Nike Hoop Summit 2015: Date, Rosters, Event Schedule, and Preview
The top high school players from around the world will all be on the same stage at the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit.
While events like the McDonald's All-American Game are loaded with talent from across the country, this showcase also features international talent that plays both inside and outside the United States. This not only provides an early look at future college basketball stars, but also NBA stars.
No matter who wins the matchup, scouts will get a great look at plenty of elite players throughout the game. For those following along at home, here is a look at everything you need to know about the event.
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What: Nike Hoop Summit
Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
When: Saturday, April 11
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: WatchESPN
| Isaiah Briscoe | G | 6-3 | Roselle Catholic / Kentucky |
| Jaylen Brown | F | 6-6 | Wheeler H.S. |
| Jalen Brunson | G | 6-1 | Adlai E. Stevenson H.S. / Villanova |
| Henry Ellenson | F/C | 6-9 | Rice Lake H.S. / Marquette |
| Brandon Ingram | F | 6-9 | Kinston H.S. |
| Chase Jeter | F | 6-8 | Bishop Gorman H.S. / Duke |
| Luke Kennard | F | 6-5 | Franklin H.S. / Duke |
| Malik Newman | G | 6-4 | Callaway H.S |
| Ivan Rabb | F | 6-8 | Bishop O'Dowd H.S. |
| Caleb Swanigan | C | 6-9 | Homestead H.S. |
| Allonzo Trier | G | 6-3 | Findlay Prep / Arizona |
| Stephen Zimmerman | C | 7-0 | Bishop Gorman H.S. |
Top USA Players to Watch
Jaylen Brown (Undecided)
If you want your team to win, putting Jaylen Brown on the roster is a good way to do it.
The wing does just about everything to help his team and seems to fill up every position on the court. T.J. Walker of Rivals.com had a similar sentiment watching him recently:
Brown is a quality scorer with the quickness and athleticism to get into the lane and finish at the rim with consistency. Meanwhile, he also has enough awareness to create for others on his team. Add in the ability to rebound and play defense, and he is almost a perfect prospect.
While there will be plenty of other talented players on the floor, Brown should be the top performer on the United States team.
Malik Newman (Undecided)
This game will be big for Malik Newman, who will want to prove that his performance at the McDonald's All-American Game was a fluke. The guard had one of the worst showings in the field with just one point on 0-of-7 shooting.
With teammates Brandon Ingram and Allonzo Trier showcasing much more versatility as scorers, Newman doesn't want to be passed on any rankings list.
At the same time, he admitted how important it will be for him to win this game for his country, via USA Today:
"I look at (these events) in the same way as USA (Basketball). With that being such a high honor, you don’t want to let your country down. This is the same thing. … I have to come out with the mental aspect of getting the job done and representing my city and my state by going out there and playing.
"
If he plays to his ability, this shouldn't be a problem. Newman is an excellent scorer who knows how to make big shots no matter who is defending him.
| Nedim Buza | F | 6-8 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | KK Spars Sarajevo |
| Cheick Diallo | F | 6-9 | Mali | Our Savior New American H.S., NY |
| Skal Labissiere | F/C | 6-11 | Haiti | RYD Prep, TN/Kentucky |
| Thon Maker | F | 7-0 | Australia | Orangeville Prep, Ontario |
| Jamal Murray | G | 6-5 | Canada | Orangeville Prep, Ontario |
| Federico Mussini | G | 6-3 | Italy | Reggio Emilia |
| George de Paula | G | 6-3 | Brasil | Pinheiros |
| Stefan Peno | G | 6-5 | Serbia | FC Barcelona |
| Zhou Qi | F/C | 7-2 | China | Xinjiang Flying Tigers |
| Ben Simmons | F | 6-9 | Australia | Montverde Academy, FL/LSU |
| Tai Wynyard | C | 6-10 | New Zeland | Rangitoto College/Kentucky |
Top World Players to Watch
Ben Simmons (LSU)
According to 247Sports, Ben Simmons is the No. 1 player in the 2015 class, and he has done nothing to remove that distinction recently.
Despite measuring in at 6'10", the future LSU star almost plays like a point guard with the handle and vision necessary to be a floor general on offense. He has a great feel for the game and always seems to make the right play with the ball.
ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted the skill set:
Of course, Simmons can still create for himself and finish well above the rim when you give him a chance. He isn't much of a shooter, but he can get into the lane and score with plenty of consistency when he has an opening.
The Australian should have a chance to show off all of these abilities at the upcoming exhibition.
Skal Labissiere (Kentucky)
Once again, Kentucky is loading up with elite future NBA stars. One that fans might not know much about yet is center Skal Labissiere.
The Haitian player has great athleticism and could immediately become the Wildcats' next great shot-blocker in the post. Amazingly, his stock is still rising as he impressed scouts during this event's practices, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress:
DraftExpress also recently put him at the top of their latest 2016 NBA mock draft, although it is still a bit too early to think about that.
In the meantime, Labissiere will go on dominating players his own age and should be one of the more intriguing players to watch at this showcase.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.
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