2025 Rens United 17u-Smith Player Profiles
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 levels across the northeast.
The 17u-Smith team is head coached by Jay Smith and his assistant coaches, Adam Paruolo and Salim Fofana. Coach Smith brings over a decade of coaching experience and player development expertise. He has served as a varsity assistant at both Iona Prep and Monsignor Scanlan High School, and currently works as the Associate Head Coach at Rye Country Day School. In addition to leading the 17U-Smith EYCL squad, he serves as the Middle School Director for Rens United and is widely respected for his leadership, player mentorship, and program-building acumen. Coach Paruolo is currently a Varsity Assistant at Nazareth High School and also runs the Never Give Up Basketball training program, where he develops student-athletes through skill work and mentorship. He has previous coaching experience at St. Dominic High School and brings a deep understanding of structure, accountability, and player development. Coach Fofana leads the Varsity Basketball Program at CSEE (Charter School of Educational Excellence). He brings high energy and a strong connection to the players, focusing on team defense, effort, and culture. A firm believer in discipline and fundamentals, Coach Salim is an essential voice on the bench and in practice. Coach also runs a skill development program AhkWork Training, where he enhances the skills of players making him extremely versatile as a coach.
The team will compete in the NIKE EYBL circuit and their roster is as profiled below.
#1 Arthur Shevick (2026) 6’2 guard, Fox Lane High - High-IQ scoring guard who shoots it at a high clip off the catch and dribble. Excellent decision-maker who rarely turns it over. Underrated off-the-bounce creator who finds angles to finish and create for others. Competes defensively and thrives in structured team settings. Ivy League-level student who brings polish, poise, and maturity. 3.9 gpa
#2 Jeremiah “JJ” Carter (2026) 6’5 wing, Kent School (CT) - Explosive wing with elite vertical pop. Attacks gaps with confidence and finishes through contact. Consistent slasher with a strong midrange pull-up. Tough, two-way player with the tools to guard 1–4. Strong rebounding wing who adds energy and toughness on both ends. 3.0 gpa
#3 Sage Mateo (2026) 6’4 guard, Hun School of Princeton (NJ) - (Cornell University commit) Elite shot-maker and high-IQ combo guard with deep range and smooth mechanics. Thrives in the secondary break, reads ball screens at a high level, and makes timely plays. Competes defensively with physicality and sacrifices his body. Winner with vocal leadership and proven résumé. 4.0 gpa
#7 Jourdan Archevald (2028) 6’0 point guard, 155lb, Archbishop Stepinac High - Archevald is playing up with older competition and is a dynamic, high-IQ point guard who thrives in up-tempo settings. He’s a shifty ball-handler with a tight handle, excellent court vision, and the ability to break down defenders in isolation or off ball screens. Jourdan creates paint touches consistently, distributes with precision, and has deep range on his shot. Defensively, he’s a pest — applying pressure full court, disrupting passing lanes, and competing with intensity beyond his age. Confident leader who controls tempo and makes teammates better. 3.0 gpa
#10 Rhaki Lum (2026) 6’2, 190lb guard, Brunswick School (CT) - 2024-25. All FAA First Team, 2024-25 All-NEPSAC, Class A. Lum is an explosive, college-ready scoring guard. Averaged 25ppg in NEPSAC Class A, shooting 51% FG, 38% from 3, and 85% from the line. Three-level scorer with a strong frame, high IQ, and deep range off the bounce. Elite finisher and creator. Has been offered by Northern Illinois and is receiving interest from multiple D1s, including Boston University, Yale, Columbia, Harvard, Navy, Bryant, Holy Cross and Manhattan 3.5 gpa
#13 Jelani Middleton (2027) 6’4 wing, St. George’s School (RI) - Two-way wing with strength, bounce, and a polished midrange game. Sees the floor well, moves without the ball, and finds teammates. Plays above the rim, rebounds well for position, and is a physical on-ball defender. High feel with long-term upside and strong academic foundation. 3.7 gpa
#14 Jackson Cullert (2027) 6’7 wing, Hun School of Princeton (NJ) - Emerging high-ceiling prospect, until recently, one of the biggest sleepers in the class. Long, skilled wing with knockdown catch-and-shoot ability. Plays above the rim when aggressive and impacts the game defensively with active hands and anticipation. High-character prospect receiving Ivy interest (Yale) and thrives in up-tempo systems. 3.5 gpa
#15 Luc Brongniart (2026) 6’8 forward, The Masters School-New York - True stretch-4 with consistent three-point range and soft touch. Lefty with great footwork, high skill level, and PNR versatility. Tenacious rebounder, charge-taker, and vocal defender. Plays physical, screens well, and runs the floor hard. Translatable offensive versatility and toughness make him a fit at the next level. 3.8 gpa
#20 Marcus Henry (2025) 6’8 forward, Sacred Heart High of Yonkers - High motor post with soft hands and excellent touch around the basket. Physical rebounder and rim protector who finishes through contact. Great defensive instincts—alters shots without fouling and moves well laterally. Smart, dependable big who buys into his role and impacts winning. 3.0 gpa
#23 Kamryn Salters (2025) 6’4 wing, Notre Dame-Fairfield (CT) - Versatile two-way wing with toughness and maturity. Guards 1–5, communicates well, and plays with advanced defensive anticipation. Strong offensive feel from the pinch post. Operates off two feet, takes charges, and leads vocally. A true culture-setter and high-academic student-athlete.3.7 gpa