Group USA enters the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit with a proficient and well-balanced roster, as USA Basketball as soon as once more did a superb job assembling the cream of the crop throughout the class. Whereas the previous two years have featured barely extra top-end expertise general, this group nonetheless presents loads of intrigue and upside, making it one other thrilling occasion and sophistication to comply with. We have been in attendance all through practices, getting a detailed have a look at how every participant carried out inside structured, aggressive settings. This group showcases sturdy athleticism, shot creation, and defensive versatility, with a number of gamers trending as long-term NBA prospects. A full recreation recap and extra notes will comply with. Remember to take a look at the sport dwell tonight at 7 on Peacock.
Deron Rippey Jr.6’2, 18, G – Blair Academy / Duke – Blairstown, NJ
Follow Notes: A bodily, attacking guard who performs downhill and embraces contact. Undersized however explosive, with a fast first step that permits him to constantly strain the paint. Reveals a compact, repeatable taking pictures movement with a clear, on-line launch. Dimension limits a few of his long-term intrigue, however he competes at a excessive degree and brings toughness on each ends. A scrappy, high-motor guard with sturdy competitiveness.
NBA Comparability: Rob Dillingham
Bruce Department III6’7, 17, F – Prolific Prep / BYU – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Follow Notes: A clean, fluid wing with plus size and an NBA-caliber body. Strikes effortlessly and performs with pure rhythm. An explosive finisher who can play above the rim, whereas additionally exhibiting the power to knock down perimeter photographs with clear mechanics. Possesses sturdy two-way instruments, although persevering with so as to add edge and constant depth will likely be key to maximizing his upside.
NBA Comparability: Rudy Homosexual
Christian Collins6’8, 18, F – St. John Bosco / USC – Bellflower, CA
Follow Notes: A novel offensive expertise with superior passing skill and robust ball dealing with for his measurement. Creates successfully in isolation and flashes high-level shot-making potential. Delivered a standout baseline dime to Gaskins, highlighting his imaginative and prescient. Taking pictures mechanics stay inconsistent, as he tends to lean again on pull-ups with an unorthodox launch, together with on the line. Flashes are evident, however consistency stays the important thing.
NBA Comparability: Stephen Jackson
Jason Crowe Jr.6’3, 17, G – Inglewood HS / Missouri – Inglewood, CA
Follow Notes: A extremely expert scoring guard with elite taking pictures skill. Left-handed with deep vary and robust confidence as a shot maker. Performs with persistence off the dribble, reads defenses effectively, and exhibits the power to create for others. An underrated athlete who can affect each ends. Must proceed including power. Additionally confirmed defensive exercise, together with a steal in full-court strain.
NBA Comparability: Reed Sheppard
Caleb Gaskins6’8, 17, F – Columbus HS / Miami – Miami, FL
Follow Notes: A bodily developed ahead with an NBA-ready body. Confirmed enchancment as a fringe shooter in comparison with final 12 months. Runs the ground onerous, absorbs contact effectively, and thrives doing the soiled work. Energetic on the glass and efficient ending second-chance alternatives. Brings vitality and physicality constantly.
NBA Comparability: Michael Finley
Caleb Holt6’5, 18, G – Prolific Prep / Arizona – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Follow Notes: One of many extra polished gamers within the group, combining a robust body with a well-rounded ability set. Able to operating the purpose, facilitating for others, and pulling down perimeter photographs with strong mechanics. Performs with persistence and confidence, and is efficient each on and off the ball. Finishes effectively across the basket and exhibits good general really feel.
NBA Comparability: Cason Wallace
Brandon McCoy Jr.6’5, 18, G – Sierra Canyon / Michigan – Chatsworth, CA
Follow Notes: A strong all-around guard who strikes the ball successfully and performs with toughness. Passing stood out, together with a robust hit-ahead in transition. Taking pictures has improved however stays an space to watch resulting from a slower launch. Brings a aggressive edge and doesn’t again down, enjoying with an all-business method. Has added power and has the size to spend time on the three.
NBA Comparability: Troy Brown
Jordan Smith Jr.6’2, 18, G – Paul VI Catholic / Arkansas – Fairfax, VA
Follow Notes: An explosive driver who makes use of his size effectively, significantly ending above the rim. Assaults aggressively and performs with confidence, however the jumper stays the swing ability and continues to develop. One of many extra polarizing prospects within the group resulting from questions on measurement and long-term taking pictures consistency. Off the ground, carries himself with maturity and professionalism.
NBA Comparability: Marcus Good
Elijah Williams6’6, 18, F – TMI Episcopal / Baylor – San Antonio, TX
Follow Notes: One of many extra constant performers in a complementary position. A flexible ahead who contributes throughout the board and defends a number of positions. Knocked down a 3 in scrimmage and performed inside himself. A productive senior season displays his regular affect and really feel for the sport.
NBA Comparability: Malachi Richardson
Tyran Stokes6’7, 18, F – Rainier Seaside HS – Seattle, WA
Follow Notes: An elite expertise with superior offensive versatility. Comfy creating off the dribble, facilitating, and scoring in any respect three ranges. Reveals a clean pull-up recreation with glorious taking pictures kind from deep. Makes the sport look straightforward along with his tempo and management. Delivered a clear alley-oop help to Taylor. Barely much less explosive than Beasley however extra polished from a ability standpoint.
NBA Comparability: Michael Beasley
Cameron Williams6’11, 18, F – St. Mary’s / Duke – Phoenix, AZ
Follow Notes: A talented large with taking pictures contact and passing really feel, although he performed considerably tentatively throughout the week. Coming off a robust efficiency on the McDonald’s All-American Recreation, he was not as impactful in practices at Hoop Summit. He struggled to complete by way of contact and lacked assertiveness general. Wore a wrap on his thumb, which can have impacted his efficiency. Must develop extra confidence and aggression, significantly in creating his personal offense.
NBA Comparability: Jabari Smith
Ethan Taylor7’0, 18, C – Hyperlink Academy / Michigan State – Shawnee, KS
Follow Notes: A uncooked, developmental large with intriguing bodily instruments. Very lengthy and athletic, however nonetheless working to refine his footwork and general really feel. Offensive ability set stays restricted, and his jumper is a piece in progress. Excessive upside long run, however clearly a developmental prospect at this stage.
NBA Comparability: Dewayne Dedmon
Beckham Black6’5, 17, G –Southeastern Prep – Duncanville, TX
Follow Notes: A clean, poised guard with a robust base and bodily type of play. Performed with the Generals and stood out as probably the most proficient prospect on that group, exhibiting clear long-term NBA potential. Knocked down a tricky contested three in scrimmage and constantly performed with management and tempo. Barely shorter than his brother however makes use of his power effectively and operates comfortably as a lead guard. Turned his ankle throughout the USA scrimmage and missed the second half, however nonetheless made a robust impression throughout his appearances.
NBA Comparability: Malcolm Brogdon
