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 have the ability to enter through 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 seeking to win Peach!
Beginning on the Prime
Two groups had a near-flawless file after three periods. Workforce Takeover (DMV) and NY Rens collected similar 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. For my part, one of the best on-ball defender within the nation, no matter class. Offensively, His capability to make use of his energy, vertical pop, and pace as a driver to get a paint contact and end by way of contact is spectacular. Defensively, he’s bodily on the level of assault, maneuvers, or simply powers by way of 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 robust photographs look straightforward. He’s arguably one of the best scorer within the nation. 2026 Parker Robinson is capturing 37 % from deep and he provides ground spacing, play ending as a shooter, and the flexibility to be a second aspect 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 house 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 title within the basketball recruiting ranks. A giant, bodily submit that’s averaging a double-double this season. He throws his weight round, finishes inside using his large shoulders and arm size. He’s only a conventional huge man who makes his presence recognized on the inside on each ends. One of many higher 2027 prospects within the nation, Anderson Diaz, is enjoying 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 needs. His creativity together with his deal with and general 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 file 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 gained 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). Growth of his recreation 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 decide n roll scorer and playmaking. Snaking the screens or placing the defender in jail, Pearson’s persistence and I.Q. permit 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 risk. 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 group I can see profitable all of it this season. Presently holding a 8-3 file, they’ve robust front-court play, athleticism, size and shot making. In addition they have 4 gamers which can be in double figures for averages headlined by one of many prime facilities within the nation, Ethan Taylor. A giant physique submit that’s a play finisher, again to basket operator and deep submit sealer. He’s an excellent display screen setter/curler, has tender fingers 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 properly off the ball, relocates and assaults closeouts properly to get into the middy pull or floater. Superb coming off pin-downs and making the suitable play. Tristan Reed is an athletic, lengthy armed submit that performs exhausting on a regular basis. Ample 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 an excellent athlete. He’s a self-discipline defender and I’ve seen progress in his recreation as an general 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 and so they have two of one of the best gamers within the nation that common over 20 ppg. No. 1 in 2026, Tyran Stokes, got here again to the squad in Might and he confirmed why he’s the primary participant within the class. A matchup downside 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 harder cowl when the jumper is falling. A person amongst boys at this degree. Jason Crowe Jr., for my part is one of the best scorer within the nation. A assured perimeter scorer that may generate his personal have a look at anytime attributable to 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 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 function guys stepping up as a result of gravity the primary guys will generate can be key.
Workforce CP3 is up subsequent and so they collected a 8-3 file as properly. 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 men that may fill the void and step up into larger roles, corresponding to Coastal Carolina commit Nathaniel Williams IV. A shifty guard that performs with a excessive degree of toughness. He has proven a steadiness together with his scoring and play-making (9.5 ppg 4 apg) and will have to look to take the next quantity of photographs in July. Analyzing the opposite prime gamers for CP3, Cole Cloer is a 4-star wing that brings perimeter capturing and shot creating. He’s not blowing by his defender, however he is aware of tips on how to get to his spots, stand up and shoot over the out-reach of the defender. His 3-point capturing numbers haven’t been nice this summer season (30 %) however I do imagine he’s a greater deep vary risk than the averages present, to this point. 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 get to the paint and makes the suitable resolution when he will get into the inside.
For Workforce Thad, who rocks a guess what…an 8-3 file, 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 an excellent 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 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 risk 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 degree. Deep vary scorer that’s a artful participant. Acquired a proposal from UNC in June and is likely one of the increased 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 fingers and that may result in the next quantity of turnovers than we want to see (3.3 tpg), however the offensive presents he possesses, plus being one of many prime on-ball defenders attributable to his size and lateral mobility, make Alozie a two-way impression participant. Adolph “Junior” County is a 6’5 guard with an excellent body, he’s basically 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 feel 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 additionally 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 totally wholesome, this group could make a run on the title. Adonis and Darius are sons of former NBA’er Theo Ratliff and so they 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 path, speeds and reads the protection. Mingo’s swinging ability is the 3-point capturing, however as a mid-range pull-up shooter, it’s reliable for my part. 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 previously 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 tender contact on floaters/push photographs and is one other PSA guard who can get a paint contact when he needs.
Vegas Elite is a sleeper group. Holding a 7-4 file however gave Workforce Takeover their sole EYBL loss. VE is headlined by Maximo Adams, who’s only a downside. 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 fingers, dives exhausting for each offensive rebound try and powerful 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 degree, as I keep in mind when he was an eighth grader enjoying on the varsity degree. A pure bucket getter that’s shot weight loss 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 properly. Anthony Felesi is certainly one to observe. His enchancment in his offensive recreation is noteworthy. A bouncy wing that has an excellent 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 function and reveals steadiness as a scorer and distributor. Identified for his scoring within the scholastic ranks, Stroughter is exhibiting 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 file. I’ll begin it off with Workforce Ultimate. 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. One among 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 general aggression when the ball is in his fingers, 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 Ultimate, they’ll have to 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 latest Orlando Magic first spherical draft decide Jase Richardson, is for my part 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 complicated defensive really feel. Offensively, he’s finest as a slasher, offensive rebounder and play finisher. Swinging ability is the soar capturing, 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 capturing. He’s a artful guard that may shoot it rattling close to wherever from the sector. A flexible shooter that wants minimal house to launch. One other offensive possibility has been Donovan Williams Jr., an aggressive scoring guard that hasn’t been capturing it properly, however the expertise is there. He’s been rebounding it properly 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 file 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 prime 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, truthfully, he jogs my memory stylistically of his father in his youthful years with the Mavs. 2026 Amare Guerra is under 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 entails 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 suitable fingers.
Workforce Why Not is surprisingly 6-5, as they have been projected to be an higher echelon group this yr 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 flexibility 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 strong. Makes deep vary photographs and exhibiting extra of a steadiness of distributing and scoring. I would really like for him to be as aggressive like he’s been in the course of the June viewing interval. Julius Value brings ground spacing and general capturing gravity. He’s capturing 39 % from three as he’s at all times able to launch it when the ball is in his fingers. 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 file. Nonetheless, even in six video games, he hasn’t imposed his will the way in which he can. When Ariza is enjoying 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 Prime 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 attributable to harm however the latest 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 an excellent week in South Carolina on the NBPA Prime 100 Camp. A flexible wing with a broad body who’s averaging 20 ppg on respectable effectivity. Ethan is aware of tips on how to play, makes open threes and makes use of his measurement benefit on drives or submit ups. 6’9 ahead Chase Foster brings inside/out scoring and handles it properly for somebody his measurement. 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 group in scoring, averaging 13.7 ppg, and he’s a lefty scoring guard that doesn’t want numerous dribbles to get the shot he needs off, though he does maintain onto the ball too lengthy earlier than entering into his transfer every now and then His 3-point capturing numbers haven’t been good, however he’s finished properly scoring from contained in the three and attending to the free throw line. Luke Barnett is a 3-point risk that stays able to launch. Brings strong positional measurement, play ending from outdoors and capturing 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 reveals flashes of what his perimeter recreation might be. He performs above the rim and holds an excellent second leap. The best way he finishes performs with dunks when launching in tight areas is spectacular. Defensively, Osaruyi is a risk as a rim protector, averaging 2.5 bpg a recreation.
Now to the final group that’s 6-5 within the EYBL. Workforce Herro is that membership and the highest prospect is Vaughn Karvala. A bouncy, soar capturing 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 ideally suited, 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 can be key.
Rounding Out The Peach Subject
Now we’re on the groups which can be 5-6. Workforce Durant is first and their chief is 6’1 level guard Anthony Brown Jr., who brings it each recreation 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 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 holding defenses off-guard with hold dribbles and might rise over a big proportion of men guarding him.
Expressions is up and Jaxson Terry leads this squad. A 2026 wing with a broader body, he finishes by way of contact, makes open perimeter photographs and makes use of measurement benefit on the block. I’m most likely 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 likely one of the main scorers within the EYBL, averaging 20 ppg on 41 % capturing from three. A bouncy, capturing wing that simply is aware of tips on how to play. Aziz Olajuwon, son of NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon, has had a breakout spring and now solidified himself as a prime 100 degree expertise within the 2026 class. He’s a 6’7 wing that’s capturing 45 % from deep. 2027 Ahmad Hudson is one of the best twin sport athlete in 2027, as he’s a prime 25 degree 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 Workforce 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 prime 50 degree participant in 2026 that might see an excellent larger leap after July. Peyton Jones has been very strong as properly. He’s a scoring guard that creates house off the bounce attributable to 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 skills and general I.Q.
Lastly, Workforce 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 house attributable to 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 % capturing 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 capability 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 can be 3-8 will nonetheless have a crack at it. Uplay Canada, The Household, Boo Williams, NY Lightning can be seeking to have their finest performances in the course of the first July viewing interval.
