Rising Stars of Peach Jam: From High School Phenoms to NBA Legends

Discover how the Nike Peach Jam has been a launching pad for basketball stars like Cooper Flagg and Trae Young, shaping their journey to the NBA.

For nearly three decades, the Nike Peach Jam has been the pinnacle of summer basketball, showcasing the future stars of the NBA. Held annually at the Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, South Carolina, this event has become a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike.

Cooper Flagg: A Phenomenal Journey

In 2023, Cooper Flagg made headlines at Peach Jam with his incredible performances. Playing for Maine United, Flagg posted staggering numbers: 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 blocks in one game, followed by 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 blocks the next day. His dominance led Maine United to the title game, where they narrowly lost to Cameron Boozer and NightRydas Elite. Flagg’s averages for the event were 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 6.9 blocks, and 5.7 assists, earning him the Gatorade National Player of the Year title. After reclassifying to the 2024 class, Flagg led his high school team to the Chipotle Nationals title and later dominated at Duke University. In 2025, he was the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Mavericks.

Jalen Green: The Athletic Prodigy

Jalen Green was another standout at Peach Jam. In 2019, he led Team Why Not (California) to the title game, averaging 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists. Known for his viral dunks, Green was the top high school prospect in the ESPN 100 for 2020. He was named high school player of the year during his senior season and was selected as the No. 2 pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA draft.

Cameron Boozer: The Triple Crown Winner

In 2024, Cameron Boozer made history by leading NightRydas Elite (Florida) to consecutive Peach Jam championships at the 15U, 16U, and 17U levels. Boozer’s performance in the title game was stellar, with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ranked No. 3 in the ESPN 100 for 2025, Boozer was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in his senior year.

Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr.: The Dynamic Duo

The 2016 Peach Jam saw the rise of Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr., who led Mokan Elite (Kansas) to an undefeated championship run. Young averaged 27 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, while Porter posted 26.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and three steals. Young, ranked No. 23 in the ESPN 100 for 2017, led the nation in points and assists as a freshman at Oklahoma before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Porter, ranked No. 2, was selected by the Denver Nuggets.

Jayson Tatum: The Versatile Scorer

Jayson Tatum was a force to be reckoned with in 2015, leading the St. Louis Eagles (Missouri) to the title game while averaging 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His versatility earned him the Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Tatum thrived at Duke before being drafted by the Boston Celtics.

Isaiah Briscoe: The Ballhandling Wizard

Isaiah Briscoe, nicknamed "Must-See TV", led the NJ Playaz to the Peach Jam title in 2014. His impressive averages of 19.2 points and five assists per game, along with his 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in the championship game, showcased his talent. Briscoe later played for Kentucky and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Julius Randle: The Dominant Forward

Julius Randle was a standout in 2012, leading the Texas Titans with averages of 23.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. His best game that week saw him score 31 points and grab 17 rebounds. Randle led Prestonwood Christian Academy (Texas) to a state title and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nike Peach Jam continues to be a breeding ground for future NBA stars, providing a platform for young talent to shine and make their mark on the basketball world.

What to Read Next

Tyrese Haliburton's Heartfelt Proposal to Jade Jones at Hilton Coliseum
NBA

Tyrese Haliburton's Heartfelt Proposal to Jade Jones at Hilton Coliseum

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton proposed to his longtime girlfriend Jade Jones at Hilton Coliseum, marking a romantic milestone in their relationship.

Nikola Jokic's Emotional Victory: From NBA Star to Horse Racing Enthusiast
NBA

Nikola Jokic's Emotional Victory: From NBA Star to Horse Racing Enthusiast

Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic celebrates passionately as his horse wins a race in Serbia, showcasing his deep love for horse racing.

2025 NBA Offseason: Key Decisions and Unresolved Storylines
NBA

2025 NBA Offseason: Key Decisions and Unresolved Storylines

Explore the major unresolved decisions and storylines of the 2025 NBA offseason, including Luka Doncic's potential extension and Kevin Durant's future.

SportsCenter's Epic 50-in-50 Journey: Week 5 Basketball Trivia Challenge
NBA

SportsCenter's Epic 50-in-50 Journey: Week 5 Basketball Trivia Challenge

Join SportsCenter's Week 5 quiz as they test your basketball knowledge across Ohio, Virginia, and more. Don't miss the fan poll on Ohio's best athlete!

NBA Rebuild Rankings 2025: Which Teams Are Closest to Championship Glory?
NBA

NBA Rebuild Rankings 2025: Which Teams Are Closest to Championship Glory?

Explore the latest NBA rebuild rankings for 2025, analyzing 14 teams' paths to championship contention and their strategies for success.

Top NBA Franchise Missteps: A Decade of Costly Decisions and Their Impact
NBA

Top NBA Franchise Missteps: A Decade of Costly Decisions and Their Impact

Explore the most detrimental decisions made by NBA teams over the past decade, ranked from least to most damaging, and their long-term effects on franchise success.

Chris Paul Returns to the LA Clippers: A Nostalgic Comeback in the NBA
NBA

Chris Paul Returns to the LA Clippers: A Nostalgic Comeback in the NBA

Explore Chris Paul's return to the LA Clippers, marking a significant moment in NBA history as stars often return to their roots.

2024 NBA Offseason Moves: A Comprehensive Review and Regrade of Key Trades and Signings
NBA

2024 NBA Offseason Moves: A Comprehensive Review and Regrade of Key Trades and Signings

An in-depth analysis of the 2024 NBA offseason, reviewing and regrading the most impactful trades and free agency moves that shaped the league.

Uncovering the Terry Rozier Betting Scandal: A Deep Dive into the 2023 NBA Suspicious Wagering Case
NBA

Uncovering the Terry Rozier Betting Scandal: A Deep Dive into the 2023 NBA Suspicious Wagering Case

Explore the intricate details of the 2023 NBA betting scandal involving Terry Rozier, including the suspicious wagers, federal investigation, and its impact on the league.

2025 NBA Summer League Highlights: Rising Stars and Veteran Standouts
NBA

2025 NBA Summer League Highlights: Rising Stars and Veteran Standouts

Explore the standout performances from the 2025 NBA Summer League, featuring top rookies like Cooper Flagg and impactful veterans making their mark.

Bradley Beal's Transition: From Phoenix Suns to LA Clippers - A Strategic NBA Move
NBA

Bradley Beal's Transition: From Phoenix Suns to LA Clippers - A Strategic NBA Move

Explore the strategic NBA transition of Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns to the LA Clippers, detailing the financial and tactical impacts of this major basketball move.

The Phoenix Suns' Superteam Experiment: A Costly Lesson in NBA Strategy
NBA

The Phoenix Suns' Superteam Experiment: A Costly Lesson in NBA Strategy

The Phoenix Suns' ambitious superteam with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker ended in disappointment, offering a cautionary tale for NBA franchises.

Navigating the NBA's Second Apron: Teams, Strategies, and Future Implications
NBA

Navigating the NBA's Second Apron: Teams, Strategies, and Future Implications

Explore how NBA teams navigate the second apron rules, their strategies for roster management, and the future implications of these financial constraints.

Dereck Lively II Undergoes Foot Surgery: Mavericks' Key Player Aims for Full Recovery by Training Camp
NBA

Dereck Lively II Undergoes Foot Surgery: Mavericks' Key Player Aims for Full Recovery by Training Camp

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II undergoes surgery for bone spurs, aiming for a full recovery by training camp.

2025 NBA Summer League: Rookie Stars Shine in Las Vegas Showcase
NBA

2025 NBA Summer League: Rookie Stars Shine in Las Vegas Showcase

The 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas showcased the top rookie talents, including standout performances from Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.