Biggest Takeaways from 2015 Nike Hoop Summit

On Saturday, the World Team beat USA, 103-101, in Portland at the 2015 Nike Hoop Summit, which was a lot more competitive than last year's game. 

This was far different from the McDonald's All-American event. The intensity was on another level in a contest that went right down to the final possession. 

And more than 100 NBA scouts were expected to be in attendance. There were loads of talent and future lottery picks to evaluate, and many of the highly touted kids delivered.

We've seen a number of prospects over the years use the Nike Hoop Summit to move the needle for themselves in the draft conversation. And this year was likely no different.

Canadian Guard Jamal Murray Is on the Rise

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Jamal Murray was easily the top performer at this year's event, dropping 30 points and five assists to earn game MVP.

The fact that he's only a junior in high school is pretty scary. Murray, a 6'5", 204-pound combo guard, absolutely lit up USA. 

Though capable of playing on or off the ball, he's clearly a lot more threatening when it's in his hands. 

He got to the rack at will, with the ability to change speed and direction, as well as finish over length inside. He even knocked down three triples, including one from behind the NBA arc. 

Murray actually participated in the Summit last year, when he finished with 10 points and five assists. 

"A year now of training. I'm definitely stronger, but I know what it's about from last year, what they like to do and what to look forward to. I'm ready," Murray told OregonLive.com's Andrew Nemec before Saturday's game.

Murray hasn't decided whether to reclassify and go to college in 2015-16 or remain in prep school for another year. 

Either way, there is no question who the next Canadian stud prospect is. Murray was the clear-cut winner from this year's Summit.

Ben Simmons' Versatility Continues to Open Eyes

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After winning his third straight national high school championship with Montverde Academy, LSU-bound Ben Simmons (Australia) carried that momentum straight into the Nike Hoop Summit. 

He nearly triple-doubled with 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, showcasing the versatility that drives his No. 1-overall-pick upside. 

Simmons, 6'9", played a lot of point guard for the World Team. He brought the ball up the floor and facilitated in the half court, where he threw a number of next-level passes, as well as a few simple yet effective ones that led to shots in rhythm.

He also flashed his spectacular open-floor ability. On one play, Simmons took a defensive rebound coast to coast through traffic in only four dribbles. On another play, he dished a pretty no-look behind-the-back pass to Skal Labissiere for a bucket on the break. 

Though Simmons' perimeter-scoring skills need work, you just won't find many bigs his size who have his type of vision, handle and control. He'll be an immediate impact player at LSU and a top-five lock in 2016.

Kentucky-Bound Big Man Skal Labissiere Has No. 1-Overall Upside

After a quiet start, Kentucky-bound big man Skal Labissiere (Haiti) exploded in the second half of the Summit. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds and six blocks, flashing the upside likely to generate No. 1-overall buzz. 

At 6'11", Labissiere, who's mostly known for his rim protection, altered and ultimately erased a number of shots inside. 

His nine field goals weren't just easy dunks, either. Labissiere finished a bunch of plays in the paint, with a few coming after contact. And he showcased some touch on his jump hook and mid-range jumper—one of which was a beautiful turnaround baseline fallaway. 

At 216 pounds, Labissiere will clearly need to bulk up, as well as continue refining his low-post repertoire. But with Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Trey Lyles all off to the pros, Labissiere should have plenty of opportunities to do so in Kentucky's offense next season.

He's not as ready as Ben Simmons, but his two-way upside is through the roof.

Brandon Ingram Continues to Strengthen His NBA Case

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Though Ben Simmons, Skal Labissiere and Jaylen Brown lead the 2016 draft conversation, Brandon Ingram continues to make a name for himself.

He followed up his 15-point performance in the McDonald's All-American Game with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting at the Summit.  

At 6'9", Ingram's size and ball skills for a wing fuel some eye-opening mismatch potential. 

A few of the buckets he scored at the Summit were impressive. Ingram hit a baseline jumper and a mid-range turnaround jumper before finishing a tough drive from behind the arc.  

At 196 pounds, he's ridiculously skinny, but with that 7'3" wingspan and face-up scoring ability, Ingram's offensive potential is enormous. If he can add some bulk to his upper and lower body, don't be surprised to see Ingram emerge as a top-five-overall candidate next season. 

He's currently considering North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina State and UCLA, according to ESPN.

Pump the Breaks on Thon Maker's Star Comparisons

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As a 7-footer who can face up and score from 25 feet away, Thon Maker has been drawing comparisons to stars like Kevin Durant and Kevin Garnett for years. And that needs to stop.

Maker (18 years old), who hasn't decided whether to attend college, play a fifth year in prep school or head overseas for a season, finished 0-of-5 from the floor at the Nike Hoop Summit. He had a number of shots blocked and drastically altered around the basket, where his skinny 218-pound frame did not absorb contact well. 

Though highly skilled, Maker clearly needs to develop his body, as well as his ability to finish in the post, something he doesn't often do. 

I'd think twice before labeling Maker one of the game's next can't-miss prospects. He has a lot to prove over the next two years.

The 2015 Draft-Eligible International Prospects Weren't Overly Impressive

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Though a handful of international prospects impressed at this year's event, none of them will be eligible for the 2015 draft. 

Brazil's George de Paula played only 12 minutes and rarely touched the ball. He finished 1-of-2 shooting with a made three and an air ball. 

Bosnia's Nedim Buza scored six points on two made threes, but he only got 13 minutes and didn't look overly comfortable handling the ball in traffic. 

China's Zhou Qi played 12 minutes, and though he redirected a couple of shots defensively with his 7'6.5" wingspan, he also fumbled two passes and failed to record a field goal. 

We usually see at least one international prospect find his way into the late first round, but it's tough to picture anyone from this year's Summit worth reaching for in June.

There Won't Be a Clear-Cut No. 1-Overall-Pick Favorite Heading into 2016 Season

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Australia's Ben Simmons looked fantastic. Haiti's Skal Labissiere flashed his monster NBA ceiling. USA's Jaylen Brown had a quiet showing, but scouts are still well aware of his potential.

However, if you asked scouts who the No. 1 overall favorite should be heading into the 2015-16 college basketball season, you might get three different answers. And that's not likely to change over the summer. 

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports offered this on Simmons:

"

Simmons is already built like a grown man, standing 6-foot-10 with a svelte 239-pound frame. The Melbourne, Australia, native shoots left-handed, but likes to finish layups and running shots with his right hand. One NBA scout called him "reverse ambidextrous." The 2015 Naismith prep player of the year is unselfish and loves to pass. One NBA scout said that in a triangle offense he could run the point guard position in the NBA. He has a high basketball IQ and shows leadership qualities. His biggest weakness is his jump shot, but there is lots of time for improvement.

"

While there is no debating the upside tied to Simmons, Labissiere and Brown, each comes with questions. 

Simmons, as Spears notes, isn't much of a shooter for a projected wing. At 216 pounds, Labissiere lacks strength for a center. And for a scorer, Brown can struggle to create against a set half-court defense. 

On the other hand, Simmons projects as a one-of-a-kind point-forward mismatch. Labissiere protects the rim and makes shots inside and out. And Brown has ideal two-way physical tools, as well as the ability to score from all three levels. 

Though nobody stands out as an unequivocal superstar, between the three of them, there should be some interesting debate moving forward over who the top pick will be in the 2016 NBA draft.