Nike Peach Jam: Top Prospects

The Nike EYBL Circuit wrapped up in mid-July with the 30th anniversary of Peach Jam in North Augusta, featuring many of the top high school prospects in the country. While some time has passed since the event, these evaluations are less about breaking news and more about taking a closer scouting look at the players who stood out. Having attended Peach Jam in person, we had an opportunity to evaluate many of the nation’s top prospects firsthand as they competed against elite competition. Better late than never, here are some of the players who caught our eye at one of grassroots basketball’s premier showcases.

17U Top Prospects

Cayden Daughtry – 6’1”, 170 PG – Florida Rebels

Daughtry turned in a transcendent Peach Jam performance, leading the Florida Rebels to a 7-1 record and the 17U championship while earning MVP honors. He was arguably the most impressive player at the event, leading Peach Jam in scoring at 32.3 points per game while shooting a remarkable 58.6% from the field, 48.8% from three and 91% from the free throw line. Daughtry consistently controlled games with his advanced ball handling, change of pace, deep shooting range and ability to create separation, while also averaging 6.1 assists against just two turnovers per game. He capped his dominant run with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists and only one turnover in the championship game. At 6-foot-1, his size remains the primary concern when projecting him to the NBA level, but his combination of skill, feel, toughness and competitiveness should allow him to remain a dominant player through the high school and college levels. The NBA will present a much greater physical challenge, but Daughtry has the intangibles and offensive skill to potentially overcome his size limitations in much the same way Jalen Brunson has.

Beckham Black – 6’4”, 180 PG – AB Elite (2027)

Black further cemented his status as arguably the top lead guard prospect in high school basketball during Peach Jam, averaging 24.2 points and 5.3 assists while earning First Team honors. A powerful and highly skilled playmaker, he consistently used his strength, advanced ball handling and change of pace to break down defenses and get into the paint. He also showcased excellent vision, passing instincts and a strong feel playing both on and off the ball. One of his signature performances came against Mean Streets, when he erupted for 37 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Although AB Elite fell short of the championship, Black further strengthened his standing as one of the premier prospects in the 2027 class.

Lewis Uvwo – 6’11”, 225 C – Nightrydas Elite (2027)

Uvwo established himself as the most intimidating interior defender at Peach Jam, using his tremendous length, explosiveness and timing to control the paint. He consistently erased mistakes around the rim and discouraged opponents from challenging him inside, earning First Team honors and Defensive MVP. His offensive game remains a work in progress, though he showed promise as an interior finisher and passer. Uvwo also comes across as notably mature and composed for a prospect at this stage, something that should serve him well during the evaluation and interview process. There may ultimately be some questions from evaluators surrounding his developmental timeline, but his physical tools and defensive impact are undeniable. Uvwo averaged 11 points, 9.4 rebounds and an incredible six blocks per game, highlighted by 10 points, nine rebounds and 10 blocks in a victory over Team Herro.

Dooney Johnson – 6’5”, 185 CG – Team Herro (2027)

Johnson emerged as one of Team Herro’s most versatile performers during its run to the Peach Jam semifinals. A strong, athletic combo guard with excellent size, he used his physicality to attack the paint, create off the dribble and contribute on the glass and defensively. Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists, highlighted by a 19-point, seven-rebound, four-assist performance against Jet Academy. He has the tools to develop into a jumbo lead guard, though improving his decision-making and assist-to-turnover ratio will be important as he progresses to the next level.

MJ Curry – 6’5”, 175 SG – Florida Rebels (2027)

Curry played a versatile complementary role while helping the Florida Rebels post a 7-1 record and win the 17U championship. A tall, athletic guard, he defended challenging perimeter assignments and used his length, physicality and energy to disrupt opposing scorers. Offensively, Curry excelled attacking closeouts, finishing in transition and making quick decisions without needing many touches. Though he only played the back half of the summer with the Rebels, his athleticism, defense and willingness to contribute in multiple areas proved valuable to Florida’s championship run.

Kager Knueppel – 6’10”, 225 PF/SF – Team Herro (2027)

Knueppel showcased an impressive blend of size, shooting and defensive versatility, averaging 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, three assists and 1.4 blocks. The 6-foot-10 forward spaced the floor with a quick release while making smart passes and taking on challenging defensive assignments. His standout performance came in the semifinal against Florida, when he scored 24 points with eight rebounds and five blocks while making eight three-pointers. Becoming a more consistent interior scorer and continuing his physical development would further enhance his offensive effectiveness.

Ahmad Hudson – 6’7”, 245 F/C – JL3 Elite (2027)

Hudson was one of the most physically dominant frontcourt players at Peach Jam, using his strength, athleticism and relentless energy to control the paint. The LSU commit consistently established deep position, finished through contact, attacked the offensive glass and provided a strong defensive presence. His most impressive performance came against Drive Nation, when he recorded 22 points and 20 rebounds. Hudson led the 17U division in rebounding at 12.6 per game. Continued development as a perimeter shooter and face-up creator would add another dimension to his offensive game.

AJ Williams – 6’8”, 200 SF – Team CP3 (2028)

Williams excelled at Peach Jam, further showcasing why he’s regarded as one of the top rising juniors in the country. He averaged 23 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks, earning Underclass MVP and First Team honors. A fluid and versatile wing, Williams utilized his size and athleticism to score at the rim, create off the dribble, rebound and defend multiple positions. His standout performances included 32 points against Team WhyNot and 31 points with 12 rebounds against the Florida Rebels.

Oneal Delancy – 6’3”, 179 CG – Florida Rebels (2027)

Delancy provided the Florida Rebels with an aggressive scoring option during their run to the 17U championship. A competitive three-level scorer, he utilized his strength, quickness and shot-making ability to create offense on and off the ball. Delancy was particularly effective pulling up off the dribble, attacking closeouts and finishing through contact. His production and toughness earned him First Team All-Peach Jam honors. Improving his shot selection and consistency as a playmaker will help the Houston commit become a more complete offensive weapon.

Elijah Paez – 6’6” SF – Drive Nation (2027)

Paez was one of the more versatile two-way players at Peach Jam, helping Drive Nation reach the 17U championship game despite limited depth. A physical, high-motor wing, he impacted games with his rebounding, defensive versatility, perimeter shooting and finishing ability. Paez averaged 14.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks, earning First Team All-Peach Jam honors. Continued development as an off-the-dribble creator would further enhance his offensive value.

16U Top Prospects

Carter Smith – 6’5” CG – Team Final (2028)

Smith played a major role in Team Final’s undefeated EYBL season and 16U Peach Jam championship, earning MVP honors. A versatile two-way guard, he used his size, athleticism and basketball IQ to contribute as a scorer, facilitator, rebounder and defender. In the championship game, Smith finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals. He averaged 15.1 points, five rebounds and 2.9 assists for the event.

JJ Crawford – 6’3” CG – NW Rotary Rebels (2029)

Crawford solidified his standing as one of the top players in the 2029 class while competing against older players in the 16U division. A polished and confident scoring guard, he demonstrated advanced shot creation, a smooth perimeter jumper and impressive patience with the ball. Crawford averaged 16.5 points while shooting 54.2% from three, highlighted by a 26-point performance on 10-of-14 shooting. His efficient production against older competition earned him Underclass MVP honors.

Brady Pettigrew – 6’3” CG – Brad Beal Elite (2028)

Pettigrew was one of the standout scorers at Peach Jam, averaging 23.6 points and five rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field and 46.2% from three. A confident and physical guard, he consistently created separation, attacked the basket and converted difficult shots from multiple levels. Pettigrew closed the event with 26- and 32-point performances, earning Offensive MVP and First Team All-Peach Jam honors. Continued development as a facilitator would make him an even more complete lead guard.

Rowan Phillips – 6’6”, 185 CG – Team Final (2028)

Phillips was Team Final’s leading scorer during its undefeated run to the 16U championship, earning First Team honors. A tall, smooth guard, he used his size and versatile scoring ability to attack the basket, create in the mid-range and knock down perimeter shots. Phillips averaged 16.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. Continued development as a playmaker and defender would further enhance his overall profile.

Benji Berrouet – 6’8”, 240 PF – AB Elite (2028)

Berrouet was one of the most physically dominant players at Peach Jam, averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. A powerful, high-energy forward, he consistently overwhelmed opponents around the basket, controlled the glass and provided high-level rim protection, earning Defensive MVP honors. Berrouet also showed the agility and touch to face up, attack and finish explosively in transition. Improving his perimeter shooting consistency would make him an even more versatile offensive threat.

Peter Julius – 6’9” C – Georgia Stars (2028)

Julius established himself as one of the more effective interior players at Peach Jam with his physicality, work ethic and relentless activity on the glass. The strong, agile center consistently created second-chance opportunities, finished through contact and protected the rim. Against Brad Beal Elite, Julius recorded 21 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks before adding 22 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks against Nightrydas. Expanding his face-up game would further enhance his offensive potential.

JJ Sati Grier – 6’0” PG – Team WhyNot (2028)

Sati-Grier delivered one of the most memorable individual performances at Peach Jam, erupting for 39 points, six steals, five rebounds and four assists on 14-of-21 shooting. A quick and creative lead guard, he used changes of pace, advanced ball handling and body control to break down defenders and reach his preferred scoring spots. He also applied strong ball pressure defensively, creating transition opportunities. Greater consistency with his decision-making and efficiency will help him maximize his potential.

Bentley Lusakueno – 6’9” PF – Team CP3 (2028)

Lusakueno showcased his versatile two-way potential while helping Team CP3 reach the 16U championship game and earning Second Team All-Tournament honors. A skilled forward with impressive size, he stretched the floor, attacked from the perimeter, finished above the rim and protected the basket. In a victory over AB Elite, Lusakueno recorded 21 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. His combination of ball skills, shooting touch, athleticism and defensive potential makes him one of the more intriguing forwards in his class.

Jesiah Buchanan – 6’4” SF – MOKAN Elite (2028)

Buchanan provided MOKAN Elite with physicality, defensive versatility and efficient scoring, earning Breakout MVP honors. An athletic wing, he attacked the basket aggressively, finished through contact, rebounded against bigger players and defended multiple positions. Buchanan averaged 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists, highlighted by an efficient 20-point, eight-rebound performance on 8-of-10 shooting. Improving his perimeter shot and expanding his off-the-dribble creation would make him a more complete offensive threat.

15U Top Prospects

David Moudouyi – 6’9” F/C – NJ Scholars (2030)

Moudouyi emerged as one of the most intriguing young prospects at Peach Jam while competing against older players. He led the event in rebounding, averaging 15.8 per game over five contests and recording at least 19 rebounds three times. His standout performance came against the PSA Cardinals, when he finished with 25 points and 21 rebounds.

William Conroy Jr. – PG – PG Elite (2029)

Conroy established himself as one of the most explosive offensive guards at Peach Jam, leading the 15U division in scoring at 32.4 points per game. He consistently leveraged his quickness, ball handling, changes of pace and confident perimeter shooting to create scoring opportunities. His standout performance came against Team Takeover, when he finished with 38 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists on just 19 shots.

Roman Henry – 6’4” SG – MOKAN Elite (2029)

Henry played a key role in MOKAN Elite’s undefeated run to the 15U Peach Jam championship. He displayed composure and efficiency as a scorer, averaging 16.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field and 44% from three. Henry scored 25 points in the semifinals before leading the team with 16 points and hitting 3-of-4 from three in the championship game. His size, shooting ability and performance in key moments established him as one of the top guards at the event.

Marquice Pless – 6’4” Wing – Arizona Unity (2029)

Pless contributed physicality, athleticism and two-way versatility during Arizona Unity’s run to the 15U championship game. He aggressively attacked the basket, finished through contact, competed on the glass and defended multiple positions. Pless opened Peach Jam with an impressive 20-point performance and consistently made key plays throughout the tournament, serving as an anchor for the eventual runner-up.

Austin Leonard – 6’5” Wing – Jet Academy (2029)

Leonard showcased impressive physical tools and scoring versatility throughout the EYBL season. A strong and athletic wing, he created matchup problems with his ability to attack the basket, finish through contact and utilize his size around the rim. His best performance at Peach Jam came against JL3, when he finished with 23 points and eight rebounds on 13 shots. After a standout summer, Leonard strengthened his standing as one of the top prospects in the 2029 class.