From High School to the NBA Spotlight: How Elite U.S. Schools Shaped the 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft, held on June 26, is already being called one of the most exciting and symbolic drafts in recent history, not just because of who was selected, but because of where their journeys truly began.

Against all odds, the Dallas Mavericks, with just a 1.8% chance, secured the first overall pick and selected Cooper Flagg, a standout forward and graduate of Montverde Academy (Florida). His selection marked a historic moment, ending a long stretch without a U.S.-born white player going first overall in the NBA.

Equally impressive was VJ Edgecombe, selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, coming out of Long Island Lutheran High School (New York). And on the global stage, Chinese prospect Han-Sen Yang made history by being selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming only the third Chinese player ever drafted in the first round.

Behind these rising stars are elite U.S. high schools with exceptional basketball traditions, professional-level training environments, and academic structures designed to support student-athletes at the highest level. These schools are not just producing players;  they are shaping futures.

Below, we highlight some of the most prestigious basketball-focused high schools in the U.S. and the NBA talent they’ve helped develop.

1. Montverde Academy | Florida

Located in sunny Florida, Montverde Academy is one of the most prestigious preparatory schools in the U.S., known globally for its elite basketball program and strong academic foundation.

The school has won multiple national championships and operates with professional-level coaching, facilities, and competition. Montverde consistently sends athletes to NCAA Division I programs and the NBA. In the 2025 NBA Draft alone, the school produced four first-round picks, including the No. 1 overall selection.

Notable NBA alumni include:

• Cooper Flagg (2025 No. 1 pick)

• Ben Simmons (2016 No. 1 pick)

• Cade Cunningham (2021 No. 1 pick)

• RJ Barrett (New York Knicks)

2. IMG Academy | Florida

Based in Bradenton, IMG Academy is a world-renowned boarding school specializing in athletic excellence. Often described as a “cradle of professional athletes,” IMG combines elite training with advanced academic support.

The academy offers top-tier programs in basketball, football, tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, track & field, and more. Its basketball team competes nationally at the highest level.

Notable NBA alumni include:

• Anfernee Simons

• Josh Green

• Jarace Walker

3. Sierra Canyon School | California

Located just outside Los Angeles, Sierra Canyon School sits near Beverly Hills and Malibu, offering a safe, affluent environment with proximity to major cultural and sports hubs.

The school has become a preferred choice for NBA families and high-profile athletes, blending strong academics with elite athletic exposure.

Notable students and alumni include:

• Bronny James & Bryce James (sons of LeBron James)

• Zaire Wade (son of Dwyane Wade)

• Children of Scottie Pippen and Kenyon Martin

  
  

4. Long Island Lutheran High School | New York

Situated in Brookville, Long Island, one of the wealthiest areas in the U.S., Long Island Lutheran High School is a top private boarding institution just 50 minutes from Manhattan.

Recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, it combines academic excellence with a highly competitive basketball program.

Notable NBA connections include:

• VJ Edgecombe (2025 No. 3 overall pick)

• Carmelo Anthony’s son (former student)

5. La Lumiere School | Indiana

Founded in 1963, La Lumiere School is a private Catholic boarding school located in La Porte, Indiana, about 70 miles from Chicago. It is one of the most respected basketball programs in the Midwest, frequently ranked among the top high school teams nationwide.

Notable NBA alumni include:

• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

• Jordan Poole (Golden State Warriors)

Both players led their teams to national high school championships before entering the NBA.

6. Oak Hill Academy | Virginia

Established in 1878, Oak Hill Academy is located in the peaceful Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia. Its serene environment enables students to focus entirely on academics and basketball development.

Often referred to as an “NBA star factory,” Oak Hill is one of the most historic programs in U.S. basketball.

Notable NBA alumni include:

• Carmelo Anthony (10-time All-Star, Olympic gold medalist)

• Rajon Rondo (NBA Champion)

7. Wasatch Academy | Utah

Located about an hour from Salt Lake City, Wasatch Academy offers a unique environment surrounded by national parks and world-class ski resorts. The school places strong emphasis on leadership, global citizenship, and holistic development.

Its basketball program is a member of the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) and has maintained elite performance for over a decade.

2025 Draft highlight:

• Collin Murray-Boyles, selected 9th overall by the Toronto Raptors

8. Chaminade College Preparatory School | Missouri

Based in St. Louis, Chaminade College Preparatory School is a top all-boys private school recognized for academic rigor, STEM excellence, and innovation, including being Missouri’s first fully wireless laptop campus.

Its basketball program has produced some of the NBA’s biggest stars.

Notable NBA alumni include:

• Bradley Beal (3-time NBA All-Star)

• Jayson Tatum (NBA Champion & Finals MVP)

Choosing the right path starts early.

The 2025 NBA Draft is a powerful reminder that elite athletic careers often begin well before college. For international students and families, choosing the right U.S. high school can be a defining step, one that combines education, athletic exposure, and long-term opportunity.

At GE International, we specialize in helping students and families navigate this journey, identify the right schools, support applications, and build pathways that align talent with opportunity.

Interested in exploring specialized U.S. high schools for basketball or other elite programs? Contact GE International and let’s build the future, starting today.