2025 Salt Lake City Summer League: Jazz Take Down 76ers in Wire-to-Wire Victory

Donovan Mitchell is an American professional basketball player born on September 7, 1996. He currently plays as a shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Mitchell stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds. He attended the University of Louisville, where he honed his basketball skills before entering the professional league. Mitchell was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft but was traded to the Utah Jazz on draft night. He played for the Jazz from 2017 to 2022 before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout his career, Mitchell has established himself as a talented scorer and playmaker. He has been selected to multiple NBA All-Star Games, showcasing his growing influence in the league. One of Mitchell's most notable achievements came when he became only the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a single game, and the first to do so while also recording at least 10 assists. This performance highlighted his exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills. Currently, Mitchell continues to be an integral part of the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing significantly to their gameplay and team strategy. His active status in the league underscores his ongoing relevance and commitment to basketball. Recent events have seen Mitchell adapting to his new role with the Cavaliers, focusing on team chemistry and performance improvement. As a prominent figure in the NBA, Mitchell's career trajectory is closely followed by fans and analysts alike. His achievements and contributions to the sport have solidified his position as a respected and impactful player in contemporary basketball.

VJ Edgecombe is a Bahamian professional basketball player currently with the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, having been selected with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—making him the highest-drafted player in Baylor University history and the highest NBA Draft pick from Long Island basketball[1][4]. Born on July 30, 2005, Edgecombe stands 6’5” and weighs 180 pounds, playing primarily as a guard[4]. His journey to the NBA is marked by resilience and rapid ascent, from humble beginnings in the Bahamas to national prominence in American basketball[1][2]. Edgecombe attended Long Island Lutheran High School (LuHi) in New York, where he emerged as a standout player and earned McDonald’s All-American honors, signaling his status as one of the top high school prospects in the country[1][3]. He committed to Baylor University for college, where his freshman season was nothing short of remarkable: Edgecombe earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and over 2 steals per game, while showcasing elite athleticism, defensive intensity, and a tireless work ethic[1]. His all-around game and maturity on and off the court drew widespread praise from scouts and analysts, helping solidify his position as a top NBA prospect[1]. On draft night, Edgecombe’s emotional tribute to his mother—highlighting the sacrifices she made for their family, including years living off a generator in the Bahamas—resonated with audiences and underscored the significance of his achievement[1][2]. He has spoken openly about his faith and gratitude, framing his success as both a personal dream and a testament to perseverance[2]. Since joining the 76ers, Edgecombe has already made an impact, posting a 28-point double-double in his NBA Summer League debut and demonstrating the explosive athleticism that defined his college career[4]. His selection and early performances have made him one of the most closely watched rookies in the league, with expectations high for his continued development as a key piece for Philadelphia’s future[1][4]. Edgecombe’s story—from international prospect to NBA lottery pick—exemplifies both his individual talent and the broader potential for players from nontraditional basketball backgrounds to reach the sport’s highest level[1][2].

Grayson Allen is an American professional basketball player who currently plays as a shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on October 8, 1995, Allen rose to prominence during his college basketball career at Duke University. He played a crucial role in helping Duke win a national championship in 2015 and is often regarded as one of Duke's best players of the 2010s[1]. Allen was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 21st overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut on October 22, 2018, and played for the Jazz for one season before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in July 2019. In August 2021, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent two seasons before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in September 2023[1]. During his high school career, Allen was a standout player at Providence School in Jacksonville, Florida, winning a state championship and being selected as a McDonald's All-American in 2014. He also won the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest that year by jumping over future Duke teammate Jahlil Okafor[1]. In the 2024-25 season, Allen started in six regular-season games for the Suns, averaging 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 42.6% from the field[4]. His career highlights include scoring a career-high 40 points in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers while playing for the Jazz[1]. Allen's current relevance in the NBA is maintained through his consistent performance and contributions to his team.

Royce O’Neale is an American professional basketball player currently with the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he plays as a power forward[1][2]. Born on June 5, 1993, in Killeen, Texas, O’Neale attended Harker Heights High School before beginning his collegiate basketball career at the University of Denver, where he played for two seasons[3][6]. He transferred to Baylor University for his final two years of eligibility, graduating in 2015[1][3]. During his senior year at Baylor, O’Neale was recognized for his academic achievements (Academic All-Big 12, Dean’s List) and contributed key performances in postseason play, including multiple double-doubles and leading his team in assists during the NCAA Tournament[3]. Despite a solid college career, O’Neale was not selected in the 2015 NBA Draft and began his professional career overseas, playing for teams in Germany (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg) and Spain[1][4]. His time in Europe helped him develop his game, leading to an opportunity with the Utah Jazz’s 2017 NBA Summer League team. Impressing with his versatility and defensive ability, he signed with the Jazz later that year and quickly became a reliable rotation player known for his three-point shooting and perimeter defense[1]. O’Neale spent several seasons with the Jazz, establishing himself as a key role player before joining the Phoenix Suns, where he continues to contribute as a veteran presence on a team with playoff aspirations[1][2]. Standing 6’6” and weighing around 226 lbs, O’Neale’s ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor with his shooting makes him valuable in the modern NBA[2]. As of the 2025 NBA season, O’Neale remains an active player, bringing experience and consistency to the Suns’ roster[2]. While not a star, his career trajectory—from unheralded prospect to established NBA role player—highlights his perseverance and adaptability. No major recent events or controversies are associated with O’Neale; his reputation is that of a dependable, hardworking professional who has maximized his opportunities through solid fundamentals and team-first play[1][2].