Shaw's Stockrisers: 2022 USA Basketball October Minicamp

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Last weekend, 58 of the top high school basketball players in the United States gathered at the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center for the 2022 USA Basketball October Junior National Team Minicamp.

When this much talent is under one roof, someone in my position pays close attention. This setting allowed us to get updated views on players. It also allowed us to get our first live viewings of some younger players. But what this setting really provided was competition.

Read Shaw’s Superlatives: USA Basketball 2023-24 minicamp

Each of these players, from the 2023 to the 2026 classes, was starting the process of trying out for the age group of the U.S. National team. We got an up-close look at how each of these players competed.

Each viewing of a player is like an ingredient of a recipe. When you put enough ingredients together, you get your final dish ready to serve. USA Basketball is an ingredient. Some players performed to expectations and some below expectations. Here are some of the players who performed above the expectations I had for them coming in.

Read Shaw’s Superlatives: USA Basketball 2025-2026 Minicamp

Four-star CG Jared McCain (Duke)

Jared McCain was On3s MVP of the 2023-24 group. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard is a veteran of this process, as he made the u18 USA Basketball team that won gold this summer. McCain’s comfort level with the process might have played a role; however, there was no better competitor at the camp.

There is an excitement level with which McCain plays. While the Duke commitment has a smile on his face, he is there to tear your heart out. In one conversation on the sideline with an NBA scout, we talked about how many guys in the came really, truly competed to win each time out. McCain’s name was one of five we both agreed on.

McCain is a noted scorer, and his shooting really stood out in this camp. Not many in the 2023-24 group were making shots, McCain seemingly had a hard time missing. He got to his spots off the bounce and was quick and efficient in his decision-making. Currently, McCain is No. 18 in the 2023 On3 150; look for a bump next update.

Four-star SG Meleek Thomas

While McCain was the weekend’s best shooter in the 2023-24 group, Meleek Thomas could be described as the overall camp’s most electric scorer. It was uncanny the shots he was consistently making through the two days. Thomas has good size, around 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4; the Pittsburgh, PA native has long arms and plays with excellent balance.

However, it is his confidence that shone through. He was not afraid to let it fly, but no matter what angle he left the floor at, he was always squared upon release. This held true out to 30 or so feet. In-game, Thomas was an alpha, someone who competed to win. Look for his No. 10 ranking in the 2025 On3 150 to rise.

Four-star SF Coen Carr (Michigan State)

From the opening tip of camp to the very last whistle, there was no secret that Coen Carr was the most explosive player on the floor. The 6-foot-6 forward simply put an aerial assault on the rim in every way possible. In a conversation with one NBA scout, they made the note that Carr was the most violent leaper they had seen in the past five draft cycles.

Carr, out of Greenville (SC) Legacy Early College, was another player whose competitiveness shone brightly. His defensive upside is high-level; with his length and quick-twitch pop, you can easily see him defending up or down a lineup.

Carr also showcased good court awareness in this setting. Sure he needs to develop the jumper, but he was a purposeful off-ball cutter, and he delivered good passes in the half-court. The athleticism plays immediately, but he showed more to his game this weekend than initially thought.

NR SF Sebastian Williams-Adams

Sebastian Williams-Adams was a jack-of-all-trades forward. Big-bodied at 6-foot-7, his long arms got him a lot of finishes around the basket. His strong frame proved to be tough on the defensive end. The class of 2025 forward from Texas seemed to always find his way around the ball. Production was key to his success, and he found it on both ends.

There will be long-term questions about position; he will need to tighten the jumper, and his athleticism continue to grow. But make no mistake, when sharing a floor with his peers this weekend, Williams-Adams got a lot of stuff done.

Four-star PG Jeremy Fears (Michigan State)

Jeremy Fears is not new to the USA Basketball setting, nor is he new to our radar. However, this camp showed the lack of true point guard play in high school basketball right now. Because of that, Fears was a standout. Like most of the others on this list, Fears competed at a high level. He was the point guard for the camp championship winning team.

In one conversation with an NBA Draft Expert on the sidelines, we made the note that Fears was a Michigan State-type guard. He will have an excellent college career and find his way into draft conversations. To that scout’s credit, Tom Izzo has an archetype at the point guard position, and Jeremy Fears fits that.