Top NBA prospects AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer among the best performers at loaded Peach Jam

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – NBA scouts and high-major Division I coaches packed the gyms at the Riverview Park Activities Center the last 10 days to get eyes on some of the best high school basketball players in the country at Nike’s Peach Jam. Also watching from the sidelines were former and current NBA players, including Ja Morant, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Matt Barnes, Jason Richardson, Carmelo Anthony and Carlos Boozer, some who had sons playing in the tournament.

The top two players from the incoming junior and senior classes played some of the best basketball all summer, and it was No. 1 versus No. 2 in the 17U championship game as AJ Dybantsa faced off with Cameron Boozer. Both players put on elite displays of shot creation, facilitating for teammates and defensive versatility, and it was Boozer and the Nightrydas edging out Dybantsa and the Soldiers, 71-62.

Some NBA teams sent as many as three scouts to watch the up-and-coming NBA talent, including some of the younger players in the 15U and 16U divisions.

Here’s a look at eight top performers from Peach Jam and a few younger players who caught the eyes of scouts and college coaches.

The 6-foot-8 wing showed why he’s the No. 1 prospect in high school basketball and the early favorite to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His combination of length and high motor makes him difficult to guard on offense and, with his 7-1 wingspan, he is able to deflect passes and alter shots on defense.

AJ Dybantsa, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has had an impressive summer. (Photo by Altan Gocher / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by ALTAN GOCHER/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Dybantsa did everything he could to try to take over the championship game in the third quarter, recognizing mismatches and finishing through contact, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Last year, Dybantsa was the leading scorer in the 17U division, playing up a year, and this year he was second, averaging 23.1 points per game.

The…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-22 18:50:52

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