Imagine stepping onto the court at the highest level of college basketball, armed with wisdom from NBA legends. For two Rutgers freshmen, this isn’t just a dream—it’s their reality. Chris Nwuli and Kaden Powers, the newest additions to the Scarlet Knights’ 2025 recruiting class, have been groomed for greatness by none other than six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal and three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: their journeys to Piscataway couldn’t be more different, yet they’re united by the invaluable lessons they’ve learned from these basketball icons.
During a recent media session at Rutgers’ open practice, Nwuli’s face lit up when asked about his time with Jermaine O’Neal, who coached him for half a season at Dynamic Prep in Texas. ‘You just got me reminiscing, man, I ain’t gonna lie!’ Nwuli exclaimed, his smile as wide as the court he dominates. Meanwhile, Powers, a Seattle native, credits Jamal Crawford—now an assistant coach at their alma mater Rainier Beach—for mentoring him since his early high school days. ‘He’s taught me a lot,’ Powers said, mirroring Nwuli’s grin. ‘My relationship with him is really good.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some might argue that high school coaching is enough to prepare players for college basketball, the mentorship of NBA stars like O’Neal and Crawford adds a layer of experience that’s hard to replicate. Is this the secret sauce for success, or just an added bonus? Let’s dive deeper.
The Paths to Piscataway
Nwuli and Powers may both be West Coast natives, but their journeys to Rutgers are as unique as their playing styles. Nwuli, originally from Chatsworth, California, bounced around the western U.S., playing for elite programs in Nevada, Utah, California, and Texas. His senior year alone was split between Sierra Canyon and Dynamic Prep, where he trained under O’Neal’s watchful eye. Powers, on the other hand, stayed rooted in Seattle, honing his skills at Rainier Beach—a basketball powerhouse that’s produced NBA talents like Crawford, Doug Christie, and Dejounte Murray.
And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about basketball for these freshmen. O’Neal and Crawford didn’t just teach them how to shoot or dribble; they instilled life lessons about preparation, mindset, and character. Nwuli recalls O’Neal’s emphasis on the little things: ‘If you’re not ready to tie your shoe, he’ll make us really emphasize [it]. He’ll inscribe it in us if we don’t really get it.’ Powers echoes this sentiment, noting that Crawford’s mentorship goes beyond the court: ‘Every time I work out with him, it’s something different… secrets of playing the game, the pace, the feel.’
Prepared for the Spotlight
Nwuli’s time at Dynamic Prep was short but impactful. Alongside SMU-bound stars Jaden Toombs and Jermaine O’Neal Jr., he led the Bearcats to a remarkable run at the 2025 Chipotle Nationals. As the tenth seed, they upset heavyweights like Montverde Academy and Prolific Prep before falling to top-seeded Columbus in the finals. Nwuli’s performance, including a 20-point, six-rebound outing against Prolific Prep, put him on the national radar.
Powers, too, knows what it takes to shine under pressure. He led Rainier Beach to two state championship appearances in his final two years, clinching the WIAA 3A title in 2025 with a dominant 68-48 win over Edmonds-Woodway. With Crawford by his side as an assistant coach, Powers learned to thrive in high-stakes moments.
Beyond the Court
What sets these freshmen apart isn’t just their basketball IQ—it’s their maturity and perspective. Nwuli and O’Neal still talk regularly, even late at night, discussing basketball and life. ‘I feel like with him, I’ve never learned so much through basketball and as a man,’ Nwuli reflects. ‘He wanted me to be the best as a man, and I really appreciate him for that.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where college basketball is increasingly focused on one-and-done stars, could the mentorship of NBA veterans like O’Neal and Crawford be the key to long-term success—both on and off the court? Nwuli and Powers certainly think so. ‘We’re young Black men in this world, trying to be better, trying to make a difference,’ Nwuli says. ‘That’s what [O’Neal] does. And that’s all I want to do. I want to be like him.’
As Rutgers fans eagerly await the 2025 season, one thing is clear: these freshmen aren’t just here to play basketball—they’re here to leave a legacy. What do you think? Is NBA mentorship the game-changer college basketball needs, or is it overrated? Join the discussion and let your voice be heard!
