Bronny James, Jackson Shelstad backcourt featured by NBA's official social media at Nike Hoop Summit
By Andrew Nemec | Photos by Taylor Balkom
PORTLAND, Oregon — Oh, how Oregon Ducks fans can dream!
Every year the best high school basketball players in America face off against the best teenagers in the world in the Nike Hoop Summit at the Moda Center.
This year's event features the compelling Team USA backcourt duo of West Linn (Oregon) star Jackson Shelstad and Sierra Canyon (California) star Bronny James, the son of LeBron James.
Amid rumors that James could commit to Oregon and join Shelstad for a future in Eugene, the duo took the floor together and put on a show.
[MORE: Nike Hoop Summit 2023 live updates]
Team USA perfectly executed a full-court press to go on a 9-0 run, featuring five points from Shelstad, four from James and a series of steals, forcing Team World to call a timeout.
Part of that highlight was featured by the NBA's official Twitter account and showcased all five of Shelstad's points:
For his part, Shelstad is hoping the duo re-connects in college.
"(Bronny is) boys with Mookie. He's signed with Nike. And we'd just love to have him," Shelstad said. "Me, KJ (Evans) and Mookie — all three freshmen coming in — we'd love to play with him. We're all unselfish. We think it would be a great fit if he came. I don't really know where that stands with him, it's kind of private, but we'd love to have him at Oregon."
James has been tight-lipped about his recruitment, but discussed his thoughts on playing alongside Shelstad this week.
"Fun times. Good to joke with them. Talking to them, talking to the coaches. It’s good to know they want me there with them, but at the end of the day, it’s my decision," he said. "I need to make the right one for me."
"Me and Jackson are still trying to meet each other. He’s a cool dude. I like talking to him and stuff. We’ve been talking about Oregon and stuff. I like his game a lot. He can shoot the ball well. Fast point guard. Makes smart decisions. Everyone likes to play with a good point guard that can make good decisions."
