By ADAM ZAGORIA
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — This year’s All-Peach Jam teams are dedicated to the memory of the late, great Tom Konchalski, who formed these teams with me for the last several years.
The last team we did together was in 2019 and it featured Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes and Sharife Cooper-– all of whom are projected to be lottery or first-round picks in Thursday’s Draft.
Deandre Ayton, Ben Simmons, Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. are among those who made previous ZAGSBLOG All-Peach Jam teams.
You’ll likely see some of this year’s group in future NBA Drafts.
These teams were based on how players performed at Peach Jam, not on their recruiting rankings or reputations coming in. Here they are:
***FIRST TEAM***
EMONI BATES, 6-9 Jr. F, Bates Fundamental
Though his team ended up in the consolation bracket, Bates went for 22 and 35 points in his last two games. He then announced he was down to eight options for his future, including three pro leagues and five colleges. “He possesses a transcendent skillset and more tools than Home Depot,” Tom said.
JALEN DUREN, 6-10 Jr. C, Team Final
After going for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in the Peach Jam semifinals against the NY Rens, he had came back with 17 points, 10 boards and three assists in Sunday’s title game win over Brad Beal Elite. Duren is expected to announce his next step soon and is considering Memphis, Miami, Kentucky, the NBA League and the Australian NBL.
DERECK LIVELY II, 7-1 Sr. C, Team Final
The big man from Westtown (PA) capped a strong two weeks at the EYBL by going for 13 points and 10 boards in the championship game. A shot-blocking force who can also hit the 3-point ball, Lively is down to seven schools, including Kentucky, Duke, Michigan and others.
BRANDON MILLER, 6-7 Sr. Wing, Brad Beal Elite
The Kentucky target had 11 points and 11 rebounds in the championship game against Team Final after filling up the stat sheet with six points, nine boards, five blocks and four assists in the semis. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he has tremendous talent and a huge ceiling.
OTEGA OWEH, 6-4 Sr. G, Team Final
The most consistent offensive force for Final during their run to the title, he was a highlight reel in virtually every game and went for 17 points and five rebounds in the title game. Seton Hall, Penn State, Miami, Minnesota, VCU and Georgetown are among those in pursuit.
NICK SMITH 6-4 Sr. CG, Brad Beal Elite
His 31-point effort in the championship game was his third 30-point game at Peach Jam. Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgetown and Kansas are in pursuit and he’s planning visits to UNC, Arkansas and Oklahoma after visiting Alabama, Auburn, Georgetown and Kansas.
***SECOND TEAM***
DOMINICK BARLOW, 6-9 PF, NY Rens
COREY FLOYD JR., 6-4 Jr. PG, Team Final (UCONN)
FLETCHER LOYER, 6-3 Sr. SG, Indy Heat (PURDUE)
JUDAH MINTZ, 6-3 Sr. PG, Team Durant (PITT)
SHAEDON SHARPE, 6-4 Sr. SG, UPlay Canada
CASON WALLACE, 6-4 Sr. CG, ProSkills
TYRELL WARD, 6-7 Sr. SF, Boo Williams (XAVIER)
***THIRD TEAM***
ALEX KARABAN, 6-7 Sr. PF, Expressions
MACKENZIE MGBAKO, 6-7 Jr. SF, New Jersey Scholars
TY RODGERS, 6-7 Sr. SF, MeanStreets
SETH TRIMBLE, 6-3 Sr. PG, Phenom University (UNC)
D.J. WAGNER, 6-3 Jr. PG, New Jersey Scholars
CHANCE WESTRY, 6-6 Sr. SF, NY Rens
DARIQ WHITEHEAD, 6-6 Sr SF, Team Durant
***HONORABLE MENTION***
MARK ARMSTRONG Jr., New Heights Lightning (VILLANOVA)
ZUBY EJIOFOR, Houston Hoops (KANSAS)
JEREMY FEARS, Brad Beal Elite
BRONNY JAMES, SFG
KYE-RON LINDSAY, Pro Skills
MALIK RENEAU, Nightrydas
RODNEY RICE Jr., Team Durant
BRYCE SENSABAUCH, E1T1
JALEN WASHINGTON, MeanStreets (UNC)
SIMEON WILCHER, NY Rens
PAST ALL-PEACH JAM TEAMS
Photo: @madehoops
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