Next Up in the Paint: E60
Every few years, you can feel the shift. The next generation of bigs starts showing signs that they’re not just tall. You can already see the habits forming. How they rotate. How they talk on defense. How they read closeouts and make decisions in motion. The polish is still developing, but the understanding is there. This group doesn’t just project as potential. They’re producing now and that’s what makes them special talents.
’29 Emmanuel Ouédraogo | 6’10” F | Wilson Academy (GA)
“14 years old and already a gold medalist for Ivory Coast at the FIBA U16 Afrobasket. Fast in the open floor, relentless motor, rim protector, and crafty around the basket.”
At fourteen, Emmanuel Ouédraogo has already competed on a FIBA stage that most players his age typically dream about. He played a big role in helping his Ivory Coast team to win a gold medal at the FIBA U16 Afrobasket Championships. Most notably, he recorded 10 points, 20 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block in the medal game. Those numbers reflect more than potential. They reflect poise and readiness.
He plays with control. Ouédraogo doesn’t waste motion or drift through possessions. On offense, he’s efficient around the basket with dunks and quick putbacks off the glass. His hands are reliable and his footwork shows promise. The effort never drops. Every rebound looks like it matters. Every possession feels like a chance to help his team.
Ouédraogo’s upside is clear, but what separates him is consistency. He plays with effort that doesn’t need motivation. For someone this young, that trait is rare. He’s already competing with structure and confidence, which gives him a real foundation to build on as he continues to grow into his frame.
’29 Kaedyn Cole | 6’7” W | Grace Christian-Sanford (NC)
“‘29 Kaedyn Cole, 6’7″ W out of Grace Christian-Sanford (NC) earned wing MVP at @NGSHoops Elite 60. Excellent athlete that played w/ a great motor. Handled pressure well with either hand & finished emphatically. Showed touch, protects the rim & improved each time out. Watch out.”
Kaedyn Cole put together one of the most complete performances at theElite 60, walking away with the Wing MVP title after stringing together a series of productive games against high level opposition. At 6’7”, his frame and agility immediately stand out. His competitiveness and maturity also are huge proponents of his game. Every action feels measured and deliberate.
He’s showing growth as a creator off the dribble and gets downhill quickly. Cole also finishes through contact, uses both hands effectively and stays composed in traffic. His reads off the dribble are sharpening and defensively, he covers ground well, rotating early and contesting shots without chasing blocks.
What really impressed us all at Elite 60 was how consistent his motor stayed. He ran the floor hard in every possession, stayed vocal, led by example and did the little things. He was not concerned with highlight plays. The foundation is there.
’30 Joshua Sanders | 6’9” WF | Central Fellowship (GA)
“‘30 Joshua Sanders, 6’9″ WF out of Central Fellowship (GA) was clicking on all cylinders. 8th grader is developing his turnaround jumper while still learning to consistently attack the rim. Moves exceptionally well for his size. Lefty w/ scary potential as a prospect nationally. Was one of just 2 8th graders in attendance.”
Joshua Sanders turned heads the moment he stepped onto the court. At 6’9”, with a natural left-handed form and clear intent to be aggressive, he quickly established himself as a top 2030 prospect in the nation.
His mid-range turnaround jumper was picturesque and he shot it with confidence. He’s starting to use it in rhythm instead of relying solely on length. That touch, paired with his improving fluidity gives him an opportunity to become a modern hybrid forward at a high level one day.
Sanders didn’t play rushed. He took his time, read the floor and made plays based on what the defense gave him. If they crowd him, he uses his body to create space. If they sagged off, he pulled up or took his time to let a play develop. He’s learning how to use angles to get to his spots.
Rebounding is another strength. He didn’t wait for the ball to drop. He went and got it. The same goes for defense. He contested shots without overextending and used his length to bother shooters. His activity level and focus stayed high throughout his matchups.
What makes Sanders interesting long-term is that he already has the skills that take time for most players to develop. The size, the developing fluidity and the left-hand skill package all point toward a trajectory that could take him far (high major) if he continues putting in the work.
’30 Deion Jordan | 6’7” SF | Calvary Christian Academy (FL)
“‘30 Deion Jordan, 6’7” SF from Calvary Christian Academy (FL) can do some of everything. Competed well despite playing up against some of the best in the 2029 class. Worked on the glass, ran the floor, created offense and was vocal. Could become a high-level prospect in time.”
Deion Jordan just plays. No tricks, no rush. Six-seven with a long frame and good balance, and he uses it. At the Elite 60 he went against older players and didn’t miss a beat. I love that he welcomed the physicality of older players. He grabbed rebounds, sprinted the floor consistently and was a vocal centerpiece on the defensive side of the ball. You could see him figuring things out as the camp continued on.
He was constantly moving. Always cutting, always showing up around the ball. Those little things, the ones nobody claps for, that’s what he did best. Offensively he takes what’s there. A quick drive, maybe a pull-up, maybe a drop-off pass if help slides. Keeps it simple. On defense he’s alert, uses his reach and doesn’t foul much, which I consider to be a rare quality for an active defender.
He’s not flashy, just steady. Keeps the same pace whether he’s scoring or not. That’s what coaches notice. Give him another year of work and strength and we might be looking at another elite prospect that will become a no-brainer D1 recruit. He’s got the right mindset and that’s half the battle.
They’ve got size, they’ve got skill, and they play with the kind of mindset you can build a program around. Watch them for a bit and you’ll see what I mean. It isn’t flash. It isn’t about numbers or who gets tagged online. It’s just effort and focus, every trip down the floor.
They each bring their own thing to the table. One’s strong inside, one runs the floor, one keeps everything connected. Together they show where the game’s headed. They’re not sitting around waiting to be noticed. They’re already in gyms, already grinding, already proving it. The names will keep changing, but the idea won’t. This is what it looks like when you’re next up in the paint.