
I had the pleasure of covering the UPNXT camp in Chicago, IL that took place on 28 June 2024, showcasing impressive talent from the Windy City. Camp directors Larry Golden and Justin Matchum did an outstanding job attracting top-tier players, and the event certainly met expectations. The camp featured skill stations run by several Pro16 coaches, and participants had their height and wingspan measurements taken to enhance the evaluation process. The camp concluded with the “Best of the Best” game, where the top campers from each team competed, capping off an exciting and competitive event.
At Camp MVP, two standout guards from the class of 2026, Andre Tyler and Donte Montgomery, showcased their impressive skills and delivered outstanding performances that led their teams to victories, ultimately earning spots in the “Best of the Best” game.
Let’s start with Andre Tyler. Standing 6’5″, Tyler is a dynamic wing with exceptional ball-handling skills and elite athleticism. He repeatedly made acrobatic shots, attacking the defense with powerful drives and displaying a smooth jump shot. His playmaking was solid, as he loved to pass off the live dribble, often using his explosive first step to blow by defenders. At the same time, his pick-and-roll game could benefit from more patience, which will naturally develop with experience and maturity.
Donte Montgomery was equally impressive. His outstanding playmaking and shot-making ability guided his team to several wins. What stands out most about Montgomery’s game is his composure—he plays with a pace and flow beyond his years, never seeming rushed. Montgomery, a highly skilled pick-and-roll ball handler, makes smart decisions and consistently delivers game-winning plays. He’s also a crafty finisher around the rim and a reliable shooter.
Tyler and Montgomery displayed the potential to be key players in their class, with bright futures ahead.
2025 PG Chris Tacher is a highly skilled point guard who spent most of the camp playing out of position. Despite being accustomed to having the ball in his hands, Tacher demonstrated his versatility by excelling off the ball. He shot the ball well and delivered clutch plays when it mattered most. With an advanced feel for the game and solid athleticism, Tacher is an unselfish player who thrives on getting his teammates involved and setting them up for success. Defensively, he excels in on-ball situations and is a standout in the passing lanes, making him a two-way threat on the court.
2025 G Caleb Burgins is a lightning-quick guard with excellent ball-handling skills, enabling him to get to his spots on the floor with ease. His mid-range game is exceptional, and he showcased it throughout the camp, consistently breaking down defenses and knocking down pull-up jumpers from his sweet spots. On the defensive end, Caleb is relentless—an absolute dog who thrives on pressuring his matchups, ball-hawking, and making life miserable for his opponents. The Proviso West High School guard is a clear D1 prospect, with the ability to elevate any team he plays for.
2025 F Joey Brown is an exceptionally skilled forward who used his 6’9″ frame to create numerous advantages on the court. He consistently carved out space and finished at a high level with both hands, showcasing impressive versatility around the rim. His polished footwork allowed him to play inside-out, demonstrating his ability to both handle the ball and knock down shots from the perimeter. Brown’s composed demeanor was another standout quality—he remained unfazed under pressure, focused on playing his game, and consistently elevated his team’s performance in every aspect.
2026 G Aamir Shannon is another guard who can flat-out play. He stayed in attack mode throughout the camp, constantly pushing the pace whenever the ball was in his hands. His offensive mindset was relentless—his goal was to break down anything in front of him. Aamir’s athleticism stands out, with the kind of bounce that makes him a threat to dunk on defenders in transition. While he’s a solid shooter, what really impressed was his ambidexterity—he uses both hands so effectively that it was hard to tell whether he’s right or left-handed at first glance.
2028 F Vinny Corrado was the surprise of the camp. Despite being one of the youngest players, he came in with the right mindset and more than held his own against older competition. Standing 6’5″, Corrado showcased his versatility, excelling both inside and out. He rebounded effectively, pushed the ball in transition, knocked down jump shots, and facilitated for his teammates. He’s the kind of player who impacts the game in every way possible, always finding himself around the action. With his instincts and all-around skill set, Corrado is on track to become a very good player as he continues to develop.
2025 G Zerrick Johnson is a crafty scorer who plays the game at his own pace. He has an excellent understanding of angles and uses deceleration and separation to create space with the ball in his hands. With a mature mindset, Zerrick approaches every game with a winning mentality. While he may not be the most athletic player, he makes up for it with his high basketball IQ and ability to score through skill and savvy. His unique blend of craftiness and intelligence sets him apart on the court.
2028 PG Roosevelt Thomas is another young talent with a bright future. The point guard boasts a solid, muscular frame and impressive athleticism, which he uses to overpower defenders on his drives and finish through contact, even against bigger, stronger players. Thomas is a savvy playmaker with excellent passing ability, consistently setting up his teammates for success. His pace and court awareness are outstanding, and he brings tenacity on defense, locking down opponents. With his combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess, he’s a definite D1 prospect and a player to keep an eye on.
2025 PG Yusuf Saleh is an elite lockdown defender who stood out with his tenacious defense and ability to run his team efficiently. He was highly effective on offense, making smart decisions and maintaining great efficiency while showing strong leadership qualities. Saleh’s poise and command of the game on both ends of the floor were impressive, as he consistently set the tone for his team and elevated their play. His combination of defensive prowess and leadership makes him a standout prospect.