He’s a basketball small forward who’s been turning heads across the regional sports scene from a young age, especially during his standout years at Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL. The name keeps coming up among scouts and critics alike—there’s just something special about the way he plays. He represented the United States as part of the under-17 basketball team at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, where not only did he shine on the international stage, but he also made history by becoming the youngest player ever to earn the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year Award. That kind of recognition doesn’t come easy, but for him, it felt almost inevitable. His performance throughout the tournament was so strong that he earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, playing a key role in helping Team USA secure the gold medal.
By 2023, college recruiters were all over him, and eventually, he made the big decision to commit to Duke University for his college basketball career—an exciting next step for someone with such a bright future. Then came the ultimate milestone: in the 2025 NBA Draft, he was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Yes, the number one pick—the top talent in the entire draft class—and all eyes were on him when his name was called.
But before the national spotlight, before Montverde Academy, he was making waves closer to home. He started his high school journey at Nokomis Regional High School, where he quickly proved he was unlike any other freshman. In fact, he broke records by becoming the first freshman in Maine history to be named Gatorade Player of the Year—a huge accomplishment that put his name on the map. He didn’t stop there; he led Nokomis Regional to a Class A state championship, scoring 22 points in the final game that ended in a 43–27 victory over Falmouth High School. It was clear even then that greatness was on the horizon.
Family has always played a big role in his journey. His mother, Kelly, played college basketball, so the game runs deep in his blood. And he’s not alone in the sport—his twin brother Ace is also a dedicated basketball player, and his older brother Hunter shares the same passion. With that kind of support and competition at home, it’s no surprise he developed into such a dominant force on the court. From those early days in Maine to Montverde, then Duke, and now the NBA, his rise has been nothing short of remarkable—and honestly, this might just be the beginning.
He’s been turning heads for years now—receiving NCAA Division I scholarship offers all the way back in 8th grade, with Bryant University giving him his first official offer. He really made a name for himself after the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, where his standout performance pushed him up the rankings. In fact, he was later recognized as the second-best prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. And just when people thought they had him figured out, he dropped an insane 60 points in a single game at Rucker Park during the summer of 2023. He continues to prove, time and again, that he’s not just another talented player—he’s something special. With each move on the court, he reminds everyone why he’s been one of the most talked-about recruits for years. He’s definitely living up to the hype.