247Sports visited Link Academy on Wednesday to observe a talented squad working out in front of college coaches.
BRANSON, Mo. – Situated along the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Link Academy has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in national high school basketball. Now in its fourth year, the Lions have built a tradition of excellence, finishing as national runner-up in their first year, winning a national championship in their second, and reaching the Final Four last year.
This high standard has been maintained despite changes in leadership. Former head coach Rodney Perry departed for an assistant role at Kansas State, and after two years, Bill Armstrong left for a position at Baylor. Now, new head coach Chad Myers steps in with a talented roster for his debut season.
On Wednesday, 247Sports was present alongside head coaches from Baylor, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio State, as well as assistants from Iowa, Michigan State, and Missouri State, to observe the talent during the first day college coaches were allowed on high school campuses to evaluate and meet with players.
FIVE-STAR CHRIS CENAC JR. HEADLINES LOADED ROSTER
Of the 12 players on Link’s roster, an impressive eight are currently featured in 247Sports’ national rankings—six in the class of 2025 and two in 2026. Leading the pack is Chris Cenac Jr., a talented big man ranked No. 14 in the 2025 class. A five-star prospect from New Orleans, Cenac made a significant leap in the rankings over the summer. At 6-foot-10, he’s a skilled and agile big who can handle the ball, shoot from distance, and excel in transition. Watching him in action on Wednesday, it was clear why he’s been rising up the rankings; his talent is undeniable, and he’s just beginning to tap into his immense potential.
“I feel very blessed to have all of this happen for me and to have this opportunity at Link,” Cenac shared with 247Sports about his rise over the summer. “Not many guys at 6-foot-10 can do what I do, whether it’s moving, handling the ball, shooting, or just being versatile. I’ll be in the gym 24/7, getting better with a great team and great players.”
On the recruiting side, Cenac has narrowed his choices to 12 schools: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Houston, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, Tennessee, Texas, and UConn. He recently took his first official visit to Houston.
“They really emphasized preparing me for the next level,” Cenac said about his visit to Houston. “Coach Sampson has a lot of knowledge, and they showed me how much of a family they are.”
Cenac has upcoming visits planned to Auburn, Kentucky, and Tennessee in September, with LSU scheduled for November. As he prepares for these and other visits, he has a general sense of what he’s looking for but isn’t rushing his decision.
“I want to see how they’ll use me and prepare me for the next level with their development. I’m also interested in the players they’ve had before who are similar to me, their playing style, and things like that.”
“I don’t have a set timeline. It’ll probably be more around the middle of the season or so, but I’m not exactly sure when.”
HANNAH ADJUSTING VISIT SCHEDULE
Ranked No. 26 in 2025, Davion Hannah is a dynamic and athletic perimeter player with the ability to attack off the dribble, making him a tough matchup. Standing at a solid 6-foot-5, the Milwaukee native has great control with the ball and can get to his spots on the floor. While his jump shot is still developing, it’s improving steadily, and he has the potential to become a versatile playmaker.
During scrimmages, Hannah showcased his strengths and more. As he continues to refine his jump shot and build strength in the weight room, his game could reach new heights. His dribble penetration sets him apart and will be a key asset for Link.
On the recruiting front, Hannah’s list and visit schedule have seen some adjustments. He initially released a top nine schools that included Alabama, Cincinnati, Louisville, Michigan State, NC State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and Xavier, and had planned visits to all except Xavier. However, he is now slowing down the process. After visiting Alabama last weekend, only his visits to Cincinnati, Michigan State, and Ohio State remain confirmed as he considers rescheduling others. Notably, Missouri has entered the mix, and Hannah is set to visit the Tigers this weekend.
BYNUM AND CLARK HIT THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND
This weekend, two four-star senior big men will be on the road. John Clark is returning to his home state of Texas (after visiting Texas A&M last weekend) for a second consecutive weekend to check out Houston. Meanwhile, A’Mare Bynum is heading back to his home state to visit Nebraska.
Clark, ranked No. 54 overall, is known for his elite rebounding skills and solid frame, with his offensive game steadily improving. He has a visit to Texas scheduled for next weekend, followed by trips to Oklahoma and Ohio State. However, with the Cougars and Longhorns gaining momentum, it will be interesting to see if he follows through with those remaining visits.
Bynum, ranked No. 100, recently impressed during a practice and scrimmage with his high energy and physicality, despite his still developing frame. He showcased his versatility by hitting shots from deep and finishing at the rim, demonstrating a serious approach to his game. His visit to Lincoln marks the start of a five-week travel stretch, with upcoming visits to Iowa, Colorado, LSU, and Ohio State planned between now and early October.
MORE NOTES FROM LINK
Jerry Easter is another key player for Link. The Toledo, Ohio native is likely to be the floor general, a critical role for the team. While he’s a natural playmaker with strong passing instincts, his real strength lies in scoring. During Wednesday’s scrimmage, he excelled at finding his spots on the court. When his jumper is on, he’s nearly impossible to guard, but as the No. 29 ranked player, he still needs to work on consistency.
Legend Smiley is another player poised for a breakout season. The 6-foot-4 scorer from Seattle has good size and is a sneaky athlete. His greatest strength is his shooting ability, especially from deep. This season, he has the opportunity to expand his game by improving his off-the-dribble skills and shot selection. Surrounded by talent, Smiley won’t need to force shots, which could lead to improved efficiency. Colorado State, LSU, Nebraska, USC, West Virginia, and others are interested in the No. 130 ranked senior.
Returning for his second year at Link, Andre Igoudala II is an intriguing prospect. The 6-foot-7 athlete is versatile, particularly on defense, though he needs to add more strength. He’s showing increased confidence and, as the son of an NBA player, he has the potential to elevate his game significantly.
The standout among the younger players during Wednesday’s practice was Keonte Greybear. Ranked No. 77 in the class of 2026, Greybear is versatile—capable of scoring and running the offense. At 6-foot-1, he’s a slender guard with sneaky explosiveness and has a knack for making impactful plays.
Two other young players vying for playing time are Trent Perry, the No. 76 ranked player in 2026, and Malachi Jordan. Jordan, the only sophomore on the team, is a 6-foot-6 wing with an advanced build, impressive athleticism, and significant potential as he adjusts to competing with elite players.
Link’s prep team, which produced Stanford freshman Donavin Young last year, also has some promising talent. Notably, Bhan Buom, a 6-foot-8 combo forward with length and athleticism, is generating buzz. After a strong showing last winter, he has the potential to attract attention from major programs this season.
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