2023 NY Rens United-Shapiro College Prospects (Class of 2026)
Rens United is an high academic oriented team affiliated with the renown NY Rens program. The program is New York City based but players are sourced from multiple states. They have a strong history of sending athletes to high-academic universities at all three Divisions. This year’s Rens United 2026’s staff is Head Coach Jesse Shapiro, Associate Head Coach Jay Smith and Assistant Coach Wrolin Watson. Coach Shapiro has over 16 years experience coaching in the grassroots. He has sent over 75 student athletes to college for basketball at all levels from high major Syracuse to high academic University of Chicago. Shapiro was recently named a College Placement All Star for his work on behalf of getting his players placed onto college teams.Coach Smith has over seven years experience coaching in the Adidas circuit world with Mount Vernon Elite, and has spent many years around Mount Vernon Knights Hall of Fame Coach Bob Cimmino watching and learning the way. This winter, he helped lead Iona Prep Varsity to the Quarterfinals ending season with a 17-11 record under Head Coach Steve Alvarado. Wrolin Watson is also a veteran assistant, including the Mt Vernon Elite with Coach Smith.
Their roster is loaded with emerging high academic college basketball prospects:
Brian Hsu (2026) 5’10 guard, Archbishop Stepinac - Hsu is a pure one that distributes the ball at a high level, finishes with off hand at an extremely high level, able to guard 94 feet, learning at a quick pace on how to lead the team.
Lucas Prestifilippo (2026) 6’5 combo forward, Don Bosco Prep (NJ) - Prestifilippo does a little bit of everything. He has a smooth mid range shot, defends multiple positions, and is a shot blocker. He knocks down the three off the pick-and-pop and dunks with ease. Every coach would be thrilled to coach him and hate to play against him. 3.7 gpa
Jack Coco (2026) 5’11 guard, Archbishop Stepinac - Coco is a three level scorer, that gets to rim and finishes with both hands, lock down perimeter defender, excellent passer when getting in the lane uses the bounce pass to his advantage. 3.8 gpa
Michael Hoffman (2027) 6’6 power forward, Avon Old Farms (CT) - Hoffman is a big body, and he is starting to learn how to use it. As he continues to grow his game, he will become a force to reckon with. He is starting to clean the boards and finish through contact in the post. Hoffman is now a 2027 after he decided to reclassify and attend the prestigious Avon Old Farms Academy this fall. 3.5 gpa
Arthur Shevick (2026) 6’1 guard, Fox Lane High - Shevick is a combo 1/2. When his feet are set, he’s automatic from Behind the arc. He is an elite ball handler, has a high IQ and great court vision. He makes the right decision 9 out of 10 times. Shevick loves the one-legged running jumper in the lane, it’s his staple and he is extremely effective with it. 3.7 gpa
Jack Stevens (2026) 5’10 point guard, Brunswick School (CT) - Stevens if left open or given any airspace is deadly from Behind the arc, elite ball handler against pressure, become a leader, starting to become a good finisher against contact at the rim. 3.7 gpa
Kyle Seltzer (2026) 6’9 center, Pierson High - Seltzer is still only 14 years old, and already 6’9. His touch around the rim and footwork is phenomenal for his age, pure shooting stroke, learning how to use his body defensively, great teammate high character. 3.8 gpa
Jimmy Kelly (2026) 6’5 swing, Goshen High - Kelly is an elite shot maker from behind the arc, guards multiple positions, rebounds tremendously well for his 6’5 size and can start transition, off the board can play above the rim at times, dunking with ease 3.8 gpa
Julien Wiggins (2026) 6’0 guard, Salesian High - Wiggins is extremely quick in transition loves the tear drop and makes it at a high percentage, breaks down the defender and creates for others, deadly from behind the arc, breaks down zone defenses by getting in the gaps with ease. 3.6 gpa
Cade Rutkoske (2026) 6’5 forward, The Collegiate School - Rutkoske is a skilled combo forward that gets all the dirty work done. He is very good at hedging in the pick and roll game and rotating back to his man. He is a great rebounder, shoots it well from behind the arc. His mid range jumper off of the dribble is money. He is a shot blocker and finishes through contact on offense. He makes his teammates better by always communicating on the defensive end. 3.7 gpa