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college basketball

SIUE Holds Off Bradley for Exhibition Road Win

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Peoria, IL – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Bradley matched up against one another in each team’s final exhibition game on Wednesday night. Both team’s defensive efforts and offensive struggles headlined the contest as SIUE snuck out a 53-48 road win. Despite only shooting 29% from the field, the Cougars won the rebounding department and forced 17 turnovers to help get the win.

SIUE 6’0 junior guard Gianni Cobb led all scorers with 16 points while shooting 5-of-12 from the field and knocking down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Cobb got off to a hot start from the onset, scoring 13 of his 16 in the first half going 5-of-8 from the field and hitting 3 of his first 5 3-point attempts. The shifty transfer (Columbia, NIU) demonstrated his ability to attack off the dribble to finish a reverse layup via baseline over more size and drawing fouls on penetration drives.

Interior work for the Cougars was done by 6’3 sophomore forward Dehrio McCaskill who finished with a game high 13 rebounds and nearly grabbing a double-double with eight points in just 21 minutes of action. McCaskill’s vertical athleticism showed in multiple phases with timing and physicality to generate second chance opportunities. He repeatedly battled for positioning on both sides while contributing defensively with active help-side rotations and disruptive hands. He also finished an alley-oop in transition that provided a momentum spark.

2024-2025 NJCAA Division 2 player of the year 6’4 senior Tyler King provided value throughout. Last year’s Ohio Valley Conference second team member contributed seven points, four rebounds, and two assists while providing energy and quick activity from end to end. The athletic two-way guard generated four steals and multiple other deflections with anticipation and aggressive lateral movement. King finished 3 of 12 from the field but remained impactful with defensive tenacity and willingness to compete.

SIUE was also provided meaningful minutes from 6’7 freshman Brennan Miller and 6’3 senior Jordan Pickett. Miller collected seven rebounds including four on the offensive end while scoring five points and displaying persistence around the basket. Picket added eight points on just 2-of-11 but hit two three pointers during pivotal moments. Those baskets helped extend SIUE’s advantage to 12 points just under the second media timeout mark in the second half.

For Bradley, reserve 6’8 redshirt junior forward Ben Thornbrue provided an offensive spark with 11 points and seven rebounds on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting performance. Thornbrue demonstrated touch on in the interior while catching it with his back to the basket from the low block to elbow area. His late three with 22 seconds remaining also trimmed the deficit to four points keeping Bradley within striking distance.

The Braves were also supplied a strong rebounding night from 6’10 junior forward Josh Ibukunoluwa who collected a team high 12 to go along with six points and two assists. The lengthy forward displayed ability to operate as a roll man in ball screen actions while his wingspan provided defensive disruption to drivers.

In the backcourt 6’5 redshirt-freshman guard Jackson Sesatrunk added seven points while showing a combination of perimeter shot making ability and downhill attacking skills in 21 minutes of work. International 6’4 true freshman guard Max Gaspa added seven points and a game high four assists. 6’8 sophomore Xander Alarie supplied five points on a 2-of-2 shooting night to go along with seven rebounds through solid anticipation on the glass and touch in the midrange.

Both teams combined for 11-of-52 from beyond the arc while shooting 52% and 53% from the free throw line. SIUE’s 48-41 rebounding advantage including a 15 to 7 mark on the offensive end helped compensate it’s shooting difficulties. The Cougars also recorded 12 steals to help create transition opportunities and speed up pace.

Each team will tip-off their regular season openers on Monday, November 2nd.

This article was written by Michael Schneiderman 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.

Washington Upset at Home by Washington State in Exhibition

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Seattle, WA – Washington State, led by Ronnie Harrison won 84-80 in Seattle against their cross-state rival, the Washington Huskies. WSU scored the first basket, however UW was able to jump ahead thanks to a 17-3 run. Just when the Huskies’ Lathan Sommerville got an electric alley-oop slam in transition and it looked like they had control, the Cougars started hitting 3’s going 4-of-7 in a three-minute span giving them the lead. After some gritty back and forth action, the first half ended with WSU in front 38-37.

Turnovers and fouls defined the start of the second half, there were six combined before LeJuan Watts kickstarted the Huskies, scoring a fastbreak layup. The teams went back and forth trading baskets again before Harrison scored 10 unanswered points putting the Cougars up by four. WSU stretched the lead to eight and, thanks to all the points scored from both teams being strictly from free throws after the 3:32 mark up to the 0:39 mark, the Cougars were able to put the game away.

LeJuan Watts set the pace for UW with 28 points on 7-of-12 from the field along with six rebounds. Watts was able to get to his spots, and despite the Huskies as a team going 6-of-23 from 3 point range, he made 2 of his 4. Nikola Dzepina had a strong performance in the paint, getting 12 rebounds, seven on the offensive end. Although he shot 4-of-12 from the field in 30 minutes off the bench, he was the only player on the Huskies who finished with a positive +/-  at +6. Lathan Sommerville has made a case that he will perform at a higher level on offense this year, posting 19 points on 6-of-7 from the field and 7-of-11 from the line. He played strong inside, finishing at the rim with finesse and control. He also ran hard in transition and was rewarded by his teammates.

Ronnie Harrison found a way to lead the Cougars to this win with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. He showed he is willing to do the heavy lifting on offense and can be an explosive scorer. Two of his three offensive rebounds were tip-in baskets that resulted from hard crashes off the perimeter and came in key moments of the game, one sparking his 10- point run and the other when the Cougars needed to keep the lead late in the second half. Lazerek Houston may not have had the best day shooting the basketball (1-of-9), however he was the initiator for WSU, finishing with four assists. Even though he was poor from the field, he made 12-of-15 from the line, a sign that this shooting performance will probably not be a trend downward. Houston was able to push through a poor shooting day and find a way to contribute to the win.

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

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Marquette’s Depth Propel Them Past Michigan State in Exhibition

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Milwaukee, WI – Marquette used an efficient offensive performance and balanced scoring attack to defeat Michigan State 86-79 in an exhibition matchup at Fiserv Forum on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Eagles shot 57% from the field while hitting half of their 3-point attempts going 9 of 18. The Spartans turned Marquette over 24 times, however struggled to get going offensively in the first half going 7 for 27 (26%) and 4 of 15 (27%) from beyond the arc. Marquette’s perimeter shooting and bench production (39 points) provided to be too much to overcome.

It was a point guard story from the tip as Marquette’s returning 6’0 sophomore Nigel James Jr. and Michigan State’s returning 6’2 junior Jeremy Fears Jr. had an intriguing matchup. Fears finished with 18 points and seven assists on six turnovers while James contributed 11 points and seven assists on eight turnovers. Fears relied heavily on his speed in the open floor with change of pace and craftiness to create opportunities. On the other side of the ball James displayed a strong frame using his physicality and explosive first step burst to gain advantages. Both guards consistently pressured opposing defenses by getting paint touches, drawing fouls, and finding open teammates. They also showcased their own styles of court vision through skip passes, drive and kick options, and transition assists while pushing for tempo.

The matchup also exposed areas of development for both future professional ball handlers. Fears struggled to find rhythm with his jumper in the first half going 0-of-5 from the field and finishing 3-of-8, however compensated by converting 12-of-14 from the charity stripe. James also struggled to find consistency from outside, going 0-of-2 from three but utilized his strength and ability to finish through contact to generate offense. Ball protection was another challenge during the afternoon affair as the two combined for 14 turnovers.

Through the first half, Marquette established control taking a 43-31 halftime advantage behind great shooting efficiency and continued to knock down shots through the second. Michigan State’s 6’8 forward Jordan Scott provided one of the Spartans’ strongest two-way games finishing with 18 points on 6-of-13 including 3 treys. The versatile and lengthy wing showed confidence shooting off the dribble and spotting up in transition off Fears’ transition game. Defensively, Scott disrupted passing lanes and challenged shots finishing with four blocks in the contest.

Michigan State’s 6’4 true freshman Jasiah Jervis had the game high of 19 points and connected on 4-of-6 three-point attempts. Jervis displayed a smooth perimeter touch particularly from swing passes on catch and shoot opportunities with several of those coming from BLOB actions. His outside shooting helped keep the Spartans competitive throughout. Athletic 6’6,-237 pound senior forward Coen Carr added a quiet 11 points on 3–f 7 shooting while using his explosiveness to finish above the rim and attack in transition. Although his perimeter shot making activity remains limited, his vertical athleticism and strong finishing capability provides intriguing professional upside.

The Spartans were able to trim Marquette’s lead to 52-47 early in the second half before 6’4 sophomore guard Adrien Stevens responded with timely perimeter shooting. Stevens went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc finishing with 12 points while adding five rebounds and four assists. Marquette’s 6’5 guard transfer (St. Thomas) Nolan Minessale contributed nine points and four rebounds settling in during the second half through aggressive drives and defensive pressure. 6’9, 235-pound junior forward Royce Parham supplied a strong interior presence recording 12 points and nearly having a double-double with eight rebounds. The lengthy athletic forward consistently pursued to battle on the glass and finished above the rim to provide second chance buckets. His physical activity helped Marquette win the rebounding game 33-23.

Despite Michigan State forcing 24 turnovers and converting them into 33 points, Marquette’s big time shots, rebounding, and offensive balance ultimately provided to be deciding factors. Both programs will look to November 2nd to open up their regular season play.

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

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Notre Dame Prevails in Exhibition Contest Against DePaul

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

CHICAGO, IL – Notre Dame received strong performances from 6’0 fifth year point guard Braeden Smith and 6’10 sophomore forward Brady Koehler as the Fighting Irish defeated DePaul 71-63 in an exhibition contest at Wintrust Arena on Friday night. Notre Dame connected on 12-of-30 from 3 point land (40%) while generating 28 second chance points and forcing DePaul into 17 turnovers.

Fifth year Gonzaga transfer Braeden Smith finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists while shooting 6-of-11 from the field and going 3-of 6 from beyond the arc. Smith displayed excellent quickness and offensive creativity off of dribble drive action. His ability to dictate pace throughout the contest gave the Irish a nearly 33-minute total lead time. Smith consistently pushed the ball in transition while utilizing skip passes to stretch the defense and create bright scoring opportunities for teammates. Although only two assists showed in the game, this number could have easily rose to five to six more. Smith’s skill set was particularly impressive as he created frequent strong connective passes that resulted in quality looks.

Notre Dame was led in the scoring department by intriguing 6’10 sophomore forward Brady Koehler who had 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting while adding five assists and three rebounds in 29 minutes of work. The versatile wing showcased an impressive offensive game while shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and converting on all four of his free throw attempts. Koehler demonstrated precision on his shot release as the lefty from Fishers, IN showed his ability to score it off the catch or dribble. He attacked closeouts on zero gap pressure with patience and poise while utilizing pump fakes or jab steps to create separation and finish with soft touch against DePaul’s long interior big men. Koehler also provided passing instincts and confidence operating in ball screen actions while communicating on the defensive end in denial and help positions.

Fifth year 6’5 Penn transfer Ethan Roberts provided a spark for the Fighting Irish to gain further momentum in the second half. Roberts connected on 3-of-6 three point attempts while knocking down 2-of-2 in the second half. On both ends of the floor he showed physicality while crashing the boards and securing five rebounds with four in the second half. True freshman 6’3 guard Jonathan Sanderson also showed an encouraging performance in the second half scoring 7 of his 13, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out two assists.

For DePaul, Koree Cotton delivered an efficient offensive performance finishing with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. The left-handed 6’6 senior transfer from UTRGV had a quick offensive approach taking advantage of perimeter opportunities while utilizing effective footwork and shot fakes to attack tight lane lines. Cotton brings noticeable energy on both ends showing defensive awareness and the ability to be a playmaker on the offensive end.

Sophomore 6’6 guard Kruz McClure was another encouraging performer for the Blue Demons who had 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting and going 4–f 5 from the free throw line in 32 minutes of action. The lengthy wing provided an intriguing versatile offensive game while scoring from three levels and delivering four assists on multiple accurate lob passes to DePaul’s bigs for above the rim finishes. His wingspan provided value defensively, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and contest opponents’ shots.

The Blue Demons’ three 7’0 plus bigs had a noticeable effect around the basket. 7’0 senior San Diego State transfer forward Magoon Gwath provides rim protection and lengthy rim running tendances who finished with six points and five rebounds. 7’2 junior center Fabian Flores led DePaul with 14 points and six rebounds while capitalizing on pick and roll scenarios and having four dunks. 7’0 junior center Wilson Jacques also contributed a bucket and two rebounds in 12 minutes of action.

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

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Eastern Washington Tops CSUB in Exhibition

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Cheyney, WA – In a hard-fought battle to overcome a big deficit, Eastern Washington eventually found their rhythm at home and dominated the last 7 minutes after trailing most of the game in a 71-65 win over Cal State Bakersfield. Andrew Cook led all scorers with 24 points on 50% FG while Emmett Marquardt had the best day on the glass with 9 rebounds. Bryce Cofield led the way for CSUB with 19 points but the Runners could not buy a 3 pointer, going 1-of-11 on the day despite some good looks.

The game started out very clunky with both teams clearly shaking off rust. Kjay Bradley was the initiator early for CSUB, scoring their first points on a layup and creating open driving lanes with quick ball reversals after operating the pick and roll. Andrew Cooklike the rest of his team, started slow, but was able to get his shots when it mattered and finished the first half with 9 points.

The Runners looked like their defense would keep the game out of reach, however coming out of halftime, the Eagles had figured out the double teams and spread the floor much more effectively. When EWU brought the score to within one point, Bryce Cofield sparked a run that resulted in a quick 12 points, widening the gap again. However, Alan Gballou’s disruptivepresence inside changed the game late in the second half and thanks to an explosion of offense from Cook, the Eagles ultimately sealed the game.

Andrew Cook was by far the best player in the game. He finished as the top scorer, also tacking on 5 rebounds (3 offensive), and 3 assists. He came alive late in the game, scoring most of his points in the final seven minutes. Alton Hamilton IV did not have his best game today, failing to reach any of his season averages from 25-26. However, he did take what the coaches told him during halftime and applied the feedback right away, particularly when blitzed. Although he had a rough day statistically (3-8 FG, 8 points, 3 rebounds), he learned from first half mistakes.

Alan Gballou’s performance impressed. His defensive intensity and hard work shut down pick and roll efforts and caused CSUB to work deep into the clock, something they had not done all game. He was also double teamed a couple of times and he was patient, throwing a good cross-court pass to an open shooter in the corner, and drop-stepping and scoring strong despite contact as well.

For CSUB, Kjay Bradley ran the offense. He routinely slithered inside and was able to finish over Hamilton IV (6’9” 235lbs) and the other bigs, despite his size (6’1” 185lbs). When Bradley sat because of foul trouble, Bryce Cofieldtook the reigns, exploding for seven of his 19 points in a two minute span. He showed his speed and ball control as well as his strength, finishing inside through contact and driving straight into his man and giving a hard bump to create separation for an easy shot.

This article was written by Landon Brewer 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.

Illinois State Shows Promise in Exhibition Win Over Northwestern

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman


NORMAL, IL – Illinois State overcame a halftime deficit to defeat visiting Big Ten opponent Northwestern 70-64 in both teams’ first exhibition game Sunday evening. The matchup marked the first time Illinois State hosted a Big Ten opponent since Purdue visited Redbird Arena in 1999 nearly 27 years ago. The Redbirds forced 20 turnovers and held an 18-9 advantage on the offensive glass, outscoring the Wildcats 38-29 in the second half.

Illinois State was led by 6’9″ forward Noah Cleveland, a 2025-26 Division III 1st Team All-American and the D3hoops.com National Rookie of the Year at Illinois Wesleyan. The Bloomington native recorded a double-double with 10 minutes remaining and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Senior point guard Johnny Kinziger added 15 points while controlling the tempo and helping Illinois State maintain its preferred pace.

Northwestern started the game off by attacking the paint behind 6’3″ sophomore guard Jake West, who finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting and seven assists in 28 minutes of work. 6’6 Junior Guard Angelo Ciaravino scored six first half points and finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. His aggressive drives and activity around the basket helped establish Northwestern’s early offensive rhythm.

Illinois State generated transition opportunities through defensive pressure. Cleveland’s fast-break dunk gave the Redbirds a 25-24 lead with five minutes remaining in the opening half. Northwestern then responded behind West’s play extending its advantage 35-29 before Illinois State 6’3 Sophomore Guard Mason Klabo’s hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to cut the halftime deficit 35-32.

The Wildcats opened the second half aggressively extending its’ lead to 44-37 following a layup by 6’7″ graduate forward Jack Karasinski. The Bellarmine transfer finished with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Illinois State then gradually shifted momentum through volume defensive activity and second-chance opportunities. Kinziger connected on a transition three-pointer helping the Redbirds tie the game at 44 with just over 13 minutes left to play.

The Redbirds would then reclaim the lead 50-48 with 9:47 remaining following a Klabo three-pointer. Cleveland converted a contested putback before 6’9 Senior Forward Chase Walker connected from beyond the arc and finished a transition dunk providing a comeback spark. Walker’s tough physical presence provided another productive interior option. Cleveland added another putback before Kinziger converted a turnaround midrange jumper which extended the lead further 61-54 with just over five minutes remaining.

Northwestern made a final push trimming the deficit 63-60 with 2:38 to go. West exited with cramps around this time and did not return. Illinois State maintained its composure and converted free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

Cleveland was arguably the game’s most impactful player. In the first Division 1 game of his career, he shot 5-of-8 from the field and demonstrated his ability to finish against Northwestern’s size, including 6’9″ junior Okku Federiko and 7’3″ freshman Symon Ghai. His offensive rebounding, ability to establish positioning against bigger defenders, and consistent rim running activities while finishing in transition were particularly valuable during the second-half comeback.

Kinziger provided valuable perimeter shooting finishing 3-of-7 from three-point range in 34 minutes of action. He showed confidence coming off Cleveland’s and Walker’s screening actions being able to draw opposing bigs away from the basket and creating tight pocket passing opportunities for diving teammates to hit them in stride toward the rim. His ability to read defensive coverage and create separation helped generate clean offensive opportunities. Walker added 11 points and six rebounds while demonstrating continued development as a floor-spacing big option.

For Northwestern, West provided productive court vision while remaining aggressive offensively. Karasinski offered efficient perimeter scoring while Ciaravino’s 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting provided another reliable offensive option.

Despite shooting 51% from the field compared to Illinois State’s 35%, Northwestern struggled with turnovers and free throws committing 20 turnovers and converting just 8-of-17 attempts. Illinois State committed only 10 turnovers, held a 40-37 rebounding advantage, and converted on 17-of-24 from the charity stripe.

Looking ahead Northwestern will host Iowa State next Sunday in its final exhibition contest while Illinois State travels to Green Bay on Saturday to face the Phoenix in its exhibition finale.

This article was written by Michael Schneiderman 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.

VCU Tops Old Dominion in Exhibition Game

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Norfolk, VA – Old Dominion hosted VCU in an exhibition game that resulted with a 71–57 VCU win. ODU looked comfortable in the beginning, moving the ball well, making several good passes, and created an early lead. VCU then raised its defensive pressure and became more aggressive offensively. Lazar Djokovic’s three-point shooting stretched ODU’s defense and opened space for the Rams. VCU seized control with a 17–2 first-half run and took a 41–23 lead into halftime.

From that point, VCU maintained the lead through the final buzzer. ODU came out after halftime looking more ready and played a better second half, outscoring VCU 34–30, but the first-half gap was too large to overcome. Bubu Benjamin led ODU with 14 points, while Djokovic led VCU with 22. ODU’s overall field-goal production and work in the paint were positives, but its three-point shooting finished at 14.3 percent. VCU, by contrast, made half of its three-point attempts in the first half before its shooting cooled after the break. VCU also won the second-chance-point battle 12–6 and its bench outscored ODU’s 33–7.

The teams showed distinct offensive identities. VCU played with a flowing, wave-like rhythm, pushed the ball in transition, and spread the floor with players positioned wide. Dribble handoffs between guards and forwards were common, while VCU also looked to feed a forward when he established a good low-post position. Those actions created open space and shooting opportunities. ODU relied more on bringing the ball down into a pick-and-roll attack, looking to get into the paint and play inside-out. The Monarchs had success scoring inside, but VCU’s pace and pressure changed the game’s direction.

The matchup was highly physical and often choppy. There were frequent fouls, loose-ball battles, and dead-ball stoppages; VCU was charged with 18 team fouls and ODU with 22. The environment was good, and both teams competed hard, although the stop-start flow made the game less attractive to watch. The starting groups included returning players, with Wiggins a notable name for ODU and Djokovic and Brandon Jennings for VCU. ODU’s Italian big, Lucio Martini, was unavailable because of injury. ODU’s coach described the game as a useful learning experience, said the starting lineup was still taking shape, and expressed confidence that the team would look better this season than last year.

Overall, VCU’s defensive adjustment, early perimeter shooting, transition play, bench production, and second-chance advantage drove the win. ODU showed promising ball movement early, paint scoring, and a stronger response after halftime, while its three-point conversion and the large first-half deficit stood out as areas to address. The exhibition gave both teams a demanding physical test and left meaningful questions about how ODU’s rotation and offense will develop as the season begins.

This article was written by the staff 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.

USA Tops World Team in OT Thriller at Nike Hoop Summit

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

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.

Nike Hoop Summit Scouting Breakdown from Practices

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

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

Michigan Tops UConn 69–63 to Capture 2026 National Championship

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

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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