Nike EYBL Session One Standout Players
EYBL is a great high school event that has allowed high school players to showcase their skills in front of a variety of different decision-makers. It has also given unranked or underrated players a chance to prove themselves on a big stage. Let’s dive into five of the many standout players during session one.
Cooper Flagg | 2025
Flagg is easily one of the best prospects in the world and showcased that in session one. He’s always been known as a special defensive prospect but he has shown he’s far more than just a defender. His offensive game has been rapidly developing and it showed. He dropped 50-points in his very first game while only missing two shots. His slashing ability is simply too much for kids in his age group to handle. Flagg has the size, quickness, vertical pop, and touch to be a high level finisher around the rim.
He put on a shot-making clinic from the perimeter as he was making tough pull-ups from all over. The 3-point shooting was a bit inconsistent but the high release and Touch is a positive sign. Defensively he’s an elite rim protector as he can serve as a primary or secondary rim protector. Flagg even showcased his ability to defend out in space and contain guards off the dribble. He ranks first in points 28.3, first in blocks at 4.3, and fifth in rebounds per game at eight in the E16.
Cameron Boozer | 2025
Boozer is also considered one of the best prospects in the entire world, regardless of age. The offensive polish he has at just 15 years old is remarkable. He’s a total mismatch problem for defenders of his age group. He has the ability to score in the low post as he has great footwork, the patience, and touch around the rim to consistently score down low. Boozer can take big men off the dribble as he’s typically quicker, stronger, and more coordinated than most big men at his age.
He can make difficult pull-up jumpers as he thrives in the mid-range area but can also make a three pointer if left open. He shot a ridiculous 73.8% from the field as he was the most efficient player to have 20-plus points per game. An underrated part of his game is his passing ability. He’s a good passer for his size as he has the feel for the game and vision to find teammates. Boozer ranks second in points at 27.8, first in rebounds at 13.2, and second in blocks per game at 2.8 in the E16.
AJ Dybantsa | 2026
Dybantsa recently became the number one ranked player in the freshman class on ESPN and he showed why during his first showing in EYBL. He’s one of the youngest players in the Nike EYBL 17U as he’s playing two years up. He has physical tools and athleticism as a freshman. He has a quick first step and has scary potential as a slasher. He’s an efficient finisher inside the paint in transition and in the half-court. He has tough shot-making ability from the mid-range and has shown flashes from three but he’s still developing as an outside shooter.
I’m super impressed with his feel for the game and the flashes Dybantsa shows as a secondary playmaker. It’s not often you see young skilled scorers have the willingness to create for others like he does. The improvements he has shown as a ball-handler is very encouraging. It’s not often you see players at this stage with this combination of skill and size but he has it. He ranks seventh in points per game at 19.8 in the EYBL.
Elliot Cadeau | 2024
Cadeau is arguably the best playmaking prospect in the entire high school game and he showed why during session one. He is coming off a GEICO National Championship as he was the most valuable player to Link Academy’s success in the tournament. He currently stands at 6-foot-1 so he’s slightly undersized but his passing vision is ridiculous. He is always two plays ahead of everyone else when he’s on the floor as he has the ability to pass teammates open and is consistently making the right play.
He’s one of the most unselfish players I’ve ever seen as he prioritizes getting his teammates involved at all times. To no surprise his team went undefeated during session one and that speaks volumes to how he impacts winning in a positive way. Cadeau had a ridiculous assist to turnover ratio at 5.38 which was best in the EYBL. He also ranks first in assists per game at 10.8.
Karter Knox | 2024
Karter Knox is the younger brother of Portland Trail Blazers’ forward, Kevin Knox. He’s one of the most gifted scorers in the high school game right now and has a great feel for getting buckets at all three levels while having the positional size and tools to be a versatile defender. He has slashing ability due to his physical profile and touch but he’s much more comfortable scoring out on the perimeter. Knox is a tough shot-maker that can comfortably shoot over defenders and is getting more comfortable at creating his own shot.
His shooting ability really stands out. He has smooth shot mechanics and is a lethal shooter off the catch. He’s not really developed as a playmaker yet and has that score first mindset but as he gets older and matures, I expect him to continue to polish up his offensive game which is a scary thought. During session one Knox shot 41.7% from three He ranks fourth in points per game at 21.3.
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