The Nike Hoop Summit is one of the premier basketball events for high school athletes, a game that brings together the best young talent from around the world to compete on the grand stage. For the 2025 edition of the event, the spotlight will shine brightly on three future Auburn Tigers: Bella Hines, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Grace Knox. All three players have established themselves as dominant forces in the high school basketball scene and are set to make a significant impact on Auburn’s program in the coming seasons.
This year’s Nike Hoop Summit, which will take place on Saturday, promises to be a highly anticipated showcase of basketball talent. Fans, scouts, and college basketball enthusiasts alike will be eager to see these three future Tigers in action, as they represent the next wave of talent for Auburn. Hines, Johnson, and Knox have not only been standout performers on the high school circuit but have also shown tremendous potential to be future stars in college basketball.
Bella Hines, a highly versatile forward, has been one of the most talked-about recruits in the country. Standing at 6’2″, Hines combines size with incredible skill and basketball IQ. Her ability to score in various ways—whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting a jumper, or finishing strong around the rim—makes her a constant threat on the court. Hines’ defensive prowess is equally impressive, as she has the ability to guard multiple positions, using her length and quickness to disrupt opposing offenses. Her transition from high school to the collegiate level is something that many Auburn fans are eagerly awaiting, as she brings a well-rounded game that will fit perfectly into the Tigers’ system.
Hines’ journey to the Nike Hoop Summit has been paved with hard work and dedication. Throughout her high school career, she has been the focal point of her team, consistently putting up impressive numbers and leading her squad to success. Her leadership and work ethic have been recognized by coaches and scouts alike, with many considering her one of the top players in her class. At the Hoop Summit, Hines will have the opportunity to showcase her talents against some of the best players in the world, further solidifying her reputation as one of the top recruits in the nation.
ZaKiyah Johnson, another future Tiger, is a player who has drawn significant attention for her physicality and ability to control the game from the point guard position. At 5’9″, Johnson is a dynamic guard who can do it all—whether it’s distributing the ball, scoring, or locking down on defense. Her court vision and passing ability set her apart from other players, as she has a natural feel for setting up her teammates for success. Johnson is also known for her aggressive mindset, which allows her to attack the rim with force and create scoring opportunities for herself and others.
One of Johnson’s standout qualities is her defensive tenacity. Her quickness and ability to stay in front of her opponents make her a nightmare on the defensive end, often forcing turnovers and turning defense into offense. This is a skill that will be highly valued at the collegiate level, as Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris has made it clear that she values players who can lock down defensively and contribute on both ends of the floor. Johnson’s ability to control the tempo of a game and her leadership qualities make her an exciting addition to Auburn’s roster.
ZaKiyah Johnson’s path to the Nike Hoop Summit has been marked by her rise as one of the top point guards in the country. She has played against some of the best competition in high school basketball, often facing off against top-ranked teams in high-pressure environments. Despite the high expectations, Johnson has consistently delivered, earning praise for her poise under pressure and her ability to elevate her game when it matters most. At the Nike Hoop Summit, Johnson will have the chance to further prove herself on a global stage, matching up against some of the top international talent in the world.
Grace Knox, the third future Tiger in the spotlight, is a player who has captivated scouts with her shooting ability and her smooth offensive game. Standing at 6’0″, Knox is a natural scorer who can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. Her three-point shooting is one of her most deadly weapons, and she has shown time and time again that she can hit clutch shots in critical moments. Knox’s shooting touch, combined with her athleticism, makes her a versatile offensive player who can stretch the defense and create opportunities for her teammates.
Knox is also a strong rebounder, especially for a player who primarily plays on the wing. Her ability to crash the boards and contribute in all areas of the game makes her a well-rounded player who is capable of impacting a game in many different ways. Her work ethic and commitment to improving have been evident throughout her high school career, and her skills have only continued to evolve as she prepares to make the jump to the collegiate level.
As with Hines and Johnson, Knox’s path to the Nike Hoop Summit has been marked by consistent excellence. She has played at the highest level of high school basketball, showcasing her scoring ability and all-around game in a variety of settings. Her ability to perform in big moments and her steady development have made her a top recruit, and she is widely regarded as one of the best players in her class. The Nike Hoop Summit will be a chance for Knox to further demonstrate her skills and prove that she is ready to make an immediate impact at Auburn.
For Auburn fans, the addition of these three players to the program is incredibly exciting. Hines, Johnson, and Knox bring a level of talent and potential that will elevate the Tigers’ basketball program to new heights. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, and their complementary styles make them a perfect fit for the team’s needs. With Hines’ versatility, Johnson’s playmaking and defense, and Knox’s scoring ability, Auburn is poised to have one of the most exciting recruiting classes in recent memory.
The Nike Hoop Summit will serve as a key moment for these future Tigers, as it will allow them to compete against some of the best high school players in the world. The game will be a chance for them to showcase their abilities on a national stage, and it will provide a preview of what Auburn fans can expect from them in the coming years. With the Tigers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Johnnie Harris, continuing to build a strong foundation for the program, the future looks incredibly bright with these three players set to join the team.
As Hines, Johnson, and Knox prepare to take the court in the Nike Hoop Summit, all eyes will be on them. Their performances at the event will no doubt help shape their future at Auburn, as they look to make an immediate impact on the collegiate basketball scene. But beyond that, their journey to Auburn is part of a larger narrative of a program on the rise, one that is attracting top-tier talent and building for sustained success.
In the years to come, Bella Hines, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Grace Knox could very well become cornerstones of the Auburn women’s basketball program, leaving their mark on the Tigers’ legacy. As they compete in the Nike Hoop Summit, they will be showing the world what they’re capable of and giving Auburn fans a glimpse of the bright future ahead. This Saturday’s game will be a crucial moment in their basketball careers, and it is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in Auburn’s rise to the top of women’s college basketball.
For now, though, all eyes will be on Hines, Johnson, and Knox as they represent their future school on one of the biggest stages in high school basketball. The Nike Hoop Summit is an event that brings together the best of the best, and for Auburn, it’s a chance to see three future stars in action. The excitement surrounding these players is palpable, and with good reason—their talent, work ethic, and potential are sure to make them some of the most exciting players in college basketball in the years to come.