The 2031 group may have been the deepest and most talented class at the NXT 100 Southeast from top to bottom. There was no shortage of playmakers, with guards consistently creating advantages, wings showing positional versatility, and athletes impacting the game on both ends of the floor. What separated this class was its feel for the game, as players made smart reads, embraced team basketball, and competed with confidence every possession. Several prospects have already taken major strides over the past year, while others look primed for breakout campaigns heading into the school season. If this weekend was any indication, the class of 2031 has a chance to be one of the strongest groups in the region over the next several years.
Taylor Ricketts-Knowles | 2031
Ricketts-Knowles brings intriguing length and versatility to the floor every time he checks in. Comfortable playing either guard or wing, he never looks rushed and allows the game to unfold naturally. His two way ability gives him value on every possession, whether creating offense or making an impact defensively. The upside continues to grow as he adds strength and confidence.
William Armstrong IV | 2031
Armstrong IV has a crafty offensive game that keeps defenders guessing. He attacks downhill with confidence, finds creative angles to finish, and delivers timely passes when help rotates. His feel for the game stands out because he rarely forces the action. He simply knows how to make the right basketball play.
Conner Jones | 2031
Once Jones gets downhill with a full head of steam, defenses are usually playing from behind. He recognizes advantages before they fully develop and wastes little time attacking them. Jones processes the game at a high level and consistently makes the correct read whether scoring or setting up a teammate. His combination of physicality and basketball IQ makes him a difficult matchup.
Christian Williams | 2031
Williams continues taking meaningful steps forward each time he’s evaluated. His ability to create his own shot has added another dimension to an already productive offensive game. He is knocking down the mid range and three point shot with confidence while still putting pressure on the rim. His development is trending in the right direction.
Cooper Head | 2031
Head flat out knows how to fill it up. A true three level scorer, he has the handle, quickness, and confidence to create offense from anywhere on the floor. Once he gets into rhythm, the basket seems to grow with every possession. His work ethic shows through the polish in his game.
Cameron Charleswell | 2031
Charleswell quarterbacks the offense with poise and purpose. He pushes the tempo when opportunities are there, but never sacrifices control to play fast. His ability to generate paint touches keeps defenses collapsing and creates quality looks for teammates. As a lead guard, he understands how to dictate the flow of a game.
Aiden Harris | 2031
Aiden Harris is a lanky prospect who understands the game at a high level for a rising 8th grader. He impacts the game from baseline to baseline and has the versatility to play effectively on the wing or around the basket. Harris consistently displays excellent timing defensively, whether rotating to help, contesting shots, or disrupting passing lanes. Offensively, his IQ stands out through his decision making, spacing, and ability to make the right play. With his size, feel for the game, and two way impact, Harris is a prospect with considerable upside in the 2031 class.
Paul Smith II | 2031
Paul Smith II is a decisive guard who consistently makes the right read with the ball in his hands. He excels playmaking off the live dribble, creating opportunities for teammates while keeping defenses under pressure. Smith has a knack for finding the basketball and making timely plays on both ends of the floor. His feel for the game and ability to impact possessions stand out.
Ayden McDonald | 2031
McDonald is a true two way guard who understands how to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He thrives attacking gaps in the defense, constantly applying pressure and forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations. Offensively, he creates turnovers by turning defense into offense and capitalizing on mistakes in transition. McDonald plays the two guard spot well, stays aggressive, and competes every possession. His activity level and ability to generate momentum for his team stand out.
Noah Jones | 2031
Jones put together a dominant showing at the NXT 100 Southeast, leading the NBA Division in scoring and proving nearly impossible to slow down once he found a rhythm. A true three level scorer, he can hurt defenses from beyond the arc, in the mid range, or at the rim. When Jones gets into attack mode, defenders are often left searching for answers as he strings together buckets in a hurry. What makes his performance even more impressive is the humility and coachability he brings to the floor every day. The production speaks for itself, but his approach to the game is just as impressive.
