2025’s Top 10 Global Grassroots
Darryn Peterson - 6’5 SG | Adidas- Phenom United | NBA Comparison: Bradley Beal/Devin Booker
Darryn’s length and versatility of a high school Bradley Beal, but also can be a NBA scorer at all levels like Devin Booker. The thing that sets him apart from most guards is his offensive efficiency. He’s one of the most efficient and effective guards that I’ve seen in recent years. He’s playing a different game than everyone else. He’s a high-percentage shot-taker. He can also defend and rebound at a high rate. He doesn’t need the ball as much as most to be effective and his leadership skills are evident in real time.
Cameron Boozer - 6’9 PF | Nike - Nightrydas | NBA Comparison: Paolo Banchero/Jayson Tatum
Cameron’s IQ is one of the best we’ve seen in a while at his size and position. He doesn’t overly exert energy to make things happen, he kills with skill and IQ. He shows a quiet tenacity while rebounding the ball, but his instincts and IQ help him in that category as well. I love that he understands the value of being on a team and he’s a proven winner. He’s won at every level thus far and probably had one of the most winning grassroots careers to date. Skill wise he’s as ready and proven as any player going to the next level in the past 10-15 years.
A.J. Dybantsa - 6’8 SF | Nike - Oakland Soldiers | NBA Comparison: Paul George/ Josh Jackson
AJ’s fluidity at that size resembles Josh Jackson a lot. AJ is arguably the best player in the country and he still has a crazy upside. His athleticism is off the charts and he doesn’t let the defense off the hook by settling for jumpers, although he’s more than capable of shooting them with confidence. He lives at the free-throw line with his aggressive, downhill style of play. He’s one of those kids who’s always getting better and loves working on his game.
Caleb Wilson - 6’9 PF | Nike - Nightrydas | NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh
Caleb is another kid who has real game right now, but his upside can take him to another level. He runs the floor as well as any big and gives a lot of 4/3 vibes with his ability to handle and score from multiple spots on the court. He’s an excellent help side defender blocking shots from the weak side making it tough in the paint. Caleb gives you unreal length and is a versatile scorer on all three levels.
Mikel Brown Jr. - 6’1 | Adidas - Team Loaded | NBA Comparison: Darius Garland
Mikel is a pick-and-roll savant with a high IQ and deep-range shot-making ability. His understanding of the game is what set him apart from most at this stage. You can tell he study the game. He could be your leading scorer or run the show and allow his team to get going and play the general role.
Darius Acuff Jr. - 6’3 PG | Nike - The Family | NBA Comparison: Stephon Marbury
Darius is a physical guard who plays at his own pace and can’t be sped up. His confidence enters the room before he does and it can be intimidating to opponents. He’s a fearless competitor with a grown man’s game. He uses his handle to get to spots and make what most would consider tough shots off the dribble but he’s comfortable making them. But his shot-making ability and physical strength make it easier for him while getting downhill. When he gets those broad shoulders even with you, you’re in trouble.
Chris Cenac Jr. - 6’10 C | Puma - YGC | NBA Comparison: N/A
Chris has made a huge jump onto the national scene. The 6’10 center checks a lot of boxes. He can score in the paint or play the face up game and be effective. He can shoot, his handle is solid, can defend well on the perimeter, and has the strength and length to defend in the paint. This kid is a two-way impact player that will only get better.
Meleek Thomas - 6’4 PG | Nike - NY Lightning | NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas/Jamal Crawford
Meleek is a special talent with grit and toughness. He’s a crafty scorer with the ball in his hands he can go on runs on all three levels that are hard to stop. He’s another tough shot maker that can get going quickly. He’s also a willing and capable passer and rebounder. When he’s locked in on defense, you get one of the best winners in the country. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Noah Ament - 6’9 CF | Adidas - Team Loaded | NBA Comparison: Michael Porter Jr.
Nate is a 6’9 Forward with a clip. He’s a natural shooter, but you can tell he’s worked on his all-around game. He’s become more physical in the paint, has proved he can use his handle and beat defenders off the dribble, and he shown an improved understanding of the game and getting what he wants instead of what is given. His overall length helps him as a defender on the perimeter and in the paint being able to alter and block shots. He’s another huge upside guy.
Koa Peat - 6’8 CF | Adidas - Compton Magic | NBA Comparison: PJ Washington
Koa has been in the spotlight as one of the best for as long as any player in this class. He’s an above average athlete with a soft touch and a strong frame. He can finish over you or go through you. He understands how to mix it up in the paint and on the perimeter. His IQ and understanding of the game allow him to get what he want when most would settle. He’s a walking double-double, too quick for taller guys and too strong for smaller guys. You have to respect his offensive game on every level, his versatility with our without the ball ELITE. He can used in so many ways.