The shoe circuit is officially upon us. With all of the respective sneaker brands getting ready to get things jumping, it was Puma that took the lead with getting all of their 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 for all onlookers via their app, and marquee talent showcased their skills while donning the brand that 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, but here are the best of the best that we saw from Puma’s Pro 16 stop in the Motor City:
Rodger Bohn (Ballislife)
Evan Willis, 6’8, SF, BTI United, 2028
The highest ranked player in the event lived up to his reputation with his new AAU squad throughout their 4-0 weekend. The Santa Monica (Calif.) Crossroads sophomore absolutely changed the game on both ends with his athleticism, showed the ability to play make for others as a facilitator, and was reliable shooting the ball from three with his feet set. Considered a top ten recruit in the class of ’28 by virtually every scouting service, the improvement that Willis has shown as a swingman leads me to believe that we’ll be seeing him in the top 5 sooner rather than later.
Reese Alston, 6’3, PG, Cooz Elite, 2027
The son of the legendary Rafer Alston did absolutely everything in his power to show why he should be the top point guard in 2027 with his play at Pro16. Approaching 6-foot-4, the younger Alston has elite size for a lead guard, has the most creative handle of anyone in the glass, and is simply special at playing the game at his own speed. With a junior class that is loaded with guards such as Becklham Black and Nasir Anderson, it will be a fun ride to see which of the three solidifies themselves as 2027’s best playmaker, as they all have a case.
Howard Williams, 6’6, SF, Team Haliburton, 2027
One of the more physically imposing wings in Pro16, Howard Williams showed he could get it done inside and out for Team Haliburton. Williams posted smaller swingmen, hit a number of deep 3-pointers, and thrived playing through contact. Having already played varsity since his middle school days, then in both the EYBL Scholastic at Oak Hill and for Overtime Elite, the Chicago product will bring a refined swingman to whatever college lands him.
Zion Green, 6’9, SF/PF, Team As Promised, 2027
As far as upside is concerned, there aren’t many players in the Pro16 League that offer more than Zion Green. The agile forward showcased his super quick leaping ability on both ends, has tantalizing 3-point range, and is rapidly trending towards being a full time wing. The Philly native is just scratching the surface of what he could become down the road, but certainly has the talent to reach five star status.
Jomar Bernard, 6’7, SF, Tre Mann Elite, 2027
Approaching 6-foot-8, the growth that Jomar Bernard has made in the past year both physically and with his game is impressive. Playing all three perimeter spots, Bernard showed the ability to create for himself/others, converted on a number of high level shots off the bounce, and exhibited immense potential defensively. The Puerto Rican rising senior has already made a rapid ascension up the national rankings and based on his play in Detroit, should continue to with his play at Pro16.
Omari Jointer, 6’3, PG, Kentucky Basketball Club, 2027
The best guard in Kentucky’s junior class, Omari Jointer showed that he could hold his own with the best that Puma has to offer at the Pro16 League. The powerful point guard was a bull to stop going down hill, made defenders pay that sagged off his jump shot, and excelled playing through contact once he got to the rack. Having picked up an offer from TCU this past week, Jointer is certainly showing that he’s next in line out of the Bluegrass State.
Editor’s Pick
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