The G-League Elite Camp has evolved into one of the most important stepping stones for NBA hopefuls. While it may not receive the same fanfare as the NBA Draft Combine or the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Elite Camp is where under-the-radar prospects get a legitimate chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts, executives, and front-office decision-makers from all 30 NBA teams. For many participants, it’s not just an opportunity — it’s a lifeline. This year’s camp was no exception, as a talented and determined group of players arrived with the same goal in mind: prove they belong at the next level.
Held annually in Chicago just days before the NBA Draft Combine, the G-League Elite Camp serves a dual purpose. First, it provides a platform for talented players who weren’t initially invited to the Combine but still deserve a shot. Second, it helps NBA teams evaluate borderline prospects in a competitive setting. This year’s group included an intriguing mix of seniors from major college programs, standout mid-major stars, and even a few international players looking to make their mark. The roster was filled with guys who may not have received national attention during the season but who have the tools to succeed in the professional ranks.
Among the most anticipated names was Arkansas guard Tramon Mark, a gifted scorer and versatile defender who proved during his collegiate career that he can impact the game on both ends. After transferring from Houston to Arkansas, Mark raised his scoring average and took on more of a leadership role, showcasing maturity and resilience. At the Elite Camp, he continued to show the same poise, handling pressure situations with calm and confidence. His performance left scouts impressed with his ability to create space, knock down mid-range jumpers, and defend multiple positions.
Also drawing considerable attention was 6-foot-8 forward Jalen Bridges of Baylor, whose combination of length, athleticism, and three-point shooting is the prototype for today’s NBA wing. Bridges demonstrated a clear understanding of his role, rarely forcing the action but consistently making the right plays. In a league where 3-and-D wings are always in demand, his ability to stretch the floor and defend on the perimeter helped solidify his status as one of the most pro-ready prospects at the camp.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the event was KJ Simpson from Colorado, a point guard who played with incredible pace and urgency throughout. Standing at just under 6-foot-2, Simpson entered the camp with questions surrounding his size and decision-making. He left it having silenced many critics. His command of the pick-and-roll, court vision, and willingness to embrace contact around the rim made him one of the most talked-about players over the two-day showcase. Simpson’s confidence was infectious, and his energy lifted the play of his teammates — an intangible quality that NBA front offices deeply value.
While many of the headliners were from Power Five conferences, this year’s Elite Camp also highlighted the growing impact of mid-major standouts. Among them was Tucker DeVries from Drake, a 6-foot-7 forward and son of head coach Darian DeVries. Known for his basketball IQ and smooth shooting stroke, DeVries had a decorated college career, winning MVC Player of the Year honors twice. At the camp, he continued to showcase his deep range and crafty footwork, making it clear that his game can translate at the next level — even if he lacks elite athleticism. He’s the kind of player who simply understands how to play and knows how to make winning plays.
Joining him was DaRon Holmes II, the high-motor big man from Dayton who entered the event looking to prove he could keep up with quicker, more athletic competition. Holmes responded to that challenge by dominating the paint with energy and enthusiasm. He ran the floor hard, protected the rim with authority, and even knocked down a few jumpers from the elbow. Scouts took note of his improved footwork and conditioning, both of which will be crucial as he transitions to the NBA game. Holmes may not have the name recognition of some lottery-bound prospects, but his production speaks volumes.
Another noteworthy storyline at this year’s camp was the rise of combo guards like Reece Beekman from Virginia. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, Beekman reminded everyone that he’s also an exceptional passer and floor general. While his offensive game is still developing, he displayed a solid mid-range jumper and wasn’t afraid to take big shots. On the defensive end, he was a menace — cutting off passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and setting the tone with his relentless ball pressure. For teams looking for a backup point guard who can also lock down opposing scorers, Beekman’s stock undoubtedly rose.
As is often the case, there were a handful of international players who used the Elite Camp as a launching pad for more widespread recognition. While not as familiar to casual fans, these prospects came in well-prepared and technically sound. They executed in pick-and-pop situations, showed strong fundamentals, and often made the right basketball decision — qualities that can get lost in all-star settings but are highly valued in a structured camp environment like this one.
Beyond individual performances, what stood out the most was the competitive nature of the scrimmages. Unlike showcase games where defense is optional, the Elite Camp featured intense matchups from start to finish. Players fought for every rebound, hustled on every possession, and treated each minute on the court like it might be their last. That urgency is what separates the G-League Elite Camp from many other pre-draft events. Everyone on the floor understood what was at stake, and they played like it.
NBA scouts and executives were omnipresent, seated courtside with clipboards and iPads, jotting down notes, logging every possession, and paying close attention to body language, communication, and effort. For the players, it wasn’t just about stats. It was about how they handled adversity, how they interacted with teammates, how they responded to coaching, and how they carried themselves in pressure-packed situations. Those intangible qualities often carry just as much weight as vertical leaps and three-point percentages.
At the conclusion of the camp, several players earned invitations to the NBA Draft Combine — the ultimate validation of their performance. These golden tickets are a testament to what can happen when talent meets preparation and opportunity. For the players who didn’t receive invites, all is not lost. Many will go on to participate in private workouts with teams, receive Summer League invites, or begin their professional careers overseas or in the G-League itself. The camp may have been the start, but it certainly won’t be the end.
Over the past few years, the G-League Elite Camp has proven to be a legitimate launchpad for future NBA talent. Alumni of the event include players who were drafted in the second round, signed two-way contracts, or carved out roles as reliable bench contributors. In a league where every inch matters and every possession is analyzed, a strong performance at the Elite Camp can shift the trajectory of a player’s career. And in many cases, it already has.
The beauty of the G-League Elite Camp lies in its purity. There are no flashy entrances, no celebrity appearances, no social media gimmicks. Just basketball. Just hungry players looking to prove they belong. And every year, without fail, some of them do. The 2025 edition of the camp reminded us once again that greatness isn’t always obvious at first glance. Sometimes, it takes a grind-it-out scrimmage on a quiet court in Chicago to reveal who’s next.
These future stars may not have been household names coming in, but after this week, that could change. With scouts watching, cameras rolling, and stakes sky-high, the G-League Elite Camp delivered once again — not only showcasing talent but fueling dreams. For those who took the stage, this was more than a camp. It was the beginning of something bigger.