"Shifty in the Seams, Relentless on the Rise"

Justin Cunningham

@j_cunningham_

IG: thejustincunningham

6’, 165lbs, Class of 2026

Lanier HS, GA

Justin is a gear-shifting, electric playmaker who brings the game to life with his explosive style and fierce mentality. With dynamic handles and a feel for the game that’s nothing short of special, he breaks down defenders with ease, getting into the seams and finishing through contact like a veteran. Justin is crafty off the bounce, shifty in tight spaces, and thrives in chaos. He’s got that rare blend of control and creativity that allows him to stop on a dime and drain tough pull-ups or carve out space for dazzling finishes. Whether he's in triple threat, pushing the break, or dissecting a defense with his elite court vision, he plays with fearless energy and a commanding presence. Justin’s a gamer. A natural shot-maker, rebounding guard, and confident defender who refuses to be outworked.

Last season, Justin's biggest improvement was leadership and confidence: two things that now fuel every possession he touches. He averaged 14 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game, showing he can impact the game across the board. Now, he’s focused on becoming even harder to guard by working on getting to his spots with ease and handling defensive pressure with poise. Justin will continue to elevate his leadership as well as his impact. His biggest motivator is making g stops. Nothing gets his fire burning like locking in on defense and stringing together back-to-back stops. That edge, that fire, is what separates him. He doesn’t panic when he faces adversity but resets, regroups, and gets right back to work. That calm under fire, along with the best advice he’s ever received, “play confident and be yourself”, keeps him grounded and dangerous.

This AAU season, Justin will be playing with Georgia Legacy, and he’s not just out there to play but to dominate. His goal is to average over 20 points per game, rack up wins, and catch the eyes of college coaches. The out-of-state tournaments are what excite him the most, as they allow him to measure his game against the best across the country, while putting his name on the map and helping his squad shine. With that competitive fire, he’s not just in it for the ride, he’s chasing impact and offers.

Off the court, Justin is laid back and enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching the game he loves, and studying film to stay one step ahead. But make no mistake, Justin's love for the game runs deep. He carries that love into every workout, every rep, every game.

I assess that Justin has all the tools to elevate a college program. His strengths as a playmaker, scorer, and leader make him a dual-threat guard who can control pace and create offense for himself and others. His elite court vision, creative finishing, and scoring versatility allow him to slot into multiple roles in a backcourt. As he continues to improve his handle under pressure and master shot selection, his game will reach even higher levels. His rebounding effort and defensive energy show he's not afraid to mix it up either. Coaches should know Justin is a complete guard with a high ceiling that stretches far beyond the stat sheet.

Expect a breakout spring and summer from Justin. Expect highlight plays, game-winning moments, and fearless performances against top competition. With his skills, confidence, and leadership trending upward, the potential for Justin to evolve into a high-impact collegiate guard is real. He’s not just coming to play, he’s coming to take over. Stay tuned.