Basketball is a pro sports market, and the NBA’s rising stars inspire today’s junior generation. An example is Brandon McCoy, a 6’4″ guard from St. John Bosco High School with five-star status who is ranked among the top prospects in the class of 2026 of the nation’s basketball stars. For a long time, he has been the standard-bearer among them.
In an interview at the USA Basketball U19 training camp, McCoy shared that he is learning and absorbing some of the qualities of NBA players whom he recognizes as greats.
Rising Star Brandon McCoy Shapes His Game After NBA Elite
McCoy is gaining a fast reputation as a very energetic high school basketball player. He has already been among the top players in the Class of 2026 and has received his first set of offers from the most prestigious college programs, such as Duke, UCLA, Alabama, Arizona, and Kansas.
Among his outstanding performances is the one that led to his averaging 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists during the FIBA U17 World Cup, as well as his shooting accuracy of 64% from the field, where he earned his second gold medal with Team USA.
When discussing his basketball influences, McCoy clearly knew which NBA stars had shaped his approach to the game.
“Yeah. Uh I watch a lot of people like in terms of NBA like of course a lot of SGA,” McCoy stated in his interview. “He just plays smart. He doesn’t play too fast but quicker.”
This admiration for Gilgeous-Alexander’s controlled style aligns perfectly with SGA’s reputation as a player who dictates tempo and uses calculated movements to dismantle defenses. Known for his ability to change pace effectively, Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers by remaining patient and making intelligent decisions.
Regarding Tyrese Haliburton, McCoy noted, “Tyrese Haliburton and his reads coming off the pick-and-roll and just driving are great.” Haliburton’s exceptional pick-and-roll playmaking has become his signature skill, allowing him to create scoring opportunities through precise reads and timely passes.
McCoy exemplifies a multi-faceted game that mirrors these influences. Shortly after a lower leg injury in January 2025, the athlete earned 10 points, two rebounds, and four steals during his first appearance and contributed to the crucial victory of the Trinity League over JSerra with a score of 64-62.
“I feel good,” McCoy said after his return game. “It’s been a long wait. Felt good to be back on the court, and then getting a win felt good too”.
Beyond Haliburton and Gilgeous-Alexander, McCoy mentioned learning from other NBA talents: “Um, Jaylen Brunson way he likes to control the game, draws fouls… I just watch a lot of people. I know like KD, Devin Booker. So, I try to take from anybody and everybody like Jrue Holiday, people like that.”
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According to his comprehensive observation of the best players in the game, McCoy’s devotion to becoming an all-around player reflects his dedication to developing skills that could eventually catapult him to the top of his league.
