It’s crunch time for the 2026 boys grassroots season.
Over the next two weekends, champions will be crowned in AAU circuits all over the country. Both weekends are NCAA live periods, meaning Division 1 coaches are permitted to watch and evaluate in person. In terms of recruitment, it’s the most active and arguably most important time on the grassroots basketball calendar.
Across New England, teams and college prospects are getting ready to board flights to locations all over the country – ranging to both coasts – in pursuit of circuit championships, and for members of the Class of 2027, it’s a bittersweet period as they play AAU for the final time. But more importantly, both weekends present one last chance to make a meaningful impression in front of college coaches before the fall.
We’re keeping tabs on all the action involving New England. Here’s a sampling of the top boys circuits, teams and prospects we’re monitoring over the next two weekends.
Adidas 3SSB
Session 3 – Bryan, Texas (July 10-12)
Palmetto Road Championships – Rock Hill, S.C. (July 16-19)
Last year, Adidas held its circuit championships during the first July live period before holding its final session the weekend after. This year, it’s flipped back. This is one of the top grassroots attractions annually in the country, and New England boasts two of its top programs on this circuit in BABC and Mass Rivals. Both will be among the best teams in the field in every division.
Locally, the 17U division is headlined by BABC’s Jaylen Hunter-Coleman (Boston, Mass.), DJ Hawkins (Farmington, Conn.) and Samuel Owusi-Aduomi, among others. Antonio Pemberton (Lawrence, Mass.) is our top-ranked 2027 prospect in New England and the star of Rivals, while Derek Swartz (Portsmouth, N.H.) co-stars while playing up as the region’s top 2028 recruit.
BABC’s 16U team, led by stock-riser Malachi Odugbela (Providence, R.I.), is sixth in its division standings heading into the third session this weekend.
Under Armour Association
Session 3 – Atlanta, Ga. (July 9-12)
Finals – Louisville, Ky. (July 16-19)
The Middlesex Magic’s 17U team is among the top grassroots teams in the country this year; they’re tied for second on the UAA circuit with a 7-1 mark, with its lone loss to top-ranked Team Thrill in May. With stock-rising wings Declan Griffiths (Simsbury, Conn.) and Philipe Ndong and a deep roster that already includes three Division 1 commits, they are a certain championship contender.
PROSPECT WATCH: Why Philipe Ndong is one of New England's top stock risers
The Magic’s 16U squad – led by Cole McClure (Stratham, N.H.), Luka Kuqo and others – is also 7-1 and tied for second in its division heading into this weekend’s live period.
Nike EYBL
Session 4 – Las Vegas, N.V. (July 8-11)
Peach Jam – North Augusta, S.C. (July 14-19)
The Nike circuit is considered the best in the country for high-major and potential NBA talent; its fourth session this week will be played in Las Vegas alongside NBA Summer League. That sets up Peach Jam, which is one of the most attractive events annually for college coaches. Expressions Elite is the circuit’s only member representing New England. Josiah Adamson (Boston, Mass.), Reece Ayala (Lawrence, Mass.) and Patrick Otey (Westwood, Mass.) are among their best 17U prospects.
Puma Pro16
Session 4 – Richmond, Va. (July 9-12)
Session 5 – Bryan, Texas (July 16-19)
Puma has established itself as one of the most respected circuits in the country and there are two prominent New England teams among their best in Team New England, which is in its first year on the circuit, and Rhode Island Elite. TNE’s Jabari Edmonds (Providence, R.I.) and Kyle Delves (Providence, R.I.) are among the most exciting prospects from the region entering the live periods.
MADE Hoops
Summer Live Sessions 1 & 2 – Oaks, Pa. (July 7-12)
MADE Championships – Baltimore, Md. (July 16-19)
There are a handful of New England’s strongest teams representing the region in MADE. On the 17U circuit, BCRI – led by stock-rising CATS Academy standout Donovan Clement (Pawtucket, R.I.) – is tied for third in the circuit standings entering July. Team White Mamba, which won the 16U division last season, is looking for another championship in the 17U division this month with several of the same players from the title team, including Raul Cruz (Dorchester, Mass.) and Mamadou Camara (Salem, Mass.). Expressions Elite, New Haven Heat, Team NSSA and Team New England are among the other New England squads.
Team Maine is second in MADE’s 16U division entering the live periods.
UA Rise
Session 2 – Atlanta, Ga. (July 9-12)
Finals – Louisville, Ky. (July 16-19)
The secondary circuit to the UAA, the UA Rise will conclude its season in the same locations. Team Sims will send 17U, 16U and 15 teams on the road for those events, and while Team Northeast isn't technically from New England, they boast a handful of notable NEPSAC names like Cheshire's Chase Leonardo and Salisbury's Jayden Cromwell.
Hoop Group Showcase League
Atlantic City Jam Fest – Atlantic City, N.J. (July 9-10)
Summer Jam Fest – Manheim, Pa. (July 11-12)
Pitt Summer Jam Fest – Pittsburgh, Pa. (July 17-19)
The HGSL, one of the best independent circuits in the country, concludes with the final regular season weekend in Atlantic City and then Spooky Nook – which determines seeding and qualification for the following championship weekend in Pittsburgh. New England is at the top of the 17U standings heading into July, with The House We Built – led by Lawrence Academy wing Caleb Baker (Whitman, Mass.) – in first place by one point over Middlesex Magic, which features CJ Farrell (Milford, Mass.), Ty Grudzien and others. SECC All-Stars, based out of Springfield, Mass., is fifth in the standings while New England Storm and Connecticut Elite are among other regional contenders.
