Seattle Rotary Qualifies for Nike Peach Jam
The goal for every Nike-sponsored program in the country is to qualify for the nationally esteemed Nike Peach Jam each July. Many of today’s players equate the Peach Jam with the Nike EYBL, but the event itself has been around long before the EYBL was created in 2010. Since 1996, the Peach Jam has been the destination of top travel programs and college coaches from all around the country. For reference, the first team to ever win the Peach Jam in 1996 was the legendary Riverside Church team featuring Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest. Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon won the event together with Meanstreets, 10 years later in 2006. As far as the northwest is concerned, the Emerald City Pioneers, Friends of Hoop Seattle and the Portland Legends were some of the teams that attended the Nike Peach Jam in the earlier 2000’s. Seattle Rotary’s legendary teams with the likes of Marvin Williams, Terrance Williams, Marcus Williams and Peyton Siva all suited up in the three stripes with adidas. Rotary made the switch over to Nike and joined Friends of Hoop as the two Nike sponsored teams out of Washington in 2010. Eventually, Rotary’s star power coming up in the program was undeniable and Nike made Rotary its loan priority. At one point, Rotary had the number one sophomore and freshman in the country with 2010 Josh Smith and 2011 Tony Wroten. Since its first years in the EYBL, Rotary historically struggled as far as win-loss record concerned, but they continued to pump out college prospects and pros. In the last two years though, Rotary has qualified for the Nike Peach Jam back to back.
The 2018 Seattle Rotary team was led by Prep Hoops number four ranked 2019 prospect, Jaden McDaniels. The program felt a relief to finally qualify for the Peach Jam after multiple years without making the cut. There was rumors that Nike did not care too much for the roster that Rotary had assembled at first, but one thing was not taken into account and that is chemistry. Many may argue that the 2018 Rotary team was not as talented as many past teams, but one big difference is they played together and were fortunate to have some size with Jaden and 2021 Paolo Banchero. This year’s roster had some question marks as well with its youth and initial lack of size, but once again the group has great chemistry and plays an unselfish brand of basketball. Paolo has been lighting it up and late pick up, 6’8 Kendall Munson has been huge for their size and rebounding. 2021 Nolan Hickman has also been huge for the team’s continuity and running the offense from the point guard position as he is a great ball handler and decision maker all around. Another 2021 Shane Nowell fits right in with this group and he has great cohesiveness with long time Rotary teammates, Paolo and Nolan. 2020 John Hart has also given them tons of energy and athleticism. Team ball and being able to execute in the half court has obviously been major points of emphasis for Rotary and it has paid off, as they gear up for another run at Peach Jam in July. Paolo Banchero is the one player that has been on each of the last two qualifying rosters and is understandably excited, “It feels good. It’s something that’s never been done at Rotary and I’m just glad to be apart of it.”
Rotary clinched the final slot in their division to qualify for Peach Jam and finished 7-6 in the EYBL this Spring. This group is young, but they have put themselves in a position to play in one of the best events in grassroots history. Fans can follow along at the following link: https://www.d1circuit.com/page/show/4907868-17u-nike-eybl-2019-