Toni Bryant: Southeastern Prep's 1st McDonald's All American?

Some players are just gifted on the court, and some are gifted with tools. Some have neither. For five star senior Toni Bryant, he was naturally gifted the physical profile and athleticism, but his on court skills have been something that he has worked diligently at. This has become something that he is still learning and embracing on a daily basis, no matter the ups and downs.

Photo courtesy of Miles Combs

“I just feel like it’s been a process trying to figure out what I need to do,” the Southeastern Prep (Orlando, Fla.) senior admitted to Ballislife about the development of his offensive skill set. “Obviously, I have dropped in the rankings trying to figure out my game and expand it. I think I’ve found my game in the mid-range, rebounding, playing hard, and blocking shots.”

The level of humility that the Tampa product exhibits is refreshing, as you don’t see many Top 15 players nationally acknowledge that they’re still figuring it out in regards to their game. It has been a bit of whirlwind past nine months for the 6-foot-9 face-up forward as well. After making it to the state final four at North Tampa Christian as a junior, he followed head coach Zach Reynolds to Zephyrhills Christian (Fla.). Following a mid-season coaching change at Zephyrhills, he jumped to emerging power Southeastern Prep to join a roster that includes five star prospects CJ Rosser, Obinna Ekezie Jr., Beckham Black, and Jaxon Richardson.

Knowing that he’s facing a different role in Orlando at Southeastern, Bryant isn’t concerened about putting up the gaudy numbers that he was putting up at Zephyrhills. He’s concerned about winning.

“I want people to see I’m a dog. Every time I step on the floor, I want people to know my presence. I’m there,” Bryant confidently said after a game at the Tarkanian Classic. “Even if it’s not scoring, it’s talking and making the right plays. For the fans who haven’t seen me, I’m bringing a winner. I’m going to help win games and making winning plays.”

Missouri commit Toni Bryant made his SEPA debut tonight at Flying to the Hoop pic.twitter.com/Ob0rQS3kjZ

— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) January 17, 2026

The winning culture the 19-year old intends to bring extends far beyond the high school level, too. He is the key piece in a Missouri recruiting class that sits in the top five nationally and will likely be the best that the Tigers have ever seen. Fellow five star Jason Crowe Jr. and top-75 sharpshooter Aidan Chronister will join Bryant in Columbia, and he’s excited to get on the hardwood with his fellow freshmen, especially Crowe Jr.

“People don’t know, but he can really pass the ball,” Toni explained in his scouting breakdown of California’s all-time leading scorer. “I played with him at a camp and he’s a great passer, but he just has to score for his team to win.”

He added “After I committed, we went straight to trying to get Aidan. We were both on it. I think we got our recruiting class. I don’t know what Coach Gates has up his sleeve, but it’s been pretty silent lately.”

The immensely talented forward has all of the tools that you look for out of a modern forward, but is just scratching the surface of where he can be down the road. He has a soft touch finishing in the paint, is a constant lob threat, and is a reliable shooter from mid-range. Defensively, he possesses incredible agility to guard in space, has a high level of activity, and offers presence at the rim. While many of the tangibles are there with his game, the Tre Mann Elite alum feels there is one aspect of his game that people are really forgetting about.

“I think people don’t realize I can step out and hit a shot,” the Puma Pro16 First Team selection said matter of factly. “I don’t take too many of them, but I can definitely hit the three ball.”

Adding a reliable 3-point shot to his game would only take the five star prospect’s game to new heights. While Bryant isn’t concerned about rankings or individual accolades at the moment with Southeastern Prep, there is one personal goal that he would like to cross off the list before his high school career is over: Becoming a 2026 McDonald’s All-American.

“I’m just going to play the right way,” Bryant petitioned making his case for his McDonald’s game selection. “I’m a great person, I’m always smiling, and I think that personality has a lot to do with how you perform on the court.”