Team USA enters the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit with a talented and well-balanced roster, as USA Basketball once again did an excellent job assembling the cream of the crop within the class. While the past two years have featured slightly more top-end talent overall, this group still offers plenty of intrigue and upside, making it another exciting event and class to follow. We were in attendance throughout practices, getting a close look at how each player performed within structured, competitive settings. This group showcases strong athleticism, shot creation, and defensive versatility, with several players trending as long-term NBA prospects. A full game recap and additional notes will follow. Be sure to check out the game live tonight at 7 on Peacock.
Deron Rippey Jr.
6’2, 18, G – Blair Academy / Duke – Blairstown, NJ
Practice Notes: A physical, attacking guard who plays downhill and embraces contact. Undersized but explosive, with a quick first step that allows him to consistently pressure the paint. Shows a compact, repeatable shooting motion with a clean, on-line release. Size limits some of his long-term intrigue, but he competes at a high level and brings toughness on both ends. A scrappy, high-motor guard with strong competitiveness.
NBA Comparison: Rob Dillingham
Bruce Branch III
6’7, 17, F – Prolific Prep / BYU – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Practice Notes: A smooth, fluid wing with plus length and an NBA-caliber frame. Moves effortlessly and plays with natural rhythm. An explosive finisher who can play above the rim, while also showing the ability to knock down perimeter shots with clean mechanics. Possesses strong two-way tools, though continuing to add edge and consistent intensity will be key to maximizing his upside.
NBA Comparison: Rudy Gay
Christian Collins
6’8, 18, F – St. John Bosco / USC – Bellflower, CA
Practice Notes: A unique offensive talent with advanced passing ability and strong ball handling for his size. Creates effectively in isolation and flashes high-level shot-making potential. Delivered a standout baseline dime to Gaskins, highlighting his vision. Shooting mechanics remain inconsistent, as he tends to lean back on pull-ups with an unorthodox release, including at the line. Flashes are evident, but consistency remains the key.
NBA Comparison: Stephen Jackson
Jason Crowe Jr.
6’3, 17, G – Inglewood HS / Missouri – Inglewood, CA
Practice Notes: A highly skilled scoring guard with elite shooting ability. Left-handed with deep range and strong confidence as a shot maker. Plays with patience off the dribble, reads defenses well, and shows the ability to create for others. An underrated athlete who can impact both ends. Needs to continue adding strength. Also showed defensive activity, including a steal in full-court pressure.
NBA Comparison: Reed Sheppard
Caleb Gaskins
6’8, 17, F – Columbus HS / Miami – Miami, FL
Practice Notes: A physically developed forward with an NBA-ready frame. Showed improvement as a perimeter shooter compared to last year. Runs the floor hard, absorbs contact well, and thrives doing the dirty work. Active on the glass and effective finishing second-chance opportunities. Brings energy and physicality consistently.
NBA Comparison: Michael Finley
Caleb Holt
6’5, 18, G – Prolific Prep / Arizona – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Practice Notes: One of the more polished players in the group, combining a strong frame with a well-rounded skill set. Capable of running the point, facilitating for others, and knocking down perimeter shots with solid mechanics. Plays with patience and confidence, and is effective both on and off the ball. Finishes well around the basket and shows good overall feel.
NBA Comparison: Cason Wallace
Brandon McCoy Jr.
6’5, 18, G – Sierra Canyon / Michigan – Chatsworth, CA
Practice Notes: A solid all-around guard who moves the ball effectively and plays with toughness. Passing stood out, including a strong hit-ahead in transition. Shooting has improved but remains an area to monitor due to a slower release. Brings a competitive edge and does not back down, playing with an all-business approach. Has added strength and has the length to spend time at the three.
NBA Comparison: Troy Brown
Jordan Smith Jr.
6’2, 18, G – Paul VI Catholic / Arkansas – Fairfax, VA
Practice Notes: An explosive driver who uses his length well, particularly finishing above the rim. Attacks aggressively and plays with confidence, but the jumper remains the swing skill and continues to develop. One of the more polarizing prospects in the group due to questions about size and long-term shooting consistency. Off the floor, carries himself with maturity and professionalism.
NBA Comparison: Marcus Smart
Elijah Williams
6’6, 18, F – TMI Episcopal / Baylor – San Antonio, TX
Practice Notes: One of the more consistent performers in a complementary role. A versatile forward who contributes across the board and defends multiple positions. Knocked down a three in scrimmage and played within himself. A productive senior season reflects his steady impact and feel for the game.
NBA Comparison: Malachi Richardson
Tyran Stokes
6’7, 18, F – Rainier Beach HS – Seattle, WA
Practice Notes: An elite talent with advanced offensive versatility. Comfortable creating off the dribble, facilitating, and scoring at all three levels. Shows a smooth pull-up game with excellent shooting form from deep. Makes the game look easy with his pace and control. Delivered a clean alley-oop assist to Taylor. Slightly less explosive than Beasley but more polished from a skill standpoint.
NBA Comparison: Michael Beasley
Cameron Williams
6’11, 18, F – St. Mary’s / Duke – Phoenix, AZ
Practice Notes: A skilled big with shooting touch and passing feel, though he played somewhat tentatively during the week. Coming off a strong performance at the McDonald’s All-American Game, he was not as impactful in practices at Hoop Summit. He struggled to finish through contact and lacked assertiveness overall. Wore a wrap on his thumb, which may have impacted his performance. Needs to develop more confidence and aggression, particularly in creating his own offense.
NBA Comparison: Jabari Smith
Ethan Taylor
7’0, 18, C – Link Academy / Michigan State – Shawnee, KS
Practice Notes: A raw, developmental big with intriguing physical tools. Very long and athletic, but still working to refine his footwork and overall feel. Offensive skill set remains limited, and his jumper is a work in progress. High upside long term, but clearly a developmental prospect at this stage.
NBA Comparison: Dewayne Dedmon
Beckham Black
6’5, 17, G –Southeastern Prep – Duncanville, TX
Practice Notes: A smooth, poised guard with a strong base and physical style of play. Played with the Generals and stood out as the most talented prospect on that team, showing clear long-term NBA potential. Knocked down a tough contested three in scrimmage and consistently played with control and pace. Slightly shorter than his brother but uses his strength well and operates comfortably as a lead guard. Turned his ankle during the USA scrimmage and missed the second half, but still made a strong impression across his appearances.
NBA Comparison: Malcolm Brogdon
