Ever wondered how future college basketball stars really get ready for the spotlight? Sometimes, it takes more than talent and hard work; it takes wisdom from those who’ve been to the NBA and know exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. But here's where it gets controversial—does star mentorship actually matter more than elite training or natural talent? Let's dive into how two incoming Rutgers freshmen, Chris Nwuli and Kaden Powers, are already ahead of the game, thanks to guidance from some NBA legends. And this is the part most people miss—these relationships go far beyond just basketball drills and game plans.
When Chris Nwuli, a highly regarded recruit, was asked at Rutgers’ open practice about his bond with six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal, he couldn't help but break into a huge smile. For half a season at Dynamic Prep in Texas, O’Neal not only coached the budding forward but made a lasting impact. “You just made me think back! Honestly, those were some unforgettable memories,” Chris said, his enthusiasm obvious.
Meanwhile, Kaden Powers, another member of Rutgers’ 2025 recruiting class, grew up in Seattle and got mentorship early on from none other than Jamal Crawford—a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and now assistant coach at Rainier Beach, Kaden’s high school. Powers credits much of his development, both on the court and off, to Crawford’s guidance. “He’s shown me so much, and we have a really strong connection,” Kaden noted, grinning as he recalled those lessons.
Different Journeys, Same Destination
Both rising stars may hail from the West Coast, but their paths to Rutgers could not be more different. Nwuli grew up in Chatsworth, California, and found himself playing for top high school programs across four states—including Bishop Gorman in Nevada, Wasatch Academy in Utah, Sierra Canyon in California, and finally Dynamic Prep in Texas. This whirlwind journey exposed him to multiple playing styles, tough competition, and invaluable lessons about adaptability.
In contrast, Powers mostly stuck close to home, playing for the Seattle powerhouse Rainier Beach—the same school that shaped pros like Doug Christie, Kevin Porter Jr., Nate Robinson, and Dejounte Murray. He first connected with Crawford as a sophomore, right after a tough injury. Not only did Crawford help him rebuild his game, but their partnership flourished, turning Kaden into a smarter, more confident player. The provocative question: Is it better to move around for exposure, or does loyalty to one program create deeper roots for growth?
Ready for the Spotlight
Chris Nwuli’s short time at Dynamic Prep left a permanent impression—especially working under O’Neal's leadership. Nwuli emphasized how much he learned about the discipline and seriousness required to prep for every game. “At Dynamic, Coach O’Neal showed us that winning starts way before tipoff. It’s about preparing—mentally, physically, even in those small details that most people might ignore like tying your shoes right!”
And Nwuli didn’t just talk the talk—he led Dynamic Prep to an incredible postseason, teaming up with future SMU players Jaden Toombs and Jermaine O’Neal Jr. Their underdog squad shocked everyone at the 2025 Chipotle Nationals, knocking off several powerhouse teams en route to the final, before falling to the top-seeded Columbus team led by the highly touted Boozer twins. Nwuli delivered standout performances, including a 20-point, 6-rebound game against Prolific Prep, solidifying his national reputation.
O’Neal’s insistence on perfecting preparation and mindset paid off: “If you weren’t on top of every detail, even the smallest, he’d make sure you remembered. He ingrained that discipline in us,” Nwuli said. Do you think this kind of relentless preparation is what separates good players from the great ones?
Similarly, Kaden Powers reached the state championship game not once, but twice in his last two years at Rainier Beach—finally capturing a WIAA 3A title in 2025 with help from future Texas Tech freshman Jaylen Petty and, of course, Jamal Crawford on the coaching staff. “Working out with Jamal is never the same twice—he’s always dropping new knowledge, things you don’t pick up just from college or even most NBA players. He’s already training my mind for the next level.”
Beyond the Hardwood
Surprisingly, the mentorship between Nwuli and O’Neal extends way past the court. They remain close, often talking late into the night about basketball—and life itself. “Coach O’Neal taught me as much about being a man as he did about hoops,” Nwuli reflected. “That’s his biggest lesson for me: being a better person, not just a better athlete.”
Both Nwuli and Powers recognize how their unique journeys and backgrounds—often converging, sometimes diverging—have shaped their perspective. “It’s cool to swap stories about the different stuff we’ve learned,” Chris shared. “We both come from places where top-tier basketball is just a way of life. But what people don’t realize is, those lessons go much deeper than just playing.”
Perhaps the most surprising twist? Nwuli admitted he grew up idolizing Crawford—the man now guiding his soon-to-be teammate Powers: “Thinking about him working with Jamal, who was one of my heroes as a kid, is surreal. Actually, watching Crawford’s style and mindset rub off on Kaden has helped me, too!”
If last season’s Scarlet Knights were defined by future NBA prospects, this year’s squad is being molded by stories, standards, and guidance from basketball’s established legends. Or, to put it another way: Is the past actually the best teacher for today’s rising stars?
“Coach O’Neal wants more for us than just basketball. We’re young Black men, working to make something of ourselves and make an impact. That’s the example I want to follow,” Chris concluded.
Let’s Hear From You
So what do you think—can mentorship from former NBA stars really tip the scales for gifted young players, or is all the hype overblown? Do you agree with Chris and Kaden that guidance off the court is just as valuable as skills on it? Are you someone who believes that traditional coaching and tough love beat celebrity mentorship, or are these pro insights the secret weapon? Chime in below—let’s get a real debate going!
