A busy summer of basketball concluded with updated ESPN player rankings for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 boys’ recruiting classes – which, inevitably, lead the site’s national recruiting director Paul Biancardi to name his Top 25 players, regardless of class, heading into the high school basketball season.
Three Grind Session players landed on his list, including Utah Prep’s AJ Dybantsa, Prolific Prep’s Darryn Peterson, and DME Academy’s Mikel Brown, Jr.
Here’s what Biancardi had to say about each of them:
- AJ Dybantsa
2025 ESPN 100 ranking: 1 | SF | Uncommitted
Dybantsa has NBA positional size and talent and is high school basketball’s best long-term prospect. He can finish, score, serve as a playmaker and he has a future as a switchable defender with rebounding and shot-blocking ability. He can also dominate games, produce in non-scoring areas and he understands when to defer and create for others. On pace to go No. 1 in the 2026 NBA draft.
- Darryn Peterson
2025 ESPN 100 ranking: 3 | SG | Uncommitted
The Prolific Prep guard is an exceptional scorer. He has positional size, shooting touch, range, footwork and playmaking talent. It’s hard to keep him out of the lane. Peterson is a strong on-ball defender who can sit down and guard the ball with focus. He’s a force in transition, too, because he goes in straight lines until he needs to change direction. The top overall guard in high school basketball has a promising future in college and as an NBA lottery pick.
- Mikel Brown Jr.
2025 ESPN 100 Ranking: 12 | PG | Uncommitted
When it comes to pure skill and feel for the game, Brown is near the top of the list. His jumper has deep range, and he gets into the paint to use his floater with soft touch and timing. Brown has notable point guard vision, has developed his handle and can deliver passes with either hand. He has matured and is ready to be a leader.
“It’s been a lot of fun watching our players continue to make a mark on the national stage, and we’re excited to see what the upcoming season has in store for them and their teams,” said Grind Session CEO Scott Waldrop. “We take great pride in being the home and proving ground for the nation’s best prospects and teams, and having three players ranked in ESPN’s top 25 is yet another reason to be proud.”
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