Nike’s EYBL: The league you should be watching

Elite high-school players from across the country are scouted and followed throughout their early playing careers. Yet, unless you’re a die hard basketball nerd, you probably never heard of the EYBL.

The Elite Youth Basketball League is a prestigious, invitation-only basketball league for AAU travel teams.

Meaning, The players are selected based on their skill level, athletic ability, and potential to play at the collegiate and/or professional level.

The EYBL comprises the top 40 high school basketball circuit teams in America, including one Canadian team. The Peach Jam basketball tournament is played each July, serving as the annual EYBL circuit finals.

Played through 3 sessions, to determine which teams get to play in the Peach Jam finals, let’s dive into the EYBL, past players you may know, and the stars of the future.

Quick History Breakdown

Established in 2010, the EYBL circuits aim is to give players and teams a national championship for high-school players (similar to March Madness, except you play a bunch of games instead of one and done’s)

NBA stars like Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George all have their own elite AAU teams that participate - which goes to show the level of talent flowing through this tournament and how much it matters to the future of the NCAA and NBA.

NBA Players Who’s Talent Passed Through the EYBL

Take a look at this list… if this doesn’t get you hyped about youth basketball, you should go watch lawn bowling. Seriously.

Scottie Barnes, DeAndre Ayton, Devin Book, RJ Barrett, Jayson Tatum, De’Aron Fox… the list goes on.

In 2016, Bleacher Report did a top 10 list of Ranking the Most Impressive CBB Recruits on the Nike EYBL Circuit. This list included Trae Young and Colin Sexton.

While it may be hard to watch or even find streams, or highlights of these players - the EYBL offers live streaming of each session, and full statistical breakdowns of each player.

Gary Trent Jr. who was a highly touted 5-star recruit played for one of the best AAU teams of all time. The Howard Pulley Panthers went 9-0 in their EYBL run, going 27-0 overall in their AAU season. He dropped 46 points against the Southern Stampede in an overtime win.

This is just one story, in a long line of many current NBA stars who made their chops and carved their story in the EYBL.

One last blast from the past - Colin Sexton, who was unranked in his high-school EYBL season, was the TOP SCORER with 30.1 PPG. Here’s a quote from Sexton, who is now a star on the Cleveland Cavaliers

EYBL 2023: Rankings

Before I get into the up-and-coming 4 and 5-star recruits on some of the top teams in pool A and B, take a look at the teams.

Brad Beal, Griffin, Durant, PG, CP3. MOKAN Elite has the most ever EYBL titles with 3 (which goes to show how competitive this league is)

Let’s talk players…

On Sunday, the second session of the EYBL came to a close, and during the NCAA live period, college coaches were present to watch some of the most talented players in the country.

Bradley Beal, a guard for the Washington Wizards, took a seat on the bench to coach his own AAU program, Brad Beal Elite, while basketball star Carmelo Anthony showed his support for his son, Kiyan Anthony, a 2025 guard, and his team, Team Melo.

The 2025 and 2026 high school classes have become the center of attention during the competition, attracting massive crowds. The two standout players in the junior class, Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer (son of Carlos Boozer), are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the 16-under category, leading all players with an impressive 27.1 points per game each.

Meanwhile, Tyran Stokes and A.J. Dybantsa, both incoming sophomores, are impressing spectators with their ability to play two divisions up in the 17-under competition and hold their own against the tougher opponents.

Let’s take a look at some of the top EYBL performers thus far:

Cooper Flagg

Flagg made a statement during the first EYBL session when he put up over 50 points in a game, becoming the first player to do so. In the second session, despite a minor nose injury, he continued to dominate the court. Flagg's opponents double-team him every chance they get, but he handles the pressure with ease, making smart passes to his teammates.

His ability to protect the rim is second to none, as he averages 4.3 blocks per game in the EYBL. Flagg's basketball IQ and knack for creating second opportunities for his team make him a prospect that NBA scouts are keeping a close eye on.

During the weekend, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and his assistants were in attendance, scouting the talented 6-foot-9 forward. It's no secret that Duke is interested in Flagg, and there are rumors that he could reclassify to the 2024 high school class, which would make him eligible a year earlier for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Tyran Stokes

Tyran Stokes is not your typical freshman, standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing 225 pounds. He has already proven himself to be one of the top players in the 2026 class, starting for the undefeated Vegas Elite team and playing two divisions up against opponents twice his age.

In just 23 minutes on the court, Stokes is averaging an impressive 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

College coaches were lining the baseline all weekend to watch Stokes, who showcased an improved outside jump shot and confidently stepped into a couple of 3-pointers. Stokes moves with agility for his size and displays excellent instincts in the lane, as well as solid footwork around the rim.

Stokes has already received early offers from top programs such as Alabama, Louisville, Indiana, Texas, Xavier, and Texas A&M. The young star has repeatedly expressed his allegiance to North Carolina, making him a hot commodity for college recruiters.

Cameron Boozer

Boozer has established himself as the most dominant high school prospect in the nation. At 6-foot-9, the forward possesses a diverse set of skills that only continue to improve with each passing game. Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden, form the top guard-forward duo in the country, displaying remarkable chemistry on the court.

Cameron Boozer leads the league in rebounds, averaging an impressive 12.4 per game, and shares the top spot in points with Flagg at 27.1. Meanwhile, Cayden has gained a reputation as a dependable ballhandler, leading all players in assists with 8 per game.

Boozer's talents have garnered attention from top-tier programs such as Duke, Michigan, Arkansas, Miami, and Florida State.

His father's former team, Duke, holds a particular interest in the budding superstar, who has already earned recognition as the second sophomore ever to receive the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.

Tre Johnson

Johnson, the top-ranked player in the 2024 class, is a prolific scorer who thrives in clutch situations, unafraid to take the toughest shots. His team, Houston Hoops, was one of the most scrutinized teams by college coaches over the weekend.

With Johnson are 6-foot-8 forward Amier Ali and 7-foot-1 center Trent Burns, who emerged as a revelation during the weekend, scoring an average of 10.6 points.

Johnson's energy level has a significant impact on his team, as he elevates the game of those around him. He is a thrilling player to watch in the open court, with his electrifying athleticism, exceptional pace, and ability to change speed effortlessly. Johnson holds a plethora of high-major offers and intends to narrow down his list later this summer.

The 6-foot-5 guard has already visited Texas, Baylor, and Kentucky and has upcoming visits scheduled to Arkansas and Alabama. In the first two EYBL sessions, Johnson is averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Dylan Harper

Harper currently ranks as the third-best prospect in the 2024 class and his team, NY Renaissance, was under the watchful eye of college coaches throughout the weekend, as Harper, Naas Cunningham, and Lathan Sommerville, a Rutgers commit, shared the court.

While Harper's shooting was inconsistent this weekend, he has good shooting form and boasts an imposing size at the guard position. Harper comes from a basketball family: his dad, Ron, played 15 years in the NBA, while his older brother, Ron Jr., had an impressive career at Rutgers and currently plays for the Toronto Raptors.

Although Rutgers is the frontrunner to sign the New Jersey guard, Duke, Indiana, and Michigan are all vying for his commitment, with each program's head coach in attendance to observe Harper's play. Harper's standout performance came in a narrow loss to Brad Beal Elite, where he contributed 24 points, including three 3-pointers, and 5 rebounds.

A.J Dybantsa

At just 14 years old, Dybantsa is already turning heads as one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. On Saturday evening, he dominated the court, putting up an impressive stat line of 23 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds for Expressions Elite. Despite playing up two divisions, he showed no signs of slowing down and made it look easy.

Dybantsa has a long frame and exceptional decision-making skills off the wing, disrupting his opponents on the defensive side of the ball. He's considered by many to be the top prospect in the 2026 class and is averaging an impressive 20.4 points per game (second in the EYBL), along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

NBA scouts are already keeping an eye on him, and he's already received early offers from top programs such as Alabama, Boston College, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Providence, and Washington.

Here are the current stats as the end of the second session.

Caleb Wilson, Karter Knox, Elliot Cadeau, Eli Ellis… all names that you’ll be watching in the NCAA.

How do I watch and what’s next…

EYBL streams all it’s games, right from their site .. so you can watch all courts, and check out the players above, and even ones you may have never heard of.

If you’re a fan of NCAA ball, the EYBL is a league you should be following closely, and they make it super easy.

Scouts, NCAA college coaches and basketball lovers can all unite and enjoy the elite talent soon to hit our screens on a national coverage level.