CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 3: Jr. NBA Chicago Bulls Experience on November 3, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms.

The Jr. NBA Court of Leaders has officially launched its third cohort. The group of the nation’s top recruited student-athletes met in person for the first time in Chicago from Nov. 3-5 for their first gathering of the 2023-24 season.

The Jr. NBA Court of Leaders recognizes the on-court and off-court endeavors of exceptional high school basketball players, helping them prepare for success in all aspects of their life.

“It’s really about identifying people who are intellectually curious about society and want to impact their local communities,” said Candice Haynes, the NBA’s Senior Manager of Youth Basketball Development. “We don’t call them the future leaders, these are young people with influence right now, and we try to work with them to harness that.”

At the time of selection, the group of student-athletes had a collective GPA of 3.6, and ranked 93% among the top 50 basketball prospects in their class (2024-26), a unique balance that speaks to the program’s core values.

Additionally, the Court of Leaders focuses on helping young men and women establish relationships that go beyond basketball. Each cohort member is mentored by a representative at the NBA/WNBA league office. These mentors serve as guides to the student-athletes about the business of sports.

“I’ve learned so much about making connections. There’s so much more to do outside of playing basketball. It doesn’t just involve playing the game and putting the ball in the basket,” said Leah Harmon, cohort member in the class of 2024. “It has opened my eyes for jobs I want later in my career for when the ball stops bouncing.”

This year’s group includes 15 girls and 14 boys, which includes the 12 members returning from last year’s cohort. For Jase Richardson, son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson, and others who have returned for another year, the opportunity provides immeasurable value.

“For me, I always wanted to be a GM or an agent when my career ends, so to see all the different parts of the NBA with the operations inside and out it’s amazing,” Jase said. “Over the last year, the biggest thing I’ve seen is my leadership on the team. Being in the groups with my mentor has taught me to be really communicative about things, which I’ve brought to my team.” 

The kickoff event tipped off Nov. 3 with the Chicago Bulls experience where cohort members networked with Bulls executives before attending an In-Season Tournament matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The next day, the group went through a pro-level workout, led a youth basketball clinic for the community and visited the Art Institute of Chicago.

“It opened up my mindset to new opportunities,” said Lanie Grant, cohort member in the class of ’25. “These workshops stressed the importance of giving back to your communities and giving back to the people and things who helped you get to where you are now. It opened my eyes to what more I can do as an athlete.” 

The Jr. NBA Court Of Leaders encourages student-athletes to use their voice and platform to help others. Collectively, members of the program have over one million followers on Instagram, and through a variety of unique workshops, they’re learning the impact that their voice carries. 

“I learned about the tone of how to use my voice. You have a big impact on other people, so giving good feedback with a good tone will help a lot of people out,” said Caleb Holt, cohort member in the class of ’26.

Chicago is just the beginning for this group as select members will attend a number of events throughout the year, including: the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament In Las Vegas, NBA All-Star 2024, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and a special trip dedicated to all the seniors in the program.

The 2023-24 Jr. NBA Court Of Leaders listed here:

Girls

Boys