A Summer of Promise
The latest edition of Team Thad's 17U basketball roster reads like a love letter to Memphis. Six of the ten players hail from the city, forming a core that Coach Norton Hurd IV describes as the strongest group the region has fielded in fifteen to twenty years.
From May 15 to 17 the Memphis Sports & Events Center hosted Nike EYBL Session 2, a showcase that brought together some of the nation's most coveted prospects. The event served as a proving ground for the local talent that Hurd believes is once again rising to national relevance.
Stars on the Rise
Dylan Jones, the state tournament MVP for Bartlett's 2026 TSSAA Class 4A championship, has become a focal point of recruitment conversations. The sharpshooter has spoken with programs ranging from Tennessee and Ole Miss to Texas A&M and Memphis, while also catching the eye of John Calipari and Penny Hardaway.
Justin Frison, meanwhile, dominated the court during Session No. 2, posting double‑digit figures in points, assists, rebounds and steals. His performance earned offers from Belmont, UAB, Memphis and Mississippi State, underscoring his all‑around impact.
A Coach's Optimism
Hurd sees the current crop of Memphis players as a catalyst for a broader revival. "The area's talent is getting back to a good place," he said, expressing confidence that this summer will open doors for many of the state's best prospects on a national stage.
The ripple effect extends beyond individual recruitment. With eyes from major college programs turning toward the Bluff City, the local basketball ecosystem is poised to benefit from increased exposure, investment and development opportunities.