🎙️ Utah HS Hoops: The “United Nations” of LCA

Adam Peek is joined by “three-peat” guest and head coach of Layton Christian Academy, Casey Stanley, for a deep dive into the 2024-25 season.

Adam and Coach Stanley discuss how last year’s scholarship-winning players are adapting to the “grind” of college basketball and what feedback their new coaches are providing. They then break down the unique makeup of this year’s LCA roster—15 players from 15 different countries—and the unselfish, European style of play they bring.

Finally, they unpack LCA’s “insanely difficult” national schedule and why Coach Stanley is warning his international players not to underestimate the talent of their in-state Utah opponents.

⏰ Key Segments

* Banter & Aerial Silks (0:00 - 5:30): Adam and Coach Stanley catch up, discuss Adam’s daughter’s aerial silks performance, and joke about the future “Utah Aerial Silks Podcast.”

* Life After LCA (5:30 - 10:45): How are last year’s stars (Tyran, Anor, Sam, Allen, etc.) handling the jump to college? Coach Stanley shares feedback from both the players and their new college coaches, who praise the team’s preparedness for the “grind” and their high level of competitiveness.

* The “United Nations” Roster (12:30 - 15:15): This year’s LCA team is a global powerhouse, with 15 players from 15 different countries. Coach shares some humorous stories about players who previously competed against each other in European championship games before becoming teammates.

* Euro Style vs. USA Style (15:15 - 22:30): A fascinating breakdown of player development. Coach Stanley compares the European model (fewer games, more skill development for all 5 positions) with the American style (hunting mismatches, “highlight” plays).

* The 2024-25 Gauntlet (22:30 - 27:30): The team’s goal is to make the Chipotle Nationals. To get there, they’ll face one of the toughest schedules in the country, including powerhouses like AZ Compass, Mount Zion, and Wasatch Academy.

* Don’t Sleep on Utah (27:30 - 30:00): Coach Stanley emphasizes that his team has “no off nights,” pointing to the high-caliber Utah teams on their schedule like Lone Peak, Orem, Timpview, Judge, and Springville. He discusses warning his international players about the high-IQ, team-oriented style of basketball played in Utah.

📺 How to Watch the Eagles

* Watch: Almost all Layton Christian Academy games this season will be streamed live on BallerTV. (Select games may also be featured on NBA TV).

* Follow Stephani…er..I mean Casey James Stanley on LinkedIn

* Follow: For schedules, scores, and updates, follow the team on Instagram at @lcambb

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

🎙️ Episode Show Notes: Seena Namdar on the New Recruiting Landscape, the Path to D1 Coaching, & What Skills Actually Matter

Host Adam Peek sits down with one of the brightest young basketball minds in the state, Seena Namdar. Seena is a Graduate Assistant for the Utah Valley University (UVU) men’s basketball team, a co-founder of the Powder League, and a well-known skills trainer who has worked with many of Utah’s top high school, college, and pro players.

Adam and Seena dive deep into the unfiltered realities of the modern college basketball recruiting landscape, debunk common myths, and discuss what skills high school players should really be focused on to play at the next level.

## 🚀 Key Topics Discussed

1. Seena’s Journey: From Alta High to a D1 Bench

* Seena shares his playing career, from being an “undersized, smart, limit-mistakes player” at Alta High to the “real JUCO experience” at Colorado Northwestern (CNCC).

* Why he chose to end his playing career to start his coaching foundation.

* The common path to college coaching: Seena discusses the typical pipeline from Student Manager to Graduate Assistant (GA) and why it’s the most common route for those without a pro-playing resume.

2. The NEW College Recruiting Landscape (Unfiltered)

* The “Totem Pole”: Seena breaks down the new pecking order for college coaches. High school players are no longer the top priority, falling behind:

* The Transfer Portal

* JUCO players

* Even G-League players

* The 5A/6A Star vs. The G-League Vet: Adam and Seena discuss why a coach will almost always take a 21-year-old who has played against pros over an 18-year-old high school star.

* Prep School vs. JUCO: The guys talk about the value of getting into the college system, suggesting players “leapfrog” the prep school route and go directly to a JUCO—at any level—to get on the radar.

3. Debunking Recruiting Myths

* Myth #1: Recruiting Services (like NCSA): Seena gives his blunt take, “I’ve never clicked on an NCSA profile.” He argues that a personal connection is far more valuable.

* Myth #2: Your AAU Circuit is Everything: While the major circuits (Nike, Adidas, etc.) are important, Adam argues the most valuable asset is an AAU coach (like Evric Gray) with a “Rolodex” who will personally call college coaches on your behalf.

* What Actually Works: You need a “Hey, man”—a high school or AAU coach who has direct relationships and will actively advocate for you.

4. Skill Development: What Really Translates?

* Instagram vs. Reality: Stop working on “Instagram moves.” Seena explains that his D1 workouts at UVU are 15-20% talking/teaching. It’s not about new moves; it’s about:

* Making Reads: Understanding spacing, angles, and footwork.

* Scoring Within the Offense: Learning how to get a shot out of the team’s specific offensive sets.

* The Non-Negotiable: Adam notes that a 17 ppg scorer in high school who is an average defender will not see the floor in college. You must be able to defend your position and knock down open shots.

* Watch Full Games: The guys emphasize why players must watch full college and pro games, not just highlights, to understand the speed, physicality, and complexity of the game.

5. A Look at UVU and the D1 Game

* Seena, who charts the offensive play calls for UVU, reveals they run 30-40 unique sets per half and rarely repeat a play more than three times.

* Adam encourages all high school players to get to a UVU game to see the D1 speed and physicality up close.

## 🗣️ People & Players Mentioned

* Landon Cummings

* Jaden Brownell (USC)

* Evric Gray (Utah Rebels)

* Dr. Blake Flickner (Dallas Baptist University)

* Bucky McMillan (Samford)

* Congo 15U AAU Team

* Colorado Northwestern (CNCC)

* Utah Valley University (UVU) Wolverines

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

Everyone, please, please, please pay attention. Not caring about your academics is going to cost you in recruiting. Period.

Record your games with BallerCam.com. Use code VIPADAM to get $25 off an accessory. Offer expires October 31, 2025.

Most schools who are recruiting Utah players not named BYU and Utah (or D1 schools in general) are experiencing cuts to their athletic departments and so it’s increasing the importance for athletes to be able to fund their education in multiple ways

Your GPA is now really helping or hurting you in recruiting:

If you care to see some of the research about higher education funding across the board at D2, NAIA, and Juco levels - here’s a quick web application I built for you!

I had Gemini help me with the rest of the show notes below:

Episode Show Notes: Why Academics Matter More Than Ever in Recruiting

Host Adam Peek discusses a critical but often overlooked aspect of college basketball recruiting: academics, and why they are becoming increasingly important, especially for athletes who aren’t top-tier national prospects.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Shifting Recruiting Landscape (0:27): While NIL dominates headlines, budget cuts in higher education are affecting many college basketball programs below the elite D1 level (Juco, NAIA, D2, D3). Coaches have tighter budgets and fewer athletic scholarship dollars to work with.

* The Financial Value of Good Grades (1:15):

* Strong academics (high GPA, good test scores) make student-athletes eligible for academic scholarships and grants.

* This “non-basketball money” significantly reduces the cost for a coach to bring a player onto the team.

* A player needing less athletic aid is easier and more attractive to recruit for budget-conscious programs. Adam shares an anecdote about a coach viewing a player with poor grades as costing the equivalent of two scholarships.

* Conversely, poor academics can disqualify players from opportunities, even if they are talented on the court.

* Academics as a Differentiator (2:20): For the vast majority (99%) of players, strong academics can create opportunities, potentially giving them an edge over similarly skilled players who are more expensive financially.

* Actionable Advice for Student-Athletes (3:10):

* Prioritize School Now: Especially for freshmen and sophomores, focusing on grades early is the best investment in future recruitability. Pay attention, do the work, study, get good grades.

* Standardized Tests: Take the ACT and SAT, as good scores can help unlock academic money.

* Explore WUE: Research the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, which offers reduced tuition at participating schools in western states for Utah residents. Knowing these costs helps target affordable options.

* Apply for Scholarships: Look for and apply for non-athletic scholarships based on academics, community service, etc.

* Be Honest with Coaches: Communicate clearly about academic standing and future plans (like serving a mission).

* Conclusion (5:10): Don’t let poor academic performance limit your ability to play college basketball. The classroom is a critical piece of the recruiting puzzle, perhaps more now than ever before.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

Had a great time talking with Drake Darnell who’s a coach at Viewmont and runs the Pharm Boys AAU circuit on the RecruitLook Circuit. We had a great chat and I hope you can tap in for the full 54 minutes!

Check out the site at rankings.utahbasketball.net

BallerCam still has the promo code for $25 off an accessory using VIPADAM - won’t last long!

Here are some show notes generated by Gemini:

Episode Show Notes: 2028 & 2029 Rankings with Drake Darnell

Host Adam Peek is joined by coach Drake Darnell of Pharm Boys Basketball and Viewmont High School to break down the newly released 2028 and 2029 player rankings. They discuss Drake’s coaching journey, the volatility of ranking young players, and highlight key prospects in both classes.

Guest Introduction: Drake Darnell (01:25)

* Drake Darnell joins the show.

* He runs Farm Boys Basketball, a club program that recently joined the Recruit Look circuit.

* Drake is also an assistant coach at Viewmont High School.

* He gives a shout-out to Drez Jensen (now at Eastern Wyoming) for helping build the program.

The “Hot Garbage” of Early Rankings (04:15)

* Adam and Drake discuss the difficulty and “huge range of outcomes” when ranking 14, 15, and 16-year-old players.

* They share anecdotes about absurdly high national rankings for 6th graders, including a story about Carlo Mulford (2026, Herriman/CSI).

* Adam refuses to rank the 2030 (8th grade) class, calling the practice “hot garbage.”

Class of 2028 Rankings Breakdown

Top 10 Discussion (15:45)

* #10 Jack Layton (Farmington): Drake, who coached Jack, says he has expanded his game and is learning to dominate. He is an offensive “walking mismatch” and a key defensive communicator.

* #8 Owen Barney (Davis): The host praises his “pure shot.” Drake notes that while he hasn’t coached against him, Owen is known as a “workhorse.”

Players 11-20 (19:45)

* #11 Alen Hadzialijagic (Cyprus): The host highlights his high-IQ, “Jokic-ish” passing, and footwork.

* #15 Knox Westenskow (Brighton): The host notes his connection to Intermountain Christian School (ICS). “Knox” is described as long, athletic, and a good shooter.

* #14 Bryson Landis (Bonneville): Drake praises him as a great player who averaged nearly a double-double as a freshman. He has “incredible touch around the rim” and great defensive timing.

Players 21-30 (22:30)

* #22 Kobe Ross (American Leadership): Host gives a shout-out for his recent offer from Cal.

* #25 Kalou Ruot (Judge Memorial): The host identifies Kalu as a sleeper prospect who D1 coaches are already asking about. He’s 6’5”, athletic, and still growing.

* #26 Brett Tovey (Viewmont): Drake calls him an “elite competitor” who refuses to make excuses. He shares an anecdote about Brett being furious after giving up points while up by 40.

Players 23-40 (26:10)

* #23 Kekani Manuia (Orem): A “flamethrower” who impressed at the Great Western Classic.

* #24 Brady Peterson (Bingham): Another player who stood out at the Great Western Classic.

* #27 Cam Tingey (Cyprus): Hit several big shots in the Colorado tournament.

* #30 Hyatt Thomas (Whitehorse): The host highlights him for making All-State as a freshman in 1A, emphasizing the difficulty and grind of 1A basketball.

* #33 Drew Faddis (Westfield): Talented player with good wing attributes.

* #32 Graham Moultrie (Davis): “Can shoot the crap out of the ball.”

* #35 Kaysan Afridi (Herriman): A high-motor player.

* #34 George Smith (Bountiful): Drake notes the strong combination of the Bountiful system and the Smith name.

* #36 Malik Allen (Provo): Brother of Makai Allen.

Class of 2029 Rankings Breakdown (28:50)

Top 10 Discussion

* #1 Kiir Naang (Anthem Prep): Host and Drake agree he’s a “matchup nightmare.”

* #5 Ben Waner (Anthem Prep): The host has known Ben since 5th grade, noting he played on a middle school team at ICS with Adam Peek (2026) and Isaiah Drisdom (2029).

* #2 Brayden James (Anthem Prep): Incredibly talented for his size.

* #3 Xavier Mulford (Herriman): Drake: “I’ve been getting buckets given to me by Mulfords for as long as I can remember... Xavier might be the best one.”

* #4 Ty Kozlowski (Corner Canyon): Ridiculous size and skill for his age.

* #11 Kip Taylor (Davis): The host knows the family and describes Kip as an intense “hate to lose” competitor.

Players 11-25 (32:45)

* #15 Lincoln Chandler (Farmington): Drake notes he is finding his own identity apart from his brother (Colin Chandler). He “can shoot the crap out of the ball” and will be dangerous as he grows.

* #17 Liam MacDonald (Farmington): (Spelling corrected live on air). Drake says not to be fooled by his 5’5” frame, as he’s an elite worker who can fill it up.

* #18 Charlie Cummard (Olympus) & #24 Ayden Lobendahn: The host mentions he was told these two players are “unicorns” to watch.

* #23 Lincoln Labrum (Farmington): Drake praises him as a smart, high-upside point forward.

Teams to Watch (37:15)

* Viewmont (6A): The host has them #8 in his preseason rankings. Drake says the team is a tight-knit group with high expectations. He highlights Carson Tovey (2026) as a “matchup nightmare” and Lukas Toner (2026) as one of the best facilitators in the state, potentially averaging 6-7 assists.

* Riverton (6A): Drake identifies them as a solid, well-coached, physical team. He highlights players like Beckham Rees and sophomore Bennett Atwood.

Plugs & Takeaways (41:45)

* Drake Darnell:

* Instagram: @PharmBoysBasketball

* Twitter (X): @FarmBoysBasketball

* Personal Instagram: @DrakeDarnell5

* Host’s Advice: Players must be on Twitter (X) to manage their own recruiting. It’s where college coaches are.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

I did a few site updates to help with formatting and I’ll keep adding to it as I can.

A few notes before we get to the AI show notes below:

* If you want to contribute any content, video, interviews, articles, let me know. I want to help not just the players but also the people who maybe want to get into media.

* I used my BallerCam yesterday for my daughters sophomore volleyball game and my parents and siblings got to tune in and watch. What a gift for them and it only costs me $29/month to make those connections. Use code VIPADAM to get $25 off your accessory

* I’ve only seen 4 of the 2029 players play in person or on video. I did reach out to a few club coaches who have teams at that age and got some feedback but I expect these to be very fluid as the year rolls on.

Ok, let’s get to the AI generated show notes:

Episode Title

2029 Player Rankings Drop + Site Updates (Building in Public)

Subtitle (optional)

Publish date: 2025-10-17Episode number: TBD

Summary (2–3 sentences)

Quick Friday check-in: the 2029 player rankings are live and the site just got a navigation refresh. I walk through what changed, how I’m validating data (and cutting down my “uh/um” habit), and why these early rankings are directional. Plus an open invite for contributors and a heads-up on Utah alums playing at the Rocky Mountain Jamboree.

Guest(s)

Adam Peek

Timestamps

* 00:00 Intro + why it already feels like hoops season

* 00:35 Site updates: homepage layout & rankings nav

* 02:10 Building in public: data accuracy, errors, and MaxPreps integration

* 03:30 How to submit corrections (objective vs. subjective)

* 05:00 Navigating team rankings (UHSAA Top 10, regions, player pages)

* 06:40 2029 rankings are live (top 20 for now)

* 08:30 Methodology & caveats for incoming freshmen

* 10:15 Quick notes on a few names to watch

* 12:00 Call for contributors (writers, interviewers, video)

* 14:30 What’s live right now: class rankings, team power rankings, podcast

* 16:00 Sponsor mention: Baller & VIP Adam code

* 16:40 Watch list: Rocky Mountain Jamboree note

* 18:00 Closing

Key Takeaways

* The site has a cleaner vertical layout and quicker paths to class rankings (’26–’29).

* 2029 rankings are a first draft; expect movement as real varsity minutes happen.

* I’m prioritizing objective, sourced data and opening the platform to community contributors.

Utah High School Hoops Notes

* 2029 watchlist mentions: Kiir Naang (Anthem Prep/Mountain Stars), Brayden James, Xavier Mulford (Herriman), Ben Waner (Anthem Prep/Mountain Stars), Ty Kozlowski, Lincoln Chandler, Kip Taylor (brother of Austin at Davis).

* Context: Early impressions only—no in-season Utah stats yet. When available, pull Utah numbers from MaxPreps and cross-check Deseret statewide leaders (2025).

Links & Resources

* UtahBasketball.net — homepage & rankings

* Corrections/Contact: email or DM via IG/X (objective corrections preferred)

* Deseret News statewide leaders (2025): add link

* MaxPreps Utah — school/player pages: add links when stats are needed

* Rocky Mountain Jamboree streaming info (Colorado): add link

Call to Action

* Subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify

* Leave a rating and review

* Join the email list for weekly notes

* If you want to contribute (write, interview, video), reach out

Credits

Host: UtahBasketball.netProducer/Editor: UtahBasketball.netMusic: ThemeRecorded at: Remote

Contact

Tips, story ideas, feedback: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

Good morning! 2028 player rankings are out this morning and I had a ton of fun researching and talking with people in the know on this class (2029 is releasing tomorrow)

Create lasting connections and be fully present during games by grabbing your own BallerCam at www.ballercam.com and use code VIPADAM to get $25 off an accessory (which you don’t need, FYI. You can get the device and just pay $29/month for access to the BallerCam app to stream and record. It’s awesome sauce)

You can view them at rankings.utahbasketball.net along with the 2026, 2027, and team pre season rankings.

There’s a thread here on Substack (or comment on this post) to help me correct data errors. There’s probably a team misclassified or a player who’s changed teams, or height that’s wrong, etc.

Here’s a quick glance at why Jaden Cecil came in at #1 overall in the class and the next clip is a shout out to Hyatt Thomas at 1A Whitehorse who came in at #30:

I try to type and make content original, but I will use AI to help with show notes so I can get back to my real job :) Here’s what the robots think the show notes should be:Utah High School Hoops — Class of 2028 Initial Rankings (Methodology + First Look)

Release date: October 16, 2025Host: Adam

Summary

Adam walks through how he built the initial Class of 2028 Top 30 for UtahBasketball.net — emphasizing objectivity, transparency, and room for movement as more full-game data rolls in. He also previews team power rankings, why smaller-school standouts matter, and how to use rankings as motivation (not validation).

Topics & Timestamps

* 00:00 – Opening; quick word on the portable Baller Cam tool he’s been testing for volleyball and hoops

* 03:40 – Ranking philosophy: mixing in-person eval, trusted coaches/scouts, Great Western Classic notes, and Utah MaxPreps varsity production for freshmen

* 08:55 – Why the list is fluid until tip-off; tracking in-season player movement (only to highlight growth)

* 12:10 – How to filter the rankings page (USAA-only, classification, position) and why national/prep kids are tagged separately

* 16:30 – The Top 10 snapshot and why the top three all had a case for No. 1

* 22:05 – Spotlight on smaller schools: Whitehorse’s Hyatt Thomas and honoring All-State freshmen

* 26:40 – Team Power Rankings: overall board + classification/region views, early errors to be corrected with community help

* 33:10 – Using game film + objective data over highlights; what actually moves a player up the board

* 38:00 – What’s next: 2029 class preview; possible expansion of 2028 list before the season

Players Mentioned (with Utah MaxPreps context)

* Jayden (Jayden) Cecil — Utah Prep, 2028, PG: 2024–25 early Grind Session log shows 1.0 PPG, 1.0 APG (3 GP). MaxPreps profile

* Troy Kaufusi — Orem, 2028, PG: As a freshman on varsity (19 GP), posted 2.3 PPG, 1.3 APG, 1.6 RPG in 11.4 MPG. MaxPreps stats

* Hyatt Thomas — Whitehorse, 2028, G: 14.8 PPG on 2024–25 varsity ledger as a freshman; one of the few 1A/2A freshmen to earn All-State last season. MaxPreps stats

* Josh Tolman — Corner Canyon, 2028, F: Multiple double-digit outings as a frosh — 14 vs Copper Hills (Jan 10, 2025); 13 vs Lone Peak (Jan 7, 2025) and 13 vs Mountain Ridge (Jan 14, 2025). MaxPreps profile

* Oscar Keegan — East, 2028, SF: Early varsity action; broke out with 21 points (9–15 FG) vs Olympus as a freshman. MaxPreps stats • Game recap

Notes: Some other names mentioned (e.g., Easton Hansen/Fremont; Jackson Ford/Timpview; Mac Rasmussen/Orem; Clint Lillie/Jordan) appear on team rosters or with limited early varsity minutes; we’ll add season-average lines as official stat pages populate.

Notable Quotes

* “Rankings are subjective — I’m just trying to inject as much objectivity as possible.”

* “Use the number next to your name as motivation, not a finish line.”

* “Full game film + verified data moves you up; highlights just start the conversation.”

Links & References

* Rankings hub:

https://rankings.utahbasketball.net

* Site:

https://utahbasketball.net

* Team Power Rankings (preseason): see the “Teams” tab on the rankings site

Credits

Produced by UtahBasketball.net.Contact: [email protected] | @UtahBasketball_net

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

I had Google Gemini write some show notes from my 30 minutes of rambling…

Podcast Episode: “GWC, Juco, New Rankings, and more parent advice!”

Host: Adam Peek (UtahBasketball.net)

Key Discussion Points:

* Baller TV/Baller Cam (0:30-2:25): The host talks about using the Baller Cam to record games for family (like his family in Colorado) and as a better alternative to poor quality, inconsistent phone streaming. He mentions watching parents recording with their phones and missing the game. He notes that the Baller Cam gives parents back control and allows them to be present. He also mentions a promo code for a discount (VIPADAM for $25 off an accessory)

* The Great Western Classic (2:25 - 8:50):

* Main Observation (3:20): It’s still October, and teams/players are using these fall leagues to figure out what they need to work on. Many teams were playing “bad basketball,” but that’s the point of pre-season events.

* Layton High School (6A) (5:20): The host was impressed with Layton’s tough-nosed, gritty defense and good shooting. He highlights junior Karter Miller as a “tough, tough, tough shot-maker” and a player the team can rely on late in the shot clock.

* Orem High School (4A) (7:25): Orem looked good, especially sophomore Kekani Manuia (2028 class), who was noted for an impressive shooting performance in one of the games.

* Lone Peak High School (6A) (8:10): The addition of Saxon Young at point guard makes this team “scary” alongside other talent like Crew Fotheringham.

* Cottonwood (8:45): Mentioned as a team that was the “talk” of the tournament for looking good after they beat Team Utah.

* Juco Basketball (8:50 - 15:55):

* The host highly recommends players who are serious about playing college basketball to watch Juco (Junior College) games to see the significant difference in physicality, execution, and intensity compared to high school.

* He highlights Jacovey Campbell, a point guard from Western Wyoming who was undersized but was the best player on the court due to his high basketball IQ, speed, defensive tenacity (fighting through every screen), and decision-making in the pick-and-roll.

* He notes that watching a Juco game will give players a clear, honest picture of the level required to play in college, even if it’s not Division I.

* New Rankings Website (15:55 - 23:20):

* The host introduces the new rankings page on the website: rankings.utahbasketball.net.

* He reiterates that the rankings for team power and classes (2026, 2027) are currently based on early season observations and available data, acknowledging that some roster and player information might be incomplete or incorrect at this stage. He asks for player/parent feedback, preferably on the Substack threads, to help correct the data. (thread is linked)

* The ranking site displays team rankings by classification (6A, 5A, 4A, etc.) and player rankings with height, position, and college offers/commitments.

* Parent Corner / Advice for Parents (23:20 - 27:35):

* In-Game Behavior (23:20): Parents should stop yelling at scorekeepers and officials. He stresses that officials are also trying to get better, and parents yelling about the score or “call it both ways” makes the game experience worse.

* Recruiting Realities (27:35): The chances of a player getting a full ride scholarship are “insanely low.”

* He advises parents to act as if their child is going to college without playing basketball, and that college coaches are being tight on budgets. Money will be tight at the D2, D3, NAIA, and Juco levels, meaning players often rely on academic aid and other scholarships.

* Focus on Development (28:18): Instead of wasting money on excessive AAU/Club travel for the sake of “exposure,” especially before 16U/17U, parents should focus their resources on genuine player development, skill training, nutrition, and strength training.

* Exposure (28:44): The host notes that live period exposure isn’t impactful until around the 17U or senior year of high school. Players who want to be recruited need to put themselves out there, network with coaches, and ensure the highlight videos/stats they send out are accurate to avoid having coaches show up and be disappointed.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

Huge thanks to Karl from D3Direct for joining the show. Everyone make sure to go subscribe to his Substack!

Also, if you haven’t already, the 2026 and 2027 player rankings are live at rankings.utahbasketball.net . Please drop me any feedback before the season starts so I can have the data correct. If you feel like your ranking is wrong, provide data on why and drop it in the comment section here!

Ok, here are the notes from the show:What's up, everyone! On this episode, I sit down with Karl Barkley, founder of D3 Direct, to demystify the world of NCAA Division III basketball. For Utah players, where D3 opportunities aren't right in our backyard, this conversation is essential listening. We break down the biggest misconceptions (especially about scholarships), discuss why D3 is a powerhouse of opportunity, and give you actionable advice for navigating the recruiting process.

If you or your player is looking for a path to play at the next level, you don't want to miss this.

Guest Information:

* Guest: Karl Barkley

* Company: D3 Direct

* Website: d3-direct.com - Your go-to resource for camps, recruiting advice, and more.

Key Discussion Points & Takeaways:

* The Scale of D3 Basketball: Did you know there are more D3 schools (around 440) than D1 schools? Karl explains that D3 is the largest NCAA division, offering a massive number of opportunities for student-athletes.

* Busting the Scholarship Myth: While D3 schools don't offer athletic scholarships, Karl breaks down how players can get their education paid for through a combination of academic merit aid, grants, and other financial aid packages. Often, the final cost can be less than a partial scholarship offer from a D1 or D2 school.

* The "Why" Behind D3: Karl makes a powerful point: "D3 is the last bastion of what college sports used to be." It's an environment that prioritizes the "student" in student-athlete, setting players up for a 40-year career, not just a 4-year one. The network you build is invaluable.

* What to Look for in a D3 School: For Utah players looking out of state, Karl advises considering:

* Distance from Home: Do you want your family to be able to see you play?

* Academics: Does the school have the specific major you're interested in? Doing this research will impress coaches.

* Environment: Are you ready for Chicago winters or Texas heat? Consider the weather and campus environment.

* Program Fit: Is it a top-tier program where you might have to wait your turn, or a rebuilding one where you could play right away? Do they have a JV team?

* Recruiting Advice: Karl's golden rule: "Ask hard questions during your recruiting process to avoid hard truths when you get to campus." Be proactive, do your homework on the programs, and don't be afraid to ask coaches where you stand.

* The D3 Pro Pipeline: We discussed examples like Brody Fox (Wisconsin-Stout) who went from D3 to a D1 star and now a pro career. Karl also mentioned the book Pipeline to the Pros by Ben Kaplan, which highlights how many D3 alumni are now in NBA front offices and coaching staffs.

Resources Mentioned:

* D3 Direct Website: d3-direct.com for recruiting resources, camp lists, and one-on-one coaching.

* Book: Pipeline to the Pros by Ben Kaplan - A look at how D3 grads have shaped professional basketball.

* Utah HS Hoops Rankings: As mentioned in the intro, check out our new 2026 and 2027 Player Rankings!

Thanks for tuning in! Make sure to follow Karl and D3 Direct on social media for daily tips, and don't forget to subscribe to the Utah HS Hoops podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

Episode Show Notes: Explaining the 2026 Rankings

Host Adam Peek dives deep into his "stupid idea" to create a new, interactive 2026 player rankings website for Utah high school basketball. He breaks down the why, the how, and what it all means for the players.

Why Build a New Ranking System?

* A Learning Project: The website was built as a personal project to practice a new development style ("vibe coding").

* Action Over Complaint: After seeing community feedback about existing rankings, Adam decided to build a new resource rather than just critique others. He gives a shout-out to Prep Hoops, acknowledging their value to the Utah basketball scene.

* Data-Driven Approach: The goal was to compile objective data from sources like MaxPreps, Deseret News, and expert feedback to create a comprehensive and interactive tool for players, fans, and coaches.

Methodology: The Art & Science of Rankings

Adam's rankings are built on a philosophy that balances objective data with informed, subjective analysis.

* What Carries Weight:

* Verifiable College Offers: An offer from a college coach is a strong indicator of next-level talent.

* All-State Honors: Official recognition from coaches across the state.

* Performance in Big Moments: Players who step up in major events, like the state tournament.

* Expert Feedback: Input was gathered from college coaches, club directors, and even a national scout.

* What Was De-emphasized:

* Unverifiable AAU Stats: Self-reported or parent-reported stats were not used as a primary metric.

Player Spotlights & Mentions

Throughout the episode, Adam references numerous players to illustrate his points.

* The Mamba Invitational Stars: A huge accomplishment for Utah basketball, with three Utah Prospects players featured in the championship game:

* Junior County (Wasatch Academy)

* Dean Rueckert (Timpview)

* Ikenna Alozie (Dream City Christian, AZ)

* Top of the Rankings Discussion:

* Gavin Lowe (Olympus): The reigning State Player of the Year is ranked #2 in the state, sparking a discussion on the subjective nature of ranking top talent.

* Other elite players mentioned at the top include Anthony Felesi, Katrelle Harmon, Jayden Johnson, and Gabe Sularaski

* Players Making Moves:

* Deng Deng (Juan Diego): Moved "way up" the list after a phenomenal summer with Team Utah that resulted in numerous college offers.

* Brigham Kemp (Hurricane): Described as a "walking bucket" whose talent was evident from live viewings.

* Jason Hernandez (Green River): The first player to reach out for feedback; highlighted for his consistent scoring.

* The Drake Allen Story - A Lesson for All Players:

* Drake Allen, a high-major Division I starter at Utah State, did not start on his JV team as a junior or his varsity team as a senior. He wouldn't have been on any ranking lists. His journey is the ultimate example that rankings do not define your future—your work ethic does.

* Other Players Mentioned:

* JT Turley (Davis)

* Tyler Mortensen (Corner Canyon)

* Mason Ford (Timpview)

* Caden Jackson (Olympus)

* Isaiah Reiser (Copper Hills)

* Parker Snedaker (Murray)

* Isaiah Beh (Murray)

* Graydin Anderson (Westlake)

A Message to the Players

Your rank is just a number. Use it for one of two things:

* Encouragement: If you're on the list of 175 players, you are in the top 20-25% of your class in the state. Be proud of that.

* Motivation: If you think your rank is too low, go prove it wrong. Let it fuel you to work harder in the gym, in the weight room, and on your film study.

Check It Out!

* Website: rankings.utahbasketball.net

* Features: Interactive grid and list views, searchable database, and filters for college offers, commitment status, position, and classification.

* (Note: An email and password are required to log in for security purposes.)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net

This is a quick 10 minute episode, but I break down why, perhaps, parents and players in Utah are a bit naive when it comes to non D1 opportunities and programs and why it requires a player to travel more than most states (including AAU…which I understand contradicts my last episode :)

Here’s a look at the webapp I quickly built in Gemini

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.utahbasketball.net