For almost three decades, the Nike Peach Jam has stood out as a premier summer basketball event, drawing elite young talent to the Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, South Carolina, every July. This year`s tournament continues to feature numerous players highly ranked in ESPN`s recruiting lists. Below is a selection of star athletes who first showcased their potential at Peach Jam.
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
In 2023, Cooper Flagg delivered an exceptional performance at Peach Jam, marked by impressive dunks and blocks. Playing for Maine United, he recorded astounding stats, including 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 blocks, followed by 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 blocks the next day. He led Maine United to the championship game, where they narrowly lost to Cameron Boozer`s NightRydas Elite. Flagg`s tournament averages were 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 6.9 blocks, and 5.7 assists. A month later, he reclassified to the 2024 class. He earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, guided his high school team to the Chipotle Nationals title as a senior, and then excelled at Duke before being the top pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft.
Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
In 2019, Jalen Green propelled Team Why Not (California) to the Peach Jam championship game, averaging 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists. As the top high school prospect in ESPN`s 2020 Top 100, Green displayed his full athletic prowess with numerous highlight-reel dunks throughout the week. He was named high school player of the year in his senior season and was subsequently drafted second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA draft.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
In 2024, Cameron Boozer played a pivotal role in NightRydas Elite (Florida) making history as the first grassroots team to win consecutive Peach Jam championships across the 15U, 16U, and 17U levels, triumphing over the Oakland Soldiers (California) with a 71-62 score. Boozer dominated the event, concluding his week with 19 points (on 7-of-8 shooting), 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the final game. Ranked third in ESPN`s 2025 Top 100, Boozer was recognized as the Gatorade National Player of the Year during his senior year.
Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr., Atlanta Hawks/Brooklyn Nets
It`s hard to imagine a more impactful Peach Jam duo than Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr., both of whom delivered spectacular performances in the 2016 tournament. This pair led Mokan Elite (Kansas) to an undefeated and dominant run. Young averaged 27 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, while Porter contributed 26.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and three steals. Young, ranked 23rd in ESPN`s 2017 Top 100, led the nation in points and assists as a freshman at Oklahoma before being drafted fifth by the Dallas Mavericks and immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. Porter, ranked second in the same class, was selected 14th by the Denver Nuggets in the same draft.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
In 2015, Jayson Tatum presented a formidable three-level scoring threat, guiding the St. Louis Eagles (Missouri) to the championship game with averages of 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His exceptional blend of size and skill turned him into a highlight machine. He led Chaminade College Prep (Missouri) to its second consecutive state title and earned the Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Tatum excelled at Duke, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks before being chosen third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 draft.
Isaiah Briscoe, former NBA guard
Isaiah Briscoe, famously known as `Must-See TV,` led the NJ Playaz to the Peach Jam title in 2014. His remarkable speed, quickness, and incredible ball-handling made him virtually indefensible. Ranked 13th in ESPN`s 2015 Top 100, Briscoe averaged 19.2 points and five assists at Peach Jam, notably putting up 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in the championship game. He led Roselle Catholic School (New Jersey) to a state title before having a successful two-year tenure at Kentucky and later signing with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
In 2012, Julius Randle, ranked third in ESPN`s 2013 Top 100, spearheaded the Texas Titans, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 23.5 points and 12.5 rebounds, with his best game featuring 31 points and 17 rebounds. As a senior, Randle led Prestonwood Christian Academy (Texas) to a state title, averaging an astounding 32.5 points and 22.5 rebounds. He then shined as a freshman at Kentucky, guiding the Wildcats to the Final Four before being drafted seventh by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 draft.
