‘The Warmup’: Prospects Ready to Rise This Spring

April 6, 2023 by Eric Hampford

Our ‘Warmup’ tournament series is designed to not only help teams get ‘warmed up’ for their perspective circuits and travel season, but to also shine a light on which prospects are primed for breakout grassroots seasons. Here are several guys who caught my attention in Memphis last weekend…

Dallas Thomas Looks Primed To Make A Jump This Spring

It’s easy to fall in love with a prospect like Dallas Thomas. The physical tools have been appealing for several years now as a lengthy shot maker, making it easy to envision just how good he can be down the line. It looks like he’s really starting to put it together after his play in Memphis, not only knocking down shots but consistently getting to spots and showing a willingness to mix things up as a slasher and creator, which bodes well for Brad Beal headding into EYBL season…Suiting up for LivOn’s 17s over the weekend, Kam Williams showed signs of what makes him such an intriguing commodity for the next level. A legitimate 6’8” wing forward prospect, his potential as a 3&D player was easy to envision after watching him knock down flurries of deep three’s while making plays on the defensive end using his length and instincts… I was pleasantly surprised by the weekend Cam Paul put together while playing 17s with Iso Joe at ‘The Warmup’. A versatile 6’6” wing prospect, he showed skill to operate off the bounce when using his frame to finish plays around the rim, as well as a jumper to keep defenses honest. On the defensive end, he popped as a versatile defensive piece… Every time he takes the floor, I know EXACTLY what I’m going to get from Dayton Forsythe, which has been true since his middle school playing days. He’s a true floor general who always makes the right decisions on the offensive end. One part of his game that’s been particularly impressive over the past few years is his ability to navigate finishes around the rim. 

Alabama Guard Jacoby Hill Looks Ready For Monster Spring

After catching my eye last summer with the Alabama Fusion, 6’4” guard Jacoby Hill went on a tear this winter, ending his season on torching the nets in the Alabama state tournament. He picked up an offer from the in-state Crimson Tide in the process, and that looks like it will be the beginning of a high-major recruitment for him. At ‘The Warmup’, he showed impressive scoring skills that should have more and more college coaches tracking his progress. Checking in as a Top 25 prospect in the country in the debut of our 2025 rankings, Will Riley showed the flashes that show why he’s held in such high regard in Canada, and now the states. After a solid freshman campaign at The Phelps School, the 6’7” wing guard has shown improved bucket-getting skills with polished mid-range and shot creation skills…Pro Skills 15s played up in the 16s division in Memphis, giving a glimpse of a few of their talented 2026’s in their 6’3” wing guard MJ Hayes and point guard Cameron Lomax. Hayes is an explosive slasher who loves to get out in transition while Lomax is a high IQ floor navigator with some impressive scoring skills…Last but not least, LivOn 6’8” 2025 big Alejandro Aviles did what he always does…produce. Highly skilled, his footwork, passing acumen and finishing skills were on full display throughout the weekend. 

2026’s Jacob Lanier & Jordan Harris Make Big Splashes

Two of the revelations in Memphis were 2026 prospects we’ve become intimately familiar with over the past few years. Arkansas natives Jacob Lanier & Jordan Harris both had big weekends to open their travels seasons. Suiting up for LivOn, Lanier proved to be more fluid and athletic since the summer, while still displaying on-ball and court vision skills that make him very appealing. For Harris, 6’7” with an impressive frame, he showed that he’s taken a major leap in terms of his perimeter skills, which bodes well for him long term. For Team Griffin, 6’7”+ freshman twins Gallagher & Gavin Placide are two of the fastest trending prospects in the country for their class. Both are versatile wing forward types with a plethora of untapped potential. Keep an eye out for the Colorado duo as the grassroots season progresses.