By CHARLIE PARENT
INDIANAPOLIS — Tristan Beckford, the No. 1 player out of Canada in the class of 2025, has gone severely underlooked so far in this recruiting cycle, having an electric Nike EYBL season averaging 13.4 points and 4.5 rebounds a game.
The 6-foot-5 wing’s athleticism pops off the charts, and he was one of the most impressive defenders during the first live period while showing an efficient offensive display.
“I’m a good defender, always competing on the defensive side,” he told ZAGSBLOG at the first live period in Indianapolis. “I can knock down shots and finish, so I’d give myself a 3-and-D.”
Beckford emerged on the ZAGSBLOG.com radar after dunking on high school’s No. 1 prospect, A.J. Dybantsa, last weekend. He completely shifted the energy in the gym with the slam, but remained composed and focused on the game.
“To be honest I come in not thinking about the big names,” Beckford said postgame. “Whoever’s out there, whoever we’re playing, I’m going to compete 100%.”
“When I dunk on someone, I try to get the energy going and pick my team back up,” he concluded. “We were down looking to get back in the game, and I tried to give us some energy and get on a run.
In terms of his defense, Beckford takes pride in shutting down any opponent in front of him, and is subjectively one of if not the best defenders in the EYBL.
“It’s just pride,” he said. “Not letting anyone go by me or score on me, I take it personally.”
The Hodan Prep (ON.) product has offers from Seton Hall, Oregon, Arizona State and Grand Canyon, while he recently heard from Pepperdine’s new staff and Florida Gulf Coast.
He’s only visited Grand Canyon and mentioned it was a good time.
Beckford and UPlay AAU take the floor in Kansas City Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for the last EYBL session before July’s coveted Peach Jam.
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