Meet Hezekiah ‘Hezzie’ Phelps — The 8th Grade Phenom Already Looking Like the Future #1 NBA Pick for the Golden State Warriors

Sometimes you just know when a star is being born. That’s exactly what people are saying after getting a glimpse of Hezekiah Phelps—better known by his nickname “Hezzie”—who’s already turning heads in the basketball world even though he’s only in 8th grade. Wearing #32 with a mix of swagger and serious skill, Hezzie just dropped a set of basketball pictures that feel less like a school photo shoot and more like a slam dunk announcement to the future of the NBA. People aren’t just watching him—they’re already making room for his name in the NBA Draft conversation. And if you ask around, some are even saying the Golden State Warriors should start scouting him now.

Hezzie is the kind of player you can’t take your eyes off. At just 14 years old, he already carries himself with the poise of someone twice his age and plays like someone who’s been grinding in the gym since before he could walk. It’s not just the raw athleticism—though he’s got that in abundance. It’s the complete package. The handles. The court vision. The smooth jumper. The lockdown defense. And the kind of feel for the game that you just can’t teach. He’s not out here trying to just play ball. He’s out here crafting a legacy, and it’s unfolding before our eyes one slick move at a time.

People who know Hezzie know this isn’t a sudden burst of hype. This is the result of years of hard work, hours in the gym, and a family that supports his dream with everything they’ve got. Special shoutout to James Jordan for capturing this moment—because these photos didn’t just show a kid in a jersey. They showed a young man ready to rise, with confidence in his smile and fire in his game. These aren’t just 8th grade pictures. They’re receipts for what’s coming next.

What really stands out about Hezzie is the way he approaches the game with both joy and seriousness. There’s a playfulness in how he moves—like he’s genuinely having fun out there—but also a razor-sharp focus behind every dribble, every shot, every possession. It’s the rare combination of loving the game while also understanding how to master it. That’s what separates the good players from the great ones. And that’s why so many are saying Hezzie isn’t just a kid with potential—he’s a name you’ll be hearing in arenas for years to come.

He’s already attracting attention from high school coaches, AAU programs, trainers, and even college scouts who can’t help but peek ahead. And while there’s still a long road between 8th grade and the NBA, it’s hard not to look at what Hezzie is doing and imagine that No. 1 draft pick moment coming to life. Golden State fans especially are keeping an eye on him—because something about his game screams “future Warrior.” Maybe it’s the way he moves with confidence and intelligence, or maybe it’s just the Bay Area swagger he seems to naturally possess. Either way, you can almost picture him at Chase Center, crossing up defenders in blue and gold.

But for now, Hezzie is focused on the present. He’s still grinding in school, still perfecting his shot, still leading his team every time he steps on the court. He knows this is a journey, and he’s putting in the work every single day. Coaches say he’s the first one in the gym and the last one out. He doesn’t just want to win—he wants to dominate. And the best part is, he’s doing it all with a humble heart and a team-first attitude. That’s the kind of mindset that not only creates stars—but builds leaders.

Hezzie’s family plays a huge role in his rise. You can feel the support in everything he does. Whether it’s showing up to games, hyping him up on social media, or just making sure he stays grounded in the middle of all the attention, his circle is strong. That kind of support system matters, especially for a kid chasing a dream this big. And with the foundation he has around him, it’s no wonder he’s thriving under the spotlight instead of crumbling beneath it.

There’s a magic to watching someone like Hezzie play. Even in a gym full of talented players, he stands out. It’s the little things—his court awareness, his ability to create space, his leadership even as one of the youngest on the floor. He’s got that “it” factor, and once you see it, you can’t unsee it. That’s why fans are already calling him a future NBA star. That’s why coaches are circling his name on every roster. That’s why this latest photo shoot didn’t just go viral—it sent a message.

This isn’t hype. This isn’t a trend. This is Hezekiah Phelps putting the world on notice.

People can joke about 8th graders getting draft buzz, but if you’ve seen Hezzie in action, you get it. He’s not just playing above his age—he’s studying the game like a pro, treating each rep like it’s the playoffs, and embracing the grind that comes with greatness. He doesn’t flinch under pressure. He doesn’t fold in tough moments. Instead, he gets better. He gets sharper. And he does it with a confidence that makes you think, “Yeah, this kid is different.”

The Warriors might be a few years away from calling his name, but when they do, don’t be surprised. Hezzie’s already on that path. He’s already got the mindset, the talent, and the drive. All that’s left is time—and he’s not wasting a second of it.

So go ahead and save this headline. Save these photos. Because in a few years, when Hezzie walks across that NBA Draft stage and hears his name called as the top pick, you’ll remember that it all started here—with an 8th grader in a #32 jersey, flashing a confident grin and letting the world know he’s coming.

Hezekiah “Hezzie” Phelps. Remember the name. Because the future of basketball just showed up—and it’s wearing sneakers a little bigger than his age.