Who is Blowing Up This Travel Ball Season?

6’8 Zymicah Wilkins (Christ School/Team United)

Since April, Wilkins has undoubtedly been among the hottest names on the recruiting trail. His incredibly consistent production has stood out across every possible setting (camps, travel ball, high school), and coaches have taken notice. In the last three months, Wilkins has collected offers from Villanova, Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, and Seton Hall (re-offer). Add those to the 15 offers he already held, and the big man basically has his choice of where to further his playing career. Wilkins is a highly skilled post player with touch, vision, ball skills, perimeter shooting, and excellent feel on both ends of the floor. He’s a quality rebounder who utilizes his body well to shield opponents and get position. Wilkins will likely only continue to collect offers over the coming months.

6’2 Chance Gladden (Ravenscroft/Team CP3)

After a highly productive high school season where no schools extended offers, Gladden has received five scholarships (Boston, Hampton, Presbyterian, Stetson, and Northeastern) since May. He provides an incredibly reliable shooting presence in addition to IQ, shot creation, and playmaking ability. Gladden has great size, which is visible as a defender and rebounder. He’s the type of low-maintenance player who can consistently impact the game with or without the ball in his hands. He’s previously shown the ability to shine as the primary focal point, but has found equal success when playing in a role. College coaches should continue to aggressively pursue Gladden, as his malleability makes him an appealing target for all types of programs.

6’3 Will James (Holly Springs/SW15H Elite)

Similar to the previous entry, James has rapidly become one of the most coveted prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2025. He earned a Radford offer last summer but has seemingly blown up during his time with SW15H Elite. Since May, James has collected offers from UC San Diego, Toledo, Presbyterian, Indiana State, Boston, Eastern Kentucky, and Elon. His momentum hasn’t wavered during the high school live period, either. If there were any questions regarding his on-court identity, they’ve certainly been answered over the last few months. James is a strong, powerful, well-rounded guard whose improvements as a shooter and playmaker have made him virtually unstoppable. He’s a smart decision-maker with the ability to initiate the offense or apply scoring pressure from all levels. Add in his defense and rebounding, and it’s easy to see why he’s trending upward. Expect his offer sheet to continue expanding.

6’4 KJ Younger (Weddington/1 of 1 Elite)

While it might not be as evident as the others listed, Younger has gained a lot of traction with college coaches this summer. He collected a Samford offer, but his recruitment is truly just beginning to unfold. Younger has showcased a dynamic identity with an uncommon blend of size, skill, and strength. He’s a powerful athlete and strong finisher who has shown more and more ability with the ball in his hands. Younger is difficult to stop from getting downhill and applying pressure at the rim, but is also a capable shooting threat with vision and ability from midrange or beyond the arc. He’s a terrific rebounder and versatile defender who regularly defends or outworks bigger opponents for extra opportunities. Younger is clearly trending upward as a prospect.

6’3 Johnniyus Sharpe (Reidsville/Team United)

While it may not be in the form of offers, Sharpe is someone who is being talked about far more during this summer season. He’s always been a problem for opponents due to his penetration, instincts, and overall athleticism. While those qualities still remain a constant, Sharpe has clearly taken another step while outperforming other notable players on the court. He’s still difficult for others to keep in front, but his uptick in three-point shooting has elevated his game to another level. Sharpe scores however he wants, displays playmaking feel, and consistently outworks opponents defensively. He’ll likely play football in college, but he should definitely be taken seriously as a basketball prospect.