You have had the opportunity to read part 1 on the standouts that I saw at Global Grassroots from Birmingham, AL. Here is Part 2 that contains a few additional standouts that I saw at the event. Elijah Stevenson…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inYou have had the opportunity to read part 1 on the standouts that I saw at Global Grassroots from Birmingham, AL. Here is Part 2 that contains a few additional standouts that I saw at the event.
Elijah Stevenson / 4’11 / Combo Guard / NYBA Bucket Boyz Elite 2029 / Rose Park School (Nashville TN)
Instagram: elijahstevenson27
I had to show some love to this young guy as he was fun to watch. He has a nice game at a young age and was impressive handling the rock. He was running the show for his squad and being the leader on the floor. He brought a lot of energy to the game and got on the floor after 50/50 balls. He was a little blur on the court as he gets up the court quick off the bounce.
One of the most impressive things about Elijah is his ability to change speeds and change direction.
Opportunities for Growth: At this age, it is not about one or two particular things; it is about continuing to work on his overall game.
Jahari Miller / 5’11 / Shooting Guard / Team Teague (Evans) 2027 / Bodhisattvas Homeschool (Indianapolis, IN)
Instagram: Jahari.Miller
Jahari was one of the most athletic players in the 2027 class. He has tools in his toolbox at this stage of his journey that he was able to showcase at #GGN. He was a difficult cover for teams determined to keep him out of the paint. However, that feat was easier thought and planned than executed. I genuinely believe that Jahari hasn’t even scratched the surface of what his game will mature into. There is still a lot of tools to unlock and unleash out of his toolbox. Coming out of #GGN, Jahari definitely is a prospect to monitor over the next couple of years. His name is one that you will see again.
In a dominant 46-22 win over Alabama Fusion, Jahari poured in 12pts.
Opportunities for Growth: J has to hit them push-ups nightly until those around him introduce him to the weight room. With the style of play that Jahari plays, he has to get stronger to take the impact and physical play he experiences every time he attacks the rim. Continue to work on expanding his J.
Tyler Sutton / 5’10 / Combo Guard / D5 Global 2027 / Sala Middle school (Pitman, NJ)
Instagram: tyler_lil_ai
Tyler is a next-level scorer with multiple ways of finishing, and he put it all on display at #GGN. It was a joy to watch his overall game. Tyler showed that he has a massive arsenal at his disposal, whether it was dropping dimes, utilizing the pro-hop, or finishing at the rim with the left or the right. He is a ferocious playmaker and can create for himself or his teammates. I did not see his J, but truthfully I did not see anyone really stop Tyler off the bounce. He got what he wanted off the bounce whenever he wanted.
I am excited about Tyler’s development as he is an emerging prospect and one that we will keep our eyes on.
Opportunities for Growth: Continued work from behind the arc. Continued work on the defensive end with his on-ball D.
Gregory Dunson, Jr. / 5’8 / Point Guard / Atlanta Celtics 2026 / Factory Shoals Middle School (Atlanta, GA)
Instagram: gpopsd
I was extremely eager to watch Gregory play because I noticed him shooting around during half-time of a game. Now I know this is not out of the ordinary, but he had a cameraman recording him while he was shooting. For a rising 8th grader to have a cameraman following him and filming the journey, I said to myself, this kid has to be special. Gregory definitely did not disappoint me, as he played with a tremendous amount of confidence and swag. He was putting pressure on whoever took a chance to defend him as he created off the bounce for himself and his teammates. He finds the balance between scoring and facilitating. I liked how patient he was in ball-screen action, and he made good decisions with the ball in his hands coming off the ball screens.
He didn’t shy away from making tough plays which stem from the confidence that he brings to the floor.
In a 51-35 win over LivOn Fleur-De Lis, Gregory scored a game-high 13pts, including 3-3’s. Opportunities for Growth: Gregory scored from deep but seemed to be streaky, so working on being more consistent from deep is an area for continued development. Continued work on the defensive end with on-ball D.
Larone James / 5’11 / Combo Guard / Drive Nation CTX 2026 / Liberty Hill Middle School (Killeen, Tx)
Instagram: ljdagoat_1k
Larone, simply put, got it done at #GGN. He was terrific in transition as he was one of the quickest players I saw with the ball in his hands from end to end. He is listed as a combo guard, but make no mistake about it; the strength of his game is definitely scoring the rock. He had a monster tourney as he has a next-level scoring package at his disposal. He has immense potential as he was impactful on both ends of the court. His on-ball defense was some of the best that I saw because he played D with just as much energy as he did O. I am really looking forward to watching Larone over the next year and see how his game continues to elevate.
In a tight game from start to finish, Larone scored a game-high 15pts, leading his team to a 39-33 victory over Fast 5.
Opportunities for Growth: His PG IQ is a next step in his growth. Continuing to grow in being able to impact the game in more ways than just with the ball in his hands will raise his trajectory.
This is the second of three articles coming out of the #GGN. Stay tuned for Part 3 on the standouts that I saw putting on shows on the 4th of July weekend in Birmingham, AL.
