Up Next Elite Camp - New Orleans August 23 & 24

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to cover the Up Next Elite Camp in New Orleans, an event that showcased many of the nation’s premier 8th, 9th, and 10th grade basketball prospects. The camp offered comprehensive on-court instruction, educational seminars for parents, and presentations from distinguished speakers representing both the NBA and collegiate levels. In addition, several NBA and college players were in attendance to lend their support, including Keyonté George (Utah Jazz), Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers), Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards), and, most notably, Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies).

Before I dive into my event report, I want to take a moment to share a message directly with the players. As an evaluator, my role is to assess talent, but I approach each player with an open mind. At this stage, players are constantly growing and evolving, and I recognize that the next time I see you, you may look completely different on the court.

That being said, I want to emphasize this, Your Attitude Matters. Your willingness to be coached matters. Your communication matters. Over the weekend, I noticed negative body language, players dismissing coaching, pouting on the bench when minutes didn’t go their way, and even failing to support teammates after a win. Those things do not go unnoticed.

You may not be able to control everything that happens on or off the court, but you can always control your effort, your energy, and your attitude. And trust me, those details make a difference.

Joshuya Sanders || Forward || C/O 2029 || Central Fellowship Christian Academy

Joshuya showcased an impressive blend of athleticism and activity on both ends of the floor. He consistently attacked the rim, finishing through contact on straight-line drives, converting around the rim with both hand. His energy on the glass stood out, collecting multiple offensive rebounds that led to putbacks and emphatic tip dunks. Defensively, his timing was evident blocking several shots on the interior and from the perimeter.

Kai Lowery || Guard || C/O 2029 || Northwestern High School

Kai displayed versatility as a shot-maker, converting from all over the floor, knocking down runner off the glass through contact in the lane, connecting on midrange jumper from the free-throw line. And showcasing his ability to create off the dribble from the 3tp line, knocking several throughout the camp.

Dylan Vaughn || Forward || C/O 2028 || East Ascension High School

Dylan consistently impacted the game with his high motor and activity. On the offensive glass, he showed great persistence, securing multiple rebounds and finishing efficiently with putback layups, while also creating extra possessions with smart kick-outs. Defensively, he demonstrated discipline by staying vertical to alter and block shots, while also flashing quick hands with a steal at midcourt that he converted into an easy transition layup. Overall, his effort, physicality, and ability to generate second-chance opportunities made him a highly effective two-way contributor.

Ashtin Chancellor || Forward || C/O 2028 || Jim Hill High School

Ashtin excelled in transition, filling lanes for easy finishes and pushing the ball off defensive rebounds to initiate the offense. His length was an asset defensively, as he disrupted passing lanes and turned steals into fastbreak opportunities. He also contributed on the offensive glass, converting second-chance points with putback layups and finishing effectively out of pick-and-roll actions. However, improving touch around the rim remains an area of growth, as he missed several point-blank opportunities that could have further elevated his impact.

Christoper Roberts || Guard || C/O 2028 || Parrish Community High

Christopher displayed a dynamic offensive arsenal, blending scoring and playmaking at a high level. He proved effective in transition, pushing the ball off rebounds and finishing at the rim while also knocking down perimeter shots, including pull-up threes. In the halfcourt, he showed confidence as a shot-maker with a contested midrange jumper and the ability to create for teammates through pick-and-roll reads, lob passes, and no-look assists. His combination of downhill aggression, perimeter shooting, and playmaking instincts made him a versatile and impactful offensive threat.presence.

Marceles Duncan || Forward || C/O 2028 || Rangview

Marceles showed strong two-way impact with a mix of scoring and defensive playmaking. Offensively, he was effective in pick-and-roll situations, finishing at the rim with both hands, while also displaying perimeter shooting ability by knocking down threes off the catch and pulling up in early offense. He added versatility by rejecting screens to attack the rim and consistently creating pressure on the defense. Defensively, he made timely reads in the passing lanes, turning steals into transition layups, including a key backcourt steal and finish to tie the game and force overtime. His ability to score at all three levels and generate momentum-shifting defensive plays highlighted his complete impact.

Tory Walker Jr. || Forward || C/O 2030 || John Curtis Christian

Tory player displayed shot-making versatility, converting a difficult floater in transition after using a crafty behind-the-back move to elude the defender, and also showing range by knocking down a catch-and-shoot three from the top of the key. His ability to score both off the dribble and in spot-up situations highlighted his offensive versatility.

Jacori Wright || Forward || C/O 2029 || Sumter

Jacori demonstrates excellent court awareness and finishing ability, consistently creating scoring opportunities both in transition and half-court settings. He reads passing lanes effectively, converting turnovers into easy layups, and shows versatility by scoring from both the right and left sides of the floor. In addition, he can knock down catch-and-shoot threes and finish through contact, displaying both skill and composure around the rim.

Leroy Smith || Guard || C/O 2028 || McDonogh 35

Leroy shows a diverse scoring arsenal, capable of creating his own shot off the dribble, finishing with floaters and high-arching left-handed layups, and stretching the floor with pull-up three-pointers. He demonstrates agility in navigating screens and attacking from multiple angles, making him a versatile offensive threat.

Asaiah Miles || Guard || C/O 2030 || Holy Cross

Asaiah a reliable shooter, capable of knocking down catch-and-shoot threes from multiple spots on the floor, including both wings and corners. He also contributes as a facilitator, showing court vision in transition by creating easy scoring opportunities for teammates.

Camryn Brown || Guard || C/O 2028 || McDonogh 35

Camryn demonstrates strong decision-making and pace in pick-and-roll situations, effectively reading defenses to set up teammates while also capable of creating his own shot with a pull-up mid-range jumper. His ability to balance facilitation and scoring makes him a versatile offensive threat.