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 he 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 the 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. He 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
#4 JT Lindi (2026) 6’2 point guard, Iona Prep - True point guard who thrives in organized chaos. A coach on the floor with excellent court vision, vocal leadership, and relentless effort. Controls pace, makes others better, and competes on both ends. Physical defender who anticipates and dictates tempo. High-IQ and team-first. 3.3 gpa
#11 Jack Coco (2026) 5’11 point guard, Archbishop Stepinac High - Dynamic lead guard with shiftiness and toughness. Creates off the bounce, breaks down defenders, and lives in the paint. Crafty finisher with a strong floater and elite body control. Tenacious on-ball defender who plays with grit. Natural facilitator who leads with edge and confidence. 3.8 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
#30 Brian Vales (2026) 6’7 forward, Mt. Sinai High - Skilled PNR big with a soft midrange jumper and high IQ. Finishes around the rim with both hands and makes good reads from the short roll. Reliable screener, strong rebounder, and willing communicator on defense. Switchable and sound—fits in modern systems as a stretch-capable big. 3.8 gpa