We sat down with Braylon Gaines — one of Oregon’s most dynamic young guards — to talk about his grind, his mindset, and what’s fueling his game heading into the new season.

He’s confident, competitive, and hungry to prove he’s one of the top players in the state.

We sat down with Elijah Thompson, one of Oregon’s top guards in the Class of 2027, to talk about his journey, his leadership at Southridge, and the work he’s been putting in all offseason.

From late-night workouts to big-stage performances — Elijah’s locked in and ready to prove he’s one of the best in the state.

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Tai, Prep Hoops Oregon’s lead evaluator, to talk about his latest 2026 class rankings — what goes into the process, how the top players earned their spots, and which prospects are trending up heading into the 2025–26 season.

We debate the toughest calls, and spotlight players who may not be ranked yet but deserve to be in the conversation.

How the rankings are built – what factors Jed and Prep Hoops value most

Breaking down the top players – Jemai Lake, Zamir Paschal, Robbie Long, Adrian Montague, Bryce Lowenbach, and more

How evaluation differs between projection and production

Players who should be mentioned – the sleepers, late bloomers, and rising prospects in Oregon’s 2026 class

In this episode, Buckets in the 503 sits down with Eli Hopkins, one of Oregon’s rising guards who’s been putting in serious work this offseason. Eli talks about what he’s been focused on, how his leadership is evolving, and what to expect from his squad heading into the 2025–26 season.

He shares his NBA comparison, the game he’s got circled on the calendar, and even shouts out a few teammates who might surprise people this year.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with a parent reflecting on their son’s journey — from youth leagues and long road trips to his first year as a college freshman.

It’s about more than basketball — it’s about growth, sacrifice, and watching your kid chase a dream one step at a time.

🎙️ Tune in for real stories, real emotion, and the heart behind every player’s journey.

The Spotlight Invitational was 🔥 — packed gyms, big-time performances, and Oregon hoopers stepping into the spotlight. In our recap episode of Buckets in the 503, we break it all down — the atmosphere, the standout players, the sleepers, and what it all means heading into the 2025–26 season.

Catch the full recap now — only on Buckets in the 503

In this episode, we sit down with some of the top talent at the Spotlight Invitational and let the players tell their own stories. Listen as they reveal:

• 🏀 Their NBA comparisons – who they model their game after
• 📅 The games they have circled on their high school calendar this season
• 👀 Which teammate is a sleeper ready to break out this year
• 🔦 How the Spotlight Invitational helps their game and prepares them for the season ahead

Featured Players:

• Sebastian Larsen – Centennial
• Isaac Bongen – Central Catholic
• Jaxson Lawson – Canby
• Darius Andrew – Centennial
• Liam Rigney – Lake Oswego
• Tko Westbrook – South Salem
• Muhammed Carter – Ida B. Wells
• Elijah Thompson – Southridge
• Rigdhen Khyungra – La Salle
• Kahllel Jackson – Jefferson
• Carter Lockhart – Nelson
• Maddox Young – Barlow
• Jamela Baker – Centennial
• Rocco Ebenal – Sunset

This week on Buckets in the 503, we flip the script and hear the dad’s side of the basketball journey — transfers, recruiting, and what it’s like watching your kid grind on the biggest stages. Guest Corey Lockhart father of Carter Lockhart 2028 #1 player in Oregon. Corey is also a former coach at West Linn, Park Rose and Gresham High School.