The NBA Summer League: A Platform for Rising Stars
The NBA Summer League is a platform where young and aspiring basketball players can showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster. This year, several former college basketball stars are taking part in the league, including Ron Harper Jr., who is playing with the Boston Celtics.
Ron Harper Jr. in action
Harper Jr. was not selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, but he signed with the Toronto Raptors immediately after. During his rookie season, he played in nine NBA games, averaging 2.2 points in 5.3 minutes per game. He also played in the G-League, where he averaged 13.8 points on 45.5% shooting, four rebounds, three assists, 1.5 turnovers, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game.
The Celtics Assistant General Manager, Austin Ainge, praised Harper Jr., saying, “Ron’s a good player. He’s a guy we’ve been interested in for a while. He’s looked good in practice. I think he’ll get opportunities and looks [in Summer League].”
Another former college basketball star, Caleb McConnell, is also participating in the Summer League with the Charlotte Hornets. During his rookie season, he helped the Oklahoma City Blue earn the first G-League title in franchise history, averaging 6.3 points on 46.1% shooting, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game across 32 appearances (11 starts).
The ACC had a rough regular season in 2023-24, with programs like Virginia, Miami, Florida State, and Louisville struggling to meet expectations behind traditional powerhouses Duke and North Carolina. However, the league’s success picked up in the NCAA Tournament, with Clemson going on a nice run and a miracle stretch from NC State.
Heading into this upcoming season, the ACC is joined by two programs from the Bay Area – Stanford and Cal – and one from Dallas in SMU. Will any of the newcomers make noise in a conference traditionally dominated by the Blue Devils and Tar Heels? Can Miami or Florida State get back on track? How will Louisville do with a completely new roster under coach Pat Kelsey?
 ACC Basketball
In other news, Jimmer Fredette is lighting up Canada – and the 3x3 basketball circuit. One week after claiming MVP honors at the Quebec Challenger, the former BYU star brought home the same award from the Edmonton Masters. His 3x3 team, Miami, claimed the title at both events.
Jimmer Fredette in action
Fredette’s hot streak is expected to continue as he prepares to represent the United States in the Olympics. He recently told the “Y Guys” podcast about how excited he is to represent the United States in Paris.
“It’s starting to hit me. I have a little more pep in my step during workouts. I know it’s close. It’s incredible,” Fredette said. “I know it’s going to be emotional, and I’ll probably be the most nervous I’ve ever been playing in a basketball game when we take the floor that first time.”
The NBA Summer League and the Olympics are just around the corner, and fans are eagerly waiting to see which rising stars will shine bright.
