2024 Nike Hoop Summit Scouting Notebook
I spent this past week in Portland, Oregon, scouting 24 of the top prospects globally for the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. NBA scouts and decision-makers from all 30 teams attended the week-long event to observe each team's practice sessions and scrimmages leading up to Saturday's game at the Moda Center where Team USA emerged victorious for a convincing 98-76 win.
Takeaways
AJ Dybantsa | 6’8” Wing | Jamaica/ Republic of Congo | 17 y/o
Arguably the top long-term NBA prospect across the globe at this moment, 17-year-old AJ Dybantsa has an advanced scoring arsenal, combining outstanding quick-twitch and burst with impressive creativity and skill downhill. There were several moments throughout the week where he was the best player in the gym. He brought tremendous energy each day in practice. In the scrimmage vs the Portland Generals, he had an enamoring several-minute sequence where he stacked 5 consecutive buckets on all levels. Leading scorer in Saturday's game with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists on 7-of-14 from the field and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. Eyes will be on the three-point shooting over the next couple of years.
Dylan Harper | 6’6” Guard | USA | 18 y/o
One word comes to mind often when describing the game of Dylan Harper — sturdy. The strong 6-foot-6 guard brought significant defensive intensity throughout the week while showcasing impressive craft in his offensive attack. His playmaking, ability to thrive through contact in the paint, finish with both hands and attack from various angles give him impressive versatility in the backcourt. NBA teams will soon find themselves well-acquainted, perhaps more than they'd prefer, with the city of New Brunswick as they track Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper throughout their freshman campaign at Rutgers.
AJ Dybantsa and Dylan Harper took pride in their matchup on each end in the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit
Ace Bailey | 6’9” Wing | USA | 17 y/o
Rutgers signee Ace Bailey is tools galore at 6-foot-9 with exceptional versatility while displaying an abundance of offensive creativity, with advanced footwork and craft to get his shot off. Like most 17-year-olds, he needs some refinement in his game, particularly in his shot diet that often includes tough mid-range looks.. but he has captivating two-way upside — fitting the mold of an archetype all 30 NBA teams scour the globe for as a lengthy, fluid, and explosive two-way wing boasting skill and touch.
He has a contagious personality and is rarely seen without a smile on his face. He was the most energetic, talkative player in USA practice throughout the week and was focused on displaying his two-way versatility in front of scouts — rebounding, taking pride on the defensive end, making timely cuts, and showing his motor.
Nolan Traore | 6'4” Lead Guard | France | 17 y/o
Nolan Traore was a beacon of consistency throughout the week, displaying impressive maturity, pace, and feel for the game each day of practice, as well as scoring 18 points and dishing 4 assists in the actual game on Saturday. World team coaches and teammates praised Nolan's approach, basketball IQ, and leadership throughout the week. AJ Dybantsa described Traore as someone who "sees the game differently” while VJ Edgecombe hailed him as the "best point guard he's ever played with" and emphasized his impact as a leader on the team.
Traore will enter the 2025 Draft cycle steadily in the first-round conversation. He possesses solid positional size at 6-foot-4 with broad shoulders and a 6-foot-6 wingspan. The game comes easy to him and he maneuvers with an effortless flow. Great pick-and-roll reads, feel for the game, and instincts as a passer. He controls the tempo, is quick off the dribble, can finish with both hands and displays promise as a three-point shooter. He recently joined French first-division team, Saint Quentin. I would be surprised if he went the college route ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. (Interview coming soon)
VJ Edgecombe | 6'4” Guard | Bahamas | 18 y/o
Baylor signee VJ Edgecombe continues to impress on every stage he steps on. Marked by quick-twitch athleticism and effortless gear-changing, he's relentless attacking downhill and a disruptive two-way presence. He has the potential to be a swarming defender at the point of attack with his quickness, strength, big hands, and instincts. I thought he had some impressive moments defensively throughout the week — fighting over screens, playing the passing lanes, and sparking transition opportunities. He was one of the louder talkers and exhibited steady confidence on and off the floor.
Throughout his freshman season, our eyes will be on his continued development as a creator and shot-maker. Notable playmaking flashes during practice, including some PnR operation, backdoor passes, lobs, and transition offense, further underscore his potential. Edgecombe is next in line at the Backcourt Factory established by Scott Drew and Co. with recent pros Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, Keyonte George, and projected 2024 lottery pick Ja'Kobi Walter.
Cooper Flagg | 6’9” Forward | USA | 17 y/o
Duke signee Cooper Flagg's prominence isn't coincidental. The highly acclaimed teenager boasts incredible two-way versatility at 6-foot-9, impacting games in a myriad of ways each time he laces up his shoes. Expect the media frenzy surrounding Flagg at Duke next season to surpass that of any prospect in recent years.
Khaman Malauch | 7’2” Big | South Sudan | 17 y/o
NBA Academy product and Duke signee Khaman Malauch possesses extraordinary physical tools, standing nearly 7-foot-2 at 250 lbs with a 9’6.5” standing reach and a 7'6" wingspan. While still developing, Malauch showcased glimpses of his potential in Portland. His defensive prowess stood out as he served as a vocal anchor, directing pick-and-roll coverages and swatting shots around the rim effortlessly. Additionally, he demonstrated his potential as an elusive pick-and-roll partner, finishing lobs with authority above the rim. Conversely, he had moments where he showcased his need to further develop, fumbling the basketball, turning it over on short rolls, as well as some defensive hiccups. Nonetheless, he's on a good trajectory and displays exceptional two-way promise. (Interview coming soon)
Hamad Mousa | 6'6” Lead Guard | Qatar | 18 y/o
Following a strong showing at the Basketball Without Borders event during this year's NBA All-Star Weekend, Hamad Mousa has firmly positioned himself on NBA radars. With ideal NBA guard measurements at 6-6 and a 7-1 wingspan, Mousa is a smooth operator with touch indicators and a decent feel for the game.
While presenting considerable long-term intrigue, patience will be key as he fills out his 182-lb frame and cleans up his consistency from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, he remains one of the more intriguing prospects from the event, citing Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Williams as guys he models his game after (interview coming soon).
Hamad Mousa shows off his touch, floating the ball over Flory Bidunga’s 7-foot-2 wingspan (via IG/@Hoop.Summit)
Tre Johnson | 6’5” Guard | USA | 18 y/o
Texas signee Tre Johnson couldn't get going during the game, but he displayed his refined skill set and measured approach all week in practice. He doesn't waste dribbles, gets to his spots efficiently, and has excellent touch and balance. He's poised to be among the best freshman guards in the Nation next year for Coach Rodney Terry in the Big 12.
Asa Newell | 6’9” Forward | USA | 17 y/o
Asa Newell has long felt a bit undervalued. Productive in Saturday's game with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. He's versatile and has won at every level of his basketball career. Smooth, fluid lefty at 6-foot-9 with projectable defensive interchangeability. He’s exhibited an effort in extending his range, working on his shot each day after practice. He finds a way to make an impact with effort and intensity. He is steadily on radars entering his freshman season at Georgia. (Interview coming soon)
Carter Bryant | 6’8” Forward | Portland Generals | 18 y/o
Just a week after competing with many of these guys as McDonald's All-Americans, Arizona signee Carter Bryant spearheaded a formidable roster of high school talent during the Portland Generals' scrimmages against the USA and World teams. Bryant told me he was grateful for the opportunity but also took it personally and felt he should've had USA across his chest.
Bryant displays an enticing blend of tools at a fluid 6-foot-8 with the ability to attack off the bounce, get to his spots, and finish above the rim all while possessing considerable defensive versatility. He had some woes with his shot selection but displayed significant two-way promise and will enter his freshman season at Arizona on the radar of each NBA team for what he could potentially offer as a skilled 6-foot-8 forward with two-way versatility. (Interview coming soon)