Inaugural U.S. Open a Success
The inaugural NCAA basketball academy event, known as the U.S. Open, was a major success, unlike anything ever witnessed before in the world of girls' high school basketball. The event brought together some of the most talented 16U and 15U teams from across the country, and provided a truly unique experience for high school athletes, parents and coaches.
A Star-Studded Gathering:
The U.S. Open featured the top 16U and 15U teams in the nation, creating an intense and highly competitive environment.
One of the major highlights was the presence of the U16 Team USA roster, engaging in drills and 3-on-3 games, providing an opportunity for young players to learn from the best.
Not just limited to the USA, some of Canada's finest players also participated, allowing them to be evaluated by NCAA coaches and potentially paving their way to college basketball success.
A Magnet for College Coaches:
With all this talent under one roof, the U.S. Open attracted virtually every major college coach in the country.
The event provided an incredible chance for student-athletes to catch the eye of college coaches, opening doors for future opportunities.
An "Individual Pathway" for Student Athletes:
The U.S. Open offered an innovative "individual pathway" program where hundreds of players were selected and evenly placed on teams to compete in front of NCAA coaches.
There was also required BAM testing where students were tested physically, completing lane testing and being measured for their vertical.
In addition to the on-court action, the NCAA took a proactive role in educating participants with panels and presentations on the NCAA eligibility center and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness).
Highlighting Three Players of the 2025 and 2026 Classes:
In the free section of our website, we want to highlight three exceptional players from the 2025 and 2026 classes, whose performances stood out during the U.S. Open:
Zariah Ottley (Bay State Jaguars) - Point Guard (2026): Ottley is a walking mismatch, with a strong frame she easily overpowers most guards and has the ability to finish the play through contact. She also has a great feel for the game, plays at her own pace and sets up teammates. Ottley is shifty with the ball and excels at creating her own shot in isolation.
Caliyah Devillasee (Elevate Elite) - Point Guard (2025): Devillasee is as good as it gets at the lead guard position in the 2025 class. Strong and athletic with a full package of isolation moves, high level passing and the mentality to be the lead guard of any power 5 conference program. Lead her team to the championship of the stripes bracket a week after winning the Adidas 3SSB 16U championship.
Aaliyah Crump (North Tartan) - Combo Guard (2025): Crump led her team to the championship game of the top bracket, showing off all of the skills that make her one of the top recruits in her class. With great size at 6’1 and legitimate guard skills Aaliyah fits the profile that every college coach wants. She is a smooth athlete who has a complete game. On top of being a three level scorer she is a plus defender and plays a low maintenance style that should fit any coach's system.
While this blog only provides a glimpse of the talent and excitement witnessed at the U.S. Open, our members can access a full breakdown of the event on our website. The NCAA basketball academy event undoubtedly proved to be a game-changer for aspiring high school athletes, bringing them closer to their dreams of playing college basketball.