NBA G League Elite Camp 2022: Top performers from Day 1 in Chicago
The NBA G League Elite Camp tipped off on Monday with two scrimmage games and other related on-court activities as draft-eligible prospects competed in front of scouts, coaches and front-office executives in Chicago, Illinois.
In total, 44 individuals were selected to participate in the event this year with the top performers eventually earning invitations to compete in the draft combine. The first day of action saw plenty of notable efforts with every player hitting the court.
The scouting event has seen several fringe prospects move on to the combine and later hear their name called on draft night. With the event kicking off on Monday, Rookie Wire took a look at some of the best performances and those prospects who could get invited to the combine.
Marcus Sasser, Houston
23PTS ‼️ 7REB ‼️ 4 3PM
Marcus Sasser put on a show!!! The @UHCougarMBK alum posted huge numbers in Game 2 of NBA G League #EliteCamp 💪 pic.twitter.com/iRJyhiCSdK
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 16, 2022
Stats: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
Sasser had the highest-scoring outing across the two scrimmage games on Monday. He went 7-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range, in his first game since December after undergoing season-ending foot surgery. He looked to be completely healthy in the game and arguably the top prospect on the floor.
Jules Bernard, UCLA
18PTS 👏🏽 4REB 👏🏽 3 ST
Jules Bernard gave them a performance to remember!! The @UCLAMBB alum put up impressive stats in Game 2 of #EliteCamp! pic.twitter.com/8X1dzmdQbq
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 16, 2022
Stats: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 block
Bernard had a great showing on Monday after leading his team to a win. He looked to have good touch on his shots and often had no problem getting to the basket and creating for himself. He likely earned himself an invite to the combine based on his performance in Game 1.
Jalen Wilson, Kansas
18PTS 🔥 6REB 🔥 4 3PM
Jalen Wilson is here to make his mark!! Check out the @KUHoops alum’s highlights!! ⬇️ #EliteCamp pic.twitter.com/We8RH0xPKr
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 16, 2022
Stats: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Wilson was tied for the second-most points scored on Monday with 18 in a win. He was highly efficient after shooting 6-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range. He looked to be a bit more well-rounded in his scrimmage, likely a direct result of his offseason training.
Darius Days, LSU
GET UP THERE, DARIUS DAYS!! 💪🏽 #EliteCamp pic.twitter.com/2ESW32LG52
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 16, 2022
Stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
Days had one of the highlights of the day after throwing down a dunk in a win for his team. He was perhaps the best player on both ends of the court after registering three steals and knocking down a couple of 3-pointers. He figures to be a strong candidate to go on to the combine.
James Akinjo, Baylor
James Akinjo doing a really good job early of pushing the pace and creating open shots for teammates, with Mike DeVoe hitting the 3 here. pic.twitter.com/vKxI7FuuOq
— Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) May 16, 2022
Stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Akinjo thrived as a playmaker on Monday after dishing out four assists. He also went 6-of-7 from the field and scored in a number of ways from finishing in the paint to shooting off the dribble. He proved to be among the best so far in the camp.