Prospect: Cayden Young
Position: Forward
Height: 6-9
Classification: 2026
School: Newton High School (GA)
AAU Program: Phoenix City Academy
Recruiting Status: Open
Contact Information: Email: caydenyoung21@yahoo.com Cell: 262-412-0363
Twitter/X: @TheCaydenYoung
Young’s offensive game is impressive for his age. He has a solid shooting form and range for a big man, making him a versatile threat on the court. His post moves are advanced for his age, and he can score efficiently with either hand around the basket. Young also has excellent court vision and passing skills, allowing him to create opportunities for his teammates.
One of Young’s most outstanding offensive skills is his ability to run the floor. Young moves incredibly well in transition and can finish strong at the rim. His speed and agility give him an edge against slower defenders, making him a difficult matchup for any team.
On the defensive end, Young’s height and length make him a formidable presence in the paint. He is an excellent shot blocker, using his size and timing to alter shots and protect the rim. His size also allows him to grab rebounds at a high rate, giving his team more possessions to work with.
Young is also a strong defender on the perimeter, using his quick feet to keep up with smaller players. He has good lateral movement and uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. His defensive versatility is a valuable asset to any team, as he can guard multiple positions effectively.
Elite Size and Frame
Cayden Young has an outstanding physical profile at 6’9″ with a strong, slim build. His combination of size, length, and mobility makes him a natural fit as a modern forward who can anchor inside and defend in space.
Defensive Anchor
Young excels as a rim protector and switchable defender. He contests shots at the rim with good timing, alters drives, and has the lateral quickness to stay with quicker wings or guards on switches.
Finishing and Touch Around the Rim
Offensively, Young is efficient close to the basket. He finishes well off lobs, drop-offs, and offensive rebounds, and shows soft touch with either hand around the hoop.
Flashes of Offensive Skill
Shows promise facing up from the mid-post, with the ability to attack slower defenders or knock down short jumpers. His offensive game is growing and suggests long-term stretch potential.
Areas for Development
Consistency with Jumper
Developing a more reliable mid-range and eventually three-point shot will unlock another level to his offensive game, giving him true inside-out versatility.
Polishing Post Moves
Adding more go-to moves and counters in the low post will make him more dangerous when teams force him to score with his back to the basket.
Ball Handling and Decision-Making
Improving his handle and ability to make quick reads when putting the ball on the floor will help him attack off the dribble more comfortably.
Offensive Aggressiveness
At times, Young can defer too much offensively. Becoming more assertive as a scorer will help maximize his touches and production.
Overall Outlook
Cayden Young is a high upside forward with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and defensive versatility. His rebounding, rim protection, and finishing ability already make him an impact player, and as his perimeter skills and offensive confidence continue to grow, he projects as a major prospect in the 2026 class. With the right development, Young has real high-major and long-term potential.