When you attend a top-tier evaluation camp expecting to see known names—and then a relatively under-the-radar 2028 forward forces you to raise your head—that’s when you know you might have stumbled on something special. I first laid eyes on Youri Warren today at the Wootten 150 camp in Las Vegas, and after what I saw, I’m convinced he deserves immediate attention.
Warren is formally part of the Iowa United / Iowa Unite Prep organization and competes in their EYBL Scholastic program, but today at Wootten was my first on-court glimpse of him against elite competition. I’ll be tracking him again at the upcoming Border League in Las Vegas to see how he stacks up.
Iowa United recently named Damon Archibald as head coach of the prep side. Under Archibald’s leadership, United is positioning itself as a national-level developmental outlet. Warren’s rise within that structure is one to watch.
Family Ties: From the Ice to the Hardwood
One detail that makes Warren’s story even more intriguing: he comes from a family of athletes. His older brother currently plays in the NHL, a testament to the toughness, work ethic, and competitive fire running in the Warren household. That hockey lineage may explain some of Youri’s rugged edge—according to Iowa United’s staff, when he first arrived, his jump shot looked more like a slap shot. Since then, he’s corrected his mechanics and grown into a legitimate perimeter threat.
First Impressions at Wootten 150
From the moment he stepped onto the hardwood, Warren commanded attention. At 6’6” he plays bigger than his listing. His frame is sturdy, and his motor is evident the instant the whistle blows.
What stood out right away:
- Aggressive downhill drives with no fear of contact.
- Active rim protection and a willingness to mix it up on the boards.
- Perimeter flashes that show he can face up and stretch defenses.
He’s still raw in moments, but the confidence, physicality, and flashes of versatility make him one of the more intriguing forwards in his class.
Insider Perspective: From Iowa United’s Director
I followed up with Jacob Begin, Head of Player Development & Recruiting at Iowa United, who confirmed what I saw today aligns with the program’s internal evaluation.
“When he first arrived, his jump shot was like a slap shot. But he’s improved drastically. He’s done a great job correcting his form and consistently working on his jumper.”
Begin also emphasized Warren’s toughness: he practices daily against the nation’s top center, never backs down, and competes with energy every session. He described him as “tough as nails” and praised his positive spirit.
Scouting Snapshot
- Motor & Toughness – Plays with urgency, embraces contact, and never backs down.
- Inside Presence – Strong rebounder and shot contestor; physical around the rim.
- Perimeter Growth – Improving face-up game with flashes from three.
- Athletic Tools – Mobile for his size, with developing footwork and agility.
- Upside – Still raw, but the blend of size, effort, and versatility points to high long-term potential.
Why This Matters
For scouts, coaches, and insiders who follow the 2028 class, Warren is already trending upward. His combination of size, toughness, and two-way versatility makes him intriguing. Add the context of his NHL bloodline, and it’s clear he’s working with a multi-sport pedigree that projects well at higher levels.
The fact that I first saw him today at Wootten 150 (and that he made me pause) should prompt others to take note sooner rather than later. I’ll be locked in on him again at the Border League Las Vegas—expect more updates, video breakdowns, and film notes coming soon.
Final Take | Unit 1 Hoop Source
Seeing Youri Warren live for the first time at Wootten 150 reaffirmed why it’s important to keep your eyes open for the next wave of talent. He’s raw, but he’s got the frame, toughness, and skill progression that hint at something bigger down the line. The fact that he brings an NHL pedigree, embraces competition against the nation’s best bigs, and already shows flashes of versatility only strengthens his case as a prospect worth tracking.
At Unit 1 Hoop Source, we’ll continue to follow his development—starting with the Border League in Las Vegas—and provide updates as his story unfolds. For now, consider this your early heads-up: remember the name, Youri Warren.
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