Boston, MA – New Balance Basketball made a major statement last week, hosting 40 of the nation’s top male and female prospects from the 2026 and 2027 classes for its first-ever high school basketball camp, The New Balance Beantown Elite Experience.

This four-day event was more than just basketball — it blended elite skill development, financial literacy, personal branding, NIL education, and professional exposure. NBA All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland, alongside other New Balance athletes, led on-court sessions and provided mentorship, making the camp a game-changing experience for rising stars.

A New Model for Athlete Development

Unlike traditional showcases, the Beantown Elite Experience emphasized both on-court performance and off-court preparation:

• Skill Development: High-level drills and hands-on instruction from pro athletes.

• Financial Literacy: Teaching prospects how to manage future earnings responsibly.

• Personal Branding: Preparing athletes to maximize NIL opportunities.

• Professional Exposure: Direct access to NBA mentors, scouts, and brand reps.

This holistic approach highlighted New Balance’s commitment to shaping the next generation of basketball talent both as players and as marketable brands.

Standouts from the Class of 2026

• Jordan Smith Jr. – His decision to attend Beantown over Nike’s Skills Academy made waves, and he backed it up with elite play. Showed explosive finishing and polished scoring under Maxey’s guidance.

• Toni Bryant – A five-star athlete whose athleticism stole the show. Showed flashes of high-level instincts and was among the first on the court for extra work.

• Latrell Allmond – Transitioning from undersized big to versatile inside-out forward, Allmond showcased face-up scoring and smooth dribble drives.

• Quinn Costello – Continued his rise with a rare mix of size, skill, and shooting touch. Thrives in structured settings — a good sign for his future at higher levels.

• Marcis Ponder – Florida State commit who broke two rims during drills, showing off a terrifying mix of power and agility.

• Willie Burnett III – A crafty big guard who impressed with his creativity and improvisation, especially in attack situations.

Breakout Performers from the Class of 2027

• Cayden Daughtry – The camp’s maestro, drawing Trae Young comparisons with his unmatched ball-handling and playmaking flair.

• Malachi Jordan – One of the camp’s most dominant scorers, blending size, power, and elite shot-making that had scouts buzzing.

• Theo Edema – A physically imposing forward with size, strength, and mobility who continues to climb the national rankings.

• Moussa Kamissoko – Quiet at times but flashed versatile two-way potential, combining length and developing perimeter tools.

Why It Matters

The New Balance Beantown Elite Experience signals a shift in the basketball landscape:

• It challenges Nike’s dominance in grassroots development.

• It empowers athletes early with NIL knowledge and personal branding.

• It creates direct connections between top prospects, NBA stars, and a global brand.

For many players, this camp wasn’t just about competing — it was about building their future both on and off the court.

Final Takeaway

With the success of the first-ever Beantown Elite Experience, New Balance has planted its flag in the high school basketball space. By blending elite training, life skills, and brand-building opportunities, they’ve positioned themselves as a serious player in shaping the next generation of basketball stars.

For the prospects who attended, this was more than a camp — it was a launchpad.