The Product Is Great — The Game Still Shines
The product in college basketball right now is outstanding. The talent, pace, and depth are at an all-time high. The issues that shadow the sport — NIL politics, portal churn, and administrative chaos — can wait for another day. This past week reminded everyone of something pure: when the ball tips, the game still delivers.
From Provo to Chapel Hill to Ann Arbor, the exhibitions told the truth about this next generation — confident, skilled, fearless. College basketball’s heartbeat is strong, and these performances prove it.
AJ Dybantsa | BYU
BYU’s probable No. 1 draft pick looked every bit the part, dropping 30 points on North Carolina in a nationally-buzzed exhibition. What separated Dybantsa wasn’t just the points — it was his command. He played with rhythm, balance, and the kind of maturity you usually only see from NBA guards. His frame, pace control, and shot-making feel effortless. Every possession felt like an introduction to what’s coming next spring.
Caleb Wilson | North Carolina
While Dybantsa stole headlines, North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson was every bit as impressive in response. The Tar Heels’ highly-touted forward delivered a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that showcased his versatility and competitive edge. He scored in transition, posted strong on the block, and knocked down mid-range jumpers with confidence. More importantly, he answered the challenge of going toe-to-toe with the nation’s top prospect. Wilson’s blend of length, touch, and toughness will be a cornerstone for Hubert Davis this season.
⚡ Key Takeaway: North Carolina fans aren’t just getting a high-profile recruit — they’re getting a potential program-defining forward who plays with a professional demeanor already.
Cameron Boozer | Duke
Down in Durham, the crowd got its first real look at the next great Blue Devil. Cameron Boozer scored 33 points in his debut exhibition, showing a level of control far beyond his years. His handle, body language, and decision-making give off veteran vibes. The name carries weight, but the game backs it up. His performance confirmed what insiders already knew — Boozer is built for the stage.
Chad Baker-Mazara | USC Sr.
The Auburn transfer made an instant impact out west. Against LMU, Baker-Mazara’s energy jumped off the floor — guarding multiple spots, cutting through gaps, finishing above the rim. What makes him special is his moxie: the willingness to take tough shots and defend harder possessions. He’s the kind of two-way guard USC needs to compete in the Big Ten this year.
Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas
Freshmen aren’t supposed to look this comfortable. Darius Acuff Jr. played with the maturity of a junior — scoring 17 efficient points on 7-for-11 shooting, dishing 4 assists, and controlling the pace. His patience in the half-court and understanding of spacing already stand out. Acuff’s poise feels like the early blueprint for a future star in Fayetteville.
Yaxel Lendeborg | Michigan Sr.
Then came the night Michigan fans will be talking about for a while — a 96-94 OT win over St. John’s that felt like March in October. Yaxel Lendeborg owned it: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and relentless effort. He stepped out to shoot, finished through contact, and sprinted end-to-end like a guard trapped in a big’s body. His stock is soaring; every scout in the building felt it. Lendeborg isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore.
The West Coast Is Heating Up
The Mountain West has a new problem — Grand Canyon. Their exhibition against USC showed physicality, pace, and confidence. Head coach Bryce Drew’s program looks seasoned and tough. They’ll be one of the league’s toughest road environments and a legitimate tournament-level team. Expect heavy coverage from Unit 1 Hoop Source throughout their debut season in the Mountain West.
Final Take — Basketball Is Still Beautiful
Beyond NIL headlines, beyond portal chatter — the heart of the sport is intact. You can see it in the joy of these exhibition games, the effort of new rosters, and the growth of young players stepping into the spotlight.
College basketball remains a laboratory for greatness. This next generation — Dybantsa, Boozer, Lendeborg, Acuff, and others — is proof. The game is in good hands, and the storylines are just beginning.
The 2025-26 college basketball season tips November 3. Stay with Unit 1 Hoop Source for firsthand coverage across the West Coast and beyond. Basketball is back — and it’s better than ever.
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© 2025 Kim Muhammad | Unit 1 Hoop Source. All Rights Reserved.
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