The adidas 3SSB Championship: Where Future NBA Stars are Forged
The adidas 3SSB Championship in Rock Hill was a battleground where the next generation of basketball superstars laid claim to their destiny, leaving college coaches and NBA scouts scrambling for their commitment. Echoing the paths of legends like Anthony Edwards and Zion Williamson, a new crop of talent emerged, showcasing incredible skill, athleticism, and clutch play.
Championship Highlights: Who Rose to the Occasion?
- Antonio Pemberton (2027) delivered clutch heroics and scoring explosions, cementing his status as a top-tier point guard.
- RJ Evans (2029), son of an NBA veteran, showcased an advanced game while playing two years up, proving his elite potential.
- Darius Wabbington (2027) and Yann Kamagate (2028) formed a formidable frontcourt, displaying unique skills and defensive dominance.
- Unsung heroes like Kamsi Awaka (2027) and sharpshooter Cooper Zachary (2027) left lasting impressions with their defensive prowess and clutch perimeter scoring.
Antonio Pemberton (Class of 2027): The Unflappable Catalyst
No player commanded more attention at the 3SSB Championship than Antonio Pemberton. The Mass Rivals guard operated with a smoothness beyond his years, remaining unfazed by double teams or late-game pressure. His composure under fire continues to define his burgeoning star power.
His crowning moment came in an upset win over powerhouse Compton Magic. Down by one, Pemberton drained a fadeaway jumper from the left corner over the towering Darius Wabbington, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. He finished the thriller with 29 points and four assists, then followed it up with 31 points, four assists, and zero turnovers in an 83-79 victory over ASAK Elite.
His performances caught the attention of heavyweights like Kansas and South Carolina, both of which recently extended offers. Head coaches Tom Izzo (Michigan State) and Shaka Smart (Marquette), along with assistants from North Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn, and Florida State, were all courtside—a clear sign of his rapidly rising stock.
RJ Evans (Class of 2029): A Generational Talent Emerges Early
Basketball runs in the family for RJ Evans, the son of 13-year NBA veteran Reggie Evans. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, the versatile wing is already considered one of the top prospects in the incoming sophomore class despite competing two divisions up at the 17U level for Austin Rivers SE Elite.
Evans erupted for 32 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in a tightly contested 79-76 loss to Garner Road. His natural feel for the game, combined with exceptional size and length for a perimeter player, has made him a priority target for NBA scouts and high-major college programs throughout the summer. He already holds offers from Miami, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, and Ole Miss, solidifying his position as a player to watch for years to come.
Jordan Page (Class of 2027): The Gold Medalist with Relentless Drive
Jordan Page arrived at 3SSB fresh off a gold medal victory with Team USA at the U17 FIBA World Cup, where his squad overwhelmed opponents by an average of 48.5 points. The 6-foot-5 wing is an outstanding athlete with a relentless motor, especially in transition, constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses.
His all-around game was on full display with 22 points (12-for-17 from the field, 4-for-7 from three), nine rebounds, and five assists in a crucial win over Austin Rivers SE Elite, helping push his team into the quarterfinals. Page has steadily climbed the rankings, showcasing an improving mid-range game and growing consistency from beyond the arc. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, he holds offers from regional powerhouses North Carolina and NC State, along with national contenders Baylor, Indiana, UConn, and Kentucky.
Darius Wabbington (Class of 2027): The Towering Playmaker
At 6-foot-11, Darius Wabbington is impossible to miss on the court. The Arizona center combines his imposing frame with remarkable agility for his size. What truly separates him from many of his peers, however, is his elite passing ability as a big man. His court vision and ability to make accurate reads over defenders are rare for a player his age.
Wabbington averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds during the regular 3SSB season. Despite Compton Magic's challenging finish to the tournament, he consistently produced, scoring 20 or more points in each of the team's final games. One standout performance included 20+ points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a victory over ETG Midwest. Ranked as the No. 12 player in his class by 247 Sports, Wabbington has official visits scheduled to Arizona, Indiana, Louisville, and Texas, while Kentucky, Baylor, and North Carolina continue to show strong interest.
Yann Kamagate (Class of 2028): The Defensive Anchor of the Future
While his stat sheet might not always jump off the page, Yann Kamagate passes the eye test as one of the nation's top young prospects. Standing 7 feet tall with a remarkable 7-foot-9 wingspan, the Compton Magic center has established himself as an elite rim protector while competing a division above his age group alongside Darius Wabbington.
Kamagate recorded 13 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks against ETG Midwest, then followed with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in a one-point loss to Mass Rivals. His exceptional timing, footwork, and shot-blocking ability consistently stood out against older, quicker competition.
Ranked as the No. 2 player in the Class of 2028 by 247 Sports, behind AJ Williams, Kamagate drew strong interest from Duke, Arizona, BYU, Alabama, Arkansas, and Michigan, with coaches from each program watching him multiple times throughout the weekend.
Kamsi Awaka (Class of 2027): The Defensive Quarterback
Kamsi Awaka anchored New Heights' defense throughout the 3SSB Circuit, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors during the regular season. The younger brother of Tobe Awaka, who is playing for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Summer League after spending last season at Arizona, he has quickly established his own reputation as a defensive force.
A versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions, Awaka excels at switching onto the perimeter while using his outstanding timing as a shot blocker. Averaging three blocks per game during the season, he played a pivotal role in helping New Heights reach the championship game. He finished with 13 points and four blocks against D1 Minnesota in the semifinals, continuing the steady growth in confidence he has shown since the spring. The four-star New Jersey recruit holds offers from UConn, Arizona, Maryland, and Georgia Tech.
Cooper Zachary (Class of 2027): The Sharpshooter Who Turned Heads
Few players boosted their stock more than Cooper Zachary, whose hot shooting fueled an impressive run for Midwest Basketball Club. The Indiana native consistently knocked down shots from deep while making timely plays on both ends of the floor.
To help his team reach the quarterfinals, Zachary totaled 15 points (4-of-7 from three), three steals, and two assists against Mikel Brown Jr. Elite before delivering 19 points in a thrilling 69-68 overtime victory over Team Lillard, the defending 16U champions. Although Midwest Basketball Club saw its tournament end in the semifinals against Mass Rivals, the 5-foot-10 guard impressed scouts with his toughness, basketball IQ, and perimeter shooting. His standout performances have drawn interest from several high-major programs, with Indiana and Nevada among the schools already involved.
