Matas Buzelis, Kanaan Carlyle, Naasir Cunningham, Bryson Tiller, Jayden Williams among top prospects headed to next level.
While many top high school basketball players are headed to the college level next season, an increasing number are exploring options among professional paths. At least 11 players have already announced their intention to explore the professional route.
We are tracking the announcements and the list below will be updated in the coming weeks and months.
The NBA G League Ignite program supports elite prospects who prefer to enter the professional ranks over pursuing college options out of high school. Top recruits Michael Foster Jr., Jaden Hardy and Scoot Henderson were among top players from the Class of 2022 to commit to the program last season.
Overtime Elite league also developed as an option last spring. Players are guaranteed a minimum of $100,000 annually, unless they chose to forgo payment to preserve their college eligibility, plus bonuses and shares of equity in Overtime. Top prospects Matthew and Ryan Bewley, Jalen Lewis and Amen and Ausar Thompson were among the top players to compete in the Overtime Elite's inaugural season.
Naasir Cunningham, the top ranked player in the Class of 2024, is among a handful of prep standouts turning pro this summer.
Photo: Pete Wright
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: No. 144
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Rundown: Rising senior had a strong grassroots season with the Oakland Soldiers, averaging 14.4 points and 4.6 rebounds during May's first session of Nike EYBL play.
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: No. 5
Headed to: NBA G League
Rundown: Five-star wing will spend his senior season with Sunrise Christian Academy before joining the NBA G League at the conclusion of the school year.
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: No. 18
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Selected as a MaxPreps Junior All-America honorable mention after averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists to help the Eagles reach the AAAAAAA quarterfinals.
Class: 2024
247Sports ranking: Not ranked
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: As a sophomore, Clark averaged 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists to help the Lakers reach the 3A regional semifinals.
Class: 2024
247Sports ranking: No. 1
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Earned second team MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honors last season after averaging 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists to guide the Knights to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Non-Public B title game.
Class: 2025
247Sports ranking: Not ranked
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Averaged 21.9 points per contest during his freshman year to lead Moravian Prep to a 24-4 record. Ellis dropped 53 points in a game during the summer grassroots circuit with Team Loaded (NC).
High school: Donda Academy (Simi Valley, Calif.)
Class: 2024
247Sports ranking: No. 29
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Four-star wing averaged 9.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest over seven contests with Team Thad at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, including posting 18 points and 15 rebounds against TSF.
High school: Vertical Academy (Charlotte, N.C.)
Class: 2023
247Sports ranking: No. 180
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Spent time at three different schools over freshman, sophomore and juniors seasons. He played alongside five-star Mikey Williams at pop-up school Vertical Academy last season.
Class: 2025
247Sports ranking: Not ranked
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2025, Tiller averaged 12.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season as a sophomore.
Class: 2024
247Sports ranking: No. 12
Headed to: Overtime Elite
Resume: Promising 6-foot-9 forward committed to OTE after showing development as a sophomore. Williams was previously expected to attend Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) next season.
