Iowa Recruiting Target Shines at Revived adidas ABCD Camp

DES MOINES — The adidas ABCD Camp made a triumphant return to Phoenix this summer after a two-decade hiatus, and several top prospects with ties to Iowa turned heads. The camp, originally founded by Sonny Vaccaro in 1984 and now co-run by NBA legend Tracy McGrady, brought together 50 of the nation's best high school players for drills, scrimmages, and workshops on financial literacy, NIL opportunities, and media training.

Among the standout performers were two players with Iowa connections: RJ Evans, the son of former Iowa Hawkeye and 13-year NBA veteran Reggie Evans, and Jalen Davis, a top-20 recruit who holds an offer from the Hawkeyes. Both players showcased their skills in front of NBA scouts, players, and coaches, including Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe.

RJ Evans Carries on a Hawkeye Legacy

RJ Evans, a rising sophomore in the Class of 2029, impressed with his length and two-way play. At 6-foot-7, he led his team in scoring during scrimmage play and dropped a game-high 23 points on Friday night. Evans plays for Austin Rivers' AAU program on the adidas 3SSB circuit, and Rivers had high praise for the young guard.

“That kid can play,” Rivers told NBA.com. “What he's doing at 15 years old is crazy, and he has a natural feel for the game that's only going to grow as he fills into his body. I can't wait to see where he is in 3-to-4 years.”

Evans holds a handful of early offers and plans to take unofficial visits to Miami, Florida State, and Iowa — his father's alma mater — in the fall. For Iowa fans, this represents a potential recruiting win that could strengthen the program's ties to a legendary Hawkeye family.

Jalen Davis Shows Grit and Skill

Jalen Davis, a 6-foot-4 combo guard in the Class of 2027, played through a facial fracture sustained during the adidas 3SSB circuit, wearing a facemask throughout camp. His toughness was on full display as he averaged 10 points, five steals, and five assists across three games, leading his team, the Nets, to a perfect 3-0 record.

Davis is a top-20 player in the incoming high school senior class and holds offers from Alabama, BYU, Cal, Houston, Iowa, Oregon State, SMU, Vanderbilt, Xavier, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. His all-around game and defensive tenacity make him a prime target for the Hawkeyes as they look to build a competitive roster.

Lewis Uvwo Takes MVP Honors

The camp's top honor went to Lewis Uvwo, a 6-foot-11 center from Nigeria who has only been playing basketball for three years. Uvwo, who rose from No. 94 to No. 6 in the Class of 2027, earned the adidas ABCD Camp MVP award after recording 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals in the championship game. He holds offers from Duke, BYU, Florida State, UCLA, Baylor, Alabama, and Arkansas, but Iowa was not listed among his suitors.

Other Standouts with Iowa Implications

Antonio Pemberton, a 6-foot-1 point guard in the Class of 2027, was the best lead guard on the court, netting 25 points in a scrimmage. He is down to a final eight schools: Kansas, Michigan State, Tennessee, UCLA, Marquette, Ohio State, Creighton, and Boston College. Iowa did not make his list.

Darius Wabbington, a 6-foot-10 forward considered the most skilled big in high school basketball, has official visits scheduled to Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, Louisville, and Indiana. Again, no Iowa offer was mentioned.

Demarcus Henry, a 6-foot-7 wing in the Class of 2027, is down to a final eight schools including BYU, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UConn. He did not list Iowa.

What This Means for Iowa Basketball

The revived adidas ABCD Camp highlights the growing competition for top basketball talent. While Iowa is actively recruiting RJ Evans and Jalen Davis, the Hawkeyes face stiff competition from powerhouse programs. For fans, the camp serves as a reminder of the importance of strong recruiting and the legacy of players like Reggie Evans, who paved the way for future generations.

As the summer circuit continues, Iowa's coaching staff will need to make a compelling case to land these prospects. With the right pitch, the Hawkeyes could secure commitments that boost their program for years to come.

“He's good and adjusts to the defense well,” said Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson of Demarcus Henry. “[Henry] has a good pace to his game and good feel.”

For now, Iowa fans can watch closely as RJ Evans and Jalen Davis develop, hoping they choose to wear black and gold.