The class of 2024 in Arizona’s AAU scene is really taking shape with a ton of talent spread through every position.  I have had the benefit of seeing these players play since they were all in 8^th grade and choosing what high school they were going to attend and they have all come leaps and bounds from the great prospects they were back a few years ago.  I will take a dive into some of these young prospects that all seem prime to have bright futures through the game of basketball.

Anthony Batsen Jr.
6’3”, SG, Arizona Select (UAA)
Batsen is an above-average athlete with a really good all-around game.  He can score the ball from all three levels and finishes at a really high clip out in transition.  He is really strong defensively and uses his athleticism well on that end of the floor.  He also rebounds really well from that position. Has a good body for such a young prospect and uses it well.

Jai Anthony Bearden (pictured)
6’7”, W/F, Compton Magic (Adidas 3SSB)
Bearden has as much upside as just about anyone you will find in this class.  Great size and length with elite level athleticism and a very versatile defender.  At the highest level of AAU, he can get out and guard 3-4 positions on the floor at all times.  I can’t say enough about the ceiling of this player and he is a naturally tough kid so him trying to learn the aggressiveness it takes to play this game at the highest level is never going to be a problem.  His outside shot is the area he has to improve the most in but the kid is a gym rat so you have to think that will come.

Dylan Chavez
6’4”, SG, Arizona Unity (EYBL)
Chavez is a smooth, sharpshooting guard with good length and understanding of the game.  He finds open spots to get his shot off really well and has the ability to get in a real groove on the offensive end. He isn’t afraid to mix it up on the defensive end and get his nose dirty.  He competes and reminds me of one of them players that just play winning basketball.

Bradey Henige
6’11”, F/C, Arizona Select (UAA)
Henige is oozing with potential and seems to just be scratching the surface from where he is projected to end up when it comes to him selecting where he will play at the next level.  While he does not shy away from playing in the paint, where he has real good timing as a shot-blocker and is a more-than-willing rebounder, his game is not limited to being a tree inside.  He has a really good all-around game and is a really good playmaker from the big man position.

Styles Phipps
6’1”, PG, Strive For Greatness (EYBL)
Phipps is one of the more fluid and naturally talented guards on the West Coast.  A silky smooth lead guard with plenty of intensity on the defensive end.  It is not very often where Phipps is not the smartest player on the floor.  Simply put, he is just a basketball dude.  He really runs the pick-and-roll with bigs well and is a pinpoint type of passer.  Does not turn the ball over much but still manages to be an elite playmaker. He also has a really good offensive toolbox at his disposal.  He can shoot it from the outside and has a beautiful running jumper and floater in the lane. He is one of my favorite players to watch play today in high school hoops.

Gabe Pickens
5’11”, PG, Arizona Unity (EYBL)
Pickens is a bulldog on the floor and looks the part.  One of the most pure and true point guards on the West Coast that is battle tested and does not back down from anyone in front of him.  An extreme competitor that really puts intense pressure on the opposition from the defensive end.  He is also one of the better playmakers you will find in the class out in the open floor and uses that drive-and-kick as good as anyone you will see as well.  I think he will always be a point guard that elite level players want to play with.

Braeden Speed
6’3”, CG, Arizona Unity (EYBL)
Speed is a very skilled offensive player with tons of tools to put the ball in the basket in his bag.  He has really good size from the combo position and can really take advantage of smaller guards down in the paint where he has a really good skillset.  His outside shot still has something left to be desired but if that aspect of his game develops it could become some scary hours for the young and talented prospect.  He also may be the best prospect in the classroom on this list as well, which will go far for him as a prospect as some of the high academic basketball schools like Stanford and Northwestern.

Marcus Wilson
6’3”, CG, Arizona Unity (EYBL)
Wilson is smooth as silk.  A kid that seems to develop his game a little more every time you see him.  A great competitor and a player that always seems to be at the right place at the right time on the court.  He can score in a multitude of ways and is extremely crafty with the ball in his hands.  He has a really strong lay-up package and still plays the game the right way.  He also really competes on the defensive side of the ball.