A summer season grassroots staple is the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. The grassroots calendar has modified over time, however Peach Jam for Nike’s elite grassroots groups has stayed comparatively the identical, even after the NCAA recruiting scandal and COVID-19.
The highest 24 17U groups qualify for Peach Jam, and some further groups will be capable of enter through a play-in pool. Under, I preview the projected 24 journey golf equipment and provides out my predictions.
Good look to all of the staff seeking to win Peach!
Beginning on the High
Two groups had a near-flawless document after three periods. Workforce Takeover (DMV) and NY Rens collected equivalent 10-1 information. Beginning with Takeover, they’ve 4 gamers with double-figure ppg averages. Headlining the group is 5-star guard Jordan Smith. An athletic, strong-framed guard with a relentless motor. In my view, the perfect on-ball defender within the nation, no matter class. Offensively, His capacity to make use of his power, vertical pop, and pace as a driver to get a paint contact and end by contact is spectacular. Defensively, he’s bodily on the level of assault, maneuvers, or simply powers by screens and flies in every single place as an off-ball defender. 5 etar wing Qayden Samuels leads the staff in scoring, averaging 21 ppg. A southpaw three-level scorer who makes taking robust photographs look straightforward. He’s arguably the perfect scorer within the nation. 2026 Parker Robinson is taking pictures 37 % from deep and he provides flooring spacing, play ending as a shooter, and the power to be a second facet scorer. Indiana commit Prince-Alexander Moody is a 6’4 combo that gives offensive versatility, having the ability to successfully rating on and off the ball whereas rising as a playmaker. Takeover’s roster is balanced, and guys purchase into their function. They’re a favourite to take residence the title in North Augusta.
For the Rens, Jasiah Jervis is a spring/summer season stock-riser. At 6’5, he’s s guard with good positional dimension and big-time off the dribble scoring. Can get to the rim by setting the defender up and utilizing counters, he’s an enough pull-up shooter, and he has a brief reminiscence on misses, which supplies him the boldness to make the following one. One other participant that has seen his inventory make an enormous leap is Najai Hines. Initially, a notable tight-end prospect in soccer, Hines is now a family identify within the basketball recruiting ranks. An enormous, bodily put up that’s averaging a double-double this season. He throws his weight round, finishes inside using his huge shoulders and arm size. He’s only a conventional massive man who makes his presence identified on the inside on each ends. One of many higher 2027 prospects within the nation, Anderson Diaz, is taking part in up on the 17U degree and averaging 11ppg, 4 rpg, and a pair of apg. A dynamic guard that may create separation off the bounce and get no matter look he desires. His creativity along with his deal with and total really feel generates benefits for him and his teammates. Rens are rolling proper now and have depth and high quality positional dimension at every place.
Subsequent Crop of 17U Contenders
Brad Beal Elite has the third-best document within the EYBL going into Augusta. At 9-2 after three periods, BBE ought to really feel assured that this group could make a deep title run. Final 12 months, the 2026 staff gained the 16U division. No Miike Muurinen this season, however 2026 Arkansas commit J.J. Andrews has taken a leap in his sport. A lefty, bodily wing that has proven enchancment in his perimeter abilities. Making open deep vary photographs (43 % from three), which creates driving lanes for him to assault and end (60.8 % from 2). Enlargement of his sport whereas nonetheless offering high quality rebounding and on-ball protection manufacturing, has put Andrews in a special tier this Summer season. Ground basic Trey Pearson is likely one of the extra under-the-radar prospects within the nation. Main the EYBL in assists (5.5 apg), Pearson is a south-paw level that excels as a choose n roll scorer and playmaking. Snaking the screens or placing the defender in jail, Pearson’s endurance and I.Q. enable him to dissect and manipulate defenses. Sheek Pearson is a 6’11 massive man that thrives within the paint as a play finisher, put-back man and lob menace. Defensively, he’s energetic as a rim protector and self-discipline sufficient to not get in foul hassle whereas contesting. This Brad Beal squad performs with a degree of toughness that’s not often matched from their opponents and that’s going to be key going into Augusta.
Mokan Elite is a staff I can see profitable all of it this season. At present holding a 8-3 document, they’ve robust front-court play, athleticism, size and shot making. Additionally they have 4 gamers which might be in double figures for averages headlined by one of many high facilities within the nation, Ethan Taylor. An enormous physique put up that’s a play finisher, again to basket operator and deep put up sealer. He’s a very good display screen setter/curler, has tender arms and is steadily enhancing his offensive sport. Jalen Montonati leads the staff in scoring and he’s an enormous wing that may actually shoot it. He strikes very nicely off the ball, relocates and assaults closeouts nicely to get into the middy pull or floater. Excellent coming off pin-downs and making the precise play. Tristan Reed is an athletic, lengthy armed put up that performs exhausting on a regular basis. Sufficient contact coming off the left shoulder on hooks and he simply performs larger than his listed top (6’8). Keonte Greybear is an enormous level guard at 6’4 that’s a very good athlete. He’s a self-discipline defender and I’ve seen development in his sport as an total resolution maker. Very regular. Additionally to notice is Chidi Nwigwe, who’s a flexible wing that finds his alternatives to attain or simply impression the sport.
Oakland Troopers are additionally 8-3 they usually have two of the perfect gamers within the nation that common over 20 ppg. No. 1 in 2026, Tyran Stokes, got here again to the squad in Could and he confirmed why he’s the primary participant within the class. A matchup drawback at 6’7, Stokes mixture of power, downhill playmaking and scoring, permits him to attain at will. He’s a really bodily driver that’s an excellent more durable cowl when the jumper is falling. A person amongst boys at this degree. Jason Crowe Jr., in my view is the perfect scorer within the nation. A assured perimeter scorer that may generate his personal have a look at anytime because of plus elevation on his jumper. He can successfully rating on and off the ball, holds deep vary on his jumper and has nice stamina. An electrifying guard, that when scorching, he can take advantage of tough photographs. The X-Issue for this group is 2026 Kalek Home, the son of former NBA’er Eddie Home. Somebody that may generate his personal look and stays in assault mode. They’ve the items to make a run in Augusta however ball-movement and the function guys stepping up as a result of gravity the principle guys will generate shall be key.
Workforce CP3 is up subsequent they usually collected a 8-3 document as nicely. They are going to be lacking Kohl Rosario, who classed as much as 2025 and dedicated to Kansas. Rosario was second in scoring (14 ppg) and shot 44 % from three. Nonetheless, they’ve a bunch of fellows that may fill the void and step up into larger roles, akin to Coastal Carolina commit Nathaniel Williams IV. A shifty guard that performs with a excessive degree of toughness. He has proven a stability along with his scoring and play-making (9.5 ppg 4 apg) and will must look to take the next quantity of photographs in July. Analyzing the opposite high gamers for CP3, Cole Cloer is a 4-star wing that brings perimeter taking pictures and shot creating. He’s not blowing by his defender, however he is aware of the way to get to his spots, stand up and shoot over the out-reach of the defender. His 3-point taking pictures numbers haven’t been nice this summer season (30 %) however I do consider he’s a greater deep vary menace than the averages present, up to now. Oregon soccer commit Kendre Harrison is likely one of the finest twin athletes within the nation. He’s robust, athletic, performs with a excessive motor and imply streak. He’s at present averaging a double-double (12 ppg, 10rpg). Dionte Neal is a winner. Backcourt of him and Williams IV is a enjoyable one. Neal is undersized at 5’9, however he’s pesky as a defender and guards the complete size. Seems to be to get to the paint and makes the precise resolution when he will get into the inside.
For Workforce Thad, who rocks a guess what…an 8-3 document, is also a enjoyable staff to look at. They thrive in transition, have guys that may guard a number of positions and play with an edge. Starring for them is 2026 Tarris Bouie who exploded on the nationwide scene this membership season. An athletic two-guard with lengthy arms and a very good off-ball defender with lengthy strides when attacking the rim. He’s making jumpers, exhibiting enchancment as a self creator and scorer within the half-court. There’s so much to love with Bouie along with his present sport and upside. Kayden Allen is a 6’5 guard with a powerful body. He’s a flexible perimeter menace can rating it in a number of methods and has enough passer really feel. 2027 L.J. Smith is a 6’5 combo that greater than holding his personal on the 17U degree. Deep vary scorer that’s a artful participant. Acquired a suggestion from UNC in June and is likely one of the greater echelon of gamers within the rising junior class.
Center of the Pack Contenders
At 7-4, that is the primary 12 months the Utah Prospects are on the EYBL Circuit. 5-star guard Ikenna Alozie is the one to look at, as he leads the staff in scoring and rebounding (17.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg). A speedy and bouncy guard that’s a dynamic scorer. A superb pull-up shooter that may get to the rim and punch it on larger defenders. Stays in assault mode when the ball is in his arms and that may result in the next quantity of turnovers than we wish to see (3.3 tpg), however the offensive presents he possesses, plus being one of many high on-ball defenders because of his size and lateral mobility, make Alozie a two-way impression participant. Adolph “Junior” County is a 6’5 guard with a very good body, he’s essentially sound and creates separations off step backs. County is a strong pull-up shooter that may throw his weight round vs skinnier guards. 2026 Dean Rueckert is one other participant who I believe shoots it from deep higher than his averages present. A superb ball mover and off-ball mover that may make threes off the catch and transfer. He’s third in scoring for the Prospects at 12 ppg. If all three are clicking offensively, they are going to be a tricky out but in addition their front-line might want to maintain their very own defensively.
PSA Cardinals are 7-4 and hopefully they’ll have a full roster heading into Peach Jam. They’ve been with out the 7 foot Ratliff twins for over half the season. If they’re absolutely wholesome, this staff could make a run on the title. Adonis and Darius are sons of former NBA’er Theo Ratliff they usually present dimension, offensive versatility and rim defending. The principle man for PSA is Dylan Mingo. A 5-star lead guard at 6’5 who (I’m not saying he’s him) offers you shades of SGA with how he alters course, speeds and reads the protection. Mingo’s swinging talent is the 3-point taking pictures, however as a mid-range pull-up shooter, it’s reliable in my view. His off the dribble scoring is on level as Dylan is averaging 18 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and a pair of apg. 2026 Julius Avent has grown on me up to now few months. A flexible tweener with a powerful drive and ending sport. 4 star Jaen Chatman has been a gentle contributor, averaging 10.7 ppg and 4 rpg. He’s a downhill guard that has tender contact on floaters/push photographs and is one other PSA guard who can get a paint contact when he desires.
Vegas Elite is a sleeper staff. Holding a 7-4 document however gave Workforce Takeover their sole EYBL loss. VE is headlined by Maximo Adams, who’s only a drawback. He’s averaging 21.2 ppg and 11.6 rpg on over 40 % from deep. Maximo is a 4 star wing that has been having pretty much as good of a membership season as anybody within the nation. Sturdy, stays in assault mode with the ball in his arms, dives exhausting for each offensive rebound try and robust sufficient to carry off front-line guys to safe the defensive rebound. Adams does what it takes to win. Katrelle Harmon is used to taking part in at this degree, as I bear in mind when he was an eighth grader taking part in on the varsity degree. A pure bucket getter that’s shot food regimen encompass pull-up jumpers and drawing fouls on drives to get to the free throw line. He additionally stops on a dime and rises over defenders nicely. Anthony Felesi is certainly one to look at. His enchancment in his offensive sport is noteworthy. A bouncy wing that has a very good drive sport with a number of solutions when the protection tries to chop off his driving angles. His deal with has improved, which permits him to assault in tight areas and rating, however his jumper nonetheless wants work. As soon as that develops, he’ll see an excellent larger uptick in his sport. X-Issue is Josaiah Stroughter. A utility guard that performs his function and reveals stability as a scorer and distributor. Recognized for his scoring within the scholastic ranks, Stroughter is exhibiting extra of his off-ball scoring, facilitating and defensive sport with Vegas Elite.
Groups That Have To Present Enchancment
There are a number of groups that sport a 6-5 document. I’ll begin it off with Workforce Last. Luca Foster, a 4 star wiry, scoring wing with deep vary on his jumper. He’s averaging 15 ppg and leads the staff in scoring. Certainly one of my favourite gamers within the 2026 class is Aiden Derkack. A flexible 2-guard that’s impression on the sport goes past the box-score stats. His vitality, effort on the glass and total aggression when the ball is in his arms, is useful. Sammy Jackson has seen a lift in his inventory this summer season. A flexible, do-it-all wing that’s averaging 11 ppg, 5 rpg and 4 apg. Within the point-forward function, Sammy reveals a translatable skill-set with intriguing upside. For Workforce Last, they’ll must shoot it higher from the perimter as they’ll get on scoring droughts that harm them on the finish of video games.
Florida Rebels are subsequent. Jaxon Richardson, who’s the son of Jason Richardson and youthful brother of current Orlando Magic first spherical draft choose Jase Richardson, is in my view essentially the most athletic participant in 2026. His defensive instincts are what stand out. Guards a number of spots, covers floor and erases photographs on the rim. He does the little issues on that finish like talk and canopy up his teammates’ errors when getting back-doored that present a sophisticated defensive really feel. Offensively, he’s finest as a slasher, offensive rebounder and play finisher. Swinging talent is the soar taking pictures, however I noticed extra of a confidence in him letting it fly at the next quantity through the Kansas Metropolis Session. The most effective scorer in 2027, Cayden Daughtry, is taking part in up and main the staff in scoring with 20 ppg on 40 % 3-point taking pictures. He’s a artful guard that may shoot it rattling close to wherever from the sphere. A flexible shooter that wants minimal house to launch. One other offensive choice has been Donovan Williams Jr., an aggressive scoring guard that hasn’t been taking pictures it nicely, however the expertise is there. He’s been rebounding it nicely for somebody at 6’3 (5 rpg) coupled with strong help numbers (3.4 apg). I do like Landyn Colyer, an assertive driving guard/wing that’s finest when he’s attending to the rim. This squad simply must play collectively higher and worth offensive possessions extra. A superb mixture of expertise that, if they arrive collectively, could make some noise in July.
ProSkills holds a 6-5 document and the principle participant on this membership is Bryson Howard, son of former NBA’er Josh Howard. Bryson is seeing an amazing climb within the nationwide rankings and within the dialog as a high 30 participant within the nation. And verify this out… he’s nonetheless 16 and can graduate at 17. A lefty, attacking guard with robust defensive prowess, actually, he jogs my memory stylistically of his father in his youthful years with the Mavs. 2026 Amare Guerra is beneath 6-foot, however he impacts profitable. Averaging 10.6 ppg and three apg, Guerra is a tough nosed guard with a powerful body. He makes well timed photographs, will get his teammates includes and isn’t a legal responsibility in any respect on protection. Somebody to maintain tabs of is Aneas Alexander. A flexible ahead that may be an impression faculty participant in the precise arms.
Workforce Why Not is surprisingly 6-5, as they have been projected to be an higher echelon staff this 12 months when wanting on the roster. 5-star Christian Collins is a PF/SF at 6’8 with a really excessive ceiling. Lengthy arms, has the power to stretch the ground and operates inside/out. He must shoot it higher than he has been on the circuit for his staff to take the leap. Level guard Kaidan Bailey has been strong. Makes deep vary photographs and exhibiting extra of a stability of distributing and scoring. I would love for him to be as aggressive like he’s been through the June viewing interval. Julius Worth brings flooring spacing and total taking pictures gravity. He’s taking pictures 39 % from three as he’s at all times able to launch it when the ball is in his arms. S.J. Madison has been a glue man. He does the soiled work on each ends, however I like how he performs in transition and as an off-ball cutter. He does the little issues that impression profitable. Tahj Ariza might want to step up his play to ensure that Why To not make a run at a Peach Jam title. They’ve been with out him for five video games, which impacts the document. Nonetheless, even in six video games, he hasn’t imposed his will the way in which he can. When Ariza is taking part in to his excessive degree of expertise, that brings one other layer of scoring and defensive prowess that provides this membership an opportunity versus any physique within the EYBL.
Drive Nation has had a flip round from their forgettable 0-3 Arizona Session, because the addition of Cam Lomax has helped a ton. A scoring guard with wiggle and with high quality passing expertise. The headliner is High 25 guard Austin Goosby. A 6’6 guard that matches within the Anthony Black/Cade Cunningham prototype as a excessive really feel, tall-ballhandling guard. These two performed extra level than Austin in highschool, however Goosby makes sound performs because the lead ball-handler and might rating it in a number of methods with tender contact. Their third main scorer, Dakari Spear, is anticipated to overlook the remainder of the season because of damage however the current pickup of Seven Spurlock, who’s a downhill, bodily wing, is an efficient addition for this membership.
Workforce Melo is headlined by 4-star wing Ethan Mgbako, who had a fantastic week in South Carolina on the NBPA High 100 Camp. A flexible wing with a broad body who’s averaging 20 ppg on first rate effectivity. Ethan is aware of the way to play, makes open threes and makes use of his dimension benefit on drives or put up ups. 6’9 ahead Chase Foster brings inside/out scoring and handles it nicely for somebody his dimension. His effectivity may very well be higher, however I actually like his upside as somebody that may be reliable as an operator in a number of spots.
AZ Unity is 6-5, however has a balanced scoring output from their roster. Cameron Holmes leads the staff in scoring, averaging 13.7 ppg, and he’s a lefty scoring guard that doesn’t want lots of dribbles to get the shot he desires off, though he does maintain onto the ball too lengthy earlier than stepping into his transfer every so often His 3-point taking pictures numbers haven’t been good, however he’s carried out nicely scoring from contained in the three and attending to the free throw line. Luke Barnett is a 3-point menace that stays able to launch. Brings strong positional dimension, play ending from exterior and taking pictures gravity when he’s on the ground. 2027 5-star massive man Paul Osaruyi has a ton of upside. He’s an explosive frontline prospect that reveals flashes of what his perimeter sport may be. He performs above the rim and holds a very good second leap. The best way he finishes performs with dunks when launching in tight areas is spectacular. Defensively, Osaruyi is a menace as a rim protector, averaging 2.5 bpg a sport.
Now to the final staff that’s 6-5 within the EYBL. Workforce Herro is that membership and the highest prospect is Vaughn Karvala. A bouncy, soar taking pictures wing that has had some loud performances on the circuit. He’s had a breakout spring/summer season and is at present averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg 2026 Jayden Moore has been productive on the circuit. An attacking guard with a a powerful body, Moore’s resolution making as a driver and in transition has been noticeable. He’s been filling the stat sheet as he’s strung collectively 11ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.4 apg. Iowa State commit Yusef Grey Jr is a 6’3-ish guard that thrives as a driver. I’ve seen him post-up smaller guards and get to his spots. His effectivity isn’t perfect, however I do really feel he brings aggressive protection and fixed paint touches. This staff has had a number of spectacular wins, most notably vs the Oakland Troopers, however consistency shall be key.
Rounding Out The Peach Discipline
Now we’re on the groups which might be 5-6. Workforce Durant is first and their chief is 6’1 level guard Anthony Brown Jr., who brings it each sport he performs, averaging almost 20 ppg, 4 rpg, and 5 apg in 11 video games. The No. 1 ranked rising junior within the nation, Baba Oladotun, is taking part in 17U and he has been good. Averaging 12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg as a 6’9 SF plus ballhandler and perimeter scorer, Oladotun has adjusted properly since transferring up from the 16U ranks. Baba enjoys retaining defenses off-guard with hold dribbles and might rise over a big proportion of fellows guarding him.
Expressions is up and Jaxson Terry leads this squad. A 2026 wing with a broader body, he finishes by contact, makes open perimeter photographs and makes use of dimension benefit on the block. I’m most likely extra of fan of his sport than most as a result of you’ll be able to plug him in and he’ll produce. Desmond Bellot Jr. is a defensive guard that assaults the driving lanes made out there for him. 2027 massive man Nicholas Mitrovic is intriguing.
JL3 is headlined by Elijah Williams, a Baylor Commit and son of very long time NBA participant and coach Monty Williams. Elijah is likely one of the main scorers within the EYBL, averaging 20 ppg on 41 % taking pictures from three. A bouncy, taking pictures wing that simply is aware of the way to play. Aziz Olajuwon, son of NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon, has had a breakout spring and now solidified himself as a high 100 degree expertise within the 2026 class. He’s a 6’7 wing that’s taking pictures 45 % from deep. 2027 Ahmad Hudson is the perfect twin sport athlete in 2027, as he’s a high 25 degree participant within the nation in each basketball and soccer.
Lucas Morillo is the one to look at for Metropolis Rocks, as he’s been producing for the Dominican Rebpublic Nationwide Workforce on the FIBA19 World Cup. An enormous guard/wing at 6’7 that finds a method to navigate his method to the paint, he’s a high 50 degree participant in 2026 that might see an excellent larger leap after July. Peyton Jones has been very strong as nicely. He’s a scoring guard that creates house off the bounce because of his deep bag and excessive degree craft.
5-star ahead Caleb Gaskins leads the way in which for Nightrydas, as he’s a flexible tweener with a subsequent degree body. Caleb is somebody that may function in a number of spots and even be a ball-handler on ball screens. Talking of subsequent degree frames, Manny Inexperienced has that and is a big-time athletic wing that’s excessive degree in transition and anytime he’s across the rim. Marcellous Jackson Jr. is a broad framed guard with a excessive really feel for the sport. I like his passing abilities and total I.Q.
Lastly, Workforce United at present is the twenty fourth ranked staff within the 17U EYBL at 4-7. Trey Beamer and Markus Kerr are those to look at. Beamer is a scoring guard that’s averaging 20 ppg and 4 rpg. A guard that may create house because of plus east-west ball-handling sport with a burst into the paint. Kerr has been environment friendly, averaging 12.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg on 51 % taking pictures and 38 % from deep. His play must be talked about extra. He’s a 6’6 guard that makes photographs from inside/out, however is understood primarily for his capacity to make athletic performs when going to the rim.
Now these standings will change, because the Nike journey golf equipment have yet one more session in Augusta earlier than Peach Jam commences. Groups which might be 3-8 will nonetheless have a crack at it. Uplay Canada, The Household, Boo Williams, NY Lightning shall be seeking to have their finest performances through the first July viewing interval.
