The Quincy Shootout is a thrilling event that offers a unique opportunity for basketball enthusiasts to witness the rise of future stars! But did you know that some of these young talents go on to grace the NBA courts?
The annual tournament, now in its seventh edition, is a platform for local fans to catch a glimpse of Division I players, some of whom will become household names in the NBA. This year's event, taking place from Thursday to Saturday at various Quincy venues, already boasts an impressive alumni list with five players currently on NBA rosters.
"It's incredible to see these players' journeys," said Eric Stratman, the organizer. "I remember the excitement of fans meeting these players, and now they're NBA stars!" This year, the tournament features top-rated players from the 2026, 2027, and 2028 classes, some of whom are already on the radar of NBA scouts.
And here's where it gets even more exciting: Link Academy from Branson, Missouri, has been a powerhouse, sending four players to the NBA in just two years! Julian Phillips (Chicago Bulls) and Jordan Walsh (Boston Celtics) showcased their skills in 2022, while Ja'Kobe Walter (Toronto Raptors) and Trey Johnson (Washington Bullets) followed in 2023.
Among the local talents, Khloe Nicholson, a Quincy High sophomore, is making waves. Ranked No. 17 by ESPN for the Class of 2028, she's a rising star with impressive stats.
The NBA Connection:
- N'Faly Dante (Atlanta) - Sunrise Christian, 2018
- Tre Johnson (Washington) - Link Academy, 2023
- Julian Phillips (Chicago) - Link Academy, 2022
- Julian Strawther (Denver) - Liberty High, 2019-20
- Ja'Kobe Walter (Toronto) - Link Academy, 2023
- Jordan Walsh (Boston) - Link Academy, 2022
Introducing the Future Stars:
247Sports has ranked these players in the Top 50, and they're set to light up the Quincy Shootout:
Class of 2026:
- No. 17 Arafan Diane (Houston)
- No. 19 Austin Goosby (Texas)
- No. 29 Junior County (Connecticut)
- No. 41 Miles Sadler (West Virginia)
- No. 46 Vaughn Karvala (Indiana)
- No. 48 Anthony Felisi (Pittsburgh)
- No. 49 Gavin Placide (Wake Forest)
Class of 2027:
- No. 1 Marcus Spears Jr. (Undecided)
- No. 14 Paul Osaruyi (Undecided)
- No. 29 Zion Green (Undecided)
Class of 2028:
- No. 17 ESPN Khloe Nicholson (Undecided)
- No. 12 Xavier Young (Undecided)
- No. 29 Liam Mitakaro (Undecided)
- No. 45 Josiah Rose (Undecided)
The Quincy Shootout is a testament to the power of grassroots basketball, where young athletes can dream big and make their mark. And who knows, the next NBA superstar might just be dribbling their way to stardom right before your eyes! What do you think about the tournament's ability to predict future NBA stars? Are there any players you're excited to see in the NBA one day? Share your thoughts and keep the basketball conversation going!
