Duke commit Cooper Flagg led Team USA to a 98-75 victory over Team World at the Nike Hoop Summit, showcasing the talents of top U.S. and international players. Flagg's 19 points and 11 rebounds were instrumental in the win, while Team World's AJ Dybantsa and Nolan Traore impressed with their performances. The event highlighted the growing global talent in basketball and the increasing presence of international players in the NBA.
Coaches and NBA scouts are polled each March for their pick to win the men's national championship, with this year having a clear favorite unlike previous years, where there was plenty of disagreement among industry sources.
The Hoophall Classic showcased top high school basketball talent, including No. 1 players Cooper Flagg, A.J. Dybantsa, and Tyran Stokes, with over 80 NBA scouts and executives in attendance. Cooper Flagg of Montverde Academy, a Duke commit, stood out as the most consistent player, while A.J. Dybantsa, reclassified from 2026 to 2025, displayed impressive skills. Other standout performers included Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, Jalil Bathea, Koa Peat, Jase Richardson, and Liam McNeeley, drawing attention from high-major programs and NBA scouts.
NBA scouts are flocking to Nike's Peach Jam, the most competitive AAU event of the summer, to watch top players like Cooper Flagg, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Tyran Stokes, Bryce James, Carter Bryant, and Jase Richardson. Flagg showcased his rim protection skills despite struggling offensively, while Dybantsa impressed with his scoring ability. The Boozer twins dominated the court, and Stokes stood out with his physicality. LeBron James' son, Bryce James, made his Peach Jam debut, and Carter Bryant and Jase Richardson displayed their skills as well. NBA scouts from various teams were present to evaluate the talent.
Arizona Wildcats' Pelle Larsson has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility. The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season and was the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year. Larsson will have until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to college. He is not currently on any draft boards and will need positive feedback from NBA scouts to make a decision.
Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 basketball player, has officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. He thanked his coaches and family for helping him reach this point in his career. The NBA Draft lottery on May 16 will determine which team gets the top pick, with the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs having the best odds.
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, led Team USA to a comeback win at the Nike Hoops Summit game against the World team. Despite a tough start, James scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter and hit a pair of clutch free throws with 5.4 seconds remaining. Dozens of NBA scouts were in attendance, including Warriors coach Steve Kerr and star forward Draymond Green. James is the lone senior on the team and is yet to pick a college to play for next season.
Eight high school basketball players impressed NBA scouts during the McDonald's All-American Game week, including Ron Holland, D.J. Wagner, Isaiah Collier, Omaha Biliew, Justin Edwards, Jared McCain, Matas Buzelis, and Stephon Castle. These players showcased their skills in front of several NBA scouts and executives during three days of practice, a scrimmage, and an all-star game. They represent blue-blood programs and have committed to colleges such as Texas, Kentucky, USC, Iowa State, and Duke.
The 24 players selected for the McDonald's All-American Game showcased their skills to NBA scouts and media members during practice sessions leading up to the game. Bronny James was solid on both practice days, while Texas commit Ron Holland was named MVP of the sessions. Kentucky commits DJ Wagner Jr. and Aaron Bradshaw also stood out. USC commit Isaiah Collier's passing vision was impressive, while Baylor signee Ja'Kobe Walter's defense and shot-making ability were noteworthy. Auburn commit Aden Holloway's playmaking skills were also praised.
