Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest Standouts

Written by Alex Cawsey

As AAU season has officially kicked off, we take a look at a strong list of notable standouts who were on hand at the legendary Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest. With a deep cast of Canadian talent, Pittsburgh Jam Fest served as a proving ground for some of the best prospects in the country—many of whom will be on the national radar throughout the coming months. Alex Cawsey broke down the group from the baseline, where he was both recruiting and scouting for The Maple Minute.

Javion Tyndale – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027

Javion is, by far, the best point guard in the 2027 Canadian class. He controls the pace of the game and strikes the perfect balance as both a playmaker and scorer. He creates any shot he wants and is a hyper-efficient scorer from all three levels. Expect more Division I offers and increased interest for the Montverde standout this summer.

Stefan Ilic – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027

Stefan is an elite forward who can effectively play both inside and on the perimeter. His touch around the basket is extremely impressive, as he can finish with either hand and through contact. His defensive versatility stands out, with the foot speed to switch onto guards and the strength to battle with traditional forwards down low.

Kyree Taylor – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027

Kyree is one of the most electric scoring guards in Canada. He can create any shot he wants and uses his quickness to get into the paint at will. His playmaking has come a long way, consistently creating easy looks for teammates with his ability to break down defenders using a wide array of attacks.

Kymani Walters – UPLAY Canada – Class of 2027

Walters is one of the most physically imposing on-ball defenders in Canada. His motor and defensive intensity will be a major asset for whichever college program lands him. Offensively, he has developed into a capable shot-maker who can score efficiently as both a spot-up shooter and when attacking closeouts.

Amare Lincoln – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026

Amare had a massive weekend, showcasing his immense upside as a do-it-all forward. His ability to score in the paint and through contact was evident, as he consistently powered his way to tough finishes. His shooting continues to improve, proving he can knock down perimeter shots. He is also a force on the glass, tracking down rebounds outside his area and dominating the offensive boards.

Jaylen Simmons – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026

Simmons is one of the quickest guards in his class. His ability to get into the paint—whether to finish through contact or create for teammates—is elite. His defensive intensity also stood out, as he hounds ball handlers and generates a high number of live-ball turnovers with his active hands and off-ball instincts.

Kairo Charles – DC United HGSL – Class of 2027

Kairo is one of the quickest and shiftiest guards in the 2027 class. His shot creation for both himself and others is elite. Defensively, he is a true ball hawk, constantly applying pressure and creating live-ball turnovers. He is also one of the most vocal prospects in Canada, bringing strong leadership and energy as a teammate.

Miles Hamilton – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026

Miles remains one of the most under-the-radar prospects in Canada. His ability to score from all three levels is exceptional. He shoots the ball efficiently from deep and consistently finds ways to score as both a cutter and driver. He also provides strong secondary playmaking, attacking closeouts and making the right decision at a high level.

Shaundre Dennie – DC United HGSL – Class of 2026

Elite shooting, left-handed guard. Shaundre is a hyper-efficient scorer who can light it up from beyond the arc while also finding timely scoring opportunities as a cutter. He is a strong playmaker who creates effectively for teammates out of drive situations.

Judah Price-Noel – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2026

Judah is a tough-nosed guard who scores efficiently from all three levels. He consistently finds ways to get into the paint and create for himself and others. Defensively, he applies constant pressure to opposing lead ball handlers.

Myles Dehaney – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2027

Myles is a shifty guard who creates for himself and others at an elite level. He is a true lead guard who can run an offense effectively while also maintaining strong scoring efficiency.

Kareem Aljaibat – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2027

Kareem is an elite athlete who continues to develop as a dynamic scorer. His jump shot has improved, and he is a strong-nosed wing who can score both as a driver and perimeter threat.

Elijah Ali-Smith – Northern Kings P32 – Class of 2028

Elijah is a smooth lead guard who provides both elite scoring and effective playmaking. He has developed into a true three-level scorer with the ability to create his own shot at any time.

Sha-Cure Grant – NY Rens EYCL – Class of 2027

Sha-Cure is one of the most physically imposing forwards in his class. He consistently finishes through contact with either hand and is a tough-nosed rebounder. His ability to secure rebounds outside his area is particularly impressive, creating extra possessions for his team.

Khalil Barrett – UPLAY EYCL – Class of 2027

Khalil has one of the best motors among Canadian prospects in his class. He is a relentless finisher who plays above the rim and absorbs contact well. Defensively, he is a ball hawk who applies constant pressure and excels at reading passing lanes.

CJ Nelson – RWI – Class of 2026

CJ is one of the top shooters in the 2026 class. He creates shots for himself and others while effectively playing both on and off the ball.

Isaiah Olunloyo – RWI – Class of 2026

Isaiah is an athletic combo guard who excels in both on-ball and off-ball roles. He gets downhill at will, shoots efficiently, and provides consistent playmaking, allowing him to run an offense and create quality opportunities for teammates.