"The Crafty Commander Who Lights Up the Floor"

Aiden O’Leary

@a1denoleary

IG: @aiden1oleary

5’10, 175lbs, Class of 2026

Kingston HS, TN

Aiden is a crafty floor general with a game built for pressure moments and big stages. His court presence is electric, a mix of tight ball-handling, sharp instincts, and the kind of floor vision that makes everything around him flow. He slices into the lane with an explosive first step, attacks the rim with confidence, and sprays passes with a flashy yet controlled touch that lifts everyone on the floor. He can rain down threes off movement or off the dribble, bury contested looks, and create space with small windows that most guards never see. On defense, he sets the tone, guarding the full length of the court with energy, communication, and leadership. Aiden commands the floor like a true general, and he carries himself with the discipline and poise of a high academic athlete with a 32 ACT.

This past season, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.5 rebounds per game, solidifying himself as Kingston’s heartbeat and one of their toughest mismatches. Summer ball showed an even more dynamic version of Aiden, exploding for 21.6 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, proving he can take over offensively and lead with consistency. His biggest improvement came in his middy and shooting off the dribble, giving him another weapon in tight games when the offense needs someone who can create late-clock looks. His offseason focus was to strengthen his body, elevate his jumper even more, and continue improving pace by playing off two feet.

Adversity built him into the kind of leader coaches dream of. Getting injured midseason and continuing to battle through taught him discipline, patience, and mental toughness. That experience made him a more vocal leader, more intentional in how he motivates teammates, and more locked in on controlling what matters. His fiercest rival remains Harriman, a matchup that brings out the fire in him because the familiarity and history make it personal every time. He expects to set the example this season for a young team, going hard every play, leading from the front, and showing younger players exactly what commitment looks like.

What fuels Aiden most is competition. Close games and pressure possessions bring something alive in him. The intensity, the energy, the crowd, the stakes, and that’s where he thrives. He handles adversity by staying calm and falling back on his preparation, trusting the countless hours he’s invested. The best advice he has ever received is, "control what you can control". Effort, toughness, and attitude, which never depend on talent, so even on rough shooting nights, he knows he can still impact winning.

Off the court, Aiden takes care of his body through lifting, stretching, and recovery routines that keep him locked in during the season. He enjoys music, family time, and being around the people who keep him grounded. He is currently rehabbing an injury, missing the jamboree, and although watching from the sideline hurt, it only added to the hunger building inside him. He knows he will return stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever. His next step includes a visit to Johnson University on December 3rd, and he remains open to any program willing to take a chance on him. For Aiden, it’s not about division, but opportunity and earning everything that comes next.

I assess that Aiden’s blend of quickness, playmaking, vision, and leadership makes him an immediate fit for a college program needing a guard who can control tempo, generate offense, and set a cultural standard. His ability to create for himself and others, guard full court, and communicate at a high level brings value to every possession on both ends of the floor.

Moving forward, Aiden has the potential to become a high-impact college guard. Expect a stronger frame, a more polished jumper, and an even more confident playmaker once he returns from injury. His competitiveness, discipline, and mindset will push him to keep climbing. With his hunger, leadership, and work ethic, Aiden’s best basketball is still ahead of him. Stay tuned.