The 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic makes its return to Springfield this week, beginning with local games on Thursday and national contests taking place on Friday through Monday. There will be no shortage of high-level talent this year, as the slate includes an impressive group of names set to play college basketball for some of the biggest programs in the nation.
Below is a list of 10 players that will surely put on a show at the annual invitational, listed in order of appearance. Player rankings are courtesy of ESPN’s recruit rankings.
Dereck Lively, Westtown School
Details: #2 in 2022, committed to Duke. 7-foot-1 center. Friday at 9:00 p.m., Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Who is he?
Standing at over seven feet tall, the top big man in the class of 2022 possesses elite potential at both ends of the court. His speed and quickness is eye-popping given his size, while his explosive ability at the rim creates a dominant presence in the post. Above all, Lively’s work as a rim-protector should see him slide right into Duke’s starting lineup at the five.
Naasir Cunningham, Gill St. Bernard’s School
Details: #1 in 2024, uncommitted. 6-foot-7 small forward. Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Who is he?
A combo guard with excellent playmaking skills, Cunningham uses his length to shots from all over the court and shoot over defenders. His athleticism and abilities as an above rim finisher wreaks havoc for opposing defenses, while he also maintains the quickness and ball-handling skills to set up his teammates when necessary.
Mackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard’s School
Details: #5 in 2023, uncommitted. 6-foot-7 small forward. Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Who is he?
At 6-foot-7, Mgbako is adept at using his frame to create space for himself and hit shots from wherever he is on the floor. The junior’s versatility in the offensive end often creates mismatches for opponents, while his energetic style of play and high motor translates to defensive success.
Kwame Evans Jr., Montverde Academy
Details: #3 in 2023, uncommitted. 6-foot-9 power forward. Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Monday at 3:00 p.m.
Who is he?
At 6-foot-9, 200 pounds, Evans Jr. is a long forward who possesses the ball-handling ability to get up the open court and finish at the rim. While he will continue to fill out his frame with more muscle, his potential as a player who can guard multiple positions defensively and shotmaking talent should translate to the next level.
Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy
Details: #5 in 2022, committed to Duke. 6-foot-6 small forward. Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Monday at 3:00 p.m.
Who is he?
Another member of Duke’s loaded recruiting class, Whitehead is a three-level scorer who uses his slick ball handles to attack the rim at will, while also possessing a smooth jump shot. A versatile player with tremendous instincts, the senior wing is also a very talented defender, with the potential to become a coveted two-way player in the future.
Keyonte George, IMG Academy
Details: #3 in 2022, committed to Baylor. 6-foot-3 shooting guard. Saturday at 6:00 p.m, Monday at 3:00 p.m.
Who is he?
An excellent scorer with the skill set needed to hit shots from any range, George has the skills to cause headaches for opposing teams. He can use his dribbling and quickness to shake defenders and pull up for jumpers, while also possessing the elite body control to fight through the lane and get to the rim. As his defense continues to improve, the sky is the limit for the Baylor commit.
Jaden Bradley, IMG Academy
Details: #8 in 2022, committed to Alabama. 6-foot-2 point guard. Saturday at 6:00 p.m, Monday at 3:00 p.m.
Who is he?
The number one point guard in the class of 2022, Bradley is your quintessential point guard, as he consistently looks to spread the floor with pinpoint passing and get his teammates involved. While his first priority is acting as a floor general, he can also put the ball in the basket, using his strength and size to weave through defenders and finish at the rim.
Mookie Cook, Arizona Compass Prep
Details: #7 in 2023, uncommitted. 6-foot-7 small forward. Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 9:00 p.m.
Who is he?
At 6-foot-7, Cook can play on and off the ball, with the ball-handling skills and explosiveness to produce highlight-reel finishes. With above average shotmaking and the ability to get up and down the court, the potential is there for the forward to elevate his game even more and become one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
D.J. Wagner, Camden High School
Details: #1 in 2023, uncommitted. 6-foot-2 point guard. Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Monday at 1:00 p.m.
Who is he?
After putting on a show against current Cleveland Cavalier Evan Mobley and Rancho Christian two years ago, Wagner returns to Blake Arena for two more games. He can score in an array of ways, whether it’s slicing and dicing his way to the rim, or pulling up for midrange/three point jumpers. His continued development as a shot creator for his teammates will be something to monitor moving forward, as he heads towards becoming the complete package.
Kyle Filipowski, Wilbraham and Monson Academy
Details: #10 in 2022, committed to Duke. 6-foot-10 center. Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Who is he?
While many will flock to Springfield this weekend to see talent from around the country, Massachusetts natives will have their eyes on Filipowski, the highest rated recruit in the state. Named the 2020-21 Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year, the 6-foot-10 combo forward brings a versatile skill set that includes handling and passing the ball at an exceptional level for a player his size. Filipowski also doesn’t hesitate to take an open shot from beyond the arc when it presents itself, providing floor-spacing ability that is an extremely coveted aspect of his game.
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