The Adidas 3SSB Championships took place this past weekend in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A plethora of college coaches were in the building and basically posted everywhere in the gym. The talent throughout this past weekend was phenomenal and multiple high level prospects were on display. I spent the last four days covering the annual loaded event and here we take a look on a few names who stood out throughout the busy weekend.
2024 Ian Jackson (Cardinal Hayes, NY) – The future North Carolina Tar Heel, Ian Jackson, consistently plays at a high level no matter what setting he is in. The 6-foot-5 guard really came to play this past weekend in Rock Hill and opened the eyes of many college coaches and national media in attendance. Jackson is well known for his outstanding ability to score the ball in a variety of ways, but it’s what else he does on the floor that impacts winning that honestly makes him so great. He consistently plays with incredible energy, makes the right decisions with the ball in his hands, and his elite athleticism always seems to go unnoticed as well. Ian is an elite scoring guard that loves to get his teammates involved in anyway shape or form and a prospect who just loves to compete at a high level.
2024 Eric Freeny (Corona Centennial, CA) – Coming off a solid junior season with nationally ranked Corona Centennial (CA), Eric Freeny has literally made a name for himself this grassroots season boosting his stock throughout. The 6-foot-4 guard, headed to UCLA this time next year, is one of the more tougher guards we have in the country. Freeny plays with a chip on his shoulder, has the capability to finish through contact, and a reliable shot-making guard. He displayed that all throughout the weekend in Rock Hill, South Carolina and should honestly fit right in under Mick Cronin and his system. The rising senior is an impactful two-way prospect and plays to his strengths on the floor on a consistent basis.
2025 Koa Peat (Perry, AZ) – Koa Peat showcased why he is considered one of the top overall prospects in the country regardless of class this past weekend in Rock Hill at the 3SSB Championships. The 6-foot-9 forward holds unique versatility with an already college looking frame. He is an athletic big body forward, holds great hands for rebounds, proved he can hit jump shots, had some explosive finishes, and some elite rim protection plays blocking a plethora of shots. Peat is the next one up out of the famous Compton Magic (CA) program for sure. Peat is coming off recently helping the USA National U16 Team secure a gold medal this past June.
2024 Isaiah Johnson-Arigu (Totino-Grace, MN) – Isaiah Johnson-Arigu is a name that is starting to pick up some buzz. Schools like Butler, Virginia Tech, Xavier, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas Tech have offered recently and for good reason. Johnson-Arigu is a 6-foot-7 forward with the ability to guard multiple positions due to his elite athleticism, moves well without the ball, plays elite hustle, and can finish with the best of them inside the paint. He was able to show he can space the floor at times and knock down shots as well in some possessions and was actively blocking shots defensively.
2024 V.J. Edgecombe (Long Island Lutheran, NY) – V.J. Edgecombe has become must-see television with his phenomenal play on the floor. The 6-foot-5 guard has had a stock-boosting last few months, dating back to his junior season with national Long Island Lutheran (NY). His explosiveness, gifted athleticism, and above the rim plays were on display throughout the weekend. The rising senior was also able to showcase to college coaches, national media, and spectators his ability to score in multiple ways. V.J. moves well without the ball, was able to show he can make perimeter shots, and had several acrobatic finishes at the rim.
2026 Alijah Arenas (Chatsworth, CA) – One of the most talented underclassmen in the country, Alijah Arenas had his moments where you realized why he is considered one of the most highly rated prospects in the 2026 class. The 6-foot-6 guard plays with so much confidence, was able showcase his shot making skills, and smooth finishes when attacking the rim. Arenas, the son of 3x NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, is as good as advertised. He plays at a well pace, has a maturity to his game early, and has interesting length. His awareness on the defensive end of the floor, interrupting passing lanes, was also impressive throughout the weekend.
2024 Kur Teng (Bradford Academy, MA) – Tom Izzo has himself another elite caliber prospect coming to East Lansing, Michigan next season. Kur Teng is certainly one of the elite shot makers in the country. The 6-foot-4 guard displayed his shot-making skills, high motor, and impact on the defensive end. Teng was also able to showcase his athleticism and effect on the boards at the guard position. A floor spacing athletic guard heading to Michigan State around this time come next year.
2024 Jeremiah Wilkinson (McEachern, GA) – Jeremiah Wilkinson is a name that should be followed over the next few months. The 6-foot-1 point guard had an eye-opening weekend in Rock Hill, South Carolina, helping Game Elite (GA) reach the 3SSB Championships title game. Wilkinson holds elite speed, a crafty lefty that can hit jump shots, and holds sneaky nice athleticism. The rising senior has transferred to Georgia powerhouse McEachern (GA) for his senior season and will continue to open eyes around the country come 2023-2024 playing on the national stage. College coaches should be keeping tabs on this kid.
The Grind Hoops by Samad Hines 