Iowa Recruiting Target RJ Evans Shines at adidas 3SSB Championships

Rock Hill, S.C. — The adidas 3SSB Championship brought together some of the nation's top high school basketball talent this weekend, and several players with Iowa ties or interest in the Hawkeyes turned heads. Among the standout performers was RJ Evans, a Class of 2029 wing who holds an offer from the University of Iowa.

The tournament, held at the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center, featured future NBA stars and drew college coaches and scouts from across the country. Here is a look at the top performers and what their success means for Iowa basketball fans.

RJ Evans: A Rising Star With Iowa on His List

Evans, the son of 13-year NBA veteran Reggie Evans, is already one of the most sought-after players in the 2029 class. The 6-foot-7 wing played up two divisions at the 17U level for Austin Rivers SE Elite. He scored 32 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out four assists in a narrow 79-76 loss to Garner Road on Friday.

Evans holds offers from Miami, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, and Ole Miss. His combination of size, length, and natural feel for the game makes him a priority for NBA scouts and college coaches alike. For Iowa, landing a player of his caliber would be a major recruiting win.

Antonio Pemberton: The Clutch Performer

Antonio Pemberton, a Class of 2027 guard, was the player of the tournament. He led Mass Rivals to a stunning upset over powerhouse Compton Magic with a buzzer-beating fadeaway jumper over 6-foot-10 center Darius Wabbington. Pemberton finished with 29 points and four assists in that thriller, then dropped 31 points and four assists with zero turnovers in a win over ASAK Elite.

Kansas and South Carolina are his most recent offers. Coaches from Michigan State, Marquette, Boston College, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky, Auburn, and Florida State watched him closely. While Iowa is not yet in the mix, Pemberton's performance shows the depth of talent on the circuit.

Jordan Page: Gold Medalist and Elite Athlete

Jordan Page, a 6-foot-5 wing from Raleigh, North Carolina, is coming off a gold medal win with Team USA at the U17 FIBA World Cup. He had 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a win over Austin Rivers SE Elite. Page holds offers from North Carolina, NC State, Baylor, Florida State, Indiana, UConn, and Kentucky. His athleticism and improving jump shot make him a player to watch.

Darius Wabbington and Yann Kamagate: Twin Towers

Compton Magic's frontcourt features two elite prospects. Darius Wabbington, a 6-foot-11 center, averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 rebounds during the regular season. He has scheduled official visits to Arizona, Indiana, Louisville, and Texas. Yann Kamagate, a 7-footer with a 7-foot-9 wingspan, is the No. 2 player in the 2028 class. He recorded 13 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks in one game. Coaches from Duke, Arizona, BYU, Alabama, Arkansas, and Michigan watched him multiple times.

Kamsi Awaka: Defensive Player of the Year

Kamsi Awaka, the younger brother of Chicago Bulls forward Tobe Awaka, was named Defensive Player of the Year on the 3SSB Circuit. The 6-foot-9 forward averages three blocks per game and helped New Heights reach the championship game. He holds offers from UConn, Arizona, Maryland, and Georgia Tech.

Cooper Zachary: Indiana Sharpshooter

Cooper Zachary, a 5-foot-10 guard from Indiana, led Midwest Basketball Club to an upset win over Team Lillard with 19 points. He shot 4-for-7 from three in an earlier game and showed grit and high IQ. Indiana and Nevada are among the schools showing interest.

What This Means for Iowa

For Iowa basketball fans, RJ Evans is the name to watch. His offer from the Hawkeyes puts them in the mix for one of the top players in the 2029 class. While the competition is stiff, Iowa's strong program and fan support could be a draw. The Hawkeyes are also monitoring other prospects on the circuit, including Cooper Zachary, who could fit their system.

The adidas 3SSB Championship is a proving ground for future college stars. Iowa's recruiting staff was likely in attendance, and the connections made this weekend could pay off in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RJ Evans have an offer from Iowa?

Yes, RJ Evans holds an offer from the University of Iowa along with Miami, Florida State, Kentucky, Louisville, and Ole Miss.

What is the adidas 3SSB Championship?

The adidas 3SSB Championship is a premier youth basketball circuit that features top high school players from across the country. Past participants include Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, and Zion Williamson.

Which Iowa recruits performed well at the tournament?

RJ Evans was the standout Iowa target, scoring 32 points in a close loss. Cooper Zachary also impressed with his shooting and could attract interest from the Hawkeyes.

How can Iowa fans follow these recruits?

Fans can follow recruiting updates through Iowa's official athletics website, 247 Sports, and local sports reporters covering Hawkeye basketball.