While many players from the 16U level of the massive Grassroots Invitational could have a real claim to be included on this list, here are just some of the many stock boosters from the tournament in Louisville. 

Navarion Adams – 2024 – PF – Buckeye State Elite

In my first-time seeing Adams he truly impressed. He has some length and plays with good toughness to score it exceptionally well around the basket. Whether it was Adams throwing down a couple thunderous dunks in transition, finishing dump offs strong or battling to score on put backs, he was effective inside. He was also an aggressive interior defender locking down his man or blocking shots as a help defender. 

Zay Baker – 2024 – PG – George Hill All Indy

A true breakout performance by Baker at the Grassroots Invitational. The point guard was playing smart with the ball in his hands, getting into the defense and distributing it, hitting shots from the outside, and simply playing with great energy outworking his opponents. He is good playmaker the is at his best playing off the dribble with his quickness and shiftiness. Baker was also a big factor on the defensive side pressuring the ball effectively. 

Willie Duke – 2024 – PG – United Persuit

Even without scoring a ton, Duke showed a great ability to impact a game on both ends of the floor. He has a great ability to break down defenders getting into the paint with his strong handle and is very shifty with ability to change speeds. The point guard showed a good distributing ability making several nice passes in a single game. As well, he has a good ability to apply plenty of ball pressure on opposing guards. 

Kaleb Isom – 2024 – PG – Hoopforce

A natural point guard that plays well off the dribble getting into the defense creating. He has good handle as well as moves to beat defenders with ease. He sees the floor well and drives into the paint with a purpose making good decisions with the ball. As well to getting to the bucket and distributing it out Isom also created for himself in the mid-range. 

Robert Kennedy Jr. – 2025 – G/F – Meanstreets Select 

Kennedy is a strong wing that was playing with tremendous energy throughout the tournament. A highly impactful player that did plenty for his team. He was most effective scoring when attacking the basket with his good moves off the dribble as well to being very active on the glass to converting on plenty of put backs. 

Brady Nicholson – 2024 – SG – Yanders Law

While I have seen some good performances from Nicholson in the past, I saw him elevate his game in Louisville showing plenty of skill. He has some size in the backcourt with good length and knows how to play. He was at his best attacking the basket where he finished well all around the paint right over big men but can also spot up and hit a three. 

Eli Podoll – 2024 – PG – Wisconsin Swing

An extremely tough guard that played well on both ends of the court. Throughout the tournament as well as this spring Podoll continuously showed his great ability on the defensive side locking down on the perimeter. He also plays extremely tough attacking the basket fighting right through contact to get to the basket and finish. 

Shane Ryske – 2024 – SG – United Persuit

Over the course of multiple game this weekend, the two guard displayed his shot making ability. He has great form on his jumper hitting them very well spotting up from the perimeter. A smart guard with good shot selection that didn’t force his jumper. Plus, Ryske was constantly working on the defensive end to shut down his man.