2026 Connecticut Athletic Basketball Club Player Profiles
Connecticut Basketball Club is a Greater Hartford based grassroots program entering its second year of operation. This year was their first competing in the ZGXL Circuit. The program is led by head coach Tiger Smokes, current assistant coach/head freshman coach at Platt High in Meriden, CT and the TS Skills Academy founder. The assistant coaches are Kurtis Hughes, Head Coach at Washington Middle School in Meriden (CT), Jason Manzie (Varsity Assistant/Head Freshman Coach at Middletown High (CT) and Ryan Vaughters, Player Development Trainer and Director of Prof Gallito Basketball in Middletown, CT. Each of these coaches takes development very seriously, and prides themselves on turning young athletes into better men on and off the court. During this past summer, the program changed its name to Connecticut Basketball Club.
The Connecticut Athletic Basketball Club 2029 group features athletes who are all currently playing either JV or Varsity at their current high schools.
Kobe Baskin (2029) 6’0 guard, Hamden High (CT) - Baskin is one of the best hidden talents in southern CT. He is a NBA range shooter who is able to find ways to impact winning with or without the basketball. He looks to keep his teammates involved and make the right plays every possession. He rebounds, defends, can handle the basketball under pressure, score off the dribble or the catch, make plays for his teammates, etc. A true do it all guard who will continue to make strides in his game over the next few months. 3.8 gpa
Jaden Booker (2029) 5’6 point guard, Cheshire Academy (CT) - Booker is a young, crafty, undersized point guard who plays with so much passion and competitiveness. With him only being 14 years old, he plays with so much confidence and never shows any signs of fear, no matter how intense the game is. He can score on all 3 levels and create for not only himself but his teammates. Solid in pick and roll scenarios also. Figuring out how to play with more pace and get the most out of his teammates will help round out his game heading into his sophomore year at a very good school. 3.3 gpa
Supreme “Premo” Dawson (2029) 5’10 point guard, Hill Regional Career High (CT) - Dawson is a high motor wing who wants to do all the little things that mean helping secure wins. He’s a switchable defender, who takes pride in giving opposing teams nightmares with his relentlessness. His quick hands and feet allow him to stay in front of shifty guards, but his solid build allows him to hold his own with bruisers around the basket. He is a pure energy guy who comes in the game wanting to get stops over points. He’s continuing to work on his 3 point shooting to help him become even more of a threat on the offensive end.
LJ Graham (2029) 6’0 forward, Xavier High School (CT) - Great size in terms of height and weight. Can be a force around the rim when it comes to rebounding, offensively and defensively. Good form on his jump shot. Needs to improve on his perimeter defense and putting more arc on his jumper. Also plays somewhat timid at times, needs to learn how to make a consistent impact every time he’s on the floor.
Ryan Haddad (2029) 5’8 combo guard, Lyman Hall High (CT) - Haddad is one of the best pure shooters around. He has great form, high release, solid mechanics and great range. He is also very unselfish, looks to make the extra pass even when sometimes the shot should’ve been taken by him. Great overall character and attitude. Developing a tighter handle on top of some aggression will help lead him into the next step of becoming a solid varsity basketball player.
Giovanni “Jiggy” Johnson (2029) 5’7 guard, Hillhouse High (CT) - Johnson is a player with a very flashy game. He isn’t afraid to pull out moves in game that most kids would only try at the park. Although he plays the backup guard role, he doesn’t let the deteriorate his impact on the game. He uses his quick hands to strip weak ball handlers and then will finish the play with a fancy layup or a flashy pass to a teammate. Whether the ball is in his hands or not, Gio is a player who brings a lot of attention the moment he steps on the floor.
Tobias “TJ” Johnson (2029) 6’0 guard/wing, Maloney High (CT) - Athletic, long, versatile guard with TONS of potential. TJ can play and guard multiple positions on the floor and he uses his high leaping ability to protect the rim as well as rebound in traffic or create any advantage for the team on the glass. Solid handle and is unselfish, always looking to make the extra pass. Needs to improve on attacking off the bounce on both sides of the floor and not overthinking the game. Plays at his best when he’s playing naturally.
Eric Rivera (2029) 6’3 small forward, Eli Whitney Tech High (CT) - Rivera has the frame that most coaches wish kids his age have. On top of that, he has guard like abilities which helps separate him from most players in his position. Solid free throw shooter for his position and protects the rim at an above average level. Usage of his size in the mid-range and paint area, getting better mechanics on his jump shot, as well as playing with more physicality and tenacity consistently will help him level up into an All-State caliber player.
This past spring, the Connecticut Athletic Basketball Club 2030 group completed an outstanding final season as TS Skills Academy before renaming the program CABC. The team finished with a 23–6 record, averaged 59.1 points per game while allowing only 37.3, won three championships, and reached the championship game in all seven tournaments they competed in. They finished as the 14u GymRat Challenge Gold Bracket Runner-Up in Albany, and went 4-0 in the ZGXL Launch event in Atlantic City. Now entering ninth grade under the Connecticut Athletic Basketball Club name, this group is ready to build on its winning foundation and continue growing together on and off the court. This Spring the group will look to take their talents on the road competing in Hoop Group live periods and other solid independent events in the northeast region.
Kevin Blackman (2030) 5’10 guard, West Haven High (CT)- Blackman is a crafty guard with lightning speed. Can instantly change the tempo of a game with his defensive tenacity and aggression. Quick instincts make him a nightmare for opposing guards. Gets to the rim at will and finishes at a very efficient rate. Also possess the quality of getting steals at a high percentage. Needs to improve his playmaking skills and perimeter shooting to become a true do it all threat. West Haven has a stud on their hands. Blackman will be a top 2030 prospect in the state before he graduates high school.
Kingston Dixon (2030) 6’2 forward, Platt High (CT)- Fearless, athletic, strong forward who can guard every position on the floor. Impressive rebounding instincts and timing, comes away with boards in traffic consistently. Is also able to start the break off his own rebound to give his team early opportunities to score in transition. Needs to improve his ball handling skills under pressure as well with being a more consistent perimeter shooter to make opposing teams stretch out their defense while he’s on the floor. 4.0 gpa
A’zhan “AJ” Duncan (2030) 5’11 guard, Notre Dame West Haven (CT) Duncan took the challenge of playing the primary point guard role for the team and didn’t at all disappoint. Well above average perimeter shooter who can get hot at any moment. Duncan is also a solid on ball defender with a great frame. He uses his long arms to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots both on the perimeter and at the basket. Has the potential to become a very lethal combo guard at the high school level. Hustles after loose balls and will make multiple efforts on both ends of the floor for his team to gain extra possessions. A true definition of a leader, from his words to his actions. Strengthening his core as well improving his agility will allow him to thrive at his position for his freshman year. 4.0 gpa
Jonathan Gonzalez (2030) 5’10 guard/wing, Platt High (CT) The kind of glue guy every roster needs to compete at a high level. Jon is a high character kid who any coach would love to have. He plays to the finals buzzer game in and game out. Whether up by 20 or down by 20, Jon competes hard every single game. Very vocal and aggressive on the defensive end and has made drastic improvements to his offensive game. Great in catch and shoot situations as well as playing off 2 feet inside the lane. Has added one dribble pull ups to his game and is working on being able to finish around different types of defenders regularly. Adding the ability to handle the ball under pressure will make him a great 2 guard for any team he plays for. 4.0 gpa
Aiden Gormany (2030) 5’11 guard, Platt High (CT) - Gormany is a guard to watch out for as he joins a long list of talented guards who have gone through the Platt basketball program under the knowledge and tutelage of Coach Shawon Moncrief. A high potential perimeter threat who can knock down open looks from college range and is a great passer as well. Consistently throws early pitch aheads whether that be off makes or misses to set his teammates up for easy scoring opportunities on offense. The potential to be a versatile defender is there as well due to his long frame and growing body. Biggest concern in his game that needs to change as he goes through his freshman year is his strength. Would have way too many turnovers or baskets given up defensively due to his inability to be able to take a hit. Adding muscle will be the start of his upward trend in the Platt program and will make him a guard to keep an eye on over the next four years.
Xavier “X” Jones (2030) 6’0 wing, Middletown High (CT) - Jones is probably the most impressive player on the roster considering his development in just over a year. Great frame, very athletic, quick, strong core, with a very old school, grown man style game. He’s at his best in transition and attacking downhill, whether that be off handoffs, closeouts or off ball screens. Does a great job of playing off two feet inside and using his body to maneuver defenders off of him to get his shot off at the rim. Doesn’t hurt either that he has a high leaping ability as well. Can take bumps from just about anyone, and then can turn that around and hand out lots of physicality himself on both sides of the ball. Switchable defender with loads of upside. Once he makes himself a consistent perimeter threat, as well as continuing to strengthen his ball handling abilities, he will without a doubt be one of the best 2030 players in Connecticut. 3.7 gpa
Ethan Nazario (2030) 5’10 guard/wing, Maloney High (CT) - Nazario is a soft spoken kid, but plays extremely hard every game. Hits the glass constantly, even if he’s the only person crashing. Needs to use the left side of the floor more as well as playing with more confidence. He has a lot to offer any team, but hinders himself due to his fear of messing up. At his best when playing free and naturally.
Ethan Rivera (2030) 5’7 guard, Hillhouse High (CT) - Rivera is a small guard who is probably the most creative player on the roster. Plays within the system, but when given the opportunity, he can wow you with his creative ability to score the ball. Even though he’s small, he doesn’t shy away from contact and will finish among the trees down low. 3 point shooting is another strong suit in his game and is a willing passer, always looking to keep others involved. Decision making and overall IQ is something he will need to improve upon if he wants to play heavy minutes at some point at Hillhouse.
Ahmir “Big Fella” Williams (2030) 6’4 forward, Cheshire Academy (CT) - “Big Fella” is one of the most hidden raw talents Connecticut has to offer. Lanky forward who’s a great presence around the basket. Protects the rim at a high level with the use of his long frame, and then also uses his frame to come away with rebounds in traffic. Very fast and agile as well, runs to the rim on both sides of the ball better than majority of the players in his class. He’s adding more tools offensively like being able to score off the dribble and hit open jumpers. These tools will turn him into a high level wing who can make immediate impacts at the high school level and potentially beyond. 4.0 gpa
Blaise Wilson (2030) 6’1 guard/wing, Platt High (CT) - Wilson is an intriguing prospect because he’s a wild card. Some games he’s impactful through his defense, other games it can be his offense, and sometimes it’s both. Wilson is new to competitive basketball but in only a year, he looks like someone who schools would want to have when his high school career is over. He’s made a lot of progress in his offensive game. Changed his shooting mechanics, is now able to attack a set defense off the catch, and can finish above the rim. On defense, he can pressure anyone the length of the floor, while also having the ability to be a great help side defender due to his long frame and athleticism. When watching Wilson play, you can easily see that the kid is an athlete. Needs improvement with his motor consistency and maturity. Has a knack for sometimes taking himself out the game which can deteriorate influence on the court. Also needs to add more playmaking to his game and the skill of playing under more control. Can play too fast at times which causes him to have lapses in judgement on offense.