"Power, Poise, and Purpose: A Young Giant with a Veteran's Game"

Eddie Whitaker V

Twitter: @whita5555

5’6”, 186lbs, Class of 2032

St. Mel Catholic School – Encino, CA

Eddie plays with the kind of physical dominance and basketball IQ that you simply don’t expect from a ten-year-old. A force on the floor with a bruising frame and explosive athleticism, he blends football-grown toughness with natural basketball finesse. His style is powerful and imposing, earning comparisons to a young Charles Barkley with his ability to bully defenders in the paint, crash the glass, and still make the right play at the right time. What makes Eddie truly special is that despite his size and ability to dominate inside, he’s shifting toward a guard-focused game. He’s not just playing basketball but evolving through it, developing into a versatile leader who can control the tempo, read the floor, and create opportunities for everyone around him.

Eddie’s numbers this past season speak for themselves, averaging 26 points and 19 rebounds per game with Northridge Rec, 15 and 21 on his St. Mel squad, and 16 and 18 with Bfly Hoops on the travel scene while playing two years up. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He elevates teams. Coaches, referees, and opponents recognize that he plays the game the right way, is unselfish, has a high IQ, and is always under control. In the championship game for the rec league, Eddie led his team to a title over a roster that included four of his own travel teammates. He didn’t just deliver, he inspired. From the players to the coaches, his energy and belief in the team’s success was contagious.

This offseason, Eddie is working tirelessly to expand his perimeter game. Ball-handling, quickness, and a consistent jumper are the focus and essentials for someone looking to transition from dominant post presence to floor general. Now playing 12U as an 11-year-old, his mission is to become the kind of guard that can bring the ball up under pressure, initiate offense, and put defenders on skates. His coaches see shades of James Harden in his future, and Eddie is driven to make that vision a reality. With major tournaments like Sierra Canyon, CSUN, and the Kobe Center on his radar, Eddie is hungry to keep proving himself while elevating his all-around skill set.

What fuels Eddie’s fire is competing at the highest level and dominating. He doesn’t take his foot off the gas and thrives in big moments where others might shrink. But deeper than that, his heart is anchored in something greater. A proud student at St. Mel Catholic School, his faith grounds him in humility and drive. He prays before every game and at halftime, playing with intention and purpose. That purpose has only grown stronger after the recent passing of his grandfather, Eddie Whitaker III. This upcoming season is dedicated to him. Every game, every hustle play, every drop of sweat is all in honor of the man whose name he carries proudly.

Raised in a family of elite athletes, Eddie is wired to compete. His father played tight end at Oregon, and his bloodline runs deep with D1 talent from multiple sports. He’s already carved out a path of his own as team captain, multi-time all-star, leader, and relentless worker. He’s never satisfied and always looking in the mirror first to improve. Whether it’s basketball or football, Eddie responds to adversity by rising above it, learning from it, and coming back stronger.

I assess that Eddie is a powerhouse with a dominant presence. He plays years ahead of his age and brings leadership, toughness, and versatility to every team he touches. His basketball instincts, combined with his physical edge and selfless approach, make him a huge piece in any system. As his guard skills continue to develop, expect him to be dangerous at every level of the floor.

It’s early, but the potential is unmistakable. With his frame, feel, and fierce mentality, Eddie projects as a high-impact two-way player. As he grows and evolves his skill set, his ceiling continues to rise. The drive is there, the support system is strong, and the hunger to be great is already in full force. Eddie Whitaker V is a name to remember because he’s playing for something bigger than himself, and he’s only just getting started. Get on this train early cause it will only be picking up steam. Stay tuned.