The Nike EYBL’s third spring session is set to tip off this weekend in Kansas City, bringing together some of the nation’s most coveted high school basketball talent. Games will start at 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday and run through 1:30 p.m. Eastern on Monday, offering a compact but intense showcase of prospects eyeing the next level.
Adding another layer to the spring circuit, USA Basketball’s 18U national team camp convenes in Colorado Springs, where 32 players from the 2026 and 2027 classes will battle for just 12 roster spots. The camp serves as a litmus test for elite prospects, many of whom are also on Ohio State’s radar.
Among those eyeing a future in Columbus, Anthony Thompson stands out as the country’s No. 7 overall prospect according to 247Sports. The forward is slated to enroll at Ohio State in June, pending his commitments with the USA Basketball team, making his performance in Colorado Springs a pivotal moment for both his draft stock and the Buckeyes’ recruiting narrative.
Camp Standouts
While Thompson commands the spotlight, several other camp participants have Ohio State connections. Demarcus Henry, Malachi Jordan, Davion Thompson and Joshua Tyson are all listed among the 2027 prospects who have offers or expressed interest from the university, adding depth to the Buckeyes’ emerging pipeline.
Another name drawing attention is LJ Smith, a 6‑4 combo guard from Oak Hill Academy. In seven games with Team Thad, Smith is averaging 17.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals, while shooting 39 percent from three‑point range. His all‑around production underscores why coaches view him as a potential immediate contributor.
The recruiting buzz also surrounds Kameron Mercer, a guard from Cincinnati Princeton who recently reclassified from the 2028 to the 2027 class. Mercer announced his intention to sign with Cincinnati this fall, but Ohio State had extended an offer two years ago, before he ever played a varsity minute as a freshman. The move highlights the competitive edge programs must maintain to stay in the mix.
For Ohio State, the convergence of elite talent in Kansas City and Colorado Springs is more than a scouting opportunity; it is a chance to reinforce a tradition of developing NBA‑ready players. Each commitment not only fills out the roster but also signals a cultural pull that can attract further recruits who aspire to wear the scarlet and gray.