Tip-off Classic: Class of 2025 Stock Risers

Tip-off Classic: Class of 2025 Stock Risers

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Suwanee, GA – The Class of 2025 across the country is certainly one to monitor because it is loaded.

There were plenty of players to watch during the Tip-Off Classic who will make an impression this travel season, continuing with the NCAA Live Period.

Here are players we have enjoyed watching early.

Point Guards

Mikel Brown Jr. | Austin Rivers Southeast Elite | continues to demonstrate how much time is spent in the gym. The Sunrise Christian Academy product delivered a sudden-death win in the closing seconds of a game. He played in control the entire game regardless of the attention garnered throughout the tournament. Brown is tactical and poised beyond his years. He will be atop many college coaches’ wishlists to run their program.

Marcus Smith | Atl Xpress | is surely emerging as one of the premier floor generals in Georgia and in the Southeast. He is lightning-quick, explosive, and shifty. The Walnut Grove product blends a team together like an artist does color patterns, seamlessly. He makes the right decisions and is mature enough to finish in the clutch.

Eric Chatfield Jr | TSF | has been around the game for a while. You can see he has been observant and soaking in the information for a variety of reasons. The Pace Academy guard is a leader who leads through his play on the floor. He is a defensive menace, and skilled enough to run the team at a high level. His ability to get into the paint to make plays for others is exceptional. Some college programs have already been offered and look for many more to check in on this prospect.

Jalen Reece | Florida Rebels | is truly an extension of the coach on the floor. He runs the program due to the fact he has been at the point regularly. The Oak Ridge High product changes the pace of play and is deadly from the perimeter. His confidence, which is important in the position, is prevalent in his performance on the floor.

Guards

Shon Abaev | SOH Elite | is a stock riser. The lefty, from Calvary Christian, is a 6-foot-6 guard. He gets hot from beyond the arc consistently. His shot opens up driving lanes for him and others. Abaev does make things flow with his court vision. Playing up with the 17U doesn’t faze him either. He just plays and allows things to come to him. His stock will continue to rise as the travel season continues. 

Eddie Cooke III | TSF | showed the ability to close out games. The Berkmar High product has knocked shots from all over the floor. He just makes plays and doesn’t shy away from hitting big game-winners. If the production continues it will garner plenty of attention.

Forwards

Caleb Wilson | Georgia Stars | continues to show why so many college programs will be observing this forward. He extends the floor at 6-foot-10 playing inside and outside. His toughness was tested by being poked in the eye. He played through the injury and irritation while playing up with the Georgia Stars in EYBL. Look for him to make a major splash this season.

Tylis Jordan | Game Elite | recruiting schedule will get busy with coaches coming to visit him regularly. This 6-foot-8 Shiloh product is poised and stoic. He battles inside and is an excellent rebounder. His confidence is growing with his consistent play on both ends of the floor. 

Jamier Jones | Florida Rebels | is still one of the more athletic players in the class and country. His game continues to grow. He has expanded it with a decent jumper and still gets to the rim with the explosive first step. He is seeing the game at a different level lately. His energy and athleticism are his superpowers. 

Jacob Wilkins | TSF | put length and skills on display in every possession. He extends the floor beyond the three-point line as a 6-foot-8 wing. This young man is going to cause issues because the jumper is smooth. The Parkview High product is the son of NBA Hall of Fame recipient Dominique Wilkins. His shot is better, which is part of the reason the younger Wilkins is carving out his own basketball path. If you go see him on the EYBL circuit the young fella is wearing the No. 21, like his father. 

Dewayne Brown II | Florida Rebels | is a grown man. The Hoover, Alabama native is 6-foot-9 wide body with great size and footwork. He is aggressive on both ends of the floor. His old-school style of play still translates to the next level. Brown is a walking double-double. His skill set is will attract college programs. 

Centers

Mehki Ragland | Team Huncho | continues to impress. The 6-foot-10 New Jersey native is making tremendous improvements. He has dominated the interior and made life miserable for defenders. His footwork contributes to the Berkmar High product success along with his soft tough inside around the rim. 

Elyiss Williams | South Georgia Elite | is the best-kept secret in Georgia. The secret will soon be out about this 6-foot-9 two-sport prospect. On the hardwood, Williams is a menace on the boards. He goes after every rebound while contesting shots to either alter or reject them. His desire to attack the rim with bad intentions makes him fun to watch. 

Moustapha Thiam | Austin River Southeast Elite | is a post player with a ton of potential. Thiam is 7-foot-1 and is long with a tremendous wing span. He alters shots on the defensive end. His defensive timing is strong. Look for him to anchor the defense this spring and summer. The best part of his game is the offensive skills will catch up with him in due time.