Key Takeaways from Damian Lillard's 2024 Formula Zero Elite Camp

I spent the past week in Phoenix for the 2024 Formula Zero Elite Camp, led by Damian Lillard and Phil Beckner. In just three years, Formula Zero has become a top evaluation setting for NBA scouts, thanks to its exclusive roster of high school and college prospects and the high standard of discipline and competitiveness set by the staff.

Their mission: Formula Zero is a community of elite basketball players led by Damian Lillard. This community is not for everyone. It exists only for those who have a relentless passion to do things differently. The Formula is not fake or superficial. It is a catalyst for real change and has molded one of the best players on the planet. We care about you and want to tell you the truths that will help you succeed. If you are fortunate enough to be invited it’s important to know; we want nothing from you, but everything for you.

They brought together a highly intriguing group of high school and college prospects, who received both on- and off-court instruction, competed in drills, and played in a gym packed with almost primarily NBA scouts, with representation from 20+ teams.

College Standouts

Asa Newell | Georgia | Freshman forward
Asa Newell dominated this camp from the moment he checked in at his hotel. His unwavering attitude, consistency, and versatility on the court were impressive. In live sessions, he ran the floor hard, dominated the glass, and most importantly, his team often won games. He displayed optionality in DHOs and PnR, both rolling and popping, showcasing his ongoing growth as a floor spacer. Newell’s functional handle and fluidity for his size stood out—he put the ball on the floor, decelerated on drives to the cup, and showed touch with both hands while playing through contact.

Defensively, the Montverde, 1Family, and USAB product exhibited considerable range, stepping out on the perimeter, moving his feet well with guards, and using his length to contain drives and contest shots. Asa earned an ‘Everyday Guy’ award from the Formula Zero coaches at the end of the camp.

Jalil Bethea | Miami | Freshman guard
Bethea earned Co-MVP honors alongside VJ Edgecombe. With smooth quick-twitch athleticism, effortless three-point range, and dynamic scoring creativity, Bethea has the tools to be one of the most exciting freshmen in college basketball this season at Miami. His confidence, energy, and enthusiasm were particularly impressive and I’m fully intrigued to see what type of season he puts together in the ACC.

VJ Edgecombe | Baylor | Freshman guard
VJ Edgecombe made his presence felt in every rep, drill, and possession at Formula Zero Elite Camp. Having seen VJ practice live close to ten times between Hoop Summit and Formula Zero, what stands out most is his competitiveness — a commanding leader who rarely lacks energy, confidence, or vocality.

The explosive guard slashed downhill relentlessly, finished acrobatically with both hands, showcased vision as a passer, and sparked transition opportunities with his defense. He led his team to the championship game of the Camp’s 4v4 tourney, earning Co-MVP honors alongside Jalil Bethea.

VJ enters his freshman season at Baylor with as much momentum as any prospect in the country, following a dominant HS season, all-star circuit, and FIBA play with the Bahamas National Team. NBA scouts will be closely monitoring the development of his three-point shooting, handle, and shot creation.

Rasheer Fleming | Saint Joseph’s U | Junior forward
St. Joe’s Rasheer Fleming made a strong impression at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp. The late-blooming forward, who just turned 20, stood out with his unique blend of perimeter skill, touch, power, and length, highlighted by an outlandish 7’4 ½” wingspan. His nonstop intensity and effort earned him the Camp’s ‘Pitbull Competitor’ award. A sleeper we’ve monitored for years, Fleming is on a promising developmental arc and looks poised for a breakout junior season.

Kanon Catchings | BYU | Freshman wing/forward
Kanon Catchings boasts a wealth of tools at his disposal, including great size at 6-9 with a near 7-foot wingspan, soft touch, deep range, a fluid handle, and deep pro bloodlines. He had exciting flashes at Formula Zero and will be closely followed throughout his freshman season at BYU.

High School Standouts

Darryn Peterson | Prolific Prep | 2025 guard
Darryn Peterson looked a cut above all prospects present in terms of pure skillset refinement. The 6’5, 17-year-old guard is surgical with a crisp handle, footwork, and touch that make scoring look effortless. Darryn will attend Prolific Prep for his senior season and has cut his college list to a final 8: Washington, Kansas, Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas State, Arizona State, and USC.

Chidi Nwigwe | Sunrise Christian Academy | 2026 wing
17-year-old Chidi Nwigwe displayed impressive consistency, competitiveness, and long-term promise at Formula Zero. The 6-foot-6 wing with a 7-2 wingspan locked down opposing ball-handlers, and hawked for deflections in the passing lanes. Offensively, he showcased his clean jumper off the catch, dribble, or move that looks to anchor a budding, well-rounded offensive skillset. I thought he made noticeable progressions each session and closed the camp on a strong note with his play on both ends of the floor in the 4 v 4 tourney title game.

Anthony Thompson | Western Reserve Academy | 2026 wing
Anthony Thompson, who just turned 16 a few weeks ago, stood out as one of the most intriguing long-term prospects at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp. A long, smooth-shooting, versatile lefty at 6-7 with a 7-2 wingspan — and still growing. The next stage of the 2026 wing’s development will unfold at Western Reserve Academy.

Tahj Ariza | Westchester | 2026 wing
Tahj Ariza, son of NBA champion Trevor Ariza, is a surefire talent. At 6-foot-8, he’s explosive, smooth, and skilled with the tools of a rangy perimeter defender. The 16-year-old 2026 wing earned Most Improved Player honors at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp. He’s heavily on the radar as one of the premier prospects in high school basketball, and scouts will be keenly watching his development throughout high school.

Other notables

2025 point guard Mikel Brown Jr (playmaking)

2025 guard Isaiah Denis (shotmaking flashes)

2025 wing JJ Andrews (intensity)

Tennessee’s junior big Felix Oxpara (dependable)

Full Camp Roster

High School Roster

• Acaden Lewis (Class of 2025)

• Anthony Thompson (Class of 2026)

• Chidi Nwigwe (Class of 2026)

• Darryn Peterson (Class of 2025)

• Ikenna Alozie (Class of 2026)

• Isaiah Denis (Class of 2025)

• Jasir Rencher (Class of 2025)

• Jasper Johnson (Class of 2025)

• Jaylon Dean-Vines (Class of 2025)

• Jerry Easter II (Class of 2025)

• JJ Andrews (Class of 2026)

• Mikel Brown Jr (Class of 2025)

• Tajh Ariza (Class of 2026)

• Tounde Yessoufou (Class of 2025)

• Cameron Holmes (Class of 2026)

College Counselors Roster

• Aaron Bradshaw (Ohio State)

• AJ Storr (Kansas)

• Asa Newell (Georgia)

• Erik Reynolds II (St. Joes)

• Felix Okpara (Tennessee)

• Ian Jackson (North Carolina)

• Jalil Bethea (Miami)

• James Brown (North Carolina)

• James Scott (Louisville)

• Joson Sanon (Arizona State)

• Kanon Catchings (BYU)

• Koby Brea (Kentucky)

• Malik Mack (Georgetown)

• Rasheer Fleming (St. Joe’s)

• Trent Perry (UCLA)

• VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)

• JP Pegues (Auburn)