NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — The nation’s premier grassroots basketball showcase is underway as the Nike EYBL Peach Jam brings together the country’s top high school prospects, elite AAU programs, and a host of current and former NBA stars at Riverview Park Activities Center.
With championship aspirations on the line, teams opened pool play this week hoping to secure spots in the weekend’s playoff bracket. The annual event has once again attracted NBA talent both on and off the court, with several current and former players serving as coaches, mentors, and supporters for their respective programs.
Among the notable names is future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, who continues to lead Team CP3’s 17U squad. Bradley Beal is coaching Brad Beal Elite’s 16U team, while former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford is on the sidelines coaching NW Rotary, featuring his son, JJ Crawford.
One of the tournament’s most anticipated coaching matchups came when Beal’s squad squared off against Crawford’s team. Brad Beal Elite escaped with a thrilling 68-67 victory in a game that featured plenty of high-level talent.
Elsewhere around the complex, Paul George has been supporting his PG Elite program, while Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has been a constant presence cheering on his younger brother, Beckham Black, and AB Elite throughout the tournament.
Team USA Gold Medalists Continue Busy Summer
Several of the event’s top performers arrived in South Carolina without much time to rest after helping Team USA capture the FIBA U17 World Cup championship in Istanbul.
Beckham Black, Cayden Daughtry, A.J. Williams, NaVorro Bowman Jr., Mason Collins, Eric Dampier Jr., Asa Montgomery, and JJ Crawford have spent the past several weeks traveling from USA Basketball training camp to the World Cup, then directly into EYBL Session 4 in Las Vegas before making their final stop at Peach Jam.
Despite the demanding schedule, Black said fatigue isn’t an excuse.
“We’re definitely a little tired, but this is what we’ve been working toward all summer,” Black said. “I’m taking care of my body with recovery, but every time I step on the floor my goal is to win.”
Beckham Black Continues Rise as Nation’s No. 1 Prospect
No player has generated more attention during the opening days of Peach Jam than Beckham Black, who recently ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the Class of 2027.
The younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has continued to elevate his game throughout the year. During Team USA’s championship run at the FIBA U17 World Cup, Beckham averaged 19.1 points and 8.4 assists, leading the team in assists while finishing second in scoring.
He has carried that momentum into Peach Jam.
In one of the tournament’s most impressive performances, Black exploded for 37 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block to lead AB Elite to an 86-69 victory over MeanStreets. He followed that performance by scoring 24 points and handing out six assists in another impressive win over Brad Beal Elite.
Anthony Black has watched his younger brother’s rapid development firsthand and believes the improvement is no surprise.
“He’s earned that No. 1 ranking,” Anthony said. “His shot selection has improved tremendously, especially off the dribble, and he’s gotten much stronger physically since last season.”
Recruitment Heating Up
As Black’s stock continues to soar, some of college basketball’s biggest programs are pursuing the talented guard.
He is scheduled to make an official visit to Texas this fall, while Duke, Kansas, Michigan, Georgetown, and USC remain among the schools heavily involved in his recruitment.
Championship Weekend Ahead
Pool play continues before the tournament shifts into the elimination rounds. The Peach Jam semifinals and championship games will be held this weekend at Riverview Park Activities Center, with the action televised live on NBA TV.
With future NBA stars competing alongside the guidance of some of today’s biggest professional players, Peach Jam once again serves as one of the most important stages in grassroots basketball and a glimpse into the next generation of talent.
