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The high school season is here and nothing gets going earlier than prep school basketball. Many of the fall pre-season events held throughout the country all for traditional high schools. While leagues such as the NEPSAC occupy your more traditional New England prep schools, the EYBL Scholastic League holds it down for the Nike teams, and the Grind Session takes many of the top independent teams, there is still a ton of talent that is left on the board in need of a platform.
Enter the NSPA Association.
Formerly known as the EIBC, the Association holds events ranging from Dallas to Denver to Phoenix with elite prep schools from both coasts and Canada. The Association holds both an East and West division with powerhouse programs such as Oak Cliff Faith Family (Texas), PHH Prep (Ariz.), Iowa United, Utah Prep, AZ Compass Prep, CIA Bella Vista (Ariz.), and countless others. An absolute gold mine for unsigned D1 prospects, The Association brought 16 teams under one roof for no shortage of competitive prep basketball early in the season at The Phhacility.
Having already broken down the top performers in depth, here are some of the underclassmen and under the radar players who stood out from the first session of the NSPA Association:
Jean Victor Ndiaye, 6’10, PF/C, CIA Bella Vista (Ariz.), 2027
Blending long term upside with production, Jean Victor Ndiaye established himself as one of the best players in the NSPA the second that he stepped foot in the Phhacility. He impacted the game with his motor on both ends, was a great offensive rebounder, and showed some promise out of pick and pop play. The Senegalese big man will definitely be a name to remember for when the late signing period rolls around.
Muhammad Manigat, 6’4, SG, Bella Vista Prep (Ariz.), 2028
Muhammad Manigat made the move from Cleveland to Arizona, but that didn’t slow his play one bit with Bella Vista. The Canadian combo guard has great 3-point range both off the bounce or with his feet set, has the ability to create looks for others, and was great jumping passing lanes on the defensive side. Having already won a state championship with Lutheran East High School and put a show in the New Balance P32 League with Ohio Basketball Club, Manigat is looking to build his reputation on the prep circuit.
Zayne Hinkson, 5’11, PG, Western Canada Prep (CAN), 2027
As far as numbers were concerned, there were few who put up better numbers out of the backcourt than Zayne Hinkson. The Canadian is absolutely fearless with his 3-point shot, is great at creating separation to get his shot off against bigger defenders, and is a surprisingly good finisher in the paint. Averaging 25 points per game throughout his first three games, Hinkson showed that he’s going to be right there amongst the top scorers that the NSPA Association has to offer.
Kiir Nang, 6’9, SF/PF, Anthem Prep (Utah), 2029
Receiving a considerable amount of buzz prior to entering high school, Kiir Nang made a huge impact over the summer on the UA Future circuit and that confidence has definitely carried over to the NSPA. The combo forward prefers to play facing the basket, can really defend for a freshman, and showed the raw talent that garned him attention over the summer. Nang certainly exhibited the potential to be the next in line of skilled African prospects to come out of Anthem Prep.
Alex Ensor, 7’0, C, AZ Compass Prep GRIND (Ariz.), 2026
A native of Colorado, Alex Ensor made the move to AZ Compass Prep and his development has rapidly picked up over the past few months. The mobile big can play through contact despite his slender frame, rebounds his area well, and has a nice touch when he’s facing the rack. Heading to Santa Clara next year, Ensor has all of the tools that you look for out of a long term big man prospect.
Corbin Taylor, 6’8, PF, PHH Prep National (Ariz.), 2028
Another intriguing forward as Corbin Taylor, a Texas product who made the move to PHH Prep for his sophomore season. The agile sophomore has great hands, can finish in traffic above the rim, and exhibited great footwork facing up or with his back to the basket. Running with Houston Hoops for AAU, Taylor will have plenty of opportunity to be seen between the NSPA Association and EYBL.
