What I'll be watching at Nike's Peach Jam

North Augusta, South Carolina – Nike’s Peach Jam is like the NCAA Tournament of high school basketball. It is a tournament style, survive and advance. Expect to see the likes of Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and other NBA players in attendance. This event also takes place during an NCAA Liver evaluation period, so you can expect college coaches from across the country to sit courtside.

This year, many of the more intriguing players play on competing circuits or independent teams. However, there is still a hit list of players that I will be sure to track down during my five days in southern South Carolina.

Five-star F GG Jackson

On Thursday night, On3’s No. 1 ranked 2023 prospect became North Carolina’s first decommitment in the modern era. GG Jackson is coming off a June that saw an MVP performance at the NBPA Top 100 camp and an eye-opening Americas Championship with the u18 USA Team.

Jackson plays for a Team CP3 team that is expected to compete for the Peach Jam title. He is averaging 11.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. I have a feeling he will not be available for media, but can he hold on to his No. 1 status amid all the hoopla.

Four-star F Devin Royal

Devin Royal is one of the most skilled, advanced scorers in the field of players. The 6-foot-6 forward was On3’s MVP of the Pagnos All-American Camp, which came about a week after he averaged 23.4 points per game at EYBL Louisville.

Royal took all five of his early official visits, Penn State, Xavier, Iowa State, Michigan State, and most recently, Ohio State. A conversation about those visits and a timeline will be in order, but so will his lofty, No. 26 ranking.

Four-star SF Cody Williams

Cody Williams’s brother, Jalen Williams, was the 12th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The younger Williams has seen his recruitment take off but has remained somewhat quiet. Williams took early visits to Pepperdine and Santa Clara.

Williams is a consensus four-star and has not taken any official visits yet. Tennessee, UCLA, Arizona, LSU, and more have offered. Talking with Williams will be a must to get a feel for where his recruitment stands. The wing is averaging close to 15-points per game with great defensive upside.

Four-star PF Zayden High

In the crosshairs of the GG Jackson decommitment came a new North Carolina offer to 6-foot-10 Zayden High. The sweet-shooting forward with the JL3 program is one to watch here as the stylistic fit is obvious.

JL3 did not play in EYBL Kansas City and High was at u18 USA basketball training camp for most of EYBL Louisville. Talking with High to get a feel for his recruitment is a must, he’s only taken one official visit to Villanova, but also to put current eyes on the No. 36 ranked player.

The 15u Bracket

The entire bracket isn’t necessarily worth watching; however, Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer are the two to watch. In On3’s recent high school top ten, Flagg was the No. 1 ranked player and Boozer No. 2.

Unfortunately, the two do not play against one another, but that does not mean you can’t watch them both. Flagg plays for Maine United and Boozer for Nightrydas. They will be fun to track over the next three seasons.

The Peach Invitational Tournament

The Peach Invitational Tournament (PIT) is for the Nike teams who did not qualify for Peach Jam. The PIT plays their games in the same Riverview Park venue as Peach Jam. Here are the teams who did not qualify for Peach Jam.

Drive Nation (TX)
Nightrydas (FL)
Boo Williams (VA)
Team United (NC)
Seattle Rotary (WA)
UPlay Canada (CAN)
Mac Irvin Fire (IL)
TSF (GA)
Team Thad (TN)
Vegas Elite (NV)
Team Herro (WI)
BABC (MA)
Strive for Greatness (CA)
Alabama Fusion (AL)
Loser of Team Takeover (DC)/Pro Skills (TX)
Loser of Brad Beal Elite (MO)/Team Melo (MD)