Basketball standout earns ESPN Top 25 national ranking in Dominican-run program

Rising basketball talent Michael “MJ” Postell has received recognition after being named to ESPN SportsCenter Next’s Top 25 rankings for the Class of 2029.

Postell, who is currently ranked as the top shooting guard in New Jersey’s Class of 2029 by Prep Hoops, was listed at No. 18 nationally by ESPN.  According to a press release from the organization, the ranking places him among the most highly regarded young basketball prospects in the United States and reflects growing attention from one of the country’s most influential sports media outlets.

The young guard is a member of Pro Dev Unlimited, a New Jersey-based grassroots basketball programme established by Khalil Brown, a former professional player with international experience and the son of Dominican parents.

The release added that Postell is one of several athletes from the organization who have earned regional and national recognition. Among them are Dominic Mauro, ranked among the Top 10 freshmen in the nation by MaxPreps; Rian Bennett Jr., ranked No. 1 in New Jersey’s Class of 2030; Jackson Boyd, ranked No. 8 in New Jersey’s Class of 2030; Jackson Davis, ranked the No. 5 freshman in New Jersey by NJHoopsHub and No. 10 by Prep Hoops; and Jayden Stenvil, who was named New Jersey Sophomore of the Year by NJ.com. Bennett Jr. and Boyd have also received invitations to the prestigious Nike Jr. EYBL Top 100 Camp.

Brown praised Postell’s achievement, highlighting both the player’s commitment and the support system around him.

“Seeing MJ Postell earn ESPN Top 25 recognition makes me incredibly proud. This honour reflects the work, dedication, and sacrifice he has put into his game. Just as importantly, MJ has a terrific, consistent, and loyal family behind him. His parents, Genise Postell and Michael Postell Sr., have paved the way for his success and have been outstanding supporters throughout his journey. It has been a pleasure having them as part of the Pro Dev family. While this is a tremendous accomplishment, I truly believe it’s just the beginning for MJ, and his best basketball is still ahead of him,” said Brown.

Pro Dev Unlimited says it has built its reputation by challenging its athletes against elite competition, often competing against teams featuring older players and nationally recognised programmes. The release noted that the organization’s teams have recorded victories over clubs associated with Nike EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, Puma Pro16 and Under Armour Rise.

Reportedly, in 2026, Pro Dev Excel has maintained an undefeated record while securing wins against Adidas 3SSB’s Wiz Kids, Under Armour’s HC United and MADE Hoops’ Metro All Stars.

Since its establishment, Pro Dev Unlimited states that it has accumulated more than 1,000 game victories, captured nearly 100 tournament championships and completed more than 50 undefeated tournaments. The programme has also reported that it helped generate over US$2 million in college scholarship opportunities for its athletes, underscoring its commitment to both athletic and educational development.