When most people think of San Diego, undoubtedly what comes to mind is the water, beautiful views, and luxury living. What many may not recognize is a tight-knit basketball community full of grassroots programs that produce prospects at a high…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inWhen most people think of San Diego, undoubtedly what comes to mind is the water, beautiful views, and luxury living. What many may not recognize is a tight-knit basketball community full of grassroots programs that produce prospects at a high rate. The San Diego Prospects are one of those programs. Founded in 2014 by director Will Gray, the prospects have solidified themselves as a pillar program on the west coast. Now they’re looking to make a name for themselves on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
For more information on the Prep Hoops Next Circuit, click here.
Thank You For Your Service:
As a high school athlete, Will Gray had dreams of going on to play in college, however, he felt the call of duty leading him to go in a different direction. After playing football and basketball in high school, Gray made the decision to join the United States Air Force.
The Program Builder:
After serving 8 years in the US Air Force, Gray decided to serve his community, doubling as a high school football coach, During his time on the gridiron, the coach has garnered a reputation as a program builder. After inheriting a winless Kearny high varsity team in 2014, Gray began to turn the program around, winning 6 games in the next season, culminating with a program-high of 9 wins during the 2017 season.
Building the Prospects:
On the Hardwood, the prospects haven’t been quite the same Cinderella story. Originally founded as a high school program in 2014, numerous players have gone on to play college basketball since their inception, including current University of Nevada Reno player Robby Roberson who continues to give back to the program. Despite pulling from only a pool of local high school talent, the Prospects were a contender from the jump. “We basically had a local H.S team and took them to Dallas and to the Nationals in Florida. We won the Dallas tournament and placed 4th out of 60 teams in Florida,” he said. Gray has built his program on one simple principle : No kid left behind. “This is our way of giving back, and our hopes (are) as our kids go on to college they’ll come back and give back to the program.”
The Roster:
The Prospects roster is full of well, prospects. Loaded with several potential next-level kids, the Prep Hoops Next Circuit is the perfect opportunity for them to compete while generating exposure. Take a look at the list and learn a little bit more about the prospects.
Jayden Gray | 5’11 | Wing | 2026
Coaches Take on Jayden:
He’s why we jumped from H.S down to youth. A lot of our players came to play and build a team with him at the 2026 level. He would probably be considered our biggest prospect in the program. He plays everything from 1 to 5 for the team. He’s a bigger kid 5’11 173, offensively he’s a difficult cover. If kids are smaller, he goes inside, if kids are bigger than him then he takes them outside. Scores from all 3 levels and defensively he leads our team in blocks and rebounds. His best position currently is the 3 It’s where he creates a lot of mismatch nightmares for us.
Trey Degrate | 5’10 | Point Guard | 2025
Coaches Take on Trey:
He is a defensive nightmare. At the point guard position, he is probably one of the best on-ball defenders I’ve ever coached. People like to compare him to Patrick Beverly. He draws at least two to 3 charges per game, he’s probably one of the quickest guards on the court and can get to the hole any time.
Dax Hall | 5’4 | Point Guard | 2027
Coaches Take on Dax:
He is one of the best guards on the west coast, he’ll play up with the 2026 team. “Mr. Dax” as Gray affectionately calls him, is is a lights-out shooter, who controls the pace of the game offensively. He takes care of all of our dribbling needs and gets to the hole at will. Dax is a super unselfish pass first PG with the ability to knock down shots when needed. He’s an all-around team player.” He doesn’t shoot the ball enough for me”
Jordan Walker | 5’3 | Point Guard | 2027
Coaches Take on Jordan:
Reminds me of a Trey DeGrate. He’s going to be one of the fastest and strongest kids on the court. His defense is currently at a 2025 level. I trust him to play defense against 2025 players. His offensive game is starting to come around, and I think he’s going to be the next breakout player for the San Diego Prospects.
Julius Brower | 5’7 | Wing | 2026
Coaches Take on Julius:
He’s one of my glue guys. He plays up against 2025 competition as well. He’s a high IQ knockdown shooter. “Probably the smartest person we have on the court. He’s a lockdown defender who is another of our “All about Defense guys” He just plays defense, and doesn’t care if the kid is bigger than him.
Austin Brown | 5’2 | Shooting Guard | 2027
There are high expectations on Brown, as after only a short time with the program he has displayed the talent to be a big-time prospect.
Coaches Take on Austin:
He’s a newer guy to our program, only being with us a couple of months now. He is the best shooting guard in the class of 2027 and I’m willing to put a steak dinner on it.
A little bit of travel….
February 6th – 7th | Prep Hoops West Coast Kickoff | Ladera Ranch, CA
March 5th – 7th | Indianapolis, IN
March 19th – 21st | GMC | Dallas, TX
April 9th – 11th | Bash in the Desert | Gilbert, AZ
April 23rd – 25th | New Orleans, LA
All about the Boom:
The San Diego Prospects are a family-oriented basketball club first. If one parent can’t afford to do it, another one will get it done. “We break with the word family and our parent’s huddle at the end of practice and the end of games and they use the word family” Gray said. “We are not an overly huge club, but we are an overly tight club. As it’s been stated in the last few months, we have the best traveling fan base out there, Wherever we go everybody knows about the Boom.”
Goals for the Prospects:
Like many teams, the goal for Gray is to have his team compete at a high level, however, winning is not the only goal for the prospects. “Our biggest thing from day 1 is getting the kids the opportunity to shine.”
