Plenty of players from the 15U level at this year’s NY2LA Sports Invitational boosted their recruitment stock. While many could be included on this list, here are some of the players who helped themselves the most with their play during the tournament. 

Henry Gruetzmacher – 2026 – PF – 24Up

A young forward with some size at 6’6” and length who plays very active inside. On limited post touches his first game of the tournament, he scored the paint efficiently playing with his back to the basket. While he is at his best in the paint on both ends, he is a mobile big man that showed the ability to defend smaller forwards out on the perimeter. 

Eli Jackson – 2026 – PG – Man Up

One of the quicker point guards at the 15U level who showed a good ability to both score and distribute the ball. A skilled scorer who plays well getting into the paint plus hit a few threes but is a more than willing passer with good court awareness. Jackson came up big in the clutch in a game on Saturday getting a game winning transition bucket in the final seconds of a game. 

Jack Marti – 2026 – F – Chapman Basketball

Over the course of the tournament, Marti impressed during multiple games helping his CBA Gold Elite team reach the 15U semifinals. The forward has some size at 6’5” with a versatile offensive skill set. He scored the ball efficiently throughout the tournament getting it done in a variety of ways; spot up threes, cuts and drives, and tough buckets in the paint. 

Paul McNeil – 2026 – PG – Pride Roc Elite

An active point guard that was constantly making plays whether it was on the defensive end, battling for loose ball, and on the glass. Also a skilled point guard that plays well on the attack with his quickness, handle, and very good moves getting to the paint often and create for himself and teammates. More than just a driver, McNeil showed the ability to hit threes with a smooth jumper.

Christopher Nimmer – 2026 – G – Chapman Basketball South

Nimmer was one of the better perimeter defenders at the 15U level. On every play, Nimmer played with great energy and with his quickness, showed the ability to be a shutdown defender. With his intense defense, he was getting all over the basketball and sticks with his man. Offensively, he constantly plays on the attack using his quickness. 

Bryce Ott – 2026 – F – Wisconsin Blizzard

As a 2026 forward, Ott is showing plenty of upside with a nice array of tools already. He can play on the inside at 6’6” but also has the mobility and skills to play out on the perimeter. The skill set of Ott has continued to develop with the ability to handle the ball and get to the basket but also hit the three. Also, he is a very active forward battling on the glass and defending inside and out. He impressed last season on the GNBA, but his skill level has continued to take great strides. 

Kevin Pittman – 2026 – PF – Phenom University

While Pittman had some solid tournament this spring, this was a breakout tournament for him as he is starting to put all his tools together. He has great physical tools at 6’8” with length and agility. He scored the ball effectively with a 16-point game getting it done around the paint on lobs and dump offs but made his biggest impact on the defensive side with his rim protection ability plus plays very active on the glass. Pittman is starting to show he can one of the region’s top 2026 big men. 

De’Aaron Watkins – 2026 – F – Kentucky Hoop Dreams

As well to standing at 6’7”, there is much to like about Watkins game. A tough interior scorer who can score with some strong post moves but also can stretch the floor with good looking jumper spotting up from the outside. Also, a standout on the defensive end as he moves well for his size and plays strong around the basket as a rim protector. A highly intriguing forward prospect moving forward.