Joksimović Averages 23.1 Points as NBA Draft Prospects Emerge in Summer Scouting

Stefan Joksimović led Slovenia to FIBA U18 gold with 23.1 points per game, while Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje secured U17 World Cup MVP honors.

Stefan Joksimović established himself as a premier international talent this summer, averaging 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists to lead Slovenia to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-18 EuroBasket. The 6-foot-7 guard, who plays for Baskonia, earned tournament MVP honors while shooting 54.2% on two-pointers, 35.6% from three-point range, and 78.1% from the free-throw line. His summer performance followed an MVP win at the Adidas Eurocamp and a senior team debut for Slovenia in June, where he scored 22 points against Sweden in a World Cup qualifier. Joksimović is now viewed as a primary contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft cycle.

In the 2028 draft class, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje emerged as the early front-runner for the top selection after leading the United States to gold at the Under-17 World Cup in Istanbul. The 7-foot-2 Duke freshman averaged 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.7 steals in 22.8 minutes per game. Boumtje Boumtje displayed elite efficiency, shooting 59.8% from the field and 53.1% from beyond the arc to secure the tournament MVP award. The son of former NBA draft pick Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, Joaquim spent the last three years at FC Barcelona before committing to the Blue Devils.

2027 Draft Class Evaluations at Kansas and Illinois

Tyran Stokes remains a top individual talent for the 2027 draft despite an inconsistent showing at the Nike Academy. The 6-foot-8 freshman at Kansas is noted for his ability to handle and distribute the ball, though scouts have raised concerns regarding his defensive engagement and shooting consistency. During the Nike Academy scrimmages, Stokes focused on playmaking rather than individual scoring dominance, contrasting with his performance at the same event one year prior.

Quentin Coleman, a 6-foot-something guard at Illinois, improved his stock after averaging 11.4 rebounds and 11.2 points over five games at the Under-18 FIBA AmeriCup. Despite Team USA losing to Canada in the final to take silver, Coleman’s 40% field goal shooting and his previous 38.5% mark from three in the EYBL highlight his offensive potential. The former Wake Forest commit previously led Brad Beal Elite to a Peach Jam title and secured consecutive Missouri state championships in high school. He is expected to join Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks in the Illini backcourt to replace outgoing players Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell.

Scoring Leaders from Missouri and Duke

Jason Crowe Jr. enters his freshman season at Missouri following a summer at the Nike Academy where he displayed his skills as a high-volume left-handed shotmaker. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Crowe is recognized for a quick release off the catch and dribble. At Duke, 7-foot forward Cameron Williams is transitioning into a stretch-four role. Williams, who possesses a 7-foot-1/4 wingspan, matched up against Stokes during Nike Academy scrimmages and has begun adding upper-body strength to his 215-pound frame.

2028 Prospects and Peach Jam Standouts

Nikola Kusturica, a 6-foot-7 wing heading to UCLA, secured a silver medal for Serbia at the Under-17 World Cup in Istanbul. He averaged 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 46.8% from the floor. Kusturica previously shot 42% across all competitions while playing for Barcelona.

Cayden Daughtry dominated the Nike Peach Jam, leading the Florida Rebels to a championship with 32.3 points and 6.1 assists per game. Over a six-day span consisting of eight games, the 6-foot-1 guard shot 58.6% from the field and 48.8% from three-point range. Daughtry also served as a change-of-pace guard for Team USA in Istanbul.

CJ Rosser, a 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 16 points on 51.3% shooting for Team USA during the Under-17 World Cup. He recorded explosive dunks in transition during Nike Academy scrimmages, showing improvement from his EYBL season where he struggled with efficiency.

Beckham Black, the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, averaged 24.2 points on 51.4% shooting over six games at Peach Jam. As the starting point guard for Team USA in Istanbul, he averaged 8.3 assists per game. Black has demonstrated increased physical strength and confidence in his perimeter shooting as he prepares for his final high school seasons before his projected one-and-done college trajectory.