PORTLAND, OR- Taking part in the annual, World versus USA Nike Hoops Summit, Arizona Basketball signee Nico Mannion stole the show!
Who watched our future Wildcats in action last night? Well, for those unfamiliar what we’re even talking about, current Arizona signee’s Nico Mannion and Josh Green competed in the annual, Nike Hoops Summit.
So what is the Nike Hoops Summit? Well, it’s an international men’s basketball all-star game sponsored by Nike that’s held once a year. The game of course features some of the best young talent in the World, with the USA Men’s Junior Select Team competing against the World Select Team.
Arizona Wildcats
Leading up to the highly anticipated game, Green and Mannion participated in team practices and workouts, tantalizing fans for what’s potentially to come next year.
Together, the two have been friends for some time now, and have been a big part in each others’ lives and college recruitments. Naturally, their chemistry is off the charts and we saw it on display at the McDonald’s All-Star game.
While in Portland, the two did it one more time before they come down to Tucson!
However, as Green certainly has excited fans with his tremendous athleticism and high-flying dunks, it was Nico that stole the show on Friday evening!
The electric point guard showcased the talent we are quickly becoming familiar with. Early on, it was the Nico show, taking the opening tip in for a quick lay-up.
As the USA continued to put on a show, Nico did his best to keep his team in it with every big shot and high flying dunk.
While the World was unsuccessful this year in knocking off team USA, it was Nico that ultimately stole the show, finishing the game with 30 points on 8-14 shooting, 3-7 from three with five rebounds and three assists.
Nico even drew quite a bit of attention, even from current NBA player Evan Turner!
Nico mannion got 25 on 10 shots. The gingers of the world have found their leader. He’s DIFFERENT
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) April 13, 2019
Green had a much quieter evening, finishing the game with just five points on 2-7 shooting with six rebounds and four assists.
All night, is was seemingly a competition between the two best point guards for 2019. Cole Anthony finished the game with 25 points on 8-19 shooting (3-8 from three), with seven rebounds and four assists.
Here are a bit of highlights from last nights game!
High-level Hoop Summit game with a monster showing from Nico Mannion. He was tremendous all week in practice also. Excellent blend of scoring instincts, passing feel, toughness at 6'3. Game comes easy to him. Have been really impressed with him at every stop since the U16 Euros. pic.twitter.com/DMDgE3akN2
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) April 13, 2019
At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for these two, and were amazed by the athleticism that was on display last night! We can’t wait for next season! Bear Down, Arizona!