring threats in 2029, McCoy showed how he impacts the game beyond getting buckets as Creators Elect finished as the Session 2029 National runner-up. He has the ability to use his body to create space, often scoring through opponents and around them with his quickness. His athleticism shows up in his elevation around the basket and in his ability to get rebounds on both ends. His physicality helps him get to the line, and he’s also displayed flashes of stretching his range. He guarded multiple positions in S2 and did an admirable job of guarding up the line-up as one of the taller players on his team.
Bryshon McGee | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
McGee possesses a combination of perimeter skills, along with size and athleticism, making him a real multi-positional threat for the 2029 National Champs of S2. Finishing around the rim, he showed off some nice pre-game dunks that carried over to the actual game when he had enough space. His ability as a slasher is evident in the half court, with good hang time and instincts as a cutter. His lefty stroke from the outside was another thing for defenses to worry about, as he found his spots and was confident from range. Lateral quickness at his size is another skill he showcased, with a few highlight chase down and weakside blocks throughout the weekend.
Myles Mobley | 2029 | Paul George Elite Blue (CA)
One of the main sources of offense for his DSTRKT team last season, Mobley has made further strides now with Paul George Elite Blue. His shot is now even more compact, making him increasingly dangerous as a pull-up threat. He still has some vertical pop around the basket, making him a really tough match-up against fellow guards. His best game may have been in the semifinal against Paul George Elite Red, where he was locked in from all levels and scored close to half his team's points. Mobley uses his quickness and athletic tools on defense, as well. He led PGE Blue to third place in the 2029 National Division.
Joseph O’Connor | 2029 | Prodigy (CA)
Starting and playing a big role for the always scrappy Prodigy team last season, O’Connor is now one of their main offensive pieces, and he looked as confident as ever in S2. He has become much more adept off the bounce, creating opportunities around the basket and using his pull-up as a weapon. He’s also developed into a real threat off the catch, with noticeable improvements in his off-ball movement, as well. Beyond scoring, his toughness on the boards remains apparent. Last year, defense was his calling card and even with the increase in offensive responsibility, he has not let up with his tenacity on that end.
Kameron Potts | 2031 | Arsenal (CA)
On a team loaded with talent, Potts differentiated himself with his unique combination of quickness, ball skills, and with just how much he communicated. A true 2031 playing on the 2030 champion, he showed he could play off the ball and use his shooting gravity, or be on the ball creating for himself and others. He has an ability to break opponents down off the bounce and either get to the rim or to his step-back. Defensively, not only does he sit, slide and use his hands well, but he communicates and doesn’t back down from a challenge.
Tru Robinson | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
Whenever Robinson came in the game there was an immediate energy boost, as he really gave his all as a rim runner, cutter, rebounder, and defender. He plays a number of different sports and the agility along with physicality helped him make a positive impact. The lefty has a knack for getting to the rack and showed some craft as a finisher as well as court vision as a distributor. He shined in S2 as someone who could turn defense into a transition opportunity going the other way and was an overall key reason why Paul George Elite Red won the 2031 title.
Judah Van-Ewijk | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
When it comes to being an off-ball threat, Van-Ewijk combines deep range with movement shooting and skillful relocation. He had numerous three-point barrages in Thousand Oaks, and used that gravity well as a self-creator when run off the line. He’s a skilled, craft finisher with good footwork and touch. He also gets to the line often. He displayed a functional handle and a nice foundation as a passer, too. On defense, he’s not afraid to put his body on the line, plus has solid hands and instincts to go along with his speed.
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.
Reese Morris | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
As much as Paul George Elite Red relies on their bevy of offensive weapons, their defense was what really made them successful in Session 2. Morris was the leader on that end, by communicating, making speedy rotations, giving multiple efforts, and with some standout event creation, racking up deflections, steals and blocks. It just seemed like he was everywhere at times, and that no challenge was too much for him. Beyond his standout defense, his playmaking really got the team going, even if he did not ultimately get the assist, he was great at finding angles that led to a good look. His scoring has improved from last season, as well, with tough angle finishes and his jump shot both paying dividends. His hustle and unselfish play was contagious — resulting in a fantastic weekend for the all-around player.
Additional Event Standouts
Kalani Abreu | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Size, strength, post touch, outlet passing, and defensive footwork
Tristan Ariza | 2029 | Paul George Elite Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Positional size, handle, connective passing, shooting, and defensive energy
Malachi Armour | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Size, length, shooting touch, rebounding, and rim deterrence
Zach Arnold | 2029 | Prodigy (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, playmaking, crafty finishing, shooting, and event creation on D
Kamron Augustin | 2029 | Paul George Elite Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, crafty finishing, shooting, and lateral quickness
Tyson Aycox | 2030 | Paul George Elite Red 2030 (CA)
💡➡️ Footwork, pull-up game, ability to draw contact, and passing vision
Lorenzo Beltran | 2029 | San Diego Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Catch-and-shoot ability, off-ball movement, quick reaction time, and defensive acumen
Kamren Booker | 2029 | Paul George Elite Blue (CA)
💡➡️ Strength, explosiveness near the rim, scoring through contact, and defensive versatility
Kaleb Bratton | 2029 | The City (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, playmaking, and lateral agility on D
Justin Brownlee, Jr. | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Size, agility, finishing, ability to stretch, reaction as a passer, and D instinct
Max Camacho | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Rebounding radius, rim running, processing speed, connective passing, and aggressive defense
Jamell Castro | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Green (CA)
💡➡️ Size, straight-line speed, finishing touch, functional handle, and defensive motor
Tresor Childress | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National (CA)
💡➡️ Size, agility, handle, playmaking, balance as a jump shooter, and defensive versatility
Jeremy Combs | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National (CA)
💡➡️ Size on the perimeter, ball skills, shooting touch, and effort on D
Myles Crismon | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, floater game, outside shooting versatility, toughness, and point of attack defensive presence
Egypt Dean | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Toughness as a rebounder, cutting, finishing, pull-up game, and defensive versatility
Jackson Elcott | 2030 | The U (CA)
💡➡️ Size, rebounding, finishing through contact, shooting touch, and defensive footwork
Ethan Escobar | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)
💡➡️ Cutting, creative finishing, rebounding, and physical defense
Malaeaimi Fitivale | 2029 | Prodigy (CA)
💡➡️ Size, strength, rebounding, screen setting, touch in the paint, and post defensive activity
Freddie Forbes IV | 2029 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Shooting versatility, attacking closeouts, floater touch, connective passing, and defensive hands
Jayden Garibay | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Slashing, pull-up game, outside shooting, and defensive grit
Evan Gee | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Playmaking, creativity as a handler, finishing craft, ability to get to the basket, and defensive ball pressure
Andrai Griffin | 2031 | The U (CA)
💡➡️ Size, handle, confidence from deep range, footwork as a finisher, and ground coverage on D
Parker Hamilton | 2029 | The City (CA)
💡➡️ Movement shooting, handle flashes, cutting, connective passing, and defensive effort
Terry Hollins III | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)
💡➡️ Shooting versatility, effort on the boards, off-ball movement, drawing contact, and perimeter defense
Kaleb Jackson | 2029 | The City (CA)
💡➡️ Deep range, quick release, movement shooting, floater touch, playmaking, and defensive instincts
Calvin Johnson | 2029 | San Diego Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Finishing through contact, movement off ball, quick processing, rim running, and ability to guard up the lineup
Kiefer Johnson | 2029 | San Diego Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Explosion around the basket, ability to finish through contact, quick decision making, and switchability on defense
Andre Karibyan | 2031 | Paul George Elite Red (CA)
💡➡️ Ambidextrous finishing, corner 3 prowess, rebounding effort, and defense
Cameron Kelly | 2030 | The U (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, quickness, finishing craft, playmaking, and lateral quickness
Benjamin Manufekai | 2030 | The City (CA)
💡➡️ Strength, slashing, scoring through contact, rebounding, and defensive discipline
Draylan McClinton | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National (CA)
💡➡️ Size, carving out post position, scoring through contact, offensive rebounding, getting to the line, and interior presence on D
Donnell Meekins, Jr. | 2029 | Cali Hogs (CA)
💡➡️ Size, strength, straight-line driving, touch from mid-range, rebounding, and defensive toughness
Prince Outler | 2029 | Chosen 1z (CA)
💡➡️ Size, strength, footwork, pull-up touch, vertical pop, rebounding, and defensive discipline
Jackson Poindexter | 2030 | Chosen 1z (CA)
💡➡️ Footwork, handle, shooting touch, ability to create space in the paint, and physical defense
Trent Prager | 2030 | Creators Elect 2030 (CA)
💡➡️ Handle, footwork, ball movement, long-range shooting, and defensive grit
Court Ridenour | 2030 | The U (CA)
💡➡️ Size, outside shooting, toughness around the basket, ability to get to the line, and defensive switchability
Nathan Roberti | 2029 | Creators Elect (CA)
💡➡️ Cutting, off-ball movement, screen setting, connective passing, and defensive activity
Haseem Ruffin | 2029 | The City (CA)
💡➡️ Footwork, rebounding, getting positioning near basket, screen setting, and timing as a rim protector
Drew Scott | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)
💡➡️ Catch-and-shoot ability, physicality as a driver, connective passing, and defensive hands
Kamran Shirazi | 2029 | San Diego Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Off-ball movement, deep range, quick release, floater touch, and defensive awareness
Demir Solomon | 2029 | Pro’s Vision Select (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, playmaking, crafty finishing, shooting touch, and lateral quickness
Will Spurgiesz | 2029 | San Diego Soldiers (CA)
💡➡️ Size, interior touch as a finisher, floor-stretching, footwork, and rim deterrence
Quintus Sugarman | 2029 | Oakland Soldiers Camouflage (CA)
💡➡️ Pick-and-roll playmaking, handle, shiftiness, floater touch, outside shot, and ability to get low on D
Isaiah Trott | 2030 | Sports Academy Swish National (CA)
💡➡️ Quickness, handle, C&S ability, and point-of-attack defense
Damon Wang | 2029 | Prodigy (CA)
💡➡️ Playmaking, handle, touch from deep, floater game, and on-ball defense
Daeshaun “Dae Dae” Washington | 2030 | Arsenal (CA)
💡➡️ Strength, footwork, rebounding, handle, finishing touch, and defensive positioning
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