The World Choose Crew pushed Crew USA to additional time in an exciting 124–117 contest on the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit. Whereas they finally fell brief, a number of worldwide prospects boosted their inventory with sturdy performances and spotlight moments. Tounde Yessoufou, Tajh Ariza and Bogoljub Markovic led the best way with bodily scoring and rebounding, whereas guards like Dame Sarr and Ikenna Alozie had flashes of brilliance. Many scouts had predicted a blowout in favor of the USA, however the World Crew got here prepared, with wonderful teaching, competing with grit, athleticism, and talent. The Nike Hoop Summit carries extra weight than different highschool showcases just like the McDonald’s All-American Sport or Jordan Model Basic, because it pits nationwide pleasure on the road in a real USA vs. World battle — with actual schemes, group bonding, and aggressive stakes. Under is a full breakdown of every World Crew participant with notes from practices and the April twelfth recreation.
Tounde Yessoufou
6-5.25 216 | SF/SG | Benin | Wingspan: 6-8.5
Observe and normal:The World Crew’s most bodily imposing perimeter participant. Yessoufou brings an NFL-linebacker construct, elite defensive vitality, and relentless effort to each rep. His versatility on the defensive finish stood out in drills, as he comfortably switched throughout three positions, closed out with self-discipline, and supplied vocal management. A powerful character particular person, he competes with mature focus and physicality that recommend expertise past his listed age. Offensively, he regarded extra polished than anticipated, particularly in his capturing mechanics and decision-making in halfcourt units. The pull-up jumper has clearly improved, and he continues to evolve right into a extra full offensive menace. Yessoufou not too long ago set the all-time California highschool scoring file at St. Joseph, with 3,467 profession factors. Gained’t be confused for a degree guard however has the scale and size to thrive as an undersized wing.
Sport notes:Shined as one of many World Crew’s greatest long-term prospects. Completed with 24 factors (9-19 FG, 2-5 3PT, 4-6 FT), 3 assists, and a couple of steals in 29 minutes. His means to attain in any respect three ranges and provoke offensive move has taken an actual leap. Confirmed superior self-creation with a number of assured pull-up jumpers — a shot that’s quick changing into an actual weapon in his arsenal. Hit a ravishing mid-range fade, slashed aggressively to the rim, and transformed in site visitors. Delivered the sport’s most electrical second with a coast-to-coast layup on the buzzer to ship the sport to additional time. Robust, environment friendly, and productive — a significant inventory booster.
Tajh Ariza
6-8.25 196 | Japan | Wingspan: unknown
Observe and normal:One of the crucial explosive athletes on both group. Representing Japan, Ariza persistently made his presence felt along with his vitality, vertical pop, and defensive motor. He threw down a number of jaw-dropping dunks throughout drills and scrimmages, and his bodily instruments leap off the web page. Energetic arms and a protracted body make him a menace on protection, always tipping passes and disrupting opposing guards. Performs with a excessive motor and competes on each possession. Physique kind, effort, and defensive instincts remind scouts of a younger Tari Eason. He was arguably the most effective perimeter defender on the World squad and introduced a contagious degree of hustle. Wingspan formally measured at 6’9.75″, although it seems nearer to 7′ and has been recorded as such at different occasions.
Sport notes:Delivered 11 factors (4-10 FG), 2 steals, a block, and three turnovers in 12 high-energy minutes. Constantly attacked the rim and blew previous defenders with lengthy, explosive strides. Spotlight second got here on a lightning-quick baseline drive and up-and-under end. Additionally made a improbable block on a Boozer layup try, although was controversially whistled for a foul. Brings a disruptive defensive presence and has the instruments to protect a number of positions. Performed with nice vitality and flashed actual upside as a transition weapon and defensive specialist.
Dame Sarr
6-7.5 189 | Italy | Wingspan: 6-11.75
Observe and normal:One of many extra intriguing wings on the World group. Stable instruments with flashes of creativity. Has a 7-foot wingspan and is studying the way to harness his bodily items. Deal with has improved and he’s changing into extra assured creating within the half court docket. Lengthy launch on his jumper however the mechanics have clearly improved. Bodily resembles a younger Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although he lacks the identical shiftiness and downhill pop. Rumored to be headed to Illinois. Performed with improved focus and energy all through the week.
Sport notes:One of many World group’s standouts. Performed 25 minutes and scored 17 factors (5-9 FG, 1-2 3PT, 6-6 FT) in an environment friendly outing. Confirmed superior shot-making with a easy catch-and-shoot three from NBA vary and a elegant pull-up jumper off the glass. Displayed the flexibility to create for himself and performed throughout the move of the offense. Additionally used his size nicely defensively and performed unselfishly. Did miss a late dunk in site visitors, however general regarded like a assured scorer with sturdy upside on each ends.
Ikenna Alozie
6-1 194 | Nigeria | Wingspan: 6-6
Observe and normal:Although brief for a guard at 6’1″, Alozie performs a lot greater because of his energy, toughness, and elite athleticism. Measured with a formidable 6’6” wingspan and was a standout in scrimmage periods along with his motor and depth. Explosive within the open flooring and confirmed strong capturing contact in warmups. Brings a fearless, bodily method and persistently performs with vitality.
Sport notes:Completed with 9 factors (2-9 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and three steals in 31 minutes. Threw down a crowd-pleasing breakaway dunk off a steal and introduced nonstop defensive exercise. Exploded off two toes with energy, making performs on each ends. Struggled at occasions with shot choice (0-3 3PT) and had 4 turnovers, however his bodily instruments and energy stood out all through.
Kiyan Anthony
6-6 180 | Puerto Rico | Wingspan: 6-8
Observe and normal:Appeared fluid and athletic in warmups with a easy capturing stroke. Legit 6’6” with strong size, however nonetheless fairly lean — questions stay about whether or not he can add the required energy. Flashed bounce and clear mechanics, although he struggled to make an affect throughout scrimmage play. Choice-making and shot choice are nonetheless growing, however his energy, toughness and willpower have proven noticeable enchancment. Together with his high-profile father — legendary NBA ahead Carmelo Anthony — watching carefully, all eyes had been on Kiyan all through the week.
Sport notes:Logged 9 minutes and scored 1 level (0-3 FG, 1-2 FT), including 2 assists. Had a troublesome time discovering rhythm offensively however confirmed poise and made a few good reads. His jumper regarded technically sound, even when the outcomes weren’t there. A quiet efficiency, however flashes of offensive really feel and progress are evident.
Bogoljub Markovic
6-11 216 | Serbia | Wingspan: 6-11
Observe and normal:Impressed all through the week along with his mixture of dimension, contact, and capturing vary. Was a vibrant spot on the 2024 Eurocamp and introduced the identical vitality and swagger to Portland. Performs with a little bit of aptitude — enjoys the second and isn’t afraid to point out emotion. Has professional perimeter talent for a participant his dimension, with a easy launch and luxury stepping out past the arc. Has good leg energy however continues to be in want of including extra upper-body muscle to deal with physicality at greater ranges. Sturdy character and vocal in drills — carries a little bit of a “class clown” vibe that saved teammates unfastened.
Sport notes:One of many World Crew’s most efficient and environment friendly performers. Completed with 16 factors (6-7 FG, 3-4 3PT), 10 rebounds, and a couple of assists in 25 minutes. Doesn’t want a lot time to create rhythm on his shot — gathers shortly and will get right into a clear, excessive launch with accuracy. Showcased his vary with confidence, pulling down threes off easy footwork. Additionally threw down an explosive two-hand dunk in transition. With a wingspan equal to his top, he nonetheless performs tall on account of timing and contact. Created matchup issues along with his flooring spacing and exercise on the glass. A transparent inventory booster from the occasion.
David Mirkovic
6-8 255 | Montenegro | Wingspan: 6-11
Observe and normal:Late addition to the roster, changing Michael Ruzic, and introduced a powerful, bodily mature presence. Not essentially the most fluid or explosive athlete, however performs inside himself and understands his function. Confirmed strong arms and first rate contact in drills, although he didn’t notably stand out in a apply setting. Tasks extra as a high-level faculty contributor than a long-term NBA prospect. Mature bodily and mentally — centered and coachable with a no-nonsense method.
Sport notes:Turned in a really strong 15-minute efficiency, ending with 8 factors (3-5 FG), 3 rebounds, a block, and a steal. Transformed a post-up alternative with comfortable contact and shed a defender to complete inside. Appeared extra snug in-game than in drills, profiting from his minutes. Scored off effort performs and confirmed composure across the rim. Whereas he might not have NBA athletic instruments, he was efficient, environment friendly, and dependable in his function — a participant whose affect is felt extra in structured, team-oriented environments.
Jaion Pitt
6-6 227 | Canada | Wingspan: 7-0
Observe and normal:Possesses a powerful, well-built body with a large 7-foot wingspan that stands out instantly. Reveals a bodily model of play and embraces contact, however lacks quick-twitch athleticism and vertical pop. Moved nicely in drills however didn’t separate himself from the pack throughout scrimmage settings. Nonetheless determining the way to persistently affect the sport at each ends. Has the bodily instruments however wants to enhance mobility and talent degree to match.
Sport notes:Went scoreless in quarter-hour (0-2 FG), grabbing 3 rebounds however struggling to make a sustained affect. Picked up 4 fouls and had bother defending with out getting whistled. Flashed effort, however the lack of top-end explosiveness restricted his means to complete or contest at a excessive degree. Nonetheless has potential, however regarded extra like a long-term challenge than a right away contributor.
Omer Mayer
6-3.5 215 | Israel | Wingspan: 6-6
Observe and normal:Possesses a sturdy, compact body and spectacular ball-handling means. Confirmed consolation operating the offense and displayed sturdy instincts as a facilitator. Artful in pick-and-roll conditions and reads the ground nicely. Although not a high-level athlete, Mayer is very expert and poised with the ball. Lacks elite quickness and vertical pop, however compensates with savvy and management. Doesn’t overwhelm bodily however performs with maturity and confidence in a lead guard function.
Sport notes:Went scoreless in 19 minutes (0-3 FG), however made a powerful affect as a distributor with a game-high 7 assists. Operated calmly in half-court units, particularly out of pick-and-rolls, the place he persistently made the suitable reads. Confirmed nice timing on passes and arrange teammates cleanly. First rate dimension for the NBA lead guard mould — his IQ, toughness, and playmaking means are clear. One of many steadiest decision-makers on both group. Should develop higher scoring means.
Boyuan Zhang
6-8 208 | China | Wingspan: 6-10
Observe and normal:Polished lefty with a easy capturing stroke and excessive basketball IQ. Performed inside himself throughout practices and confirmed sturdy decision-making underneath strain. Demonstrated good imaginative and prescient and timing, notably when making reads towards defensive strain. Not flashy, however efficient — not often compelled the difficulty. Strikes nicely off the ball and has a composed, affected person method. Confirmed that he understands spacing and the way to get to his spots while not having excessive utilization.
Sport notes:Made a powerful impression in restricted minutes, scoring 6 factors (2-3 FG) in simply 7 minutes. Hit a assured midrange jumper and threw down a breakaway dunk in transition. Additionally made a sensible move to interrupt USA’s press, exhibiting poise underneath strain. Confirmed the sort of environment friendly, team-first play that coaches worth — a strong efficiency from a low-usage, high-IQ prospect.
Eric Reibe
6-11.75 247 | Germany | Wingspan: 7-1
Observe and normal:UConn commit with a powerful body, spectacular dimension, and a easy lefty contact. Confirmed glimpses of floor-spacing potential with comfortable mechanics from midrange and past. Nonetheless growing mobility and stability — typical of younger bigs nonetheless rising into their our bodies — however moved higher than anticipated in recreation than in drills. Quiet demeanor however centered and coachable. Flashed the flexibility to catch in site visitors, seal, and end. Excessive ceiling if his physique, mobility and footwork proceed to progress.
Sport notes:A gentle presence inside for the World Crew, ending with 11 factors (5-7 FG), 8 rebounds, and simply 1 turnover in 25 minutes. Completed nicely across the rim, confirmed endurance within the paint, and transformed a putback off the glass. Didn’t drive something — let the sport come to him and performed throughout the system. Poised and productive outing from one of many group’s true 5s. Loads of upside if the capturing vary and mobility preserve bettering.
Shon Abaev
6-6 | Israel | Wingspan: Unknown
Observe and normal:Late addition to the roster, changing injured Sprint Daniels. Lefty wing with bounce and a assured, unorthodox offensive model. Possesses a easy capturing contact regardless of unconventional mechanics and brings seen swagger to the ground. Excessive-energy participant who competes on each ends and isn’t afraid to take powerful pictures. Moved nicely with out the ball and confirmed a pure really feel for moving into scoring spots. Performs with edge and enthusiasm, standing out along with his aggressive fireplace in a brief window.
Sport notes:Made essentially the most of restricted minutes, scoring 11 factors (4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT) in simply 7 minutes. Highlighted his efficiency with a four-point play — drilling a deep three over McKenney and changing the free throw. Energetic off the ball, discovered slicing lanes, and didn’t hesitate to fireside when open. A spark plug who introduced on the spot offense and confidence off the bench. Confirmed sufficient to intrigue scouts as a artful scorer with character and fearlessness.
