Rockets NXTPRO 16U guard Braylon Smith (5’10 2028 Salem HS, Roanoke VA) @BraylonSmith28 is a high motor guard who keeps coming at you on both ends of the floor. Offensively he is a highly athletic shot creator capable of getting downhill and exploiting gaps in the defense using his shifty handle, explosive first step, quickness and toughness to attack the rim. Braylon’s ability to abruptly stop then restart with explosiveness combined with wicked crossovers and behind the back dribbles makes him difficult to stay in front of. Shifty and explosive he can change directions in the blink of an eye! He absorbs contact nicely and is able to hang in the air and finish through contact at the rim. Uses nicely executed floaters with a fantastic touch to finish over length. Adept at scoring on the move with an arsenal that includes creative and tough finishes at the rim and an assortment of runners and floaters. Braylon has blow by ability but can also stop on a dime and elevate into a very reliable dribble pull-up. While showcasing his ability as a highly efficient player off the bounce pressuring the rim relentlessly and finishing consistently, he has also proven himself as a heady and savvy facilitator. His ability to draw multiple defenders and then find the open man with timely passes and flourish as a primary ball handler might sometimes get overlooked by his impressive scoring ability. After all he averaged over 4 assists per game during the high school season to go along with a 10.5 ppg scoring average so he mixes scoring and distributing quite well! Braylon thrives in transition both attacking with the dribble and off the ball by running the floor hard and making himself available. I mentioned his efficiency, he converted on 56% of his shot attempts during the high school season! Defensively he uses his quick feet to disrupt opposing guards, is active on the glass and brings physicality and intensity on the defensive end with the ability to guard multiple positions. Braylon earned All River Ridge District honors this past season but his superlatives extend into the classroom as well where he carries a 3.9 gpa! He was the 16U Divisions top scorer during the weekend and had a pair of 18 point performances to lead the Rockets. #BigShots #BooWilliamsLegacyClassic @BigShotsToday @BigShotsGlobal

Rockets Basketball 6’1 2028 Carlos Lanier (North Cross HS) is one of the states top 2028 prospects. Impressive shot maker from all levels with effortless mechanics, highly efficient both off the 1-2 step and off the hop. He hits the step back and scores off the dribble pull-up. Mixes in athletic and slippery drives into the paint where he is a crafty finisher. Secondary playmaking skills as he showed his ability to run the offense and make sound decisions. He’s an energy guy! Relentless defender, communicates, demonstrates leadership skills! He’s going to be a good one! Carlos is averaging 18ppg to lead the 16U Division in scoring. #BigShots #BooWilliamsLegacyClassic @BigShotsToday @BigShotsGlobal