Watch List: Early Standouts from the Nike TOC DAY 1

The opening action at the Nike Tournament of Champions offered an early snapshot of who was ready to compete when the lights came on. While the event features a deep field of talent across multiple matchups, certain players stood out through their poise, impact, and ability to influence the game beyond the box score. This watch list highlights early standouts from the games observed, focusing on players who made an impression and put themselves firmly on the radar as the tournament got underway.

---

Mason Kendrick - Arcadia (AZ) | 2026

Kendrick set the tone early with his activity and motor. He made plays without needing the ball, cutting hard for easy points and turning defense into offense with his anticipation in the passing lanes. He was active on the glass, disruptive defensively, and consistently made ball-handlers uncomfortable. Offensively, his jumper had good lift and confidence, and the pull-up midrange was a real weapon. A complete impact performance built on effort, instincts, and feel for the game.

Brock Knee - Arcadia (AZ) | 2027

Knee gave Arcadia a spark from the perimeter, knocking down shots off the catch and staying ready whenever the ball found him. He played with confidence from the opening tip and helped his team get off to a quick start by stretching the floor. He also did a good job applying pressure offensively, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line, where a large portion of his scoring came. Reliable shot-maker who understood his role and delivered.

Jacobi Thompson- Arcadia (AZ)| 2029

He consistently got downhill and put pressure on the defense all game. He attacked gaps early, absorbed contact, and finished above the rim when help arrived. When defenses collapsed, he made the right reads, kicking the ball out to open shooters. His ability to get where he wanted off the bounce stood out, as he controlled the tempo of his drives and dictated matchups throughout the game.

Owen Eteuati Edwards - Arcadia (CA) | 2028

He was very effective inside, finishing plays around the rim with control and strength. He did a good job carving out space, playing through contact, and drawing fouls in the paint. His presence gave Arcadia a steady interior option, and he consistently converted tough finishes when opportunities presented themselves.

Noa Eteuati-Edwards - Arcadia (CA) | 2026

He got it going in the second half, showing a clear shift in confidence as he began creating more for himself. He connected from beyond the arc multiple times, knocking down shots in rhythm, and mixed in strong inside presence by attacking off the dribble. Once he got downhill, he finished over the top of defenders with soft floaters and touch in the lane, putting pressure on the defense at all three levels.

Hale Hansen-Brophy Prep (AZ) | 2026

Hansen set the tone early and never let up, opening the game by scoring the first 11 points and establishing immediate pressure on the defense. He mixed scoring levels well, knocking down threes, attacking downhill, and finishing plays at the rim, including an alley-oop. His motor stood out throughout, consistently finishing above the rim and impacting the game with energy on both ends. A complete performance and one of the most impressive showings of the day.

Tahj El-Amin-Chandler (AZ) | 2027

El-Amin brought control and composure when he entered the game, steadying the offense and making sound decisions with the ball. He consistently got downhill, made the right reads, and created opportunities for teammates with timely kick-outs. His confidence showed late, knocking down a big three in the fourth quarter to cut into the lead and keep Chandler within striking distance.

Amaru Williams-Brophy Prep (AZ) | 2026

Williams provided instant spacing with his shooting, knocking down shots from deep with a quick, repeatable release. He was always ready to fire, stretching the defense and opening driving lanes for others. His range and lift made him a reliable floor spacer and a consistent perimeter threat whenever the ball swung his way.

Aiden Williams-Brophy Prep (AZ) | 2028

He showed shot-making ability from mutiple areas of the floor, comfortably scoring out of the midrange and taking what the defense gave him. He played with good pace and balance , creating clean looks without forcing the action and providing Brophy with steady offensive production.

Marquice Pless-Higley (AZ) | 2029

Pless was impactful on both ends, attacking well in transition and finishing plays inside with good body control. He consistently made plays off the ball, jumping passing lanes and disrupting action defensively. His activity on the glass stood out, creating extra possessions and momentum plays. A high-level two-way showing that highlighted his upside and competitiveness.

Isaiah Davis-Austin Prep (TX) | 2027

Davis played with a smooth, controlled approach, showing a strong feel for pace and spacing. He knocked down shots from deep in the first half, working well off the ball and staying ready to shoot with a quick, confident release.

Marcus Zelee - Austin Prep (TX) | 2026

Zelee brought energy and versatility, consistently making the right play in transition and delivering quality passes to teammates. He was an explosive finisher at the rim and showed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Defensively, he was active and disruptive, applying pressure and making life difficult for ball-handlers with his scrappiness.

Kyle Amadi-Austin Prep (TX) | 2028

Amadi’s length and athleticism were evident throughout, using his long frame to impact the game on both ends. He showed good lift and range on his jumper, creating scoring opportunities off the dribble, and was effective finishing above the rim. His transition defense and overall activity added value beyond the box score. D1 college coaches should be all over him this weekend.

Isiah Rider-Higley (AZ) | 2029

Rider did a strong job controlling the offense, playing with purpose and poise. He dribbled with intent, avoided wasted movement, and consistently created clean looks off the bounce into pull-up jumpers. His ability to manage the flow of the game and make sound decisions stood out.