The participants of the first-ever Jr. NBA Showcase represented 17 countries and six continents.
The first-ever Jr. NBA Showcase presented by Nike brought together 40 exceptional 13 and 14-year-old basketball players from 17 countries to Las Vegas. These talented, young athletes put their their basketball skills on the display, highlighting the global impact and popularity of the sport. Take a look at some of the standout performances from July 12 to 16 in Las Vegas.
Babatunde Adebayo Oladotun – Silver Spring, MD
If you’re in Silver Spring, Maryland, you’ll likely be captivated by the magic of 14-year-old Babatunde Adebayo Oladotun, affectionately known as Baba. Standing tall at 6-foot-7, Oladotun’s game is an electrifying blend of finesse and power as a versatile combo guard. With every move, he leaves spectators in awe, threading needle-like passes one moment and soaring for jaw-dropping slam dunks the next. His basketball IQ is beyond his years, and the energy in the air intensifies every time he hits the hardwood.
Inspired by legends like Kevin Durant and LeBron James, he aspires to follow in their footsteps, aiming for high school championships, collegiate success, and pursuing his passion for engineering. With his affiliation to Team Durant and the invaluable experiences gained from the showcase, Oladotun is poised to leave a lasting impact on the basketball world, setting the stage for a remarkable career both on and off the court.
Jezelle Banks – Wilmington, DE
Meet Jezelle “GG” Banks, a 14-year-old basketball from Wilmington, Delaware, who’s taking the sport by storm. A 5-foot-8 point guard for Team Durant16u, Banks is a force to be reckoned with on the court, driven by her passion for the game. Despite her young age, Banks exhibited natural leadership by guiding younger players in drills, leaving a lasting impression at the Jr. NBA Showcase.
Banks goes coast ⏩ coast. #JrNBAShowcase presented by @nikebasketball pic.twitter.com/tiuwYEAAUM
— Jr. NBA (@jrnba) July 16, 2023
From her relentless attacking style to her ball-on-a-string handle, her game appears Allen Iverson and Zia Cooke inspired. With her exceptional ball-handling prowess and composed demeanor, she’s poised for a bright future in the sport. Despite the pressure that comes with heightened talent, she remains unphased. “I don’t think of it as pressure,” Banks said, “I just think of it as, okay, this is another chance to shine.”
Sydney Maylana Douglas – Upland, CA
Sydney Maylana Douglas, a rising talent from Upland, California, is a dominant force on the basketball court. At 6-foot-5, Douglas excels as a versatile forward/center, showcasing a unique blend of size, skill, and determination. During the Jr. NBA Showcase, Douglas’ exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to excellence were evident.
Her ability to make a significant impact on both ends of the court, combined with her relentless drive, solidifies her position as one of the top young talents in her position. “I thrive on being a hard-to-guard player, contributing to my team’s success through selfless play,” she said.
Joël Ntale Kabugi – Democratic Republic of Congo
Hop into the basketball scene in Goma, Congo, and brace yourself for an awe-inspiring display of talent. At only 14 years old, Kabugi stands at 6-foot-1 and represents NBA Academy Africa. With explosive inspiration drawn from Russell Westbrook’s style and an unwavering love for the Lakers, Kabugi’s game is a mesmerizing spectacle that leaves fans in utter amazement. At the Jr. NBA Showcase, he effortlessly dazzled spectators with thunderous dunks, swished three-pointers, and an unyielding tenacity on defense.
👀 14-year-old Joel Kabugi from the Democratic Republic of Congo SHUTS DOWN the #JrNBAShowcase Skills Competition presented by @gatorade‼️ 🇨🇩🏀 pic.twitter.com/WLS2WQ1Sxk
— Jr. NBA (@jrnba) July 14, 2023
“Playing alongside athletes from different countries and cultures, I have learned invaluable lessons that have shaped me both on and off the court,” Kabuji reflects. “One crucial aspect is staying humble and being grateful for the opportunities I have been blessed with.” Driven by ambitious dreams of reaching the NBA at just 17, he embraces rigorous training with unshakable determination, setting his sights on inspiring aspiring African athletes across various sports.
Tyler Sutton – Philadelphia, PA
In the heart of Philadelphia, a 6-foot-1 baller named Tyler Sutton is rewriting the rules of the game, leaving spectators awestruck and eager for more. Representing Team Melo, the 13-year-old has an unstoppable passion for the game, understanding the significance of maturity and building trust within his team at the point guard position. Sutton’s versatility shines through his exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, excel in shooting and make significant contributions on the defensive end.
Tyler Sutton getting UP💪 #JrNBAShowcase presented by @nikebasketball pic.twitter.com/iqRmCwt1ob
— Jr. NBA (@jrnba) July 16, 2023
Sutton’s composure under pressure is remarkable, displaying a focused and determined approach to the game, never letting distractions deter him from his mission. He remains humble, embracing the challenge of continuous growth. “The joy of playing the game and striving to be one of the greatest is at the core of my basketball journey.”
