The World Choose Group pushed Group USA to additional time in an exhilarating 124–117 contest on the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit. Whereas they in the end fell quick, a number of worldwide prospects boosted their inventory with sturdy performances and spotlight moments. Tounde Yessoufou, Tajh Ariza and Bogoljub Markovic led the way in which with bodily scoring and rebounding, whereas guards like Dame Sarr and Ikenna Alozie had flashes of brilliance. Many scouts had predicted a blowout in favor of the USA, however the World Group got here prepared, with glorious teaching, competing with grit, athleticism, and talent. The Nike Hoop Summit carries extra weight than different highschool showcases just like the McDonald’s All-American Recreation or Jordan Model Traditional, because it pits nationwide pleasure on the road in a real USA vs. World battle — with actual schemes, staff bonding, and aggressive stakes. Under is a full breakdown of every World Group participant with notes from practices and the April twelfth sport.
Tounde Yessoufou
6-5.25 216 | SF/SG | Benin | Wingspan: 6-8.5
Observe and basic:
The World Group’s most bodily imposing perimeter participant. Yessoufou brings an NFL-linebacker construct, elite defensive power, and relentless effort to each rep. His versatility on the defensive finish stood out in drills, as he comfortably switched throughout three positions, closed out with self-discipline, and offered vocal management. A robust character particular person, he competes with mature focus and physicality that recommend expertise past his listed age. Offensively, he appeared extra polished than anticipated, particularly in his capturing mechanics and decision-making in halfcourt units. The pull-up jumper has clearly improved, and he continues to evolve right into a extra full offensive menace. Yessoufou not too long ago set the all-time California highschool scoring file at St. Joseph, with 3,467 profession factors. Gained’t be confused for some extent guard however has the dimensions and size to thrive as an undersized wing.
Recreation notes:
Shined as one of many World Group’s greatest long-term prospects. Completed with 24 factors (9-19 FG, 2-5 3PT, 4-6 FT), 3 assists, and a couple of steals in 29 minutes. His capability to attain in any respect three ranges and provoke offensive circulate has taken an actual leap. Confirmed superior self-creation with a number of assured pull-up jumpers — a shot that’s quick changing into an actual weapon in his arsenal. Hit a good looking mid-range fade, slashed aggressively to the rim, and transformed in visitors. Delivered the sport’s most electrical second with a coast-to-coast layup on the buzzer to ship the sport to additional time. Robust, environment friendly, and productive — a serious inventory booster.
Tajh Ariza
6-8.25 196 | Japan | Wingspan: unknown
Observe and basic:
Probably the most explosive athletes on both staff. Representing Japan, Ariza persistently made his presence felt together with his power, vertical pop, and defensive motor. He threw down a number of jaw-dropping dunks throughout drills and scrimmages, and his bodily instruments bounce off the web page. Lively fingers and an extended body make him a menace on protection, continuously tipping passes and disrupting opposing guards. Performs with a excessive motor and competes on each possession. Physique sort, effort, and defensive instincts remind scouts of a younger Tari Eason. He was arguably one of the best perimeter defender on the World squad and introduced a contagious stage of hustle. Wingspan formally measured at 6’9.75″, although it seems nearer to 7′ and has been recorded as such at different occasions.
Recreation notes:
Delivered 11 factors (4-10 FG), 2 steals, a block, and three turnovers in 12 high-energy minutes. Persistently attacked the rim and blew previous defenders with lengthy, explosive strides. Spotlight second got here on a lightning-quick baseline drive and up-and-under end. Additionally made a improbable block on a Boozer layup try, although was controversially whistled for a foul. Brings a disruptive defensive presence and has the instruments to protect a number of positions. Performed with nice power and flashed actual upside as a transition weapon and defensive specialist.
Dame Sarr
6-7.5 189 | Italy | Wingspan: 6-11.75
Observe and basic:
One of many extra intriguing wings on the World staff. Strong instruments with flashes of creativity. Has a 7-foot wingspan and is studying harness his bodily presents. Deal with has improved and he’s changing into extra assured creating within the half court docket. Lengthy launch on his jumper however the mechanics have clearly improved. Bodily resembles a younger Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although he lacks the identical shiftiness and downhill pop. Rumored to be headed to Illinois. Performed with improved focus and energy all through the week.
Recreation notes:
One of many World staff’s standouts. Performed 25 minutes and scored 17 factors (5-9 FG, 1-2 3PT, 6-6 FT) in an environment friendly outing. Confirmed superior shot-making with a clean catch-and-shoot three from NBA vary and a sophisticated pull-up jumper off the glass. Displayed the flexibility to create for himself and performed throughout the circulate of the offense. Additionally used his size effectively defensively and performed unselfishly. Did miss a late dunk in visitors, however general appeared like a assured scorer with sturdy upside on each ends.
Ikenna Alozie
6-1 194 | Nigeria | Wingspan: 6-6
Observe and basic:
Although quick for a guard at 6’1″, Alozie performs a lot larger because of his energy, toughness, and elite athleticism. Measured with a powerful 6’6” wingspan and was a standout in scrimmage classes together with his motor and depth. Explosive within the open flooring and confirmed strong capturing contact in warmups. Brings a fearless, bodily method and persistently performs with power.
Recreation notes:
Completed with 9 factors (2-9 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and three steals in 31 minutes. Threw down a crowd-pleasing breakaway dunk off a steal and introduced nonstop defensive exercise. Exploded off two toes with energy, making performs on each ends. Struggled at instances with shot choice (0-3 3PT) and had 4 turnovers, however his bodily instruments and energy stood out all through.
Kiyan Anthony
6-6 180 | Puerto Rico | Wingspan: 6-8
Observe and basic:
Appeared fluid and athletic in warmups with a clean capturing stroke. Legit 6’6” with strong size, however nonetheless fairly lean — questions stay about whether or not he can add the required energy. Flashed bounce and clear mechanics, although he struggled to make an influence throughout scrimmage play. Choice-making and shot choice are nonetheless creating, however his energy, toughness and dedication have proven noticeable enchancment. Together with his high-profile father — legendary NBA ahead Carmelo Anthony — watching carefully, all eyes had been on Kiyan all through the week.
Recreation notes:
Logged 9 minutes and scored 1 level (0-3 FG, 1-2 FT), including 2 assists. Had a troublesome time discovering rhythm offensively however confirmed poise and made a few good reads. His jumper appeared technically sound, even when the outcomes weren’t there. A quiet efficiency, however flashes of offensive really feel and progress are evident.
Bogoljub Markovic
6-11 216 | Serbia | Wingspan: 6-11
Observe and basic:
Impressed all through the week together with his mixture of dimension, contact, and capturing vary. Was a vivid spot on the 2024 Eurocamp and introduced the identical power and swagger to Portland. Performs with a little bit of aptitude — enjoys the second and isn’t afraid to point out emotion. Has professional perimeter talent for a participant his dimension, with a clean launch and luxury stepping out past the arc. Has good leg energy however remains to be in want of including extra upper-body muscle to deal with physicality at greater ranges. Sturdy persona and vocal in drills — carries a little bit of a “class clown” vibe that saved teammates free.
Recreation notes:
One of many World Group’s most efficient and environment friendly performers. Completed with 16 factors (6-7 FG, 3-4 3PT), 10 rebounds, and a couple of assists in 25 minutes. Doesn’t want a lot time to create rhythm on his shot — gathers rapidly and will get right into a clear, excessive launch with accuracy. Showcased his vary with confidence, pulling down threes off clean footwork. Additionally threw down an explosive two-hand dunk in transition. With a wingspan equal to his top, he nonetheless performs tall as a result of timing and contact. Created matchup issues together with his flooring spacing and exercise on the glass. A transparent inventory booster from the occasion.
David Mirkovic
6-8 255 | Montenegro | Wingspan: 6-11
Observe and basic:
Late addition to the roster, changing Michael Ruzic, and introduced a powerful, bodily mature presence. Not essentially the most fluid or explosive athlete, however performs inside himself and understands his function. Confirmed strong fingers and first rate contact in drills, although he didn’t significantly stand out in a follow setting. Tasks extra as a high-level school contributor than a long-term NBA prospect. Mature bodily and mentally — centered and coachable with a no-nonsense method.
Recreation notes:
Turned in a really strong 15-minute efficiency, ending with 8 factors (3-5 FG), 3 rebounds, a block, and a steal. Transformed a post-up alternative with comfortable contact and shed a defender to complete inside. Seemed extra snug in-game than in drills, profiting from his minutes. Scored off effort performs and confirmed composure across the rim. Whereas he might not have NBA athletic instruments, he was efficient, environment friendly, and dependable in his function — a participant whose influence is felt extra in structured, team-oriented environments.
Jaion Pitt
6-6 227 | Canada | Wingspan: 7-0
Observe and basic:
Possesses a powerful, well-built body with an enormous 7-foot wingspan that stands out instantly. Exhibits a bodily type of play and embraces contact, however lacks quick-twitch athleticism and vertical pop. Moved effectively in drills however didn’t separate himself from the pack throughout scrimmage settings. Nonetheless determining persistently influence the sport at each ends. Has the bodily instruments however wants to enhance mobility and talent stage to match.
Recreation notes:
Went scoreless in quarter-hour (0-2 FG), grabbing 3 rebounds however struggling to make a sustained influence. Picked up 4 fouls and had bother defending with out getting whistled. Flashed effort, however the lack of top-end explosiveness restricted his capability to complete or contest at a excessive stage. Nonetheless has potential, however appeared extra like a long-term challenge than an instantaneous contributor.
Omer Mayer
6-3.5 215 | Israel | Wingspan: 6-6
Observe and basic:
Possesses a sturdy, compact body and spectacular ball-handling capability. Confirmed consolation working the offense and displayed sturdy instincts as a facilitator. Artful in pick-and-roll conditions and reads the ground effectively. Although not a high-level athlete, Mayer is extremely expert and poised with the ball. Lacks elite quickness and vertical pop, however compensates with savvy and management. Doesn’t overwhelm bodily however performs with maturity and confidence in a lead guard function.
Recreation notes:
Went scoreless in 19 minutes (0-3 FG), however made a powerful influence as a distributor with a game-high 7 assists. Operated calmly in half-court units, particularly out of pick-and-rolls, the place he persistently made the best reads. Confirmed nice timing on passes and arrange teammates cleanly. First rate dimension for the NBA lead guard mildew — his IQ, toughness, and playmaking capability are clear. One of many steadiest decision-makers on both staff. Should develop higher scoring capability.
Boyuan Zhang
6-8 208 | China | Wingspan: 6-10
Observe and basic:
Polished lefty with a clean capturing stroke and excessive basketball IQ. Performed inside himself throughout practices and confirmed sturdy decision-making below strain. Demonstrated good imaginative and prescient and timing, significantly when making reads in opposition to defensive strain. Not flashy, however efficient — not often pressured the problem. Strikes effectively off the ball and has a composed, affected person method. Confirmed that he understands spacing and get to his spots while not having excessive utilization.
Recreation notes:
Made a powerful impression in restricted minutes, scoring 6 factors (2-3 FG) in simply 7 minutes. Hit a assured midrange jumper and threw down a breakaway dunk in transition. Additionally made a sensible cross to interrupt USA’s press, exhibiting poise below strain. Confirmed the sort of environment friendly, team-first play that coaches worth — a strong efficiency from a low-usage, high-IQ prospect.
Eric Reibe
6-11.75 247 | Germany | Wingspan: 7-1
Observe and basic:
UConn commit with a powerful body, spectacular dimension, and a clean lefty contact. Confirmed glimpses of floor-spacing potential with comfortable mechanics from midrange and past. Nonetheless creating mobility and steadiness — typical of younger bigs nonetheless rising into their our bodies — however moved higher than anticipated in sport than in drills. Quiet demeanor however centered and coachable. Flashed the flexibility to catch in visitors, seal, and end. Excessive ceiling if his physique, mobility and footwork proceed to progress.
Recreation notes:
A gradual presence inside for the World Group, ending with 11 factors (5-7 FG), 8 rebounds, and simply 1 turnover in 25 minutes. Completed effectively across the rim, confirmed endurance within the paint, and transformed a putback off the glass. Didn’t pressure something — let the sport come to him and performed throughout the system. Poised and productive outing from one of many staff’s true 5s. Loads of upside if the capturing vary and mobility maintain bettering.
Shon Abaev
6-6 | Israel | Wingspan: Unknown
Observe and basic:
Late addition to the roster, changing injured Sprint Daniels. Lefty wing with bounce and a assured, unorthodox offensive type. Possesses a clean capturing contact regardless of unconventional mechanics and brings seen swagger to the ground. Excessive-energy participant who competes on each ends and isn’t afraid to take robust photographs. Moved effectively with out the ball and confirmed a pure really feel for stepping into scoring spots. Performs with edge and enthusiasm, standing out together with his aggressive fireplace in a brief window.
Recreation notes:
Made essentially the most of restricted minutes, scoring 11 factors (4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT) in simply 7 minutes. Highlighted his efficiency with a four-point play — drilling a deep three over McKenney and changing the free throw. Lively off the ball, discovered slicing lanes, and didn’t hesitate to fireplace when open. A spark plug who introduced on the spot offense and confidence off the bench. Confirmed sufficient to intrigue scouts as a artful scorer with persona and fearlessness.
