Elijah Paez
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Scout Report
Picture this: a lanky wing gliding through the lane, finishing through contact, or pulling up confidently from the elbow. That's the first impression Elijah Paez makes, and it's a strong one. His game possesses a smoothness that belies his relative youth, hinting at significant upside.
Background
Elijah Paez hails from a strong basketball hotbed, though his specific hometown details aren't widely publicized, he's found a home on the national stage at Iowa United Prep. This move to a high-level prep program speaks volumes about his family's commitment to his development and his willingness to embrace competition. Playing at Iowa United Prep immediately thrusts him into a high-visibility environment, sharpening his skills against and alongside some of the nation's best. He's learning the ropes in a serious basketball factory, which is precisely what a prospect with his tools needs.
Playing Style
Paez operates primarily as a wing, showing an adaptable offensive approach that shifts between aggressive downhill attacks and smart perimeter play. He generally plays with good pace, never looking rushed, but capable of accelerating when an opening presents itself. His decision-making with the ball in his hands is solid; he tends to make the right pass or take the sensible shot, though there are moments where he could be more assertive. Defensively, he puts in the effort. His length and quick feet allow him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, creating disruption and challenging shots. He influences the game on both ends without needing to dominate the ball constantly, a valuable trait for a young wing.
Strengths
What immediately pops out about Paez is his fluid athleticism and natural feel for the game. He moves well without the ball, finding open spaces, and shows an impressive ability to finish around the rim with either hand. His pull-up jumper is a legitimate weapon from the midrange, executed with good balance and a high release point. He also displays solid instincts as a cutter and has shown flashes of being a capable secondary playmaker, distributing from the wing or out of short roll situations.
Areas to Watch
For Paez to unlock his next gear, consistency on his three-point shot will be crucial. While he's effective from midrange, extending his range will make him a much harder cover. Adding functional strength to his frame will also help him absorb contact more effectively on drives and improve his defensive rebounding. Developing a tighter handle for navigating pressure and creating separation in isolation could also elevate his offensive impact.
Player Comparison
Elijah Paez shows shades of a young Mikal Bridges with his length, smooth athleticism, and two-way potential as a wing. Both players demonstrate a similar ability to impact the game on defense with their reach and agility, while offering versatile offensive games that emphasize efficiency and smart decision-making rather than pure volume scoring. The defensive upside and the developing offensive repertoire align quite well.
Recruitment
Despite being a nationally ranked prospect at #112 in the 2027 class, Elijah Paez has yet to report any official offers. This is not uncommon for a player in the 2027 cycle, as many programs hold off on offering until their sophomore or even junior year. However, his presence at Iowa United Prep, playing alongside high-major commits like Marcus Spears Jr. and Austin Goosby, means he's consistently being evaluated by top programs. Expect interest to pick up significantly over the next year as coaches get more live looks; his recruitment will likely explode by late next summer.
Projection
At the college level, Paez projects as a versatile wing who can contribute immediately with his defensive prowess and efficient scoring. He has the potential to develop into a strong starter in a Power Five conference, capable of guarding multiple positions and providing valuable offensive spacing. His pro trajectory hinges on the development of his perimeter shooting and overall offensive aggression, but the foundational tools are certainly there for a potential professional career overseas or as a fringe NBA prospect.
Updated Sep 3, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team