Portland, OR – The USA Men’s team topped the World Team 90-84 at the Nike Hoop Summit before 9.218 fans at the Moda Center in a competitive game. The USA was down by one point going into the fourth quarter and outscored the World 24-17 the rest of the game to get the win. Five USA players scored in double-figures led by Ron Holland, a Texas recruit. Holland put up an outstanding stat line with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and six steals. Holland’s six steals was a Hoop Summit record, surpassing the mark held by John Wall, Markelle Fultz, Tyus Jones and Ron Artest. The World Team was led by 6-8 Mackenzie Mgbako (Duke) with 22 points and eight rebounds.
The USA received solid contributions from Isaiah Collier (USC) – 11 points, Bronny James (11 points), DaJuan Wagner Jr. (Kentucky) – 10 points, Jared McCain (Duke) – 10 points, Justin Edwards (Kentucky) – 10 points and Jackson Shelstad (Oregon) – 8 points with a team-leading +/- of +16.
The USA guards were strong all week in practice with the only issue being finding playing time for them all. Collier and Wagner look like one-and-done players with the others likely immediate major contributors at their college programs. Collier, at 6-4 with a strong body, looks closest to an NBA-ready player.
Michael Nwako, a 6-10 Canadian who played at Prolific Prep and is headed to Miami, was the most impressive player on the floor in the second half. He scored 13 of his 17 points in the half including a thunderous dunk on an offense rebound late in the game. Nwako added nine rebounds and was very effective in his 18+ minutes of play with a +/- of +19, by far the best on the World Team. Aden Holloway, a 6-2 point guard headed to Auburn, seemed to be the best shooter from either team in the practice sessions. In the game Holloway played a game-high 35 minutes and scored 15 points on 3-of-8 shooting (2-of-5 3’s) and added three assists against two turnovers.
The USA won the game by forcing 20 turnovers while committing only 11. They scored 17 points off those turnovers, while also having a 12-5 advantage in steals. They also shot better from long-distance (7-of-20 – 35%) while the World Team connected on only 4-of-22 (18.2%) from deep.
This was the first time a women’s game was included at the Hoop Summit. The USA women broke open a close game late and ran away with a 100-73 win. They were led by LSU recruit Mikaylah Williams. The 6-1 forward scored 22 points, connecting on six of seven three-point attempts. 6-2 Toby Founier was impressive for the World Team. The 2024 recruit from Canada contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. 5-9 guard Shaneice Swan (Australia) led her team with 19 points, making 3-of-8 from downtown.
This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
