The new ESPN Top 100 for the Class of 2026 just dropped, and the basketball world talked, debated, and dreamed. Every name on that list represents a kid chasing legacy, a spark of potential waiting for its chance to ignite; but every so often, one player stands out, not just for what he is now, but for what he might become.  That player is Cameron Williams of St. Mary’s (Phoenix, AZ).

At 6’11” and 195 pounds, Williams moves differently. There’s a smoothness to his game that feels years ahead of schedule. A blend of length, touch, and timing that whispers “future pro.” Ranked No. 3 nationally behind Tyran Stokes and Jordan Smith, he’s already drawing comparisons to Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley.

The parallels aren’t random. Both Williams and Mobley came through the Compton Magic, the powerhouse program built by Etop Udo-Ema, known for developing pros through culture, competition, and discipline. On the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Williams has followed that same blueprint, using elite matchups to sharpen his instincts and expand his game.

At 17, Williams is a more polished offensive player than Mobley was at the same age. His footwork is measured, his jumper confident, and his passing underrated. He sees the floor like a guard but finishes like a big. Mobley, by contrast, was the more natural defender.  A shot-blocking savant who could erase mistakes before they happened. Different strengths. Same DNA of greatness.

But what separates Williams the most may not be his skill, it’s his spirit. Off the court, he’s known as humble, thoughtful, and kind. On it, he’s beginning to show something else: an edge. You can see it when he fights through contact, when he celebrates a stop, and when he gets back on defense with a look that says try me again. That flicker of nastiness isn’t arrogance, it’s evolution.

As his body matures, the possibilities expand. Add 20 or 25 pounds of muscle, and his frame could transform from intriguing to unstoppable. His touch and mobility already check every box. His feel for the game? Rare.

A McDonald’s All-American nod feels inevitable. The only question now is what college he’ll attend. Programs like Arizona, UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke are watching closely, each offering its own path to the league. Wherever he lands, Williams won’t just be another recruit. He’ll be a foundation piece.

The next conversation, though, is the one scouts whisper about: Will he be a one-and-done? The skill says yes. The maturity might take time. The college game is older, stronger, and more physical than ever, but whether it takes one season or two, there’s a sense that his rise is steady, certain, and sustainable.

The 2026 class features many talented players with an array of skills and physical attributes such as, Tyran Stokes’ power, Jason Crowe’s pace, Caleb Holt’s motor, but Williams feels like the one who’ll be remembered for his evolution. Not just a highlight…a legacy.

Some players make noise early. Others build symphonies over time. Cameron Williams looks like the latter. He’s patient, precise, and destined to be heard long after the hype fades.