The NBA has recently made an exciting announcement that will have a significant impact on the way scouts evaluate high school prospects. In a memo obtained by ESPN, it has been revealed that the NBA will allow scouts to watch elite high school prospects, including Cooper Flagg, during the In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas. This decision comes as part of the NBA’s growing partnership with Nike. It is a remarkable opportunity for NBA teams to observe and assess the talent of these young athletes before they enter college and potentially make their way to the NBA.
As part of this partnership, NBA teams will be granted permission to attend five Nike EYBL Scholastic Showcase Games on December 8-9. One of the highly anticipated matchups will feature Cooper Flagg, currently the No. 1 prospect in high school basketball and a committed Duke player, facing off against Texas-commit Tre Johnson, who is ranked No. 4 in the 2024 class by ESPN. The game between Montverde Academy and Link Academy will take place at T-Mobile Arena and will be broadcast on ESPNU at 8 p.m. PT on December 8.
The NBA In-Season Tournament is scheduled to be held at T-Mobile Arena on December 7 and 9, which means NBA teams will already be in Las Vegas. In addition to this tournament, the NBA has certified several other high school events in a memo sent to teams on November 20. These include the Sunshine Prep Showcase at IMG Academy (Dec. 14-17), the Tarkanian Classic (Dec. 15-21), the City of Palms Classic (Dec. 18-23), the HoopHall Classic (Jan. 11-15), the Throne National Championship (March 28-31), and the High School Boys Basketball Nationals (April 4-6), formerly known as the Geico Nationals. The NBA’s decision to certify these events reflects a growing demand from NBA teams to evaluate prospects more comprehensively before they enter the league.
Historically, NBA teams were not allowed to attend high school team events due to the “no-contact” rules implemented during the David Stern era. These rules aimed to prevent NBA scouts from intruding on high school gyms. However, there has been a gradual loosening of these restrictions due to various factors. Some elite prospects, like Shaedon Sharpe, Mitchell Robinson, and Darius Bazley, have chosen to forego playing competitive basketball in the year between high school graduation and NBA draft eligibility. Additionally, top prospects like James Wiseman and Darius Garland have played limited college games due to eligibility concerns or injuries. As a result, NBA teams have been forced to make draft decisions with incomplete scouting information. The NBA’s decision to allow increased access to high school events will help mitigate this issue and provide teams with more insight into the potential of these young players.
Over the past year, the NBA has made significant strides in expanding its presence in the youth basketball market. Through partnerships with the Nike EYBL Peach Jam and Nike Nationals, as well as the broadcasting of games by top prospects like Victor Wembanyama, the NBA has established itself as a prominent figure in the development and promotion of young talent. As part of the In-Season Tournament, the participating high school teams will not only play games but also take part in NBA life skills seminars, coaching development sessions, and NBA Cares community outreach activities. This comprehensive approach highlights the NBA’s commitment to nurturing both the on-court skills and personal growth of these promising athletes.
The NBA’s decision to allow scouts to watch top high school prospects during the In-Season Tournament marks a significant shift in the evaluation process. It represents a collaborative effort between the NBA and Nike to provide NBA teams with more opportunities to assess the potential of these young athletes. By expanding access to elite high school events, the NBA is ensuring that teams have a more complete understanding of the prospects before they enter the league. This move not only benefits the NBA teams but also serves as an important stepping stone for the development and exposure of young talent in the basketball community.
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