The adidas ABCD Camp has officially returned, and the next generation of basketball stars wasted no time making their mark. After nearly two decades away, the legendary scouting showcase came roaring back to life in Phoenix under the leadership of NBA icon Tracy McGrady and grassroots basketball pioneer Sonny Vaccaro. More than just a camp, the revival celebrated a historic legacy that helped introduce future legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James while unveiling a new wave of elite talent ready to shine.
Key Takeaways from the Revived ABCD Camp:
- Lewis Uvwo soared from relative obscurity to claim the coveted Camp MVP, showcasing a stunning all-around game.
- The camp provided invaluable off-court development, including workshops on NIL, financial literacy, and media training.
- A robust lineup of future NBA stars across the 2027-2030 classes delivered eye-popping performances.
- Current NBA players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Darryn Peterson served as mentors, bridging generations of talent.
The Legacy Revived: ABCD Camp's Grand Return
For 22 years, the adidas ABCD Camp was the summer destination for the nation's elite high school basketball prospects. It was Sonny Vaccaro's brainchild, a platform that launched careers and cemented legacies. Tracy McGrady himself famously entered in 1996 as an unknown, left as the MVP, and rocketed up draft boards, eventually becoming a No. 9 overall pick.
Now, with McGrady and Vaccaro at the helm, the camp's return to Phoenix after a 2006 hiatus brought a fresh blend of intense on-court competition and crucial off-court development. Beyond the drills and scrimmages, young players engaged in vital workshops on financial literacy, Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and media training. This holistic approach ensures athletes are prepared for all facets of their burgeoning careers.
Future Stars Shine Bright: Top Performers at ABCD
This year's adidas ABCD Camp was a veritable treasure trove of talent, featuring prospects from the 2027-2030 classes. Mentored by current NBA players such as Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets), VJ Edgecombe (76ers), and Darryn Peterson (Jazz), these young athletes seized their opportunity to make a statement. Here's a look at the standout players who electrified Phoenix.
Lewis Uvwo: From Unknown to MVP Sensation
No story from the camp was more compelling than that of Lewis Uvwo. The Class of 2027 phenom, who only began playing basketball three years ago after moving from Nigeria, surged from No. 94 to No. 6 nationally this summer. He capped this incredible rise by earning the prestigious adidas ABCD Camp MVP honor from Tracy McGrady himself.
Uvwo is widely recognized as the nation's premier shotblocker, a skill he showcased consistently. However, it was his offensive explosion in the championship game that truly captivated scouts and mentors. He powered the Nets to a 63-53 victory over the Cavs with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals. The 6-foot-11 rim-runner, boasting an astonishing 7-foot-7 wingspan, has seen his recruitment skyrocket, garnering offers from powerhouses like Duke, UCLA, and Baylor.
RJ Evans: Carrying the Legacy with Two-Way Firepower
Following in the footsteps of his 13-year NBA veteran father, Reggie Evans, RJ Evans (Class of 2029) showcased immense upside. The 6-foot-7 wing displayed impressive length and a robust two-way game on the perimeter. He consistently led his team in scoring during scrimmages, highlighted by a game-high 23 points on Friday night.
Austin Rivers, whose Austin Rivers SE Elite AAU program is on the adidas 3SSB circuit, was on staff and heaped praise on the young talent. Rivers remarked on Evans' natural feel for the game, predicting significant growth as he matures. Currently a rising sophomore, Evans is already drawing major attention, with plans for unofficial visits to Miami, Florida State, and his father's alma mater, Iowa.
Antonio Pemberton: The Clutch Playmaker
Antonio Pemberton (Class of 2027) cemented his status as the premier lead guard at the camp. His ability to control the pace and dictate offense was evident throughout drills and scrimmages. In one memorable performance, the 6-foot-1 point guard single-handedly erased a six-point deficit, nailing a deep buzzer-beater 3-pointer to take a two-point lead into halftime.
Pemberton then exploded in the second half, scoring 25 points at will. Coming off a strong showing where he led Mass Rivals to the adidas 3SSB Championships title game, his improved 3-ball consistency and proficiency as a three-level scorer are undeniable. He has narrowed his recruitment to a final eight, including Kansas, Michigan State, and UCLA.
Darius Wabbington: The Skilled Big Man Dominates
Darius Wabbington (Class of 2027) stands out as arguably the most skilled big man in high school basketball, regardless of class. The 6-foot-10 forward, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, possesses exceptional court vision, passing effortlessly over defenders. He famously hunted a matchup against Lewis Uvwo, the nation's top shotblocker, using advanced footwork and shot fakes to score.
Wabbington is a formidable threat in the pick-and-pop, consistently hitting at least three 3-pointers per game during scrimmages. His advanced understanding of the game for his age makes him a highly coveted prospect. He has already scheduled official visits to top programs like Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, and Louisville.
Jalen Davis: Tenacity in a Facemask
Despite suffering a facial fracture during the adidas 3SSB circuit and wearing a facemask at camp, Jalen Davis (Class of 2027) showed no signs of being hampered. The scrappy 6-foot-4 combo guard displayed relentless effort on both ends of the court. He averaged 10 points, 5 steals, and 5 assists across three games, guiding his Nets team to a perfect 3-0 record.
Davis is recognized as a top-20 player in the incoming senior class. His all-around impact and resilience underscore his high ceiling, attracting offers from a wide array of programs including Alabama, Houston, Oregon State, and Oklahoma.
Demarcus Henry: Versatility on the Wing
Demarcus Henry (Class of 2027), a 6-foot-7 wing, capped off a tremendous summer with an impressive ABCD Camp showing. He's notably improved his ball-handling in traffic and possesses excellent footwork. In a thrilling four-way tie to reach the championship game, Henry won a pivotal 1-on-1 game against Micah Gordon to propel his team forward.
Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson lauded Henry's physical play and adaptability to defense, highlighting the forward's size, composure, and ability to adapt to opposing defenses. "He's good and adjusts to the defense well," Peterson said. "He has a good pace to his game and good feel." Henry has narrowed his college choices to BYU, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Ohio State—where his older brother plays football and his older sister plays basketball—and UConn.
Blaze Johnson: Momentum-Changing Playmaker
Blaze Johnson emerged as his team's leading scorer throughout the weekend, showcasing the versatility of a 6-foot-5 combo guard. Ranked No. 16 in the Class of 2028, Johnson consistently shifted momentum with his patient offensive play, including a four-point play just before halftime of the opening game. He currently holds offers from Maryland, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, Villanova, and Providence.
Moussa Kamissoko: Breakout Two-Way Wing
After battling injuries during the high school season, Moussa Kamissoko has enjoyed a strong spring and summer, averaging 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds with the PSA Cardinals. The 6-foot-8 wing continued his impressive form at the ABCD Camp, capping it off with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal in the Jazz's 71-54 victory over the Pelicans. Kamissoko has received scholarship offers from Alabama, BYU, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kentucky, UConn, Virginia, Providence, Oklahoma State, and several other programs.
