A summer season grassroots staple is the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. The grassroots calendar has modified through the years, 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 by way of a play-in pool. Beneath, I preview the projected 24 journey golf equipment and provides out my predictions.
Good look to all of the group trying to win Peach!
Beginning on the High
Two groups had a near-flawless report after three periods. Group Takeover (DMV) and NY Rens collected equivalent 10-1 data. 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 means to make use of his energy, vertical pop, and velocity as a driver to get a paint contact and end via contact is spectacular. Defensively, he’s bodily on the level of assault, maneuvers, or simply powers via screens and flies everywhere as an off-ball defender. 5 etar wing Qayden Samuels leads the group in scoring, averaging 21 ppg. A southpaw three-level scorer who makes taking powerful photographs look simple. He’s arguably the perfect scorer within the nation. 2026 Parker Robinson is taking pictures 37 % from deep and he provides ground spacing, play ending as a shooter, and the power to be a second aspect scorer. Indiana commit Prince-Alexander Moody is a 6’4 combo that gives offensive versatility, with 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 position. They’re a favourite to take dwelling 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 measurement and big-time off the dribble scoring. Can get to the rim by setting the defender up and utilizing counters, he’s an satisfactory pull-up shooter, and he has a brief reminiscence on misses, which provides him the arrogance 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. A giant, bodily put up that’s averaging a double-double this season. He throws his weight round, finishes inside using his vast shoulders and arm size. He’s only a conventional huge man who makes his presence identified on the inside on each ends. One of many higher 2027 prospects within the nation, Anderson Diaz, is enjoying up on the 17U stage and averaging 11ppg, 4 rpg, and a couple of apg. A dynamic guard that may create separation off the bounce and get no matter look he desires. His creativity together 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 measurement at every place.
Subsequent Crop of 17U Contenders
Brad Beal Elite has the third-best report 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 yr, the 2026 group received the 16U division. No Miike Muurinen this season, however 2026 Arkansas commit J.J. Andrews has taken a leap in his recreation. A lefty, bodily wing that has proven enchancment in his perimeter expertise. 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 recreation whereas nonetheless offering high quality rebounding and on-ball protection manufacturing, has put Andrews in a special tier this Summer time. Flooring common Trey Pearson is among 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 persistence and I.Q. enable him to dissect and manipulate defenses. Sheek Pearson is a 6’11 huge 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 stage of toughness that’s hardly ever matched from their opponents and that’s going to be key going into Augusta.
Mokan Elite is a group I can see successful all of it this season. Presently holding a 8-3 report, 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. A giant physique put up that’s a play finisher, again to basket operator and deep put up sealer. He’s display screen setter/curler, has mushy palms and is steadily enhancing his offensive recreation. Jalen Montonati leads the group 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. Superb coming off pin-downs and making the best play. Tristan Reed is an athletic, lengthy armed put up that performs onerous on a regular basis. Sufficient contact coming off the left shoulder on hooks and he simply performs larger than his listed peak (6’8). Keonte Greybear is an enormous level guard at 6’4 that’s athlete. He’s a self-discipline defender and I’ve seen progress in his recreation as an total choice maker. Very regular. Additionally to notice is Chidi Nwigwe, who’s a flexible wing that finds his alternatives to attain or simply affect 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 energy, 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 stage. 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 resulting from 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 sizzling, he can take advantage of troublesome 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 position guys stepping up as a result of gravity the primary guys will generate shall be key.
Group CP3 is up subsequent they usually collected a 8-3 report 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, similar to Coastal Carolina commit Nathaniel Williams IV. A shifty guard that performs with a excessive stage of toughness. He has proven a stability together with his scoring and play-making (9.5 ppg 4 apg) and should have to 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 best 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 imagine he’s a greater deep vary menace than the averages present, to this point. Oregon soccer commit Kendre Harrison is among 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. Appears to be like to get to the paint and makes the best choice when he will get into the inside.
For Group Thad, who rocks a guess what…an 8-3 report, is also a enjoyable group to observe. 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 off-ball defender with lengthy strides when attacking the rim. He’s making jumpers, displaying enchancment as a self creator and scorer within the half-court. There’s lots to love with Bouie together with his present recreation 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 satisfactory passer really feel. 2027 L.J. Smith is a 6’5 combo that greater than holding his personal on the 17U stage. Deep vary scorer that’s a artful participant. Obtained a proposal from UNC in June and is among the larger echelon of gamers within the rising junior class.
Center of the Pack Contenders
At 7-4, that is the primary yr the Utah Prospects are on the EYBL Circuit. 5-star guard Ikenna Alozie is the one to observe, as he leads the group 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 palms 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 resulting from his size and lateral mobility, make Alozie a two-way affect participant. Adolph “Junior” County is a 6’5 guard with body, he’s essentially sound and creates separations off step backs. County is a stable 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 troublesome 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 group could make a run on the title. Adonis and Darius are sons of former NBA’er Theo Ratliff they usually present measurement, 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) provides you shades of SGA with how he modifies route, speeds and reads the protection. Mingo’s swinging ability 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 couple of apg. 2026 Julius Avent has grown on me up to now few months. A flexible tweener with a powerful drive and ending recreation. 4 star Jaen Chatman has been a gentle contributor, averaging 10.7 ppg and 4 rpg. He’s a downhill guard that has mushy 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 group. Holding a 7-4 report however gave Group 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. Robust, stays in assault mode with the ball in his palms, dives onerous 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 enjoying at this stage, as I keep in mind when he was an eighth grader enjoying on the varsity stage. A pure bucket getter that’s shot weight-reduction plan 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 unquestionably one to observe. His enchancment in his offensive recreation is noteworthy. A bouncy wing that has drive recreation 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 recreation. X-Issue is Josaiah Stroughter. A utility guard that performs his position and exhibits stability as a scorer and distributor. Recognized for his scoring within the scholastic ranks, Stroughter is displaying extra of his off-ball scoring, facilitating and defensive recreation with Vegas Elite.
Groups That Have To Present Enchancment
There are a number of groups that sport a 6-5 report. I’ll begin it off with Group Closing. Luca Foster, a 4 star wiry, scoring wing with deep vary on his jumper. He’s averaging 15 ppg and leads the group in scoring. Considered one of my favourite gamers within the 2026 class is Aiden Derkack. A flexible 2-guard that’s affect on the sport goes past the box-score stats. His power, effort on the glass and total aggression when the ball is in his palms, 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 position, Sammy exhibits a translatable skill-set with intriguing upside. For Group Closing, they’ll have to shoot it higher from the perimter as they’ll get on scoring droughts that damage them on the finish of video games.
Florida Rebels are subsequent. Jaxon Richardson, who’s the son of Jason Richardson and youthful brother of latest Orlando Magic first spherical draft choose Jase Richardson, is in my view probably 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 complicated defensive really feel. Offensively, he’s finest as a slasher, offensive rebounder and play finisher. Swinging ability is the bounce taking pictures, however I noticed extra of a confidence in him letting it fly at the next quantity in the course of the Kansas Metropolis Session. The very best scorer in 2027, Cayden Daughtry, is enjoying up and main the group in scoring with 20 ppg on 40 % 3-point taking pictures. He’s a artful guard that may shoot it rattling close to anyplace from the sphere. A flexible shooter that wants minimal area 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 stable 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 report and the primary 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 examine 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 successful. 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 affect faculty participant in the best palms.
Group Why Not is surprisingly 6-5, as they have been projected to be an higher echelon group this yr when trying 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 group to take the leap. Level guard Kaidan Bailey has been stable. Makes deep vary photographs and displaying extra of a stability of distributing and scoring. I would love for him to be as aggressive like he’s been in the course of the June viewing interval. Julius Value brings ground spacing and total taking pictures gravity. He’s taking pictures 39 % from three as he’s all the time able to launch it when the ball is in his palms. 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 affect successful. 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 report. Nonetheless, even in six video games, he hasn’t imposed his will the best way he can. When Ariza is enjoying to his excessive stage 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 mushy contact. Their third main scorer, Dakari Spear, is anticipated to overlook the remainder of the season resulting from damage however the latest pickup of Seven Spurlock, who’s a downhill, bodily wing, is an effective addition for this membership.
Group Melo is headlined by 4-star wing Ethan Mgbako, who had an amazing week in South Carolina on the NBPA High 100 Camp. A flexible wing with a broad body who’s averaging 20 ppg on respectable effectivity. Ethan is aware of the best way to play, makes open threes and makes use of his measurement benefit on drives or put up ups. 6’9 ahead Chase Foster brings inside/out scoring and handles it nicely for somebody his measurement. His effectivity might 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 group in scoring, averaging 13.7 ppg, and he’s a lefty scoring guard that doesn’t want a number of dribbles to get the shot he desires off, though he does maintain onto the ball too lengthy earlier than entering into his transfer occasionally His 3-point taking pictures numbers haven’t been good, however he’s performed 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 stable positional measurement, play ending from exterior and taking pictures gravity when he’s on the ground. 2027 5-star huge man Paul Osaruyi has a ton of upside. He’s an explosive frontline prospect that exhibits flashes of what his perimeter recreation might be. He performs above the rim and holds second leap. The way in which 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 recreation.
Now to the final group that’s 6-5 within the EYBL. Group Herro is that membership and the highest prospect is Vaughn Karvala. A bouncy, bounce 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 choice 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 splendid, however I do really feel he brings aggressive protection and fixed paint touches. This group has had a couple of spectacular wins, most notably vs the Oakland Troopers, however consistency shall be key.
Rounding Out The Peach Area
Now we’re on the groups which might be 5-6. Group Durant is first and their chief is 6’1 level guard Anthony Brown Jr., who brings it each recreation he performs, averaging practically 20 ppg, 4 rpg, and 5 apg in 11 video games. The No. 1 ranked rising junior within the nation, Baba Oladotun, is enjoying 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 shifting up from the 16U ranks. Baba enjoys retaining defenses off-guard with grasp 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 via contact, makes open perimeter photographs and makes use of measurement benefit on the block. I’m in all probability extra of fan of his recreation 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 huge 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 among 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 best way to play. Aziz Olajuwon, son of NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon, has had a breakout spring and now solidified himself as a high 100 stage 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 stage participant within the nation in each basketball and soccer.
Lucas Morillo is the one to observe for Metropolis Rocks, as he’s been producing for the Dominican Rebpublic Nationwide Group on the FIBA19 World Cup. A giant guard/wing at 6’7 that finds a solution to navigate his solution to the paint, he’s a high 50 stage participant in 2026 that might see an excellent larger leap after July. Peyton Jones has been very stable as nicely. He’s a scoring guard that creates area off the bounce resulting from his deep bag and excessive stage craft.
5-star ahead Caleb Gaskins leads the best way for Nightrydas, as he’s a flexible tweener with a subsequent stage body. Caleb is somebody that may function in a number of spots and even be a ball-handler on ball screens. Talking of subsequent stage frames, Manny Inexperienced has that and is a big-time athletic wing that’s excessive stage 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, Group United at present is the twenty fourth ranked group within the 17U EYBL at 4-7. Trey Beamer and Markus Kerr are those to observe. Beamer is a scoring guard that’s averaging 20 ppg and 4 rpg. A guard that may create area resulting from plus east-west ball-handling recreation 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 means to make athletic performs when going to the rim.
Now these standings will change, because the Nike journey golf equipment have another 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 trying to have their finest performances in the course of the first July viewing interval.
