NBA Comparison: Caron Butler

Strengths: Physically gifted with excellent size and strength for a guard/wing prospect … Measured around 6’7”, 230 pounds with a nearly 7-foot wingspan and explosive vertical ability … Plays downhill with force and thrives finishing above the rim, especially in transition … A high-motor competitor who brings toughness and consistent energy on both ends of the floor … Defensively versatile—his frame and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions … Averaged 1.85 steals and 1.1 blocks for Team USA at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, showing impact as a disruptive, aggressive defender … Very effective moving without the ball—cuts with purpose and regularly creates easy opportunities near the rim … Has strong body control and can finish through contact—shot 67.4% inside the arc across 7 games with Team USA, and 59.6% on 2PT attempts (302 shots) during his junior high school season … Rebounds extremely well for a lead guard—pulled down 7.0 per game for Team USA (1.5 offensive), and 9.3 per game as a junior (1.9 offensive), often mixing it up in traffic … Quick second jump allows him to clean up misses or extend possessions … Flashes potential as a connective passer in the open floor and in attacking closeouts … Instant spark plug—averaged 12.2 points in just 18 minutes per game for Team USA off the bench, giving consistent production in limited time … Projects as a powerful, high-floor contributor who can provide transition offense, perimeter defense, and rebounding from the wing.

Weaknesses: Still developing as a long-range shooter … Has shown flashes from three, but not yet a consistent threat—shot 4-for-14 from deep at the U17 World Cup (28.6%) and 30.6% on 76 attempts during his junior season … Form is compact but can be streaky, and he’ll need to improve confidence and off-the-catch rhythm to be more reliable at the next level … Free throw shooting remains a concern—55.1% on 29 attempts for Team USA and just 65.3% on 277 attempts as a junior, which raises questions about touch … Ball-handling in the halfcourt is an area for improvement … His pace can be inconsistent—sometimes playing too fast and out of control, which leads to charges or turnovers … Can get too reliant on athleticism to bail him out, rather than using angles or footwork to create space … Averaged under 4 assists per game during junior season, with nearly a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which reflects a need for better decision-making … Doesn’t often create separation off the bounce and lacks a reliable pull-up game … Can defer too often when his team needs him to take over … Post-up potential exists but he currently relies more on athleticism than technique, needing to improve seals and footwork … Can become jumper-reliant and settle when driving lanes close.

Outlook: A physically mature, two-way wing with elite transition scoring, rebounding, and defensive tools … One of the top 2025 prospects, said to be currently in the process of reclassifying into the senior class (which would make him eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft, should he choose to enter after next season) and choosing a college destination … Previously played at Prolific Prep alongside AJ Dybantsa, fueling speculation that the two could join forces again at the college level … Brings a rugged edge and unique presence to the court—there’s a bit of a “Baby Barkley” vibe to his game and demeanor, combining explosive athleticism, toughness, and relentless effort in a compact, powerful frame … If the jumper continues to improve and the decision-making sharpens, he has a chance to make a major impact at the college level and eventually translate into an energy wing or combo forward in the NBA.

Notes: Played his first two years at Prolific Prep before transferring to Notre Dame High School (CA) as a junior … Won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas and 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup … Named MaxPreps First-Team All-American as a sophomore after averaging 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game … Starred for the Oakland Soldiers U17 team in 2024, averaging 20.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists—finishing top 10 in scoring on the EYBL circuit … Viewed as a blue-collar prospect with high-impact potential if the jumper becomes more consistent.

Cameron Ross — 4/15/25