During the past 10 days, NBA scouts and high-major Division I coaches gathered at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, S.C., for Nike’s Peach Jam, where they had the opportunity to observe some of the top high school basketball players in the country. Former and current NBA players, including Ja Morant, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Matt Barnes, Jason Richardson, Carmelo Anthony, and Carlos Boozer, were also in attendance, with some having sons participating in the tournament.
The championship game of the 17U division pitted the top two players, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, against each other. Both players showcased exceptional skills in shot creation, facilitating for teammates, and defensive versatility. Ultimately, Cameron Boozer and the Nightrydas emerged victorious over AJ Dybantsa and the Soldiers with a score of 71-62.
NBA teams sent multiple scouts to observe the emerging talent, including younger players in the 15U and 16U divisions.
Here are eight standout performers from Peach Jam, along with a few promising younger players who caught the attention of scouts and college coaches:
AJ Dybantsa, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, demonstrated his prowess on the court with his impressive performance this summer. His combination of length, high motor, and defensive skills make him a challenging opponent to guard. Dybantsa’s standout play was evident in the championship game, where he displayed his ability to recognize mismatches and finish through contact.
Although Dybantsa gave his all in the championship game, showcasing his ability to exploit mismatches and finish under pressure, it was not enough to secure the victory.
Last year, Dybantsa led the 17U division in scoring while playing a year up, and this year he ranked second with an average of 23.1 points per game.
The top-ranked player in the country intends to narrow down his college options to 10 schools by the end of the month, with Arkansas, Auburn, BYU, USC, Baylor, and Alabama among the contenders.
On the other hand, if Dybantsa is viewed as the premier long-term NBA prospect, Cameron Boozer has established himself as one of the top high school players in the nation with his exceptional performance this summer. Following his MVP award at the U17 FIBA World Cup, where Team USA clinched the gold medal, Boozer continued to shine at Peach Jam.
Boozer, a 6-9 forward, guided his team, Nightrydas Elite, to three consecutive Peach Jam championships across the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions, a feat never achieved before. His all-around game was on display as he averaged 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during Peach Jam. In the title game, he missed only one shot while contributing 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the triumph.
Both Cameron and his twin brother Cayden have received similar college offers, with Duke, Miami, Florida, Florida State, and Arkansas reportedly in the mix.
Meanwhile, Stokes, the top-ranked player in the rising junior class, stands out with his imposing 6-8, 245-pound frame. Teaming up with Dybantsa at Prolific Prep last high school season and on the same AAU team this summer, Stokes has showcased his versatility on both ends of the court.
Stokes’ conditioning has notably improved over the past year, enhancing his shooting ability. His passing and court vision have also made significant strides, solidifying his potential as a point-forward at the collegiate and NBA levels. Rumors suggest that Stokes may consider reclassifying from the 2026 class to 2025, although no definitive decision has been made.
As his recruitment gains momentum, Stokes has attracted interest from programs like Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, Auburn, Arizona State, Louisville, North Carolina, and Michigan.
Wilson, a five-star prospect already ranked within the top 10 for the senior class, made a lasting impression on NBA scouts at Peach Jam. His standout performance during the semifinals game, where he led all players with 29 points on efficient shooting, may have propelled him into lottery consideration for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Reflecting on his display, Wilson expressed his goal of showcasing various aspects of his game to NBA scouts, emphasizing his ability to contribute alongside other talented players. Duke, Kansas, Auburn, Alabama, Stanford, BYU, Tennessee, and Baylor are among the schools vying for Wilson’s commitment.
On the other hand, Cayden Boozer, who previously faced doubts about his suitability as a lead guard in the NBA, has silenced critics with his improved decision-making and passing skills. Leading all players in assists at the U17 FIBA World Cup and maintaining his stellar play at Peach Jam, Cayden has emerged as a reliable point guard prospect for the highest level.
Standing at 6-4, Cayden has garnered similar offers to his twin brother Cameron. While the Boozer twins have emphasized that they are not a package deal, their on-court chemistry makes it challenging to envision them splitting up at the collegiate level.
McCoy, the second-ranked player in the junior class and a member of the U17 Team USA gold-winning squad, showcases his explosiveness and basketball IQ on the court. The 6-4 guard’s ability to navigate through defenses and make smart plays has drawn attention from top programs like UCLA, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, and LSU.
Thomas has demonstrated significant growth in his game throughout the spring and summer. As a score-first guard, Thomas has honed his handle and footwork, enabling him to create scoring opportunities efficiently. Transitioning to Overtime Elite for his senior season, Thomas has attracted interest from programs like Kentucky, UConn, Duke, Auburn, and others.
While Bryce James garnered attention for his athleticism and occasional inconsistencies in shooting, his teammate Burries stood out for his polished game and potential at the next level. A top-15 recruit in the rising senior class, Burries excelled in scoring and versatility for Strive For Greatness. With offers from Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Alabama, Kentucky, USC, and UCLA, Burries continues to attract interest from top-tier programs.
Notable underclassmen
Miikka Muurinen, a 6-10 wing from Finland, made a strong impression on NBA scouts at Peach Jam with his sharpshooting abilities and scoring prowess. Shooting 50% from behind the arc and averaging 17.8 points per game for Brad Beal Elite in the U16 division, Muurinen showcased his potential on the big stage.
Top 20 recruit Jalen Montonati showcased his skills in the 16U division for Mokan Elite, shooting efficiently and averaging 17.2 points per game. With offers from prominent programs like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Houston, Texas, and Kansas, Montonati is a rising talent to watch.
Baba Oladotun, a standout player for Team Durant in the 15U division, impressed with his resemblance to Kevin Durant and potential as a perimeter shooter. Holding early offers from various programs, including Florida State, Louisville, Texas, Ole Miss, Cincinnati, Tennessee, UCLA, and Rutgers, Oladotun is poised for a bright future in basketball.
Another rising prospect, CJ Rosser of Team United, caught the eye of scouts as a potential NBA prospect with his smooth shooting stroke and versatility on the court. With early offers from Virginia Tech and Michigan, Rosser is expected to draw interest from other high-major programs.