2025 Best of the South: 17U Top Performers, Part III
Yet another Best of the South is officially behind us and the 2025 stanza didn’t disappoint. Our staff patrolled the Georgia International Convention Center throughout the weekend, looking for the next group of players to start – or continue – their respective stories.
Meet some of our 17-and-under top performers from the July NCAA live period event…
RELATED: 17U Top Performers, Part I | Part II
Aden Jeffries, 2026 WF, Durham Hurricanes: The Hurricanes started out the weekend going 3-0 but ran into some tough competition as the event went on. Still, Aden Jeffries had college coaches talking on the baseline. He is a long and lanky forward prospect that can really stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Once he fills out a little more and gains some muscle he could really turn into a problem going into his senior year at Southern Durham (NC) High School. Jeffries is a good rebounder and he can block shots with his timing and length. He recently picked up an offer from Winston-Salem State and that looks like the right level at this point. - Justin Byerly
Zeki Locus, 2026 PG, HoopAthens: If you like hard-nosed guards who put pressure on the rim and are willing to guard the opposing team’s best player, look no further than HoopAthens guard Zeki Locus. He’s been a tough cover for teams thanks to his ability to get paint touches, create for teammates, and finish around the rim. Locus has proven throughout this spring and summer that he’s a true lead guard who can make a strong impact at the next level. - Mekhi Mckinney
Daniel Rees, 2026 CG, SWFL Hoops: Deceptive. That’s the word that describes Rees’ overall game. The 6-foot combo guard showcased his shooting ability and range early and often at the Best of the South, converting multiple triples each game. However, he was able to deceive defenders with his quickness and savvy play. Rees did a nice job creating plays and converting some tough finishes at the rim, diminishing many people’s initial thoughts – he’s not just a catch-and-shoot marksman. The Florida product had three 20-point games over the course of the event and should jump onto college programs’ radars. - Garrett Tucker
Reed Miller, 2026 F, AC Elite: College coaches are always in need of a forward and Miller showcased what he can bring to the floor at the next level during our Best of the South. He is a high-motor forward prospect that can affect the game in a lot of ways with his rebounding and shot-blocking ability. Miller currently has an offer from King University and I can see that being a good level for him with his size and skillset. He looks like a guy that can play at the NCAA Division II level and make an impact. - Justin Byerly
Jiyair Rose, 2026 CG, STARS Basketball Premier: Sometimes you watch a prospect and he handles the ball a different way, he understands the game a little better and the game seems slower for them. That is the case when I watch Rose play. He was one of the most consistent shooters we saw on the weekend at Best of the South. He has good size at the guard spot, handles the ball extremely well and he does something not a lot of guys do, he defends. He is a guy that has an advanced understanding of the game and has a high basketball IQ. Rose currently holds offers from Fisk University and South Georgia Tech. - Justin Byerly
Colt Wells, Pro One Select-Gann: Wells’ grit and competitive nature was on full display at BOTS. The 6-foot guard is the straw that stirs the drink for the Pro One Select Gann squad, as he creates plays and opportunities for everyone on the team. He consistently got in the lane and either made contested finishes at the rim or dished a pass off to an open teammate. Wells has had quite the calendar year since being named a top performer at the Alabama Fall Preview and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down heading into his senior season at Hewitt-Trussville. It was a very productive event for him. - Garrett Tucke
