No Fear Press

PHOENIX — Arguably the most famous AAU team on the internet, Rod Wave Elite (RWE) put on a show for the second straight year in Phoenix, AZ.

The summer grind ended on familiar hardwood this past weekend (Sept. 26-28) as RWE wrapped up its final tournament of the year at Inspire Courts in Gilbert. Powered by creator/hooper Cam Wilder, whose viral presence has made RWE one of the most recognizable teams online, the Arizona stop wasn’t just another run — it was a showcase of how the Valley keeps producing big-time talent.

Arizona Roots Run Deep

While RWE draws attention nationwide, the Phoenix stop put a special spotlight on players with Arizona ties. From local high schools to powerhouse prep programs, the roster reflected how the state has become a pipeline for both grassroots and national hoops.

Leading the way was Adan Diggs, the freshman phenom at Williams Field High School. At just 15 years old, Diggs is already averaging 17 points per game and earning D-I offers, including from Arizona. His presence with RWE underscored how quickly Arizona’s next generation is arriving.

Another name that turned heads was Andre Tyler, a 6’5” guard who transferred from Chicago to Higley High School. Tyler’s athleticism and ability to create plays in transition gave RWE a spark, and his move to the Valley has made Higley a program to watch.

Standing tall in the frontcourt was Cameron Williams of St. Mary’s High School. At 6’10”, Williams is one of the top-ranked prospects in the class of 2026, with national recognition as a top-50 player. His combination of size and skill anchored RWE in the paint.

Prep Powerhouses Join the Mix

The Arizona flavor didn’t stop there. Dream City Christian (Glendale), one of the state’s top prep programs, was represented by Christopher Brown, Ikenna Alozie, and Malachi Jordan. Jordan, a 6’6” forward in the class of 2027, is already a five-star-level prospect with national recruiting attention. Together, the Dream City trio showed why their program continues to be a destination for elite talent.

Adding to the mix was Javon Bardwell, who plays for OTE’s Diamond Doves but is part of the Arizona prep circuit through PHH Prep and Hillcrest Prep. Originally from Harlem, Bardwell has quickly made his mark in the Valley, averaging 17.7 points per game in OTE play last season.

More Than Just Games

For the Arizona players, RWE’s presence at Inspire Courts wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about exposure. With cameras on every baseline and highlights flooding social media, this stop gave Valley athletes the kind of platform that most AAU runs can’t offer.

“Playing with RWE means people are watching,” one local guard said after the weekend.

That’s the draw — compete at a high level, but also get seen by an audience much larger than the gym itself.

Arizona’s Hoops Future

As RWE closed out its summer, the Inspire Courts finale reinforced what’s been building in Phoenix: a basketball culture that’s both producing talent and embracing new ways of showcasing it. With names like Diggs, Tyler, Williams, Jordan, Bardwell, Brown, and Alozie in the mix, Arizona basketball’s next wave is already here — and they’re not afraid of the spotlight