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Portland, OR – The Nike Hoop Summit came to Portland, Oregon for the 16th time, and the 2026 Hoop Summit game was the best of them all. The USA topped the World Select Team 102-100 in overtime, the second straight OT win for the USA in the event.

The USA’s Brandon McCoy Jr. made two free throws with under a second remaining to send the game into overtime.  Caleb Gaskins made the key shot for the winners, a 3-pointer to put the USA up 99-97 with 1:36 left in the overtime. The World Team has chances to take the lead but an Adam Atamna 3-point attempt was off the mark and the USA closed the game at the free throw line. Statistically the game was very evenly played with neither team having a decided edge in any metric. There were 25 lead changes, 14 ties, and the 54 combined turnovers were a Hoop Summit record.

For the USA, Caleb Holt, Jordan Smith Jr., McCoy Jr. and Jason Crowe Jr. were the most impressive players in the game. Top-rated recruit Tyran Stokes did score 15 points but was limited by foul trouble before fouling out in the fourth quarter. He had only two rebounds and no assists while committing four turnovers.

Holt led the way for the USA, scoring 24 points on 4-of-9 from deep and added eight rebounds and seven steals while committing five turnovers. He had a +/- of +24 while he was on the court. The 6’5 Arizona commit was all over the court and played a team-high 33 minutes. He’ll play right away for the Wildcats and will likely be a high lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.  The 6’2, 200-pound Smith Jr. will fit perfectly on John Calipari’s Arkansas team. He scored 13 points and added five rebounds over 25 minutes. Smith Jr. is strong, athletic, quick and can play both guard positions.

The 6’5 McCoy Jr., headed to national champion Michigan, can play a variety of positions from the 1 to the 3. He scored 11 points, including the two important free throws that sent the game to overtime and had a team-high five assists to go along with four steals. He’ll likely start in Ann Arbor and play several roles for the Wolverines. Crowe Jr. is a scorer and will do that at lot at Missouri. He scored 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting in 20 minutes of action.

Canadian point guard Miles Sadler led the way for the World Team. Sadler played a game-high 43 minutes, scoring 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, 3-of-5 from deep. He added seven assists and two steals but committed a very high 11 turnovers. Sadler is small, likely about 5’10, although listed a 6’0 for the event. He can get past anyone, sees the court extremely well, but due to his size, has trouble converting at the rim and has navigating blitzes. He’ll be a starter immediately at West Virginia and will be exciting to watch.

7’0 Miikka Muurinen (Finland) played only 15 minutes, had 10 points with several impressive dunks and added eight rebounds. Obviously incredibly skilled, Muurinen will need to get stronger as well as understand his defensive role better as he moves forward in his career. Tonight his +/- was a game-worst -21. His next stop will likely be in college and if he is coachable and understands his defensive role better, will have a bright future.  Abdou Toure added 19 points (8-of-13 overall, 2-of-3 3s) with six rebounds and five blocks in 25 minutes. The 6’6 forward is extremely active, long and athletic and should be another perfect fit for an Arkansas team that plays his style.

All in all, it was another great week at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, one of the best basketball weeks of the season.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Portland, OR – For the 16th year, the Nike Hoop Summit has come to Portland, Oregon, featuring some of the top American high school prospects against some of the best the world has to offer at 19 years of age or younger. It is a week-long event culminating in a Saturday game where players from Team USA take on the World Team. The practices are also quite important, as they are only open to certain personnel, plus show preparedness, coachability, and also feature a couple scrimmages of their own against a team made up of high school talent, known as the Portland Generals.

Both teams were loaded with players that have NBA intrigue, along with many who will be stars in the new landscape of college basketball. Prior viewing, along with practice, give a good idea of the value each player will bring to the table, and a good overview of what will get them minutes at the next level.

Team USA

Bruce Branch III | 6’7 195 lbs | BYU

The youngest player on Team USA, Branch III had a fairly quiet week with some flashes of intrigue with his combination of size, length, shooting ability. This was not a great setting to show his on-ball skills he had displayed with the Compton Magic or at his stops at Perry HS or Prolific Prep, but he bought in, covers a lot of ground with his plus wingspan, and shows good communication. His shooting, perimeter skills, and defense are what make him one of the top prospects in this upcoming class, while he still is developing physically and vying to become a more assertive type to cement his status near the top of the 2027 NBA Draft class. He still has a wayo go, but plenty of tools and talent to work with, even if he took more of a complementary role during the practices and scrimmage.

Christian Collins | 6’8 205 lbs | USC

Having just committed to USC, Collins had some great moments with St. John Bosco this past year, with solid physical tools, ability to put the ball on the floor, and overall energy. His shot has a slight hitch but is still a weapon and he knocked down several long range attempts in the Generals scrimmage. Shows an ability to pass off movement and is an active defender, though will still want to add to his frame. He lacks ideal size and strength at the four, while still ironing out the shooting consistency and ball skills under pressure to him at the wing. On production, he has been one of the top players in this HS Class, just some things to monitor closely during this upcoming season in terms of exactly how high he could go in the 2027 Draft.

Jason Crowe Jr. | 6’3 180 lbs | Missouri

Well known for his scoring prowess, Crowe Jr. is now the all-time leading scorer in the state of California, finishing his HS Career at Lynwood/Inglewood with 4,718 points, while averaging 43.6 points per game this season. The lefty is a three-level scorer and is the most consistent shooting threat on the team, while also able to get to the paint and having a mid-range game. Defensively, he plays with high intensity, having to press a ton during his HS career, though could use some discipline and strength. It will be the skills beyond scoring, which he will do plenty of next season at Missouri, that determine his ceiling as a Draft prospect. He took somewhat of a back seat during the Generals scrimmage, though coming off a MVP performance at the McDonald’s All-American game, would not doubt he comes into Saturday’s Hoop Summit game with high intensity. For Crowe Jr., it will likely be about finding balance in terms of his offense and the overall team offense, and it should be a fascinating journey to see that potential balance.

Caleb Gaskins | 6’8 225 lbs | Miami

Gaskins brings size and a sweet shooting stroke from mostly midrange. Playing with the Boozer twins on last year’s Chipotle winning Columbus HS, they finished as runner-up in The Throne, with Gaskins being productive during the HS season and other events. He is also one of the younger players in the class and has the ability to use his size to his advantage on both ends. At times his floating on the perimeter puts a dent into his efficiency, and it would be great if he was a higher volume long-range shooter, which could happen with the touch he has shown inside the arc. He had a strong scrimmage against the Portland Generals, with numerous dunks, shooting off the catch, and some makes in traffic. Should be an immediate contributor at Miami next season, with the efficiency and his ability to stretch out to distance being key factors in just how long he is there.

Caleb Holt | 6’5 205 lbs | Arizona

One of the most dependable prospects in this class with his ability to do a little bit of everything, scalability on the wing in terms of his on and off ball ability. Strong, focused, and though his shot needs a little work in terms of consistency and release time, it is a weapon. Brings intensity on defense and caused a world of issues for ball handlers during the Generals scrimmage, while shooting his footwork and decision making on offense. He is more towards the size of an average SG as opposed to a really “big guard”, and is not necessarily a high-end explosive player, with his understanding of himself, change of pace, and just how hard he plays being what make him a really enticing player among the top of the potential 2027 Draft Class.

Brandon McCoy, Jr. | 6’5 190 lbs | Michigan

The combination of explosive leaping ability and ground coverage make McCoy Jr. a major defensive presence and disruptor, while still giving him some offensive juice as well. His confidence in his shot noticeably improved, while there are still questions about his touch and low release. His energy is contagious, and during the Generals scrimmage, he put his impact all over the game. Not many do more in terms of event creation, with deflections, steals, and his penchant for blocking perimeter shots. He does occasionally gamble, though will many times make up for it with his ability to recover with his quickness and length. Excels in transition, got to the basket plenty, and while it is not a certainty that he will be the on-ball, playmaking force he was originally projected to be, McCoy Jr. has the length and tools that should make him somewhat scalable even with the questions with his shooting, at the very least allowing him to be a valuable wing presence for Michigan next season.

Deron Rippey Jr. | 6’2 180 lbs | Duke

For a school who had some noticeable issues in terms of their lead guards being able to break down defenses, that is something that Rippey Jr. should provide from the jump. He is an impressive vertical athlete, has top tier quickness, while also having ball skills and flashes of shooting versatility as well. The smallest guard on the team in terms of height and length, he does things teams love from their smaller players in terms of hounding players on defense, mirroring and overall effort. He sees the floor well, makes plays for himself and others, and can really float with his vertical athleticism. Duke has not had a point guard like Rippey for quite a while, and he should make life a lot easier for his teammates next season.

Jordan Smith Jr. | 6’2 200 lbs | Arkansas

Smith Jr. has been sweeping just about every HS player of the year award after another strong season at Paul VI, that saw them win City of Palms, make the Chipotle Nationals, and finish the season 33-3. While he may be the shortest player on the team, his massive wingspan differential puts him in the dimensions of Donovan Mitchell, with Smith Jr. saying he gets Jrue Holiday and even Kawhi Leonard comparisons with his impact on the game. Simply put, he plays well beyond his size, affects the game a ton defensively while being able to get to the basket and out physical opposing guards. He was the leading scorer in the scrimmage against the Generals and was a force on defense both on and off the ball. His shot from midrange has improved, and the major question is just how consistent he is from long-range. He has become the real leader and alpha in this Class to this point, and he should have a huge year at Arkansas, and if his shot shows some level of consistency, John Calipari will have another high pick to add to his list of alumni.

Tyran Stokes | 6’7 245 lbs | Undecided

Throughout his prep career and before, Stokes seems to consistently have an imprint on whatever game he plays in. On-ball consistently this season with Rainier Beach, he fits into more of an off-ball role, and gets plenty of rebounds, shows a good passing eye, has an ability to put the ball on the floor and his three-point volume and confidence in HS this season was high. With this being said, the thing he still seems to be best at is his ability to use his overwhelming strength and athleticism as a downhill driver, cutter, and his confidence in his shot does not necessarily match its consistency right now. Also, he is known at times for having on-court outbursts, which he did at times during the week. Stokes was effective in the Generals scrimmage, while also showing the same warning signs that make you wonder if he really knows himself as a player and what can make him into a truly efficient force. Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon have been in his list of possible destinations, with Vanderbilt and Washington both making late pushes. Kentucky seems to be the betting favorite right now, and they will get a tantalizing talent, with some things to work on in terms of holding onto the top spot he has claimed for a majority of his time in HS.

Ethan Taylor | 7’0 245 lbs | Michigan St.

With the World always having some big bodies, Team USA brought in a 7-footer of their own in Taylor. He moves well, is a lob threat, and affects shots around the basket while being difficult to back down. On a Link Academy team loaded with DI talent, Taylor often took a backseat, which he also did with MoKan in the EYBL. He is enticing due to having NBA Center size, already being quite strong, and effects the game off those two things alone. Tom Izzo’s ability to develop big men should bode well for him and hopefully will continue to focus on creating a presence around the basket on both sides of the floor.

Cameron Williams | 6’11 205 lbs | Duke

The big thing that stands about Cam Williams is his ability to punish smaller opponents with his high release point and shooting touch. He can hit tough shots, stretch out to the NBA line, and his movement skills at 6’11 are impressive. He also affects shots, has decent timing as a shot blocker, and can move laterally to stifle drivers. The big issues with Williams are his lack of strength and if a defender gets into his area, it really can knock him off balance. In the scrimmage and in practice, Williams rarely dribbled, which might be a lot of what we see next season at Duke as well. Will be an incredibly different look at the 4 spot and while he should be able to stretch and has the athleticism and size to finish above the rim, his core strength will be a significant factor into how high he gets picked in the NBA draft.

Elijah Williams | 6’6 200 lbs | Baylor

The lowest ranked player on the team in terms of his 247 Composite ranking, Williams had a solid week showing some ability to shoot along with some nice finishes and athleticism that should at the very least make him a rotation player at Baylor right off the bat. He has been going through the Team USA system throughout his HS career and showed the professionalism and understanding one might expect from the son of former NBA player and coach, Monty Williams. He was solid, though unspectacular in the scrimmage, but is another player that coaches can trust to play in the system, give effort defensively, and stretch the floor. Everything with Williams just needs to get a tad more consistent, from his shot, to his finishing, to his decision making. This week still showed that he has talent and size that makes him worth keeping an eye on through his time in college.

World Team

Ikenna Alozie, Nigeria | 6’1 190 lbs | Houston

His second year on the team, he plays well beyond his height with his length, reach, vertical athleticism. He’s a really strong rebounding guard, plus breaks up plenty of passes, and makes nice reads off the bounce. His outside shooting is still streaky and he is not necessarily a lead guard, as he doesn’t seem to have a high level of comfort running the offense. Much better playing off someone else, even with his willingness as a passer. His strong athleticism, and overall energy should bode well with Houston’s system. Will really be about ironing out the things professional teams want to see in a guard Alozie’s size that determines how quickly he makes the jump to the professional ranks.

Tajh Ariza, Japan | 6’9 200 lbs | Oregon

Another Hoop Summit returnee, after a year at Link Academy Ariza showed a bit more assertiveness as a cutter, and in terms of using his size and movement skills beyond the defensive end. He moves well, covers plenty of ground and creates events as a defender, doing so last year in the Hoop Summit game which saw the World take USA to overtime. Even with his noticeable improvement, he has a way to go in terms of creating for himself, long-range shooting consistency, and it will be a must for him to add strength. He should be someone Oregon can at least play to provide defensive versatility and give  off ball movement, along with the size to take advantage of mismatches on the wing.

Adam Atamna, France | 6’5 195 lbs | ASVEL

One of the most consistent performers during the week, he showed a level of professionalism and an ability to read the floor that should make him a crucial piece to how the World performs during the game. Playing for ASVEL, he saw quite a bit more success during the LNB Elite as opposed to EuroLeague competition, which is also possibly something to monitor during the game. During the week he shot it consistently, was a more than competent initiator, and was a great leader by example who showed competitive fire. Creates separation off the bounce, shows quick decision-making ability, and communicates on defense. He is not particularly long and had only an 8’4 standing reach, putting him below an average SG. Still, there were some that saw him as a potential lead guard down the line, and it looks likely he goes back to ASVEL and gets buzz in 2027 after he had a really nice Hoop Summit week.

Arafan Diane, Guinea | 7’0 305 lbs | Houston

Known for his massive size which allows him to carve out space in the paint, he also has soft hands and touch out to midrange, having several strong seasons with Iowa United. Diane is a rare big in terms of his ability to actually punish defenders on post-ups, and also has a soft touch out to midrange. He is good on the glass at both ends, is a drop coverage rim protector, and even shows some ability to pass out of the post. One thing that will need work is his conditioning, and while he moves fairly well for a player of his size, dropping some weight is a must. There were questions about him at the McDonald’s All-American practices and game, along with this week at Hoop Summit, about his intensity in practice and ability to get up to speed with his high-level contemporaries. His size, touch, and ability to maintain positioning should have him getting time for the Cougars, it will be his time with Alan Bishop and the training staff that will determine his overall impact. He unfortunately sustained an injury in practice on April 9 that will keep him out for a sustained amount of time, including the Hoop Summit game.

Sinan Huan, China | 7’1 230 lbs | Purdue

Everyone knows that Matt Painter loves his 7-footers, and Huan measured as the tallest player on the team, while also having a 7’5.5 wingspan. It was a solid week of practice for him, as he made noise around the basket, rebounded on both ends, and ran the floor hard. He still needs to work on maintaining positioning, and at times takes too long to make decisions, which leads to opponents closing in on him, forcing turnovers. Seems to know who he is, what he does well, and plays within himself. Draws fouls, gets offensive boards, affects shots, he’s not necessarily a starter off the bat in college, though will still likely get some time and be a fan favorite with his tools and effort.

Ethan Mgbako, Haiti | 6’5 195 lbs | Vanderbilt

Mgbako has a strong frame on the wing, is a long-range threat and shows ability to score in a few different ways with his ability to carve out space. The younger brother of two-time Hoop Summit participant, Mackenzie Mgbako, he’s smaller, though has some of the same qualities as a scoring threat, having led the EYBL in scoring in a few sessions. He did well playing off either Sadler or Atamna in World practice scrimmages, however was quiet in the scrimmage with the Portland Generals. A last-minute addition with Maximo Adams having to drop out of the game, Mgbako seems like a solid addition at the wing for Vanderbilt who brings scoring chops, strength as a perimeter defender, and an animated personality.

Lucas Morillo, Dominican Republic | 6’6 210 lbs | Illinois

His combination of size and feel on the wing have made him a fan favorite of those that went to Hoop Summit practices this week. His shot was inconsistent during the week, still Morillo has confidence and it looks like it will be a weapon. The most interesting part of his game is his ability to stop and start, his quick decision making, and his overall versatility. Currently ranked in the Top 60 nationally, he looks like another solid piece for Brad Underwood at the wing, with a nose for the ball, and potential as a shoot, pass, dribble player.

Miikka Muurinen, Finland | 7’0 225 lbs | Undecided

He is tall, has center physical measurements beyond weight, moves well, and his shooting mechanics look pristine. Had a number of moments during the week that showed the talent that made him one of the top ranked players in the 2026 HS Class before going to Partizan Belgrade. Even so, he can use work on his shot selection, and seemed quite easy to knock over or move him off of his position. The major concern with Muurinen is how he has affected those that have been around him, whether it be at Sunrise Christian, Bradley Beal Elite, Arizona Compass Prep, and this past year with Partizan Belgrade. Everyone seems to have stories of times he was difficult to deal with, and he did not dispel them during this week. The talent is tantalizing and it seems like he wants to go to college next season as opposed to entering the Draft, but whoever takes him on, they will need a plan for adding strength and his overall maturity.

Babatunde Oladotun, Nigeria | 6’10 200 lbs | Maryland

The youngest player on the World Team and in the game, Baba only played in a few high school games for Blake HS in Maryland while dealing with injury. He had a good summer with Team Durant playing up and did well at summer events which led to his decision to reclassify, much like Bruce Branch III. Having gone through a number of Team USA events as well, he consistently looked like the most intriguing prospect on the World Team. He tends to fade on his jumper, though that helps him hit tough shots and shoot over opponents. His decision making and strength both could use work, but both showed marked improvement here. Had a number of standout plays in the scrimmages in practice and the Generals match-up. He can score in a few different ways, stretch the court, and the ball skills at his size along with his ability to cover ground on defense really stand out among this current class. Work to be done, however this week was a strong step in the right direction.

Paul Osaruyi, Canada | 6’10 225 lbs | Undecided

Still a 2027 prospect, Osaruyi is incredibly explosive for his size, clearing the Vertec entirely at Basketball Without Borders from 12’0+ touch point. He replaced Malian/Spanish prospect, Sayon Keita, for a late spot on the World Team, and flashed his inside, outside ability in practice during shooting drills. When it came to scrimmages, he seemed to sometimes hold onto the ball too long and take a split second longer than you would hope to make decisions. Also, his perimeter game is much more hypothetical than practical at this point. The physical tools and athleticism with Osaruyi have always been high level, and he is a good rebounder, who can effect things on defense. It will be about his ability to refine his skill work, become more comfortable as a shooter and passer, improve his awareness as a defender to keep his spot near the top of his current HS Class. His year at Bella Vista Prep was a positive, this week still showed he has a way to go to get to the point you would hope given his raw talent.

Miles Sadler, Canada | 6’0 170 lbs | West Virginia

He is likely not actually the height they have him listed at, just also know he was flat out one of the best high school players in the nation this past year. The unquestioned leader of the EYBL/Chipotle Nationals winning CIA Bella Vista, Sadler is quick, crafty, can run an offense and create for himself as well. He was quieter in the Generals scrimmage than one would have thought while still being a set-up man with ability to breakdown a defense and get by a press. He has the leadership qualities and the tools you would want in a small guard, getting to the paint, shooting, and pressuring the ball on defense. He has quick hands, and a toughness that should make him a beloved fixture of West Virginia next season.

Abdou Toure, Guinea | 6’6 205 lbs | Arkansas

The most explosive player on the World Team, Toure showed a lot of flashes while at times fading a bit into the background. He showed a good attitude, coachability, and effort defensively. His shooting still is a work in progress, though a part of his tool belt, along with his vertical athleticism which lead to above the rim finishing, foul drawing and a need to keep an eye on him as a cutter. He should work really well with the high level athletes Arkansas is bringing in with both Jordan Smith Jr. and JJ Andrews. He still needs  to work on his handlingand decision making, however Toure showed that he should be able to hang with Team USA as an athlete, and displayed a professionalism that you would hope for.

Portland Generals

The scrimmage team, the Portland Generals were coached by Matt Jones, and had several players to keep an eye on. Here is a brief summary of what to watch with Generals players

Beckham Black, 2027/Undecided: best player on the floor during World scrimmage, pace, ability to pass off the live dribble, floater game along with shooting versatility

Aliou Dioum, 2026/West Virginia: agility at his size and ability to get low, bend on defense, has some ball skills and knocked down a few from long range against USA

Vaughn Karvala, 2026/Indiana: knock down shooter, ability to shoot off movement, shows ball skills and solid size on the wing at the college level

Amadou Seini, 2026/Undecided: size, ability to run the floor, finish above the rim, get rebounds, and cover in drop, quiet against World, put a mark on the game against USA

Lucas Toukam, 2026/Northern Arizona: rim running, ability to get the ball around the hoop, big energy player who scored in double figures in both scrimmages.

This article was written by Michael Visenberg of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow Mike on X @NBADraftMikeyV

Indianapolis, IN – The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament came to a thrilling conclusion at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where the Michigan Wolverines outlasted the Connecticut Huskies 69–63 to claim their first national championship in over three decades. In a game that lived up to its billing, both teams traded blows for 40 minutes, but Michigan’s poise  and timely execution down the stretch proved to be the difference.

Junior guard Elliot Cadeau once again rose to the occasion, leading the Wolverines with 19 points and orchestrating the offense with the composure of a seasoned veteran. Cadeau’s ability to control tempo and make plays in key moments was instrumental in keeping UConn’s defense off balance. His leadership throughout the tournament had been a defining factor in Michigan’s run, and on the biggest stage, he delivered once more. Forward Morez Johnson provided the interior presence Michigan needed, recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. His physicality on the boards and defensive effort against UConn’s frontcourt helped the Wolverines withstand several second-half surges. Meanwhile, Yaxel Lendeborg, the team’s All-American forward, battled through ankle and knee injuries to contribute 13 points. Though not at full strength, Lendeborg’s toughness and ability to hit mid-range shots gave Michigan a crucial offensive boost.

For UConn, the loss ended their bid for a historic third national title in four years — a feat not accomplished since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty of the 1970s. The Huskies entered the game with a chance to cement their place among college basketball’s modern powerhouses, but Michigan’s defensive discipline and rebounding edge proved too much to overcome. Alex Karaban led the Huskies with 17 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and effort on both ends of the floor. Tarris Reed added 13 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring UConn’s interior attack and keeping them within striking distance throughout the contest. Braylon Mullins, who had been one of UConn’s most reliable perimeter threats all season, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting.

The game itself was a showcase of high-level basketball — physical, tactical, and filled with momentum swings. Neither team led by more than eight points at any stage, and the intensity never wavered. Michigan’s defense, which had been a hallmark of its tournament run, held UConn to just 39% shooting from the field and limited their transition opportunities. In the final minutes, Cadeau’s steady hand guided Michigan through the pressure. With the Wolverines clinging to a narrow lead, he hit a crucial pull-up jumper with just over a minute remaining, extending the margin to five. UConn had chances to respond, but Michigan’s defense forced contested shots and secured key rebounds.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Wolverines bench erupted, celebrating a long-awaited return to college basketball’s summit. The victory also marked a significant moment for the Big Ten Conference, which had endured a national title drought since Michigan State’s championship in 2000. For years, the league had produced strong team’s and deep tournament runs but had fallen short. Michigan’s triumph not only ended that streak but also reaffirmed the program’s place among the sport’s elite. As confetti rained down inside Lucas Oil Stadium,  coaches and players embraced, knowing they had etched their names into Michigan basketball history. The Wolverines’ blend of veteran leadership, defensive toughness, and unselfish play carried them through one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory. For UConn, the loss was a bitter end to another remarkable season, but their sustained excellence over the past four years remains undeniable. For Michigan, it was a night of redemption and resilience,  

This article was written by Andrew Keeling of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Portland, OR – The second round of the NCAA Tournament in Portland featured match-ups between Gonzaga and Texas, followed by No. 12-seed High Point facing an athletic Arkansas Razorback team.

In the opener Cam Heide made his only field goal of the game, a three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to give Texas a four-point lead and help clinch a 72-68 win over 3-seed Gonzaga. The Zags had closed the deficit to 69-68 on the previous possession on a Graham Ike dunk. The Longhorns are one of the few remaining double-digit seeds left in the tournament, having won three games including a First Four 68-66 win over North Carolina State.

Jordan Pope (17 points) connected on two big second half three-pointers for Texas. The first one gave them a 62-56 lead with 5:30 remaining. The second shot gave them a 69-64 lead with 2:36 remaining, Matas Vokietaitas was solid inside for Texas, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-11 from the field with nine rebounds. Vokietaitas made it difficult for Graham Ike inside. Ike led the Zags with 25 points but was an inefficient 10-of-22 from the field. He was bottled up on the boards, only getting three rebounds, committed three turnovers and was charged with four fouls trying to contain Vokietaitas.

Gonzaga hasn’t been the same team since Braden Huff was injured. Tonight, they didn’t shoot reliably, only converting on 4-of-16 from deep. They only turned the ball over seven times, but Texas took advantage of them with an 11-2 edge in points off turnovers. Texas only committed five turnovers.

Thefirst half was close throughout with Texas taking a 35-33 lead into the break on a Pope three-pointer with six seconds remaining. Pope led the Longhorns with nine points while Ike scored 11 points for Gonzaga. The stats were basically even and both teams took care of the ball throughout the half, with Gonzaga only committing four turnovers while Texas had only one turnover.

In a thrilling second game Arkansas outlasted a strong High Point Panthers squad 90-83 led by 36 points from Darius Acuff. 5’11 Point guard Rob Martin was impressive for the Panthers, scoring 30 points and continually getting past Razorback defenders.

The game was close throughout with Arkansas taking a 43-42 lead into halftime. High Point went on a 10-0 run early in the second half to take a 56-52 lead, with six of those points by Terry Anderson (15 points, 6 assists).  The Panthers took their last lead (72-71) on am Owen Aquino basket with 7:04 remaining. The game was tied at 83 when Acuff took over. He scored seven straight points, the first two baskets on drives to the hoop and then he calmly swished a 24-foot three-pointer from the wing. That gave the Razorbacks a 90-83 lead and enough space to hold off High Point at the end.

Acuff was exceptional. He needs to be in serious consideration as the first point guard taken in the NBA draft. He plays with pace and can speed up and get past his defender at will. He’s strong enough to score inside after contact and is likely the best shot-maker in college basketball this season. Tonight, he was 11-of-22 from the field (3-of-6 3s) and added six assists against only two turnovers.

The Razorbacks basically played only six players with Karter Knox and Nick Pringle out with injuries. Acuff received help from Maleek Thomas (19 points on 3-of-5 from deep), Malique Ewin (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Billy Richmond (15 points, 10 rebounds).

Martin was exceptional for the Panthers. He had five assists in addition to his 30 points on 11-of-23 from the field. He might be the quickest guard I’ve seen this season with extreme explosiveness off the dribble.  He was supported by 25 points and 8 rebounds from 6’7 Cam’Ron Fletcher. Fletcher had previously played at Kentucky for current Arkansas coach John Calipari.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Portland, OR – The High Point Panthers and the Arkansas Razorbacks advanced from the first round at the NCAA Tournament in Portland in the afternoon session. High Point, a 12-seed, upset the 5seed Wisconsin Badgers in an 83-82 thriller. Arkansas, a 4-seed, had no issues dispatching 13-seeded Hawai’i 97-78.

High Point was trailing 68-61 with less than eight minutes remaining before they staged their comeback. Chase Johnston’s three-pointer pulled them to within 82-81 with 55 seconds remaining. After the Badgers’ Nick Boyd missed on a shot inside, Johnston received a long pass and scored the go-ahead lay-up with 11 seconds left in the game. It was Johnston’s first two-point basket of the season. Wisconsin had one more chance, but Boyd’s attempt was blocked at the rim. High Point’s Cam’Ron Fletcher missed the front end of a 1-ad-1 with 1.8 seconds left but Wisconsin couldn’t get a shot off at the buzzer.

Wisconsin’s Boyd had no problem getting to the basket. He scored ten points in the last four minutes with his last two-pointer giving the Badgers an 82-78 lead. Boyd scored 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists against only one turnover.  John Blackwell added 20 points and 10 assists but was charged with five turnovers. Point guard Rob Martin was impressive for the winners, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists while committing only one turnover.  The hero of the game, Johnston, added 14 points on 4-of-6 three=pointers along with his lone layup. During this season Johnston connected on 68 three-pointers before making the deciding layup.

High Point connected on 15-of-40 3’s while the Badgers made 9-of-23. High Point has been particularly effective this season in not turning the ball over, raked No. 4 in the country with a 12.9% turnover rate. Today they only committed six turnovers against Wisconsin’s ten. They also took advantage of fast break opportunities, sconing 16 fast break points while Wisconsin had only five.

Arkansas had a wire-to-wire win in the nightcap over Hawai’i. The Razorbacks showcased their athleticism with multiple dunks from multiple players.  They raced out to an 11-0 lead and took a 54-36 advantage into halftime. Hawai’i could not make any serious runs in the second half and the game was never in doubt.

SEC Player of the Year, Darius Acuff led the winners with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting (2-of-5 3’s) and added three rebounds and seven assists. Acuff has been moving up the draft boards as the season progressed with his strong overall play, shot making and point guard skills. He’s averaging 22.9 points per game while shooting 44.4% on 179 three-pointers and has almost a 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. Arkansas essentially played only six players. Meleek Thomas was impressive with 21 points and added eight rebounds and five assists as well as a few highlight dunks. Trevon Brazille added 19 points, sox rebounds and three blocks and Malique Ewin contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds (6 offensive).

Arkansas shot only 4-of-21 from deep but dominated inside (64-40 point advantage) and on the fast break (23-12 point advantage). High Point will try for another upset on Saturday but Arkansas looks too big and athletic for them.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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New York, NY – Over the past week at the World’s Most Famous Arena, the Big East Tournament once again delivered high-level basketball and memorable individual performances. With the stakes at their highest and a championship on the line, several players stepped up in a major way, putting together standout showings that helped propel their teams through the bracket. From dominant performances in the paint to clutch scoring and defensive playmaking, a number of players left a strong impression throughout the tournament.

Here are my top 5 performers from this year’s Big East Tournament:

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s): The Big East Player of the Year showed exactly why he earned that honor, delivering a dominant performance throughout the week. The big man averaged 19.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 5.3 stocks per game, impacting the game in nearly every facet. He was an overwhelming presence on both ends of the floor and consistently proved to be too much for opposing teams to handle. After leading St. John’s to a Big East Tournament title, he will now look to carry that momentum into the NCAA Tournament and help push the Johnnies to the second weekend following last year’s heartbreaking loss to Arkansas.

Stefan Vaaks (Providence): The freshman guard from Estonia elevated his play when the lights were brightest for the Friars. Vaaks averaged 25.5 points while knocking down a remarkable 13 three-pointers at a 59% clip from beyond the arc. Despite Providence’s quarterfinal exit against St. John’s, he proved to be a constant threat, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, showing the confidence to rise up from well beyond the line. His signature moment of the tournament came on an incredible 33-foot and-one that brought Madison Square Garden to life. With Providence parting ways with head coach Kim English following the tournament, Vaaks’ future with the program is now uncertain. Should he enter the transfer portal, he would likely be one of the most sought-after scorers available.

Tarris Reed (UConn): The anchor of the Big East’s 2-seeded team made his presence felt all week, impacting the game far beyond just scoring. Reed averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks over 3 games, showcasing his all-around ability for the Huskies. Even under heavy pressure in the post, he consistently found ways to score and remain effective. In the one game where his scoring output dipped, he still made a major impact in other areas. Against Georgetown, Reed recorded 8 assists, recognizing the defensive attention he was drawing in the post and doing an excellent job finding open teammates when double teams collapsed. His ability to read the floor and make the right play adds another dimension to his game, and he will be a key factor in UConn’s postseason run this March.

Jacob Dar (Seton Hall): Heading into halftime of the quarterfinal matchup against Creighton, senior forward Jacob Dar had yet to see the floor. That quickly changed in the second half, when Seton Hall found itself in a scoring drought and in need of a spark. Dar checked in and delivered exactly that, erupting for 16 points in just 15 minutes while also making his presence felt on the defensive end, helping lead the Pirates to an 11-point victory. Over the course of the week, Dar totaled 29 points in 35 minutes, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 stocks. His breakout performance may have solidified a role for him moving forward, as there’s a strong case that he played his way into Shaheen Holloway’s plans for next season with one year of eligibility still remaining.

Bryce Hopkins (St. John’s): Hopkins played a key X-factor role for the Johnnies on their way to a Big East Tournament championship. He provided the perfect complementary presence alongside Ejiofor in the paint, consistently taking advantage of matchups with his polished footwork and ability to finish through contact. In addition to his interior scoring, Hopkins also showed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down perimeter shots and keeping defenses honest. He finished the tournament averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting an extremely efficient 69.5% from the field. His versatility and efficiency made him a difficult cover throughout the week, and his all-around impact was a major reason why St. John’s was able to dominate its way to the title.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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New York, NY – On the final day of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, the conferences’s two top teams squared off in what many expected to be an instant classic. Instead, it was the St. John’s Red Storm who controlled the game from start to finish, dominating UConn for the full 40 minutes to secure back-to-back Big East Tournament championships. The Johnnies never surrendered the lead, and the Huskies never truly looked like they had a chance to mount a comeback, as the game ended in a decisive 72–52 victory for St. John’s.

Similar to St. John’s previous two games in the tournament, attacking the paint was once again a major point of emphasis. A key part of that approach was consistently feeding the ball to the low block, where Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player Zuby Ejiofor made a significant impact. The senior big man finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field, while also knocking down two three-pointers.

Ejiofor wasn’t the only one finding success inside. Bryce Hopkins also showcased impressive back-to-the-basket ability, using polished footwork to create space and convert several heavily contested shots around the rim. Hopkins matched Ejiofor’s scoring output, finishing with 18 points of his own on an efficient 7-of-9 from the field.

To add to the Red Storm’s strong offensive performance, they were just as dominant on the defensive end. St. John’s held the Huskies to a stifling 34% from the field and forced 17 turnovers, disrupting nearly everything UConn tried to run, from what looked like clean entry passes to blowing up dribble handoffs. Leading the defensive effort was none other than Zuby Ejiofor. He finished with 3 steals and an impressive 7 blocks, protecting the rim and giving the Huskies nothing easy in the paint. Dylan Darling also made a major impact defensively, matching Ejiofor’s steal total with 3 of his own. Darling did an excellent job reading ball handlers, timing their dribble cadence perfectly and picking their pockets at key moments.

The lone bright spot for the Huskies in this game was senior big man Tarris Reed. Reed finished with 17 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field while adding 7 rebounds. Similar to St. John’s approach with Ejiofor, UConn made a concerted effort to get the ball down low and take advantage of the Reed–Ejiofor matchup. Reed did a solid job using his size and strength to back Ejiofor down and convert several easy hook shots around the rim.

Despite Reed’s strong performance, it was difficult for the Huskies to keep pace while shooting just 16% from three-point range. UConn’s typical perimeter threats—Solo Ball, Braylon Mullins, and Alex Karaban—struggled throughout the game, combining to shoot just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc.

With the Big East Tournament now complete, the attention quickly shifts to Selection Sunday, where the conference’s postseason picture will officially come into focus. St. John’s, UConn, and Villanova are all expected to hear their names called, and the biggest question now becomes where each team will land in the NCAA Tournament bracket. After St. John’s dominant run through Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm will look to carry that momentum into The Big Dance, while UConn and Villanova await their seeding as they prepare for the next stage of the postseason.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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New York, NY – Friday’s semifinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden featured two teams that firmly controlled their matchups from start to finish. Although the final score may suggest a closer game, St. John’s largely dominated from the opening tip, rarely taking its foot off the gas on the way to a 78–68 victory over the Seton Hall Pirates.The second semifinal followed a similar script, as UConn never surrendered the lead against Georgetown, cruising to a 67–51 win to punch its ticket to the championship game.

St. John’s entered their game with a clear plan: attack the paint. Early and often in the first half, the Johnnies fed Zuby Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell on the block, where both were able to finish with ease. When the initial shot didn’t fall, they frequently drew contact and earned trips to the free-throw line. Ejiofor (20 points), Mitchell (13 points), and Bryce Hopkins (13 points) combined for 46 of St. John’s 78 points, consistently applying pressure on Seton Hall’s interior defense.

For Seton Hall, much like in the quarterfinal round, the Pirates were led by Budd Clark and Jacob Dar. Clark finished with 17 points and showcased strong playmaking ability, adding 11 assists. Dar continued his impressive run in the Big East Tournament as well, finishing with 13 points and 4 rebounds while making multiple hustle plays that helped keep the Pirates competitive.

UConn was led by projected lottery pick and freshman Braylon Mullins. Mullins finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field and 2-pf-9 from beyond the arc. Despite the modest numbers from long distance, he showed that his game is far from dependent on his perimeter shooting. Mullins flashed some surprising back-to-the-basket ability and was particularly impressive with several difficult, off-balance midrange shots that he knocked down with ease.

For Georgetown, Vince Iwuchukwu led the way with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Iwuchukwu displayed impressive athleticism throughout the game, elevating through contact and converting several tough finishes over UConn big men Eric Reibe and Tarris Reed.

With the semifinal round complete, the stage is now set for the Big East Tournament championship at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s and UConn will meet tonight with the conference title on the line, setting up a highly anticipated matchup between two teams that looked dominant in their semifinal victories. With momentum on both sides, the championship game promises to bring the intensity and high-level play that has defined the tournament all week.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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New York, NY – Thursday at Madison Square Garden once again delivered an exciting day of Big East Tournament basketball. The action began with St. John’s continuing its hot streak, defeating the Providence Friars in convincing fashion. In the next matchup, the Seton Hall Pirates knocked off the Creighton Blue Jays behind an outstanding performance from an unlikely contributor.

The second session brought more drama, starting with the UConn Huskies, who had little trouble handling Richard Pitino’s Xavier squad. The night then concluded with the biggest surprise of the tournament so far, as the 11-seeded Georgetown Hoyas pulled off the upset over the 3-seeded Villanova Wildcats.

Zuby Ejiofor was a man among boys as he helped St. John’s to the 85-72 win over the Friars, establishing his presence in the paint early and maintaining that dominance throughout the game. He filled up the stat sheet with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Despite the loss, Providence saw another impressive performance from freshman guard Stefan Vaaks. The sharpshooter finished with a game-high 23 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. With the Friars officially announcing they have parted ways with head coach Kim English, it will be worth monitoring where this high-volume scorer ends up next season.

Heading into the 2:30 matchup, the Seton Hall Pirates understood they were fighting to keep even the slightest hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid alive, and they responded with an impressive performance led by Budd Clark and an unlikely hero in Jacob Dar which led to the 72-61 win. Clark finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, getting to his bread-and-butter midrange game and knocking down several tough shots while efficiently orchestrating the offense over 35 minutes.

Despite Clark’s strong outing, the player of the game was senior Jacob Dar. After not playing a single minute in the first half, Dar entered in the second half and immediately made an impact. He finished with 16 points on an efficient 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while also contributing 5 rebounds and a steal in only 15 minutes.

For Creighton, Josh Dix led the way with a game-high 22 points, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Dix consistently knocked down difficult shots and showed the versatility in his offensive game, proving he is more than just a perimeter shooter. He created opportunities off the dribble, scoring in the midrange and finishing at the rim through contact.

UConn continued its dominance against Xavier by the final score of 93-68, as the Musketeers never held a lead at any point during the game. Tarris Reed and the UConn staff took full advantage of Xavier’s lack of size in the frontcourt, with the senior big man finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds while controlling the paint. Solo Ball added 19 points, knocking down 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, while senior Alex Karaban contributed another 15 points to help pace the Huskies offensively.

For Xavier, Filip Borovicanin led the way with 22 points. The Musketeers relied heavily on their perimeter shooting and were never able to establish an inside presence throughout the game, which ultimately proved costly. UConn dominated the paint, outscoring Xavier 42–16 in that category.

The nightcap featured the Villanova Wildcats and the Georgetown Hoyas, with Georgetown pulling off the upset over the 3-seeded Wildcats by a score of 78–64. Entering the season, there were questions about Villanova’s consistency, particularly the idea that the team would go as far as its perimeter shooting could take it. That concern showed up in this matchup, as the Wildcats struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 24%. Villanova also had major issues on the glass, getting outrebounded by 21, which allowed Georgetown to control the flow of the game.

The Hoyas were led by sophomore big man Julius Halaifonua, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Halaifonua displayed impressive back-to-the-basket skills and footwork, consistently creating quality looks and ultimately having his way against Villanova big man Duke Brennan.

With the quarterfinals now complete, the stage is set for an exciting semifinal round at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s will face Seton Hall in a highly anticipated matchup after both teams delivered impressive performances on Thursday, while UConn will take on Georgetown following the Hoyas’ upset victory over Villanova. With a spot in the Big East Tournament championship on the line, both games promise to bring the same intensity, physicality, and high-level play that has defined the tournament so far.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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New York, NY – Three games tipped off the Big East Tournament on Wednesday, and they did not disappoint. The day featured plenty of drama, highlighted by the Providence Friars rallying from a 16-point deficit to secure a 10-point victory. The Xavier Musketeers also advanced in thrilling fashion, pulling out a win in a game that came down to the final seconds. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Hoyas emerged victorious in a physical battle against the DePaul Blue Demons, marking the program’s first Big East Tournament win under head coach Ed Cooley.

In the first matchup of the day, the Friars came away with a 91–81 victory over the Butler Bulldogs in a high-scoring contest. Providence leaned on a three-headed offensive attack, as Jaylin Sellers (23 points), Ryan Mela (23 points), and Stefan Vaaks (28 points) combined for 74 of the team’s 91 points. Vaaks was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, knocking down 8-of-13 three-point attempts, tying the Big East Tournament record for most threes made in a game.

For Butler, senior forward Michael Ajayi once again delivered a strong performance, recording another double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Bulldogs frequently used off-ball screens to free Ajayi, recognizing that Providence was switching nearly every action. Once Butler successfully forced a switch and got a guard matched up with him, they consistently fed Ajayi in the post, where he went to work. However, his aggressive style ultimately played a role in Butler’s downfall. Ajayi found himself in foul trouble for much of the second half, and his limited availability significantly altered the Bulldogs’ rhythm and overall approach down the stretch.

In Richard Pitino’s first Big East Tournament game leading Xavier, he guided the Musketeers to a thrilling 89–87 victory that was decided in the final seconds. All-Big East 1st Team selection Tre Carroll showed exactly why he earned that honor, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists while impacting the game in multiple ways. Xavier also received a huge performance from big man Jovan Milicevic, who poured in 21 points. Milicevic was especially impressive from beyond the arc, knocking down 4-of-7 three-point attempts, including several difficult, contested looks off the dribble.

For the Golden Eagles, Nigel James Jr.—who announced before the game that he will return to Milwaukee for his sophomore season—tallied 18 points and 7 assists. Sophomore Royce Parham also delivered a strong performance, adding 22 points and 9 rebounds. With James Jr. and Parham in the fold, Shaka Smart has a strong foundation to build around heading into next season. However, it will be interesting to see how active the program becomes in the transfer portal, as Smart has historically been reluctant to use it at all.

The final game of the night was the definition of a Big East Tournament battle. The Georgetown Hoyas defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 63–56 in a highly physical matchup. Leading the way for Georgetown was big man Vince Iwuchukwu, who provided a huge spark off the bench. The senior finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds in an efficient 23 minutes of action. Points in the paint proved to be the difference, as the Hoyas dominated that category 36–20. Georgetown’s physicality inside was simply too much for DePaul’s frontcourt to handle throughout the game.

For the Blue Demons, Layden Blocker turned in a strong performance with 16 points and 7 assists. He did an excellent job creating his own offense off the dribble and knocked down several tough shots. Blocker also shot an impressive 4/6 from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, Chris Holtmann appears to be building a solid foundation in Chicago, and the DePaul program is trending in the right direction.

With the opening round complete, attention now turns to Thursday’s quarterfinal match-ups at Madison Square Garden. Providence will tip things off at 12:00 PM against St. John’s in what should be an up-tempo battle, while Xavier faces a major test against UConn at 7:00 PM. The nightcap will feature Georgetown taking on Villanova at 9:30 PM, as the Hoyas look to carry their physical momentum into another tough matchup. With three teams advancing out of Wednesday’s action and the stakes continuing to rise, the Big East Tournament is setting up for another exciting day of basketball.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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