More than 225 men’s and women’s college basketball recruits attended the Wootten 150 basketball camp. The two-day camp covered skill work, drills and both 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games.
The event also served as an early opportunity to evaluate future McDonald’s High School All-American candidates, nationally ranked prospects and future stars of the college game.
Here are 10 men’s college prospects in the Classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024 that stood out at the event.
SF Jordan Walsh
2022 ESPN 100 ranking: 7
Uncommitted
Walsh can keep his intensity and determination when he is having an off game or after a sloppy possession. He is committed to the defensive end — he will lock up or give helpside and rebound before he runs out of energy.
The 6-foot-7, 195-pound wing with speed and explosiveness is terrific in transition. Taking a closer look at his drive game, he beats defenses with long strides and does a good job of mixing in his pull-up jumper. Oh, and he won the one-on-one portion of camp.
He will be cutting his list down this week and making his decision before the end of October. Arkansas, TCU, Memphis, Texas, Kansas, USC and Arizona State are in the hunt.
SF M.J. Rice
2022 ESPN 100 ranking: 20
Committed to: Kansas
Rice consistently got out in transition and took direct paths to the basket for open dunks. His scoring package was on display, as he influenced games from behind the arc, in the paint and everywhere in between.
He has a greater sense and confidence in his short and deep jumper. When he drives to his right, few opponents at this level can stop him. He maintained poise as he drove to the basket, dribbling through contact and finishing for the three-point play. The 6-5, 225-pound rice is one the strongest and most powerful players in his class.
SF Anthony Black
2022 ESPN 100 ranking: 26
Uncommitted
One of the most versatile and complete players in the camp and the class, Black understands when and where his talent is needed in a game. He contributes on both ends of the floor with scoring, passing, rebounding and defense. He made the hit-ahead pass as well as some open jumpers and is looking to find his teammates at all times.
Defensively, he will play low to sit down and slide his feet, as his lateral movement has improved. Whether it’s 3-on-3, 5-on-5 or in the open space, Black shows the ability to read the floor and impact the action.
He is considering Arkansas, Gonzaga, TCU, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Georgia and Memphis.
SG J.J. Starling
2022 ESPN 100 ranking: 27
Uncommitted
Starling showed his entire offensive game and leadership abilities at the camp. He finished a lot of breaks and handled out plenty of assists. His strong-shouldered frame takes contact well, and Starling has the ability to take the ball off the defensive glass to start the break.
Starling has fundamental footwork when he enters the paint. His ability to jump-stop gives him balance to score or make the assist. He communicates well with his teammates and keeps the focus on winning.
Starling told ESPN he will soon choose between Duke, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Stanford and Syracuse.
SF Tyrell Ward
2022 ESPN 100 ranking: 55
Committed to: Xavier
Ward was a consistent performer at the camp. With a long 6-6, 185-pound frame, he handles well and gets out on the break with a burst of speed. He finishes plays with flair and scores in bunches.
He can rebound on defense and explode offensively with his vertical leap. Ward is quick to read the floor and find the open man. The Xavier commit could end up checking a lot of boxes and see significant playing time in the 2022-23 season.
SF Davonye Jefferson
2022 ESPN rating: Four stars
Committed to: Tulsa
Jefferson came into the camp unranked and committed to Tulsa. In a gym full of next-level athletes, he stood out.
When Jefferson attacked the basket, it was with purpose. He showed off several high-flying dunks in the open court. His explosive bounce allowed him to get great elevation on his jump shots as well.
He demonstrated a quick release and ability to create space for his midrange and deep jumper. He attacked and scored the ball with ease.
PF JaKobe Walker
2023 ESPN 60 ranking: 19
Uncommitted
The more Walker develops, the more complete he becomes. His jumper is soft and accurate, whether he’s wide open or if opponents contest them.
With excellent 6-5 positional size, his strength and sturdiness give him advantage when he scores on the fast break and in the half court. He can take a broken play and turn it into a bucket.
Baylor, Texas, Alabama, Memphis and Georgia have been recruiting him early.
SG K.J. Lewis
2023 ESPN 60 ranking: 48
Uncommitted
Lewis shows off his focus and hustle constantly, whether he chases down a loose ball or sprints down the floor to make a play on either end.
A 6-3, 195-pound guard, his body has gotten noticeably stronger since the summer, and he uses his powerful legs to rise over defenders and catch lobs. He had several high-flying dunks on the fast break and consistently got out in transition to finalize the play.
At times, he was a secondary ball handler and is starting to operate in ball screens with better instincts and shot quality. He is best off the dribble with a quick first step, combined with a sleek hesitation move and body control to blow by defenders. ACC, Big 12 and SEC programs have made him a priority.
SF Brady Dunlap
2023 ESPN rating: Four stars
Uncommitted
Dunlap was a key member of the 16U Team Why Not group that won Peach Jam. Dunlap held his own physically. His 6-6, 175-pound frame can hold much more strength, and he displayed an impressive vertical on his dunks.
As effective as he is without the ball, his shooting stroke has been well polished and his mechanics, including his release and rotation, are in place. He has an early offer from Kansas.
C John Bol
2024 ESPN rating: Four stars
Uncommitted
The surprise of the camp was easy to find in the 7-2 Bol, who is from Sudan. He impressed with his energetic approach to the game and his teachable spirit. Bol sprints the floor and goes to the paint for position.
He rebounds with his extra-long frame and will tip it to himself when needed. He demonstrates mobility and a desire to find the missed shot. Shot-blocking is his early calling card, and he will contest shots he can’t block. His ability to catch on the move is noticeable, and he can finish with either hand, which stood out.
As he develops the all-important habits of living low in his stance and being more balanced, his upside is enormous. He currently sits at No. 4 in the ESPN positional rankings for the 2024 class.