The shoe circuit is officially upon us. With all the respective sneaker brands getting ready to get things started, Puma took the lead by bringing its programs under one roof in Detroit for its Pro16 League.
Held at Huntington Place in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Pro16 League packed over 25 courts under one roof to create an outstanding weekend of basketball for fans, players, and scouts alike. The marquee court had all games streamed with commentary on YouTube, rosters were available to all onlookers via the app, and marquee talent showcased their skills while donning the brand Walt “Clyde” Frazier made famous.
Taking in portions of well over 50 games throughout the weekend, there was no shortage of prospects who caught our eye. Having already profiled Reese Alston, Howard Williams, Omari Jointer, Jomar Bernard, and Zion Green in our Puma Pro16 top performers article, here are six more seniors who stole the show in Detroit:
Photos courtesy of Pro16 League
OJ Popoola, 6’6″, SG/SF, BTI United
After completely blowing up at last winter’s Tarkanian Classic, OJ Popoola showed everyone in Motown why he’s one of the best two-way wings in the class of 2027. Making a bit of a homecoming (he played his sophomore campaign at Detroit’s Voyager Academy), the swingman displayed his insane ability to finish at every angle, defended virtually every spot on the floor, and posed a constant threat both as a cutter and on the offensive glass.
The son of former UNLV wing Christian Popoola will be following in his father’s footsteps to the high major level and should see a considerable jump in the national rankings.
Dawson Battie, 6’9″, PF, Southern Ties
Photos courtesy of Pro16 League
One of the more skilled forwards in the class of 2027, 6-foot-9 Dawson Battie did a little bit of everything for Southern Ties at the Detroit session of Puma Pro16. The son of NBA veteran and former No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft, Tony Battie, may not have his father’s athleticism quite yet, but he has a skill level that is quite unique for a player his age.
Dawson is a viable pick-and-pop threat who can playmake for others both out of the post and facing the basket. When you toss in the fact that he will willingly exploit mismatches on the block, it’s easy to see why the five-star recruit is one of the bigger matchup problems in Pro16.
London Dada, 6’8″, SF, Nebraska Supreme
Photos courtesy of Pro16 League
The next big thing out of Nebraska, London Dada left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’s a high-major prospect with his play at Pro16. The lanky swingman showcased range out to the NBA 3-point line, had a nice pull-up off the bounce, and put his height to use to get buckets over the top of defenders.
Owning offers from Creighton, Nebraska, and Iowa, Dada is the Cornhusker State’s marquee player in the 2027 class.
Brandon Pemberton, 6’4″, SG, 444 Athletics
First 3VPs@PRO16League
Week 4 – Detroit
17u @CoachCBWilliams has 444 Athletics tuned up and left no doubt in a huge win to start the weekend.
Charles Matthews
James Turner
Brandon Pemberton
Atlanta club been impressive.
Podium: https://t.co/wWmR0AIGVX pic.twitter.com/3WlPkzYyWX
— Dodson (@DoingItDodson) April 17, 2026
A name that I had heard but not yet evaluated, Brandon Pemberton showed serious potential as a big guard at Pro16. Possessing a 6-foot-11 wingspan, the Georgia product amassed a ton of deflections, finished over the top of bigger defenders, and showed the ability to create off the bounce.
Still wide open recruiting-wise, Pemberton has all of the raw talent to be one of the names that emerge on the Puma circuit this spring.
Akol Nyok, 7’0″, C, Tre Mann Elite
Photos courtesy of Pro16 League
A player I was not familiar with going into Pro16, Akol Nyok, stood out from the moment I walked into the gym in Detroit. Every bit of 7 feet, the rising senior moves incredibly well, has some pop vertically, and has a higher skill level than you’d expect out of a developing center.
Still a bit under the radar, Detroit Mercy put a scholarship on the table immediately after the event, and plenty more will be following suit for this intriguing big man.
Theo Edema, 7’0″, C, Team New England
Photos courtesy of Pro16 League
The most physically imposing big man Pro16 had to offer, Theo Edema, showed why high majors are hot on his trail. The massive junior creates a ton of space in the paint with his broad shoulders, thrives playing through contact, and is an interior defensive presence walling up.
With Kansas reportedly being close to offering, Edema will be an essential piece for New England power Cushing Academy (Mass.).
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