A summer grassroots staple is the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. The grassroots calendar has changed over the years, but Peach Jam for Nike’s elite grassroots teams has stayed relatively the same, even after the NCAA recruiting scandal and COVID-19.
The top 24 17U teams qualify for Peach Jam, and a few extra teams will be able to enter via a play-in pool. Below, I preview the projected 24 travel clubs and give out my predictions.
Good look to all the team looking to win Peach!
Starting at the Top
Two teams had a near-flawless record after three sessions. Team Takeover (DMV) and NY Rens collected identical 10-1 records. Starting with Takeover, they have four players with double-figure ppg averages. Headlining the group is 5-star guard Jordan Smith. An athletic, strong-framed guard with a relentless motor. In my opinion, the best on-ball defender in the country, regardless of class. Offensively, His ability to use his strength, vertical pop, and speed as a driver to get a paint touch and finish through contact is impressive. Defensively, he’s physical at the point of attack, maneuvers, or just powers through screens and flies all over the place as an off-ball defender. 5 etar wing Qayden Samuels leads the team in scoring, averaging 21 ppg. A southpaw three-level scorer who makes taking tough shots look easy. He’s arguably the best scorer in the country. 2026 Parker Robinson is shooting 37 percent from deep and he adds floor spacing, play finishing as a shooter, and the ability to be a second side scorer. Indiana commit Prince-Alexander Moody is a 6’4 combo that provides offensive versatility, being able to effectively score on and off the ball while growing as a playmaker. Takeover’s roster is balanced, and guys buy into their role. They are a favorite to take home the title in North Augusta.
For the Rens, Jasiah Jervis is a spring/summer stock-riser. At 6’5, he’s s guard with good positional size and big-time off the dribble scoring. Can get to the rim by setting the defender up and using counters, he’s an adequate pull-up shooter, and he has a short memory on misses, which gives him the confidence to make the next one. Another player that has seen his stock make a big leap is Najai Hines. Originally, a notable tight-end prospect in football, Hines is now a household name in the basketball recruiting ranks. A big, physical post that is averaging a double-double this season. He throws his weight around, finishes inside utilizing his wide shoulders and arm length. He’s just a traditional big man who makes his presence known on the interior on both ends. One of the better 2027 prospects in the country, Anderson Diaz, is playing up on the 17U level and averaging 11ppg, 4 rpg, and 2 apg. A dynamic guard that can create separation off the bounce and get whatever look he wants. His creativity with his handle and overall feel generates advantages for him and his teammates. Rens are rolling right now and have depth and quality positional size at each position.
Next Crop of 17U Contenders
Brad Beal Elite has the third-best record in the EYBL going into Augusta. At 9-2 after three sessions, BBE should feel confident that this group can make a deep title run. Last year, the 2026 team won the 16U division. No Miike Muurinen this season, but 2026 Arkansas commit J.J. Andrews has taken a leap in his game. A lefty, physical wing that has shown improvement in his perimeter skills. Making open deep range shots (43 percent from three), which creates driving lanes for him to attack and finish (60.8 percent from 2). Expansion of his game while still providing quality rebounding and on-ball defense production, has put Andrews in a different tier this Summer. Floor general Trey Pearson is one of the more under-the-radar prospects in the country. Leading the EYBL in assists (5.5 apg), Pearson is a south-paw point that excels as a pick n roll scorer and playmaking. Snaking the screens or putting the defender in jail, Pearson’s patience and I.Q. allow him to dissect and manipulate defenses. Sheek Pearson is a 6’11 big man that thrives in the paint as a play finisher, put-back guy and lob threat. Defensively, he’s active as a rim protector and discipline enough to not get in foul trouble while contesting. This Brad Beal squad plays with a level of toughness that’s rarely matched from their opponents and that’s going to be key going into Augusta.
Mokan Elite is a team I can see winning it all this season. Currently holding a 8-3 record, they have strong front-court play, athleticism, length and shot making. They also have four players that are in double figures for averages headlined by one of the top centers in the country, Ethan Taylor. A big body post that’s a play finisher, back to basket operator and deep post sealer. He’s a good screen setter/roller, has soft hands and is steadily improving his offensive game. Jalen Montonati leads the team in scoring and he is a big wing that can really shoot it. He moves very well off the ball, relocates and attacks closeouts well to get into the middy pull or floater. Very good coming off pin-downs and making the right play. Tristan Reed is an athletic, long armed post that plays hard all the time. Adequate touch coming off the left shoulder on hooks and he just plays bigger than his listed height (6’8). Keonte Greybear is a big point guard at 6’4 that’s a good athlete. He’s a discipline defender and I’ve seen growth in his game as an overall decision maker. Very steady. Also to note is Chidi Nwigwe, who is a versatile wing that finds his opportunities to score or just impact the game.
Oakland Soldiers are also 8-3 and they have two of the best players in the country that average over 20 ppg. No. 1 in 2026, Tyran Stokes, came back to the squad in May and he showed why he’s the number one player in the class. A matchup problem at 6’7, Stokes mix of strength, downhill playmaking and scoring, allows him to score at will. He’s a very physical driver that’s an even tougher cover when the jumper is falling. A man amongst boys at this level. Jason Crowe Jr., in my opinion is the best scorer in the country. A confident perimeter scorer that can generate his own look at anytime due to plus elevation on his jumper. He can effectively score on and off the ball, holds deep range on his jumper and has great stamina. An electrifying guard, that when hot, he can make the most difficult shots. The X-Factor for this group is 2026 Kalek House, the son of former NBA’er Eddie House. Someone that can generate his own look and stays in attack mode. They have the pieces to make a run in Augusta but ball-movement and the role guys stepping up due to the gravity the main guys will generate will be key.
Team CP3 is up next and they collected a 8-3 record as well. They will be missing Kohl Rosario, who classed up to 2025 and committed to Kansas. Rosario was second in scoring (14 ppg) and shot 44 percent from three. Still, they have a group of guys that can fill the void and step up into bigger roles, such as Coastal Carolina commit Nathaniel Williams IV. A shifty guard that plays with a high level of toughness. He has shown a balance with his scoring and play-making (9.5 ppg 4 apg) and may need to look to take a higher volume of shots in July. Analyzing the other top players for CP3, Cole Cloer is a 4-star wing that brings perimeter shooting and shot creating. He’s not blowing by his defender, but he knows how to get to his spots, rise up and shoot over the out-reach of the defender. His 3-point shooting numbers haven’t been great this summer (30 percent) but I do believe he’s a better deep range threat than the averages show, so far. Oregon football commit Kendre Harrison is one of the best dual athletes in the country. He’s strong, athletic, plays with a high motor and mean streak. He’s currently averaging a double-double (12 ppg, 10rpg). Dionte Neal is a winner. Backcourt of him and Williams IV is a fun one. Neal is undersized at 5’9, but he’s pesky as a defender and guards the full length. Looks to get to the paint and makes the right decision when he gets into the interior.
For Team Thad, who rocks a guess what…an 8-3 record, also is a fun team to watch. They thrive in transition, have guys that can guard multiple positions and play with an edge. Starring for them is 2026 Tarris Bouie who exploded on the national scene this club season. An athletic two-guard with long arms and a good off-ball defender with long strides when attacking the rim. He’s making jumpers, showing improvement as a self creator and scorer in the half-court. There’s a lot to like with Bouie with his current game and upside. Kayden Allen is a 6’5 guard with a strong frame. He’s a versatile perimeter threat can score it in multiple ways and has adequate passer feel. 2027 L.J. Smith is a 6’5 combo that more than holding his own on the 17U level. Deep range scorer that’s a crafty player. Received an offer from UNC in June and is one of the higher echelon of players in the rising junior class.
Middle of the Pack Contenders
At 7-4, this is the first year the Utah Prospects are on the EYBL Circuit. 5-star guard Ikenna Alozie is the one to watch, as he leads the team in scoring and rebounding (17.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg). A speedy and bouncy guard that’s a dynamic scorer. A good pull-up shooter that can get to the rim and punch it on bigger defenders. Stays in attack mode when the ball is in his hands and that can lead to a higher volume of turnovers than we would like to see (3.3 tpg), but the offensive gifts he possesses, plus being one of the top on-ball defenders due to his length and lateral mobility, make Alozie a two-way impact player. Adolph “Junior” County is a 6’5 guard with a good frame, he’s fundamentally sound and creates separations off step backs. County is a solid pull-up shooter that can throw his weight around vs skinnier guards. 2026 Dean Rueckert is another player who I think shoots it from deep better than his averages show. A good ball mover and off-ball mover that can make threes off the catch and move. He’s third in scoring for the Prospects at 12 ppg. If all three are clicking offensively, they will be a tough out but also their front-line will need to hold their own defensively.
PSA Cardinals are 7-4 and hopefully they’ll have a full roster heading into Peach Jam. They have been without the 7 foot Ratliff twins for over half the season. If they are fully healthy, this team can make a run at the title. Adonis and Darius are sons of former NBA’er Theo Ratliff and they provide size, offensive versatility and rim protecting. The main guy for PSA is Dylan Mingo. A 5-star lead guard at 6’5 who (I’m not saying he’s him) gives you shades of SGA with how he changes direction, speeds and reads the defense. Mingo’s swinging skill is the 3-point shooting, but as a mid-range pull-up shooter, it’s dependable in my opinion. His off the dribble scoring is on point as Dylan is averaging 18 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 2 apg. 2026 Julius Avent has grown on me in the past few months. A versatile tweener with a strong drive and finishing game. 4 star Jaen Chatman has been a steady contributor, averaging 10.7 ppg and 4 rpg. He’s a downhill guard that has soft touch on floaters/push shots and is another PSA guard who can get a paint touch when he wants.
Vegas Elite is a sleeper team. Holding a 7-4 record but gave Team Takeover their sole EYBL loss. VE is headlined by Maximo Adams, who is just a problem. He’s averaging 21.2 ppg and 11.6 rpg on over 40 percent from deep. Maximo is a 4 star wing that has been having as good of a club season as anyone in the country. Strong, stays in attack mode with the ball in his hands, dives hard for every offensive rebound attempt and strong enough to hold off front-line guys to secure the defensive rebound. Adams does what it takes to win. Katrelle Harmon is used to playing at this level, as I remember when he was an 8th grader playing on the varsity level. A natural bucket getter that’s shot diet consist of pull-up jumpers and drawing fouls on drives to get to the free throw line. He also stops on a dime and rises over defenders well. Anthony Felesi is definitely one to watch. His improvement in his offensive game is noteworthy. A bouncy wing that has a good drive game with multiple answers when the defense tries to cut off his driving angles. His handle has improved, which allows him to attack in tight spaces and score, but his jumper still needs work. Once that develops, he’ll see an even bigger uptick in his game. X-Factor is Josaiah Stroughter. A utility guard that plays his role and shows balance as a scorer and distributor. Known for his scoring in the scholastic ranks, Stroughter is showing more of his off-ball scoring, facilitating and defensive game with Vegas Elite.
Teams That Have To Show Improvement
There are several teams that sport a 6-5 record. I’ll start it off with Team Final. Luca Foster, a 4 star wiry, scoring wing with deep range on his jumper. He’s averaging 15 ppg and leads the team in scoring. One of my favorite players in the 2026 class is Aiden Derkack. A versatile 2-guard that’s impact on the game goes beyond the box-score stats. His energy, effort on the glass and overall aggression when the ball is in his hands, is helpful. Sammy Jackson has seen a boost in his stock this summer. A versatile, do-it-all wing that is averaging 11 ppg, 5 rpg and 4 apg. In the point-forward role, Sammy shows a translatable skill-set with intriguing upside. For Team Final, they’ll need to shoot it better from the perimter as they’ll get on scoring droughts that hurt them at the end of games.
Florida Rebels are next. Jaxon Richardson, who is the son of Jason Richardson and younger brother of recent Orlando Magic first round draft pick Jase Richardson, is in my opinion the most athletic player in 2026. His defensive instincts are what stand out. Guards multiple spots, covers ground and erases shots at the rim. He does the little things on that end like communicate and cover up his teammates’ mistakes when getting back-doored that show an advanced defensive feel. Offensively, he’s best as a slasher, offensive rebounder and play finisher. Swinging skill is the jump shooting, but I saw more of a confidence in him letting it fly at a higher volume during the Kansas City Session. The best scorer in 2027, Cayden Daughtry, is playing up and leading the team in scoring with 20 ppg on 40 percent 3-point shooting. He’s a crafty guard that can shoot it damn near anywhere from the field. A versatile shooter that needs minimal space to launch. Another offensive option has been Donovan Williams Jr., an aggressive scoring guard that hasn’t been shooting it well, but the talent is there. He’s been rebounding it well for someone at 6’3 (5 rpg) coupled with solid assist numbers (3.4 apg). I do like Landyn Colyer, an assertive driving guard/wing that’s best when he’s getting to the rim. This squad just needs to play together better and value offensive possessions more. A good mix of talent that, if they come together, can make some noise in July.
ProSkills holds a 6-5 record and the main player on this club is Bryson Howard, son of former NBA’er Josh Howard. Bryson is seeing a tremendous climb in the national rankings and in the conversation as a top 30 player in the country. And check this out… he’s still 16 and will graduate at 17. A lefty, attacking guard with strong defensive prowess, honestly, he reminds me stylistically of his father in his younger years with the Mavs. 2026 Amare Guerra is below 6-foot, but he impacts winning. Averaging 10.6 ppg and 3 apg, Guerra is a hard nosed guard with a strong frame. He makes timely shots, gets his teammates involves and isn’t a liability at all on defense. Someone to keep tabs of is Aneas Alexander. A versatile forward that can be an impact college player in the right hands.
Team Why Not is surprisingly 6-5, as they were projected to be an upper echelon team this year when looking at the roster. 5-star Christian Collins is a PF/SF at 6’8 with a very high ceiling. Long arms, has the ability to stretch the floor and operates inside/out. He needs to shoot it better than he has been on the circuit for his team to take the leap. Point guard Kaidan Bailey has been solid. Makes deep range shots and showing more of a balance of distributing and scoring. I would like for him to be as aggressive like he’s been during the June viewing period. Julius Price brings floor spacing and overall shooting gravity. He’s shooting 39 percent from three as he’s always ready to launch it when the ball is in his hands. S.J. Madison has been a glue guy. He does the dirty work on both ends, but I like how he plays in transition and as an off-ball cutter. He does the little things that impact winning. Tahj Ariza will need to step up his play in order for Why Not to make a run at a Peach Jam title. They’ve been without him for 5 games, which impacts the record. Still, even in six games, he hasn’t imposed his will the way he can. When Ariza is playing to his high level of talent, that brings another layer of scoring and defensive prowess that gives this club a chance versus any body in the EYBL.
Drive Nation has had a turn around from their forgettable 0-3 Arizona Session, as the addition of Cam Lomax has helped a ton. A scoring guard with wiggle and with quality passing talent. The headliner is Top 25 guard Austin Goosby. A 6’6 guard that fits in the Anthony Black/Cade Cunningham prototype as a high feel, tall-ballhandling guard. Those two played more point than Austin in high school, but Goosby makes sound plays as the lead ball-handler and can score it in multiple ways with soft touch. Their third leading scorer, Dakari Spear, is expected to miss the rest of the season due to injury but the recent pickup of Seven Spurlock, who is a downhill, physical wing, is a good addition for this club.
Team Melo is headlined by 4-star wing Ethan Mgbako, who had a great week in South Carolina at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. A versatile wing with a broad frame who’s averaging 20 ppg on decent efficiency. Ethan knows how to play, makes open threes and uses his size advantage on drives or post ups. 6’9 forward Chase Foster brings inside/out scoring and handles it well for someone his size. His efficiency could be better, but I really like his upside as someone that can be dependable as an operator in multiple spots.
AZ Unity is 6-5, but has a balanced scoring output from their roster. Cameron Holmes leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.7 ppg, and he’s a lefty scoring guard that doesn’t need a lot of dribbles to get the shot he wants off, although he does hold onto the ball too long before getting into his move on occasion His 3-point shooting numbers haven’t been good, but he’s done well scoring from inside the three and getting to the free throw line. Luke Barnett is a 3-point threat that stays ready to launch. Brings solid positional size, play finishing from outside and shooting gravity when he’s on the floor. 2027 5-star big man Paul Osaruyi has a ton of upside. He’s an explosive frontline prospect that shows flashes of what his perimeter game can be. He plays above the rim and holds a good second leap. The way he finishes plays with dunks when launching in tight spaces is impressive. Defensively, Osaruyi is a threat as a rim protector, averaging 2.5 bpg a game.
Now to the last team that is 6-5 in the EYBL. Team Herro is that club and the top prospect is Vaughn Karvala. A bouncy, jump shooting wing that has had some loud performances on the circuit. He’s had a breakout spring/summer and is currently averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg 2026 Jayden Moore has been productive on the circuit. An attacking guard with a a strong frame, Moore’s decision making as a driver and in transition has been noticeable. He’s been filling the stat sheet as he’s strung together 11ppg, 4.7 rpg and 5.4 apg. Iowa State commit Yusef Gray Jr is a 6’3-ish guard that thrives as a driver. I’ve seen him post-up smaller guards and get to his spots. His efficiency isn’t ideal, but I do feel he brings aggressive defense and constant paint touches. This team has had a few impressive wins, most notably vs the Oakland Soldiers, but consistency will be key.
Rounding Out The Peach Field
Now we are on the teams that are 5-6. Team Durant is first and their leader is 6’1 point guard Anthony Brown Jr., who brings it every game he plays, averaging nearly 20 ppg, 4 rpg, and 5 apg in 11 games. The No. 1 ranked rising junior in the country, Baba Oladotun, is playing 17U and he has been good. Averaging 12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg as a 6’9 SF plus ballhandler and perimeter scorer, Oladotun has adjusted nicely since moving up from the 16U ranks. Baba enjoys keeping defenses off-guard with hang dribbles and can rise over a large percentage of guys guarding him.
Expressions is up and Jaxson Terry leads this squad. A 2026 wing with a broader frame, he finishes through contact, makes open perimeter shots and uses size advantage on the block. I’m probably more of fan of his game than most because you can plug him in and he’ll produce. Desmond Bellot Jr. is a defensive guard that attacks the driving lanes made available for him. 2027 big man Nicholas Mitrovic is intriguing.
JL3 is headlined by Elijah Williams, a Baylor Commit and son of long time NBA player and coach Monty Williams. Elijah is one of the leading scorers in the EYBL, averaging 20 ppg on 41 percent shooting from three. A bouncy, shooting wing that just knows how to play. Aziz Olajuwon, son of NBA Legend Hakeem Olajuwon, has had a breakout spring and now solidified himself as a top 100 level talent in the 2026 class. He’s a 6’7 wing that’s shooting 45 percent from deep. 2027 Ahmad Hudson is the best dual sport athlete in 2027, as he’s a top 25 level player in the country in both basketball and football.
Lucas Morillo is the one to watch for City Rocks, as he’s been producing for the Dominican Rebpublic National Team at the FIBA19 World Cup. A big guard/wing at 6’7 that finds a way to navigate his way to the paint, he’s a top 50 level player in 2026 that could see an even bigger leap after July. Peyton Jones has been very solid as well. He’s a scoring guard that creates space off the bounce due to his deep bag and high level craft.
5-star forward Caleb Gaskins leads the way for Nightrydas, as he’s a versatile tweener with a next level frame. Caleb is someone that can operate in multiple spots and even be a ball-handler on ball screens. Speaking of next level frames, Manny Green has that and is a big-time athletic wing that is high level in transition and anytime he’s around the rim. Marcellous Jackson Jr. is a broad framed guard with a high feel for the game. I like his passing talents and overall I.Q.
Lastly, Team United currently is the 24th ranked team in the 17U EYBL at 4-7. Trey Beamer and Markus Kerr are the ones to watch. Beamer is a scoring guard that’s averaging 20 ppg and 4 rpg. A guard that can create space due to plus east-west ball-handling game with a burst into the paint. Kerr has been efficient, averaging 12.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg on 51 percent shooting and 38 percent from deep. His play needs to be talked about more. He’s a 6’6 guard that makes shots from inside/out, but is known mainly for his ability to make athletic plays when going to the rim.
Now these standings will change, as the Nike travel clubs have one more session in Augusta before Peach Jam commences. Teams that are 3-8 will still have a crack at it. Uplay Canada, The Family, Boo Williams, NY Lightning will be looking to have their best performances during the first July viewing period.
