NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock heads to the Bahamas to scout top prospects at Baha Mar Hoops and Battle 4 Atlantis.
The Bahamas will be one of the hot spots for college basketball in the coming weeks, so I'm heading there for a 10-day trip to evaluate some of the country's top NBA Draft prospects. With marquee events like the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship, two individual matchups featuring top programs, and the Battle 4 Atlantis, this trip is ideal for evaluating NBA prospects in competitive environments.
From November 21–29, I'll focus on these top prospects and further evaluate their talent and potential. Here's a preview of what lies ahead:
Days 1–2: Continental Tire Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship
Location: Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center
Dates: November 21–22
This tournament features a mix of established programs and rising talent, with four games on the schedule:
Key Matchups:
November 21:
Baylor vs. St. John's
Tennessee vs. Virginia
November 22:
Consolation Game
Championship Game
Top Prospect:
VJ Edgecombe, (G, Baylor) – No. 4 on the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board, Edgecombe is a dynamic guard with elite athleticism, scoring versatility, and the potential to become a star player.
Days 3–4: Georgia in the Bahamas
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
Games:
Georgia vs. Marquette – Saturday, November 23
Georgia vs. St. John's – Sunday, November 24
Top Prospects to Watch:
Asa Newell (F/C, Georgia) – No. 8 on the Big Board, Newell is an athletic, versatile forward with the potential to stretch the floor.
Kam Jones (G, Marquette) – Ranked No. 43, Jones is a talented guard who has been shooting and scoring the ball well early in the season.
Days 5–7: Battle 4 Atlantis
Location: Imperial Arena, Atlantis Resort
Dates: November 27–29
The Battle 4 Atlantis features one of the most competitive fields in college basketball, with eight top-tier programs and a loaded schedule:
Key Matchups:
November 27:
Arizona vs. Davidson
Gonzaga vs. Louisville
Indiana vs. Oklahoma
Providence vs. West Virginia
November 28–29:
Semifinals and Championship Game
Top Prospects to Watch:
Carter Bryant (F, Arizona) – No. 21, Bryant is a hybrid forward with terrific size, athleticism, and guard-like skills.
KJ Lewis (G/F, Arizona) – No. 39, an explosive wing with finishing and defensive talent.
Mackenzie Mgbako (F, Indiana) – No. 40, a skilled forward with a versatile and blossoming game.
Caleb Love (G, Arizona) – No. 58, an experienced guard known for his ability to score in bunches.
Final Thoughts
This trip provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a wide range of NBA prospects. From top-ranked players like VJ Edgecombe and Asa Newell to rising prospects aiming to make their mark, the Bahamas will be a great proving ground for future NBA talent.
The only question left is: Can I find some turkey on Thanksgiving? Either way, I'm thankful for the great basketball I'll get to watch.
Keep an eye out for more updates and insights from my trip to the Bahamas. But in the meantime, stay ahead of the game by checking out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to explore the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions!