12 hours, 52 games; College coaches got their money’s worth on day three of the NEPSAC Summer Showcase. The largest day of the tournament, high level prospects and elite new england teams played throughout Babson College’s four courts, with each game bringing a different twist. The day was a flurry of interests, offers, and even a commitment to a top-tier school; It also became a day where Syracuse recruits owned the gym. Here are my five Syracuse recruits who put their stamp on day two:
Alex Egbuonu, Lawrence Academy, 2026
Even though his team was playing on the fourth court, the farthest away from the main gym, Egbuonu attracted a crowd of power five coaches. The constant head nods and excited scribbling tells me that they were impressed, and I don’t blame them. Egbuonu is listed as a forward for recruiting purposes, but is the primary ball handler for his team. He made multiple coast to coast buckets, using his unique combination of handling skills and frame to blow through the entire defense. When he is not dazzling scouts with this dribbling ability, Egbuonu helps lead the charge in Lawrence’s pick and roll offense. He has the patience to wait until the screen is secured before leaking out towards the hoop. In the second half, the opposing coach was tired of watching him feast in the paint and decided to let him shoot; Egbuonu proceeded to knock down step-in three pointers and drain mid rangers. Egbuonu sets himself apart by playing downhill basketball, and forcing the issue against an opposing defense. He understands his tools and picks the right situations of when to shoot and when to crash into the paint. Egbuonu holds offers from other big time programs such as Auburn, Villanova, and Texas. Syracuse has expressed interest, but they must move fast with an offer to try and fight off competing schools.
Ryan Moesch, Cushing Academy, 2026
Moesch,facing a talented CATS team, took control of the game through his play as a lead guard. He pushed the ball up well in transition, and attacked the paint through various jab step and fadeaway combinations. He was exceptional at moving through a crowded half court; Moesch provided refined and thoughtful playmaking in a game otherwise full of turnovers and broken plays. He was able to call for and use screens effectively to create space. Moesch’s main selling point to the (Many) college coaches interested are his playmaking and shooting tools. He worked his team out of a tough opposing press late by connecting on multiple long passes. In the halfcourt, Moesch fed the ball around the perimeter to open up forwards instead of gambling on a pass. He drained contested threes from every spot on the floor, and impressed the crowd with his fluid jumper. Moesch burst onto the scene in 2025, with his NEPSAC Showcase performance further earning attention from Syracuse among others. He currently holds offers from schools such as Richmond and Iona, but I expect multiple power five offers after the showcase ends.
Theo Edema, Cushing Academy, 2027
Moesch’s teammate Edema, the counterpart of the lethal pick and roll duo, owned the paint on both ends of the floor against CATS. He consistently hauled in rebounds against two or three opposing players, combining his height and long outstretched arms with his freakish bounce at 7 feet tall. The defensive rebounds led to kickstarting a fast break; The offensive ones led to rim-rattling jams to fire up his team. Edema, when covered in the post, would pass out of a jam instead of trying to force a bad shot. This ball movement from their center, although appearing like a small detail, will massively help a Cushing squad with their spacing. Edema understands his role as a big man and routinely positions himself off-ball for success in the paint. He is able to judge rebound location well which creates second and third chances for his team, which helped them pull away in the second half. While the highlight dunks might be the headline on social media, Edema stacks up wins by doing the “little things” to absolute perfection. He received a Providence offer today in addition to Tennessee and Kansas earlier this month. Syracuse has been very interested in Edema, and was in attendance for both Cushing games so far this showcase.
Stetson Merritt, New Hampton School, 2027
Merritt and his squad took on an elite Putnam Science Academy team in the main Babson gym. Although having coverage shaded towards him the entire game, Merritt made a clear impact. He wasn’t fazed by the tough coverage thrown at him; Merritt let the game come to him. Once successfully driving into the paint, Merritt would scan his options before rushing into a decision. On a highlight play in the second half, Merritt decided that the best move on that possession would be to take matters into his own hands. He proceeded to stop on a dime, catching the defense off guard, before fading to the open side for a tough mid range bucket. This isn’t a poster dunk or a three ball from the logo, it is the smart and winning basketball that Merritt plays every night. He moved well on the floor defensively, guarding multiple different players and positions throughout the game. His frame and length combined with his elite communication skills sets him up to be a leader on the defensive end. He called the game for New Hampton with a buzzer-beating corner three, a perfect end to a hard-fought game. Merritt currently holds Buffalo and Albany offers, but has Syracuse and other powerhouses very interested with his ability to be a 2-way impact player
TJ Allen, Darrow School, 2027
Allen, after transferring to the Darrow School for the 2025/26 season, has already moved himself up to a sixth man in just his second game with his team. He provided his team with a 40-minute spark, flying up and down the court with his burst. He made passes on the move to keep the ball flowing and keep the defense guessing. After bringing the ball into the halfcourt, Allen would then begin to find holes in the defense and make himself available for teammates. His jumper is very consistent for a player so often advertised as a driver. In this game, however, it was Allen’s defense that took the spotlight. He excelled in Darrow’s second half full court press, forcing two turnovers in two minutes and forcing both opposing guards to exhaust themselves by moving latterally. His physicality makes him able to guard 1-4, a task he excelled in last year at St. Sebastian’s. Allen put the cherry on top by icing the game for Darrow, finishing at the basket through a double team. He has heard from Syracuse and Maryland since the recruiting window opened last week. Look for Allen to bring the energy at Darrow as he begins his junior season.
Sunday, day three and the final day of the showcase, is a much shorter slate of games. However, it remains an opportunity for recruits to make the lasting impression that the coaches will bring with them back to their respective colleges. It also features multiple Syracuse recruits playing on the main court. Stay tuned for coverage of day three’s standout prospects!
