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Paul Biancardi, Basketball Recruiting
The summer grassroots basketball circuit is over, meaning it’s time to update ESPN’s player recruiting rankings across all classes after a pivotal evaluation period for scouts, college coaches and NBA front office personnel.
Some of the biggest names in the country either boosted or reinforced their stock throughout the eight-week stretch.
Cooper Flagg headlines the top of the 2024 class after reclassifying from the junior class on Aug. 11. He punctuated his dominant EYBL campaign with an impressive showing at Peach Jam and turned heads every step of the way. Flagg is extremely versatile and plays with a competitive, winning style. He built upon his skillset and played like he was on a mission all summer.
Cameron Boozer has a firm grip on the No. 1 spot in the 2025 class, continuing to demonstrate an unmatched level of excellence. Boozer was named MVP of the Team USA 16U National Team that went 6-0 at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Mexico. His high school team, Christopher Columbus (FL), won the section event in Phoenix. Boozer plowed through camp and circuit play with stellar efficiency. A.J. Dybantsa remains No. 1 in the 2026 class after leading the U17 Peach Jam in scoring. He made his presence felt, averaging 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Dybantsa finished the summer season by appearing at multiple camps run by NBA players, including Chris Paul and Steph Curry, and gained notoriety working out alongside LeBron James.
We’re diving deep on both the biggest standouts and newcomers to the ranking, including evaluating the best 3-point shooters in the class, such as Top 100 newcomers Jackson McAndrew and Cole Certa, as well as shot-makers who climbed the list like Cooper Koch and Kon Knueppel. Below, find our evaluation of players earning five-star grades, others who made a jump within the rankings and several who debuted for the first time.
The full recruiting rankings can be found here: 2024, 2025 and 2026.
New five-stars
2024 Cooper Flagg, SF
ESPN ranking: 1
Flagg was a sensation all summer, producing monster triple-doubles while impacting both ends of the floor. He improved at finishing through contact and as a playmaker, showing the ability to find teammates for open 3-point looks when facing heavy defensive attention. Flagg performed very well against the nation’s best at the Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum camps. Unsurprisingly, Flagg’s recruitment has intensified following his decision to reclassify and he has official visits lined up with Duke, Kansas and UConn. His résumé, progress and potential lands him at the No. 1 spot in the ESPN 100 for the class of 2024.
2024 Jayden Quaintance, PF
ESPN ranking: 14
Quaintance reclassified to the 2024 class in July and remains a five-star prospect after previously ranking No. 10 in the 2025 class. He’s a big-bodied, explosive post player most known for producing points in the paint because of deep positioning, great hands and a nose for putting back offensive rebounds. Quaintance also makes his presence felt on the glass and as a shot-blocker. He led the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) camp with 4.3 offensive rebounds per game. He continues to make incremental progress with his skill level and face-up game, but his separating trait is exceptional work ethic. Kentucky, Ohio State, Cincinnati and Missouri are all vying for his commitment.
2024 Drake Powell, SG
Committed: North Carolina
ESPN ranking: 12
A productive summer of impactful performances helped Powell rise from high four-star status to a five-star. His game oozes with versatility. He was aggressive and productive on both ends of the floor at the NBPA camp. Powell’s ability to both finish a fast break and drive against a set defense was impressive. He has a steady pull-up jumper and is showing promise as a 3-point shooter. At this stage of his career, he’s a dangerous scorer despite being a low-volume shooter. His ability to create fouls and convert free throws at a high percentage (mid-80s) suggests his jumper should improve. Defensively, he’s outstanding as both a one-on-one and wing defender because of his long arms, lock-down mentality, lateral quickness and balance.
2025 Cayden Boozer, PG
ESPN ranking: 15
Boozer was a high four-star prospect in our previous rankings update in late June. He breaks into the top 20 and earned a five-star grade after an outstanding summer where he was named MVP of the 16U Peach Jam championship. He was clutch in that win for Nightrydas Elite, scoring 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, and averaged 6.7 assists over his final seven-game stretch. The 6-foot-3 point guard pairs noticeable size with excellent decision-making and vision. He plays an all-around game with focus and effort. His outstanding trophy case also includes a gold medal with USA Basketball.
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Cayden Boozer and Cooper Flagg trade 3s
Top high school basketball recruits for 2025 trade three pointers in the first quarter.
Big Risers
2024 Derrion Reid, SF
ESPN ranking: 9
Any time a player cracks the top 10, it’s a significant jump. Reid was one of the most consistent and productive prospects this summer, averaging 17.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in 16 games for Team Thad in the EYBL. His efficiency was even more impressive, shooting 57% overall and 42% from behind the arc. Reid is a 6-foot-7 wing with scoring and accuracy that is beginning to show his potential while being super productive.
2024 Isaiah Evans, SF
Committed: Duke
ESPN ranking: 8
Evans’ frame and game remind many of Brandon Ingram. He has undeniable natural talent and loves to be in the gym. Evans scores with smooth, fluid movements and his handle allows him to go past defenders or create space for his jump shot. He’s hard to contain whether in the open floor or cutting and curling from wide pin-down screens. Evans possesses body control on his shot and great touch once he gets in the paint. He can continue to grow by adding more overall strength and living more consistently in his defensive stance.
New Faces
2024 Brody Kozlowski, PF
ESPN ranking: 97
Kozlowski was an ‘on the cusp’ prospect each of the last two rankings cycles dating back to the end of high school season where he won a 6A state championship and performed well at the State Champions Invitational in Washington, D.C. His Utah Prospects team also won the Adidas 3SSB 17U national championship this year. He’s smart, strong and a terrific shooter and passer. Kozlowski always displays consistent effort while defending and rebounding with focus. His top six schools are USC, UCLA, San Diego State, California, BYU and Nevada.
2024 Emmanuel Stephen, C
ESPN ranking: 95
Stephen’s defensive rim protection was outstanding this summer. He averaged 9.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in 21 minutes per game at Peach Jam. Stephen’s free throw shooting, touch and footwork need attention, but he’ll impact every game if he keeps it simple offensively and remains committed to defense.
2025 Nate Ament, SF
ESPN ranking: 42
Ament is a long-framed, long-armed small forward with versatility that stands out. He’s adept at driving to the rim and shooting over defenders in the paint, but can also nail a corner 3-pointer. Ament’s handle is terrific for his height — he has the control to cross over and blow by defenders or step back and knock down shots. Defensively, he shows timing to block shots and contest attempts. Ament flashes the ability to use his length to corral rebounds and run with it in transition. His potential is promising.
On the Cusp
2024 Garrett Sundra, PF
Sundra finds himself just outside the 2024 Top 100 after previously ranking No. 92. He plays a physical, team-oriented game and is an ideal screen-and-separate big man because of his shooting range and accuracy. He also competes on two enormously successful teams in Paul VI High School and Team Takeover. Sundra shot 49% from the field and 85% on free throws this summer, but his 3-point shooting was not up to his standards at less than 30%. He’s primed for a big senior season.
2024 Pharaoh Compton, PF
Compton is one of the strongest workers in the 2024 class and plays with tremendous energy and toughness. He made a name for himself by rebounding on both ends, producing paint points and playing post defense. He plays with an aggressive mindset and focuses on dunking over opponents when he gets close to the rim. Compton scores best on second-chance points and when he establishes deep post position against bigger defenders. He’ll be a force this season as his low-post moves and free throws continue to improve.
The best 3-point shot-makers in the ESPN 100 Class of 2024
Shooting has become the preeminent skill valued by the NBA and all levels of basketball.
It’s the swing skill when evaluating both NBA Draft and high school recruiting prospects. The NBA has the world’s best 3-point shooters, such as Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Klay Thompson, Trae Young, Damian Lillard, James Harden and Duncan Robinson to name a few. They all have their signature shot and style.
So, too, do the 10 players featured below as we dive into identifying the best 3-point shooters in the updated 2024 ESPN 100. A variety of factors went into the list. We tapped into quantitative data to assess the total numbers of 3-pointers made, efficiency, shot distance and shot quality. We balanced that assessment against a visual evaluation for shot mechanics, preparation and results.
Some shooters are more efficient from a stationary position. Others need to rhythm dribble into their shot. Some toe the 3-point line, while others prefer deeper shots. Some shooters create their own looks while others need help to create space off the ball.
The one constant, though, is an ability to score from deep at a high level. Using live evaluation, film breakdown and metrics, here are the best 3-point shot-makers in the updated ESPN 100.
Jalil Bethea, SG
Uncommitted
Bethea is a quick-trigger shooter who works hard to get quality shots, profiling as one of the best guards in the country. He proved it this summer while shooting 49.8% overall, 42.6% from beyond the arc and 84% on free throws with Team Final. He ranked second among all circuit players with 62 made 3-pointers, per Synergy Sports. Bethea is special because he can make assisted 3-pointers or create his own both against a set defense and in transition. Colleges are taking notice. He recently visited Villanova and has visits with Kansas (Aug. 31-Sept. 2), Miami (Sept. 8-10), Alabama (Sept. 23-25) and Syracuse (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) lined up.
Cole Certa, SG
Committed: Notre Dame
Certa wins the award for best long-range shooter in the class. He made a whopping 17 3-pointers from 25 feet or beyond this summer, according to Synergy Sports, and his average depth of make from deep was 23.75 feet. Certa is so consistent he’s earned a unique level of trust from Illinois Wolves coach Mike Mullins, who founded the program in 1999.
“I’ve never let anyone shoot from that range,” Mullins said. “He makes them in practice on a consistent basis, which earns him the right to shoot them in games. He’s resilient. He handles bad games very well.”
Certa made 40% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He’s especially good at receiving dribble handoffs and cutting off screening actions.
Darren Harris, SG
Committed: Duke
Harris has sustained the reputation of a shot-maker he forged early in his career. While his percentage fluctuates, his confidence never wavers. Harris scored 28 points in Team Takeover’s 17U Peach Jam championship game, going 5-for-7 from deep. A clear-cut sign of an elite long-range shooter is making contested shots. Harris has demonstrated that gift over the years. He also shoots nearly 90% on free throws, which is traditionally a major marker of an excellent shooter. Harris isn’t afraid of the moment and is a clutch shooter on the big stage. The Blue Devils have a floor-spacer on the way.
Cooper Koch, PF
Committed: Iowa
The 6-foot-8 Koch has outstanding size, shot mechanics and shot preparation. He knows how to free himself for quality attempts, which helps his overall percentage. His jumper is accurate and dangerous whether he’s stationary, off movement or shooting from a dribble. Koch shot an incredible 50% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and 49% off the dribble, per Synergy Sports. He doesn’t shoot at the same volume as others on the list, but his accuracy might be best. His father, J.R. Koch, was an excellent offensive player at Iowa and a career 36% 3-point shooter. Cooper reminds me of former Clemson star and Denver Nuggets forward Hunter Tyson.
Kon Knueppel, SG
Uncommitted
Knueppel is arguably the best shot-maker in this group and led all EYBL scorers this season with 22.5 points per game. He was extremely efficient despite a high volume of attempts against tough competition, shooting 49.8% overall, 46.7% from beyond the arc and 81% from the line. His shot preparation is textbook with change of pace and purposeful movement. Knueppel was frequently a target from opposing defenses and still shot 46% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and 40% off the dribble, according to Synergy Sports. He also made his fair share of contested looks. Alabama, Duke, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Virginia, Marquette, Ohio State and Stanford are among the schools involved with the Milwaukee native.
Jackson McAndrew, PF
Committed: Creighton
McAndrew raised the bar this summer and debuted in the ESPN 100 as a result. He led all players among circuits with 83 three-pointers, 21 more than any other player. He converted 39.7% of those attempts, which is outstanding considering he shot nearly nine 3-pointers a game. He moves well without the ball at 6-foot-9, understanding that subtle cuts with pace coming off flares and pin-down screens generate great looks. He’s a dangerous screener that separates with long strides and is deceptively effective receiving dribble handoffs. Creighton has a Doug McDermott type on the way.
Liam McNeeley, SF
Uncommitted
McNeeley shot 45% from three last season at Montverde in the powerful NIBC and carried that momentum to the summer, shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc during the EYBL regular season. He’s versatile both coming off screens and setting them. He struggled at Peach Jam, shooting just 25% from distance, but his combination of size, strength and accuracy with an 84% free throw percentage puts him on the list. The Texas native has demonstrated a proven shot résumé over his career against high-level competition. McNeeley is focused on three schools with visits planned for Kansas (Sept. 1-3), Indiana (Sept. 8-10) and Texas (Sept. 22-24).
John Mobley, PG
Committed: Ohio State
The scouting report mandates defenders must pick up Mobley anywhere over half court. He has limitless range and isn’t afraid to shoot the next shot with unwavering confidence regardless of previous results. He shot 41.5% despite constant defensive attention and is equally adept shooting off the catch (44%) and on pull-up 3-pointers because of his quick release. Mobley shot a blistering 53% from behind the arc and 91% on free throws over six games at Peach Jam. His 56 made 3-pointers this summer ranked among the top five among players across all circuits. He shows a Trae Young type of shot package.
Austin Swartz, SG
Uncommitted
Swartz lights it up after misses, which is the sign of a great shot-maker. The 6-foot-4 guard has terrific size and can pour in 3-pointers from both spot-up actions and off the bounce behind a ball screen. He made 58 three-pointers in circuit play, finishing among the top five players overall. His average depth of made 3-pointers hovered around 23.5 feet, which also ranked among the top five of deepest shooters. Swartz is considering Miami, Florida State, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Kansas and Clemson.
Kur Teng, SG
Committed: Michigan State
Teng is one of the best shooters coming off actions, movement and set plays. He’s also an excellent 3-point system shooter, which bodes well upon his arrival in East Lansing to play for Tom Izzo. Teng shot 47% from distance in 13 games for Mass Rivals, according to Synergy Sports. He also shows a penchant for shot quality, which is so important for offensive team rhythm, accuracy and percentage. Teng knows who he is and understands that his jumper has a high probability of going in when he gets space, separation and time.