Each spring and summer, players from all over the country try to perform well enough to garner scholarship opportunities. The ultimate goal for most is NCAA Division 1. Production has to meet the potential for that dream to take place. For the 2025 and 2026 classes in Memphis, the time is now, and a few have a chance to put themselves in position to make their dreams happen.
Here are 5 players to pay attention to this spring/summer for the Memphis area
MJ Hayes 6’5 2026 Guard (Pro Skills-Nike EYBL) Haynes isn’t a newbie to the biggest summer platform in the country. Last year, he teamed up with high school running mate Cello Jackson and had a pretty nice summer especially towards the end. The athleticism pops when you see him, the ability to get to the rim and finish with great body control, Haynes is an ideal Division 1 – SG prospect. With some SEC teams already coming into the fold and an offer from out west (California), it’s not hard to see his recruitment trending upwards and ready to take off in his second season on the Nike circuit.
Fred Smith Jr 6’8 2026 Forward (P7-UA Rise) He may be the most interesting prospect in Memphis next season. I think the skill level has increased, the touch on the perimeter jumper is improving and his positional size as a 4 man for the next level is only matched by other high major prospects. Smith might be the best player in 2026 in the city and will make a case for national recruiting rankings. He can grab the board and go, feed open teammates or start the offense in half court if the push pass isn’t there for a score. I think last year was a feel out year for him and for coaches on that circuit. I think as they get to know him and watch him more, the things he does with his IQ will make him a coveted and attractive athlete for colleges across the country. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’8 moving towards 6’9. I think his recruitment could skyrocket with a great summer.
Ottabwa Dickson 2025 6’8 Forward (All Arkansas Red- UA Rise) In my opinion, I think he was the best player in 16 AAAA basketball last year. He has a traditional yet modern feel to him as a 4 guy who can go get it off the rim. Dickson came on the scene this past season and eyes will be on him going forward into next year. He’s a lob threat in transition, plays over the rim, blocks shots in his area and out of it, does a great job positioning himself for rebounds and he finishes well around the basket. He can face you up and go score and if the first doesn’t go it, he has an excellent second jump that could turn into a highlight if you don’t box out. I think he’s the best defensive big in the area next year (and was in that top 2 this past season). If he wasn’t blocking the shot, he was affecting them and changing anything close to the rim. Those qualities could make him a viable option at the Division 1 level. Any school looking for an athletic 4 man who can be molded into a really nice player by the time he’s a sophomore in college should be calling his number or reaching out to his coaches. Watch this video:
Tyler Jones 2025 6’3 Combo Guard (Team Thad-Nike EYBL) Jones is coming off a pretty good high school season as the lead guard for a team who made a deep run in the state tournament. Jones has become a go to offensive player who you can ask to go get a bucket off the pick or isolating his defender for a score at the rim. He showed he could create off the dribble or keep it basic with the 1-2 pull up jumper. His ability to finish left driving and go get it on a defender’s head at the rim make him a combo guard with a power forward’s mentality. He’s one of the more athletic guards in the city overall and not just in his class. The biggest thing this year was how he showed he could play the 1 and run a team, which bodes well for him for in the immediate future. I have a feeling there is another 2 inches for him growth wise, but if he doesn’t, he’s still a 6’3 legitimate point guard, who can limit his man defensively on ball and make the offense work. With Furman, UT-Chatt, Radford and Abilene Christian reaching out so far and a few others, expect those interest and offers to increase.
Keiron Jackson 2025 6’8 Forward (Arkansas Hawks-3SSB) Really skilled combo forward, shoots it, passes it well, rebounds, can guard some in space. Jackson is another athlete who could challenge as the best player in all of Memphis next season. He’s a good shooter off the catch, can create offense off the dribble, score everywhere, mid post, short pull ups, post ups… Jackson is ridiculously skilled. I think playing where he’s playing this summer, the looks will start to come in and if he’s engaged each and every game, there is no reason why you couldn’t see him get 10 offers this summer and be the biggest stock riser in the area.
