The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) is a premier youth basketball league founded in 2012 and sponsored by Nike.
It is a highly competitive platform for some of the best high school and post-grad basketball players in the country, many of whom go on to play in college and even in the NBA. The EYBL is a great way for basketball fans to get a glimpse of the future stars of the game.
We’ll take a look at some of the best players to have come out of the EYBL over the years.
1. Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg is a talented American basketball player currently attending Montverde Academy in Florida. He began his basketball career in the eighth grade and was quickly noticed for his exceptional skill and athleticism.
Since then, he has worked tirelessly to improve his game, and his hard work has paid off. Flagg is now considered one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country and is garnering attention from top collegiate programs across the nation.
He has also been invited to participate in several top-tier tournaments and camps, further establishing his reputation as a top-tier talent. Cooper Flagg is an inspiring example of what hard work and dedication can do, and his future on the court is bright.
2. Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer is a highly-regarded basketball player from the United States. He currently attends Christopher Columbus High School and is considered the top overall recruit in the class of 2025.
This recognition is largely due to his impressive performance in the 2023 season when he was awarded the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
His impressive performance has earned him a great deal of respect in the sport, and he has proved to be a worthy successor to his father, Carlos Boozer, who is a former NBA player.
It is clear that the younger Boozer has all the tools to be a successful basketball player, and his path to success is already well underway.
3. Kwame Evans
Kwame “KJ” Evans Jr. is a standout basketball player currently attending Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He is considered one of the top players in the 2023 class, with a consensus five-star rating among the major recruiting services.
His tremendous skill and potential have earned him a commitment to play basketball for the University of Oregon in the future. He is a highly sought-after player, and his commitment to the Ducks is a testament to his talent and potential.
He is sure to be an integral part of the Oregon program going forward, and he will surely be an exciting player to watch.
4. Tre Johnson
Richard Earl “Tre” Johnson III is an accomplished basketball player from the United States. He currently attends Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, a prestigious prep school known for its top athletic programs.
Johnson has been playing basketball since his early childhood, and over the years he has developed a strong skill set that has enabled him to stand out among his peers. As a high school student, Johnson has competed in numerous tournaments and competitions, and he has earned numerous awards and accolades for his performance.
He continues to strive for excellence and is continually pushing himself to take his game to the next level.
Johnson has dedicated himself to hard work and dedication, and his goal is to play college basketball at the highest level. At Link Academy, Johnson participates in a variety of activities, including basketball, football, and track & field.
He is a leader on and off the court, and his teammates and coaches look up to him as someone they can rely on.
Johnson is an excellent student as well as an athlete and works diligently in the classroom to stay ahead of the game. Richard Earl “Tre” Johnson III is a prime example of an athlete who has worked hard to achieve success in the sport of basketball.
He continues to excel in his studies and athletics, and he is an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off.
5. Mackenzie Mgbako
Mackenzie Mgbako is a talented basketball player who is currently playing at the collegiate level for the Indiana Hoosiers of the Big Ten Conference. He had a highly successful high school basketball career, as he was an All-American player for Roselle Catholic High School.
He came into college with a great deal of promise, and he has since lived up to those expectations, becoming a key contributor for the Hoosiers. He is a versatile player who has the ability to play both inside and outside on the court, making him a valuable asset to the team.
His athleticism and basketball IQ have been a great asset, as he is able to find ways to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to make plays and be a leader on the court have been a major factor in the success of the Indiana Hoosiers.
6. Justin Edwards
Justin Tyler Edwards is a talented basketball player currently attending college in Kentucky. He is a part of the Wildcats, the university’s basketball team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Edwards has been playing basketball since he was very young and has grown into one of the top collegiate players in the country. His impressive skill set and work ethic have helped him become an integral part of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Edwards has been a dominant force on the court, leading the team to multiple conference championships. He is known for his strong defense and efficient shooting, and his drive and passion have made him a leader on and off the court.
Justin Tyler Edwards is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him, and he is sure to continue making an impact on the basketball court.
7. Aaron Bradshaw
Aaron Bradshaw is an up-and-coming basketball star from the United States. He currently plays college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Aaron has been honing his skills and developing his talents with the Wildcats for the past few years and is now looking to take the next step in his basketball career by entering the 2024 NBA draft.
As a freshman, he was an important contributor to the Wildcats, averaging almost ten points and six rebounds per game. He has since become an even bigger part of the team, and is expected to be an even more dominant force in the upcoming season.
His skill set and ability to contribute in all areas of the game makes him an attractive option for any team in the NBA draft. With his hard work and dedication, Aaron Bradshaw is sure to become a household name in the near future.
8. Elliot Cadeau
Elliot Cadeau is an impressive basketball player who currently plays for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Standing at an impressive 6 ft 1 in tall, he plays the point guard position, making him a key component for the team.
He was a five-star recruit, meaning that he was one of the best players in the 2024 recruiting class. However, he reclassified to the 2023 class to join the Tar Heels a year earlier.
This shows that he is an extremely talented basketball player who is committed to improving his game and helping his team. He is sure to be a valuable asset to the Tar Heels for years to come.
9. Bronny James
LeBron Raymone “Bronny” James Jr. is an outstanding college basketball player who currently plays for the USC Trojans of the Pac-12 Conference. He has earned a reputation as a talented four-star recruit and was honored in 2023 by being named a McDonald’s All-American.
He is the eldest son of professional basketball player LeBron James, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. Bronny James Jr.
has always been a natural athlete, but has worked hard to further develop his skills and build a successful college basketball career. He is a highly respected player by his peers and coaches and is a leader on the team.
Despite following in his famous father’s footsteps, he has managed to carve out a unique basketball identity of his own.
10. Dajuan Wagner Jr.
Dajuan Marquett Wagner Jr., commonly known as “D.J.”, is a talented college basketball player currently playing for the Kentucky Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference.
He is the son of former professional basketball player Dajuan Wagner, and grandson of Milt Wagner, another professional basketball player. D.J.
has inherited a wealth of basketball knowledge, both from his father and his grandfather, and has been able to use it to great effect on the court.
His family’s legacy has certainly played a role in his success, and he is now looking to build his own legacy as a Kentucky Wildcat.
11. Robert Dillingham
Robert Deon Potasi Dillingham is an impressive player in the college basketball world. He is currently a member of the Kentucky Wildcats, a team in the Southeastern Conference.
Before joining the Wildcats, Dillingham was a five-star recruit, which is an honor given to the best basketball players in the country.
His basketball prowess was so great that he was even offered the chance to play professionally for the Cold Hearts in the Overtime Elite league during what would have been his senior year of high school.
This is an extraordinary accomplishment and speaks volumes about Dillingham’s talent and ability. He is sure to be a great asset to the Wildcats, and many people are excited to see what he can achieve in college basketball.
12. Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis is a professional basketball player from a dual heritage. Buzelis, originally from Lithuania, now resides in the United States and plays for the NBA G League Ignite.
He is part of a special NBA G League program that allows elite prospects to develop their skills and talents before they enter the NBA. This program, the Ignite, is made up of a select group of highly talented players from all over the world.
Some of these players have already been drafted by NBA teams, while others are still looking to make their mark on the league. Buzelis has been a part of the Ignite since the program’s inception and has been an important part of its success.
He is a hardworking, dedicated player who is looking to make a name for himself in the NBA.
13. Donnie Freeman
Donald E. Freeman was an American professional basketball player who spent eight seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and one season in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He was born in the United States and was the youngest of four children. Freeman had an impressive career in the ABA, where he was selected to the All-ABA team five times.
He was also selected as an All-Star twice and was the ABA’s leading scorer in the 1975-76 season, averaging 28.1 points per game. After playing in the ABA for eight seasons, Freeman joined the NBA for the 1976-77 season.
During his one year in the NBA, he averaged 12.2 points per game. Despite his professional success, Freeman was known for his humility and generosity. He was often seen in the community, helping with charity events and youth programs.
He was also an active mentor to many young players, offering them advice and encouragement. Freeman retired from professional basketball in 1977. Since then, he has been inducted into the ABA Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
He remains a beloved figure in the basketball community and is remembered for his professionalism, skill, and humble demeanor.
14. Dior Johnson
Dior Johnson is an impressive college basketball player currently attending the University of Pittsburgh. He is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and is considered to be one of the top players in the 2022 class.
Johnson was highly sought after by top college programs across the nation and was eventually awarded a consensus four-star recruit title. His talents and abilities have made him one of the most promising prospects for the upcoming season.
Johnson has the potential to make a huge impact on the Panthers basketball team and help them make a strong run in the ACC. He is an exciting player to watch and has the potential to make a big splash in college basketball.
15. Mark Armstrong
Mark Armstrong is an American college basketball player representing the Villanova Wildcats. The Wildcats are part of the Big East Conference, one of the most prestigious collegiate basketball conferences in the United States.
Armstrong is a highly-touted player who has been recognized for his stellar performances on the court. He is known for his ability to score points in the paint and from the perimeter as well as his tenacious defense.
As a member of the Wildcats, Armstrong has helped the team to numerous victories in the Big East Conference, including winning the Big East Championship in 2016. He has also been selected to the All-Big East first team in 2017 and 2018.
Armstrong has been an integral part of the Wildcats’ success, and his contributions have been a major factor in the team’s success.
16. Jalen Lecque
Jalen Evander Lecque is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League.
He was a highly sought-after recruit in the college basketball world and had committed to playing for NC State before making the decision to forgo college basketball and enter the 2019 NBA draft.
Lecque was considered a consensus four-star recruit, meaning that a majority of the major recruiting services rated him as a four-star prospect.
His decision to forgo college basketball and enter the NBA draft was a surprise to many, but it was a testament to his prowess and potential as a professional basketball player.
Despite his young age, Lecque believes he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of basketball and has set his sights on a successful career in the NBA.
17. Quade Green
Quade Green is a professional basketball player from the United States. He currently plays for the Centauros de Portuguesa, a team in the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto. Prior to joining this team, Green had an impressive college career.
He played for the Washington Huskies and the Kentucky Wildcats, two of the most successful teams in the NCAA. During his time with both teams, Green developed his skills, allowing him to make an impact in the professional basketball world.
Green is a talented player who can make an impact on the court with his passing, shooting, and overall athleticism. He is a valuable asset to any team and a great asset to the Centauros de Portuguesa.
18. Cody Williams
Cody Williams is a promising basketball player from the United States who is currently a student at Perry High School. He has committed to playing basketball for the University of Colorado, showing his dedication to the sport.
Williams has been playing basketball since an early age and has worked diligently to perfect his skills. His level of commitment is evident in his decision to attend the University of Colorado, a school renowned for its basketball program.
His dedication to the game is expected to help him excel in college and beyond. Williams is likely to be a major asset to the University of Colorado’s basketball team. He is expected to be a leader on the court and help the team to reach their goals.
Williams’ commitment to basketball and his willingness to pursue his collegiate career with the University of Colorado make him an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes.
19. Matt Coleman
Clifford Matthew Coleman III is a professional basketball player in the United States, currently playing for the Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Coleman is an alumnus of the University of Texas, where he played college basketball for the Longhorns from 2016 to 2020. During his college career, Coleman was a standout player, averaging over 12 points and 5 rebounds while playing primarily at the point guard position.
He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in his final season. Coleman was selected by the Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2020 CEBL draft and has since become one of the team’s most important players.
He is a consistent contributor on both ends of the court, averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Coleman is a true leader on the court and his effort and determination have been key to the team’s success.
20. Emmitt Williams
Emmitt Mack Williams V is a talented professional basketball player currently playing for the Piratas de La Guaira of the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto.
Before his professional career, Williams attended Louisiana State University (LSU) and played college basketball for the LSU Tigers. During his college career, he was a hardworking and dedicated player, working hard to make his mark in the sport.
His impressive performances at LSU earned him recognition and paved the way for his successful professional career. Williams now has the opportunity to continue to showcase his skills and develop his talent at the professional level with the Piratas de La Guaira.
He is a player with an incredible amount of potential, and he is sure to make a big impact in the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto.
Conclusion
The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League is an excellent platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and develop into the best players they can be. The league provides a competitive environment with top-quality coaching and recruiting opportunities.
With the right training and dedication, the best players in the league have the potential to make it to the professional level.
