Rising eighth grade wing Gregg Easter ironically caught our eye in April, but the Arkansas Hawks’ prospect has the tools to remain a force in his class for years to come. As a member of the class of 2014, Easter spends the majority of time playing an age/grade division or two above his current 13u status. More than effective as a perimeter player even at the 15u, Easter is an elite slasher with an evolving jump shot. Perhaps most interesting is that this 6-foot-1, and obviously growing, kid rocking a size 14 shoe and some major athleticism isn’t nearly as heralded as some of the other players in the state.

The reason? The Arkansas Mustangs 2014 team won the 12u AAU National Championships in Hampton, Virginia last season. From there, the backcourt of Cornell Johnson and Frederick Lee exploded into the national spotlight after leading the Mustangs to the title. Also garnering national attention in their class were the Mustangs leading scorer and rebounder respectively, Anton Beard and Dorrian Holland. Holland, a versatile athletic forward with the ability to play on both the perimeter and in the paint, has even been highlighted as a top 10 national prospect in the class of 2014. Additionally, Mustang center Jahil Okafor-Benson has also gained attention with his role as a starter for a national championship team.

With the 2011 class seemingly placing Arkansas back on the national radar with the star power and depth of its rising junior group, the 2014 crop is showing there is no end to this talent influx in the Natural State. With Holland and Easter at the top of the eighth grade to-be list there are rumors circling that Easter is considering joining the Mustangs for their run in Memphis, Tennessee for the 13u AAU Nationals in late June of 2009. Stay tuned for more from NY2LASPORTS.COM!