Covering this game from the grassroots to the college ranks, one thing’s always been clear: the realest voices don’t always get the loudest applause. In high school gyms, JUCO gyms, and summer circuits, I’ve seen players play it safe, coaches bite their tongues, and media figures chase approval. But this game has never belonged to the…
“From Sleeper to Star: Why Scouts Can’t Always See Greatness Coming”
Scouting in Basketball: It’s an Opinion, Not a Guarantee One of the biggest misunderstandings in the world of basketball is the belief that scouts have the final word on who’s going to make it. The truth is, scouting is not an exact science — it’s an educated opinion. For all the technology, analytics, and access to film,…
“The Final Word: Recapping The Last 20 Years of Vegas Basketball Greatness”
Over the past few months, I took on a task that many might not even consider. What began as a modest idea to recognize the Top 25 evolved into something much greater. A tribute to two decades of talent, community, and basketball culture in our city. This wasn’t about creating controversy. It was about celebrating the…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | The Final Chapter (25-1)”
Over the last 20 years, Las Vegas has produced seven McDonald’s All-Americans, a number that speaks volumes about the direction things are headed. But that’s just the surface. First-round lottery picks, pros overseas and in the league, and a wave of high-level talent have all come through this city—making it clear that Vegas is no longer…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 3 (50-26)”
Stepping Off the Porch: Part Three of Las Vegas’ Top 100 Players in the Last 20 Years When you’re building something rooted in opinion and history, and putting it on a public platform, you have to be open. Open to feedback. Open to criticism. And open to the fact that not everyone will agree with…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 2 (75-51)”
Let’s get one thing straight—what you’re about to read isn’t a ranking system. It’s not a list created by algorithms, stats, or committee consensus. It’s simply my personal take, shaped by years of experience, observation, and passion for the game. This is about sizing up the best of the best from the last 20 years…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 1 (100–76)”
To be eligible for this list, each player must have completed their high school basketball career, or at minimum, played at least two full season, at a local Las Vegas high school. These criteria ensure that every athlete recognized here made their impact on the Vegas prep scene, leaving a legacy tied directly to the…
“When a Public School Took Down a National Powerhouse: The Night Canyon Springs Beat Findlay Prep-10 Years Later”
It’s been over 10 years since this game took place, and I still don’t think we’ll ever see anything like it again in Las Vegas high school basketball. Nobody in the state believed a local public school like Canyon Springs could take down a powerhouse like Findlay Prep. But that’s exactly what happened. This was the biggest upset in…
The Untold Movement: How Relationship-Building in Grassroots Hoops Opened Pro Doors
From local gyms to global arenas, grassroots leaders are earning long-overdue recognition and opportunity. The Quiet Engine Behind the Game Grassroots basketball has always been more than just a stepping stone for talented players. It’s a culture—a proving ground where coaches, organizers, and scouts put in countless hours helping to shape the next wave of…
6 Game-Changing Offseason Acquisitions You Need to Know for the 2025–26 College Basketball Season
Although the college basketball season ended just over a month ago, the work never truly stops. For those of us who live and breathe the game, now is the perfect time to dig into the details that shape next season’s outlook. Player development, transfers, returning stars—everything matters. As we gear up for 2025–26, let’s take…
Inside the Push to Overhaul College Athletics—and Empower Student-Athletes
Restore College Sports Act (Proposed)Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. BaumgartnerDate: April 7, 2025 Purpose of the Bill: To replace the NCAA with a new organization called the American Collegiate Sports Association (ACSA), which will oversee and regulate college athletics with a focus on fairness, student-athlete rights, and equal revenue distribution—especially regarding Name,…
“Make the Money Work for You”– Real Talk for College Hoopers Getting Paid
To all young college basketball players getting paid — You’ve entered a new chapter. Whether you realize it or not, you’re no longer just a student-athlete. You’ve stepped into the world of being a professional. Yes, you’re still in school, but you’re also earning money — sometimes more than full-grown adults with careers and families. This…
College Basketball and the NIL Era: Time to Embrace Structure Before We Lose the Game
Let’s have a real conversation. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals was a long-overdue step toward fairness in college athletics. For decades, athletes generated billions for their universities while receiving little more than tuition in return. Allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness was the right move. But now,…
“MJ Winstead: Under-the-Radar Guard with Next-Level Game and Leadership”
MJ Winstead | Class of 2024Benedictine (HS Grad) | Winston-Salem Prep Post Grad (2024–2025)Position: Point Guard | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 175 lbsHometown: [Richmond, Virginia]Status: Looking for OpportunityContact: [1-804-629-4894] Player Overview: MJ Winstead is a fundamentally sound, high-character guard currently competing at Winston-Salem Prep Post Graduate program after graduating from Benedictine High School in the Class of 2024. He stands at 6’1” and…
Carmelo Anthony Calls for Structure: The Business of NIL Needs Contracts, Not Chaos
The world of college basketball has officially entered the business era. Athletes are signing endorsement deals, building personal brands, and earning significant income — all while still in school. But according to Carmelo Anthony, one of basketball’s most respected voices, this new age of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) is missing something essential: structure. And from…
Unit 1 Hoop Source 