view of a gym
08.13.2024

Elite 24 Showcases the World’s Next Generation of Basketball Stars

Under Armour returned to Brooklyn, bringing 48 of the world’s best hoopers to compete at the basketball event of the summer

On August 10, Under Armour returned to New York for the first time since 2016 to host its UA Next Elite 24 event in Brooklyn, bringing together 48 of the world’s most elite high school basketball players for an unforgettable competition. Committed to fostering the next generation of athletes, Under Armour created Elite 24 to offer a platform for the brightest young basketball stars to show off their talents on a global stage.

 

Elite 24 is powered by UA Next – an ecosystem of programs throughout the year designed to help young team sport athletes reach their potential. In New York this past weekend, UA Next fostered a supportive environment where these young athletes were able to develop their skills, showcase their talent in elite competition and receive first-class coaching and mentorship. And for the first time ever this year, Elite 24 welcomed international athletes, with several of the top boys participants coming from outside of the US, including France, Germany, Lithuania, Mexico and Spain.

"With the inclusion of international athletes this year at Elite 24, we’ve truly elevated the event on a global level, showcasing the diverse talent and passion for basketball that spans the globe. This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering excellence in the sport worldwide.”

-Tor Watts, UA Lead in Sports Marketing, Basketball

Weekend at a Glance

The athletes’ weekend was packed with different activities around the city, basketball training and competition.

 

On Thursday, the group arrived at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge where they got settled before participating in a series of content shoots to show off their elite new uniforms. After, they headed over to the Brooklyn Nets Practice Facility, where they were officially welcomed by Elite 24 legend and Under Armour’s original basketball athlete Brandon Jennings. The players then took the court for their first official practice before wrapping up the evening with dinner and a trip to a well-known arcade in New York City.

kids dribbling

Practice Day 1 at the Brooklyn Nets Practice Facility

Kid shooting a basketball
girl stretching on court

On Friday, the athletes hit the court again in the morning for practice, followed by a scrimmage in the afternoon where they prepared for their big showcase on Saturday. In between training sessions, the group was treated to some Van Leeuwen’s ice cream via Elite 24’s very own ice cream truck. The day concluded with some fun with a boat cruise around the city and a surprise concert with rapper A Boogie. Under Armour also hosted an access camp during the day for kids from Crusader Basketball, a Good Sports’ donation recipient based in New York City, which included skill sessions and shooting competitions with the Elite 24 athletes followed by a boy’s and girl’s tournament.

 

On the final day, the athletes arrived ready to compete for their teams and make their mark in the Elite 24 history books. Fans packed Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard with energy and excitement to watch an exhilarating display of talent and skill. And they certainly were not disappointed. On the girls’ side, Team Fire defeated Team Ice decisively, 85-75, while on the boys’ side, Team Ice clinched a tight victory, 97-94, over Team Fire in a pair of games televised nationally on ESPNU. The number one ranked player in the Class of 2027, Kaleena Smith from Team Fire was named MVP of the Girls Game, delivering 20 points, four assists and four steals, while Shon Abaev earned MVP honors in the Boys Game for Team Ice, finishing with 22 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and two blocks.  

The Storied History of Elite 24

Over the years, Elite 24 has previewed some of the NBA’s best talent. Six former Elite 24 players secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, with 21 going in the top five selections. In total, 109 Elite 24 alumni have been drafted by NBA franchises.

 

This year, several NBA players, including Curry Brand athlete De’Aaron Fox, attended the Elite 24 games to show support for the next generation of basketball talent, with UA Basketball athlete Jarace Walker even participating as the head coach for the boys’ Team Ice. Curry Brand athlete and University of South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley was also there to watch these young hoopers do their thing.

“Elite 24 is more than just a showcase of young basketball talent; it’s a celebration of the future of the sport. This event is not only about highlighting the incredible skill of these players but also about creating a sense of community, giving these players an elevated platform to prepare for the collegiate level. I’m excited to be a part of it this year and see what these young stars can continue to accomplish.”

- De'Aaron Fox, Curry Brand Athlete

De'Aaron Fox standing with the women's basketball players

De'Aaron Fox with members of Team Fire and Team Ice

Products for Performance - Fire & Ice

 The athletes were outfitted in Under Armour gear from head to toe for the weekend with a variety of on and off the court looks that offered both performance and recovery benefits. For the competition and on-court looks, the theme was “Fire and Ice,” and the UA team created custom uniforms, apparel and footwear in bright combinations of blue and orange. Among the products featured were several models of Under Armour’s latest and greatest basketball sneakers, including the UA FUTR X 4, UA Spawn 6 Mid and Low, UA FUTR X ELITE, and the UA Flow Breakthru 5. These special Elite 24 colorways are available now on UA.com.

 

 

basketball sneaker

UA Spawn 6

Close up of sneaker on court

UA FUTR X 4

A pair of blue sneakers

UA Breakthru 5

Under Armour x TUFF CROWD Collaboration for Elite 24

For their off-court outfitting, the group received items from Under Armour’s latest collaboration with TUFF CROWD, the luxury streetwear brand created by Brandon Jennings, a two-time Elite 24 MVP and NBA Pro Basketball trailblazer. Jennings wanted to create a full collection of footwear, apparel and accessories to mark Elite 24’s special NYC homecoming this year and share part of his journey with these young athletes.

“Ever since I first signed with Under Armour in 2008, it’s been like my first home. We wanted to build up UA Basketball from scratch together and tap into a fearless mindset that the brand and I have always been about. To come back and work together again to connect with the next generation of players now is a full circle moment for me.”

-Brandon Jennings, the original Under Armour Basketball Athlete

The UA x TUFF CROWD collection features four different types of sneakers and introduces new footwear silhouettes for the first time, including the Anatomix Court lifestyle shoe that will be more widely available in 2025. The collab also highlights key current UA styles including the wearable Apparition retro runner, the inventive FUTR X 4 basketball shoe and the UA Basketball staple, the Spawn 6. The apparel collection is highlighted by TUFF CROWD’s signature barbwire, brought to life in a new double UA logo lockup across all items, along with a dual Doberman and UA logo label execution seen throughout.

  

This year’s Elite 24 athletes received the full exclusive UA x TUFF CROWD footwear and apparel collection, along with a special edition “Invite Only” shirt and custom Letterman Jacket. The collection is available for purchase on TUFFCROWD.com.

Man standing with his hands crossed on a basketball court

Brandon Jennings with UA x TUFF CROWD gear

two pairs of sneakers stacked on top of one another
a kid holding the bill of his hat

This event marks another successful year of elite competition. Under Armour celebrates the achievements of our athletes and through its UA Next platform, will continue to provide resources, training and mentorship for the next generation as they follow their dreams of competing at the highest level.

  

To learn more about Elite 24 and UA Next programming, check out: https://underarmournext.com/basketball/elite-24/