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5 Must-Watch Matchups And Top Prospects At The Jordan Holiday Classic 2024

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The 2024 Jordan Holiday Classic is set to electrify New York City, solidifying its status as one of the premier high school basketball showcases in the nation. As of December 23, 2025, the highly anticipated event, hosted by MADE Hoops, is scheduled to run from December 27–29, 2024, bringing together elite programs from the Northeast and across the country to compete during the holiday break. This annual showcase is a crucial stop for college coaches and NBA scouts looking to evaluate the next generation of basketball talent, making it a must-see event for true hoops aficionados. The three-day classic, held at the historic Baruch College's Arc Arena, is more than just a series of games; it is a high-stakes proving ground where top-ranked recruits face off in intense, non-conference matchups. This year's installment, the 3rd Annual Jordan Holiday Classic, promises to deliver the same high-caliber action that has previously featured future college stars and NBA draft picks, ensuring that every game carries significant weight for team rankings and player reputations.

Event Profile, Location, and Key Details

The Jordan Holiday Classic has rapidly become a staple in the high school basketball calendar, specifically designed to highlight competitive holiday matchups in a major metropolitan area. Unlike traditional single-elimination tournaments, the Classic focuses on premier showcase games, giving teams national exposure and players a platform to shine against top-tier competition.
  • Event Name: 3rd Annual Jordan Holiday Classic
  • Host/Organizer: MADE Hoops
  • Dates: December 27–29, 2024
  • Location: Baruch College Arc Arena (55 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010)
  • Focus: Premier High School Boys' Basketball Showcase
  • Livestream Partner: BallerTV (for fans unable to attend in person)
  • Significance: A critical recruiting event for NCAA Division I programs and a major stop on the high school national circuit.
The choice of Baruch College's Arc Arena in New York City provides a central, accessible venue, drawing large crowds of local fans, college recruiters, and media outlets. The atmosphere in the Arc Arena is known for its intensity, providing a true "big city" feel to the high school games.

The Elite Field: Top Teams Confirmed for NYC

The strength of the Jordan Holiday Classic lies in its ability to attract a diverse and powerful field of teams, blending nationally-ranked powerhouses with strong regional contenders from the Northeast. This mixture guarantees competitive balance and exciting contrasts in play styles. While the full, detailed schedule and all participating teams are finalized by MADE Hoops, early announcements and team schedules confirm the participation of several elite programs. These teams are not only competing for bragging rights but also for crucial national ranking points as they head into the new year.

Confirmed Participating Programs and Key Matchups:

The opening day, December 27, is expected to feature several compelling regional clashes that set the tone for the entire weekend.
  • Northwest Catholic (CT) vs. Albany Academy (NY): A classic Northeast rivalry, pitting a Connecticut powerhouse against a top New York program. These regional battles often produce the most intense and unpredictable results.
  • Wings Academy (NY) vs. Paterson Eastside (NJ): A high-energy matchup between two programs known for their aggressive, fast-paced style of play. This game is a must-watch for fans of defensive intensity and transition basketball.
  • Hudson Catholic (NJ): The New Jersey powerhouse is a perennial contender and always brings a roster loaded with Division I talent, making their game a premier event.
Additionally, national programs confirmed to be participating, or having recently participated and expected to return, include:
  • St. John's College High School (DC): A Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) heavyweight known for producing NBA talent. Their participation elevates the national profile of the event significantly.
  • Dynamic Prep (TX): Hailing from Texas, the presence of this team highlights the national reach of the Classic, bringing a different style of play to the East Coast.
  • Bishop McNamara (MD): Another strong program from the competitive Maryland/DC area, always challenging for supremacy in the region.
  • The George School (PA): A Pennsylvania program that has been on the rise and will be looking to make a statement against the national field.
The opportunity to see these teams—from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Texas—clash over a single weekend is what makes the Jordan Holiday Classic a unique and essential event on the high school basketball circuit.

The Future Stars: Top Prospects to Watch

The true allure of the Jordan Holiday Classic is the concentration of elite individual talent. The 2024 event is expected to feature numerous players ranked in the ESPN 100 and 247Sports composite rankings for the Classes of 2025, 2026, and beyond. Watching these prospects compete head-to-head is a rare chance to see the future of college and professional basketball.

Key Recruits Expected to Headline the 2024 Classic:

Scouts and fans will be zeroing in on several players who could significantly impact their college recruitment and future NBA Draft stock based on their performance in New York. * Jordan Smith Jr.: The 5-star prospect is one of the most highly-touted players in his class. His presence alone is a major draw, and his performance will be scrutinized by coaches from top programs like Syracuse, Duke, and Kentucky. * David Gaymon (2026 Guard): Identified as a standout in previous MADE Hoops events, Gaymon represents the future of the sport. His development and performance against older, elite competition will be a major storyline. * Elijah Cherry (2024 Guard): A local New York talent from St. Raymond High, Cherry is a high-motor guard who will be looking to make a final statement on his recruitment before heading to college. * The George School's Duo: The preview for The George School mentioned players like Miller (One to Watch) and Bevilacqua (On the Comeback Trail). Their individual performances will be key to their team's success and will draw significant scouting attention. * Past Classic Standouts (Setting the Standard): The event's history includes previous appearances by national stars like Ian Jackson, Tahaad Pettiford, and Matthew Hodge, who all showcased their talents at the Classic, setting a high bar for the 2024 participants. The Classic serves as a crucial measuring stick. For players like Smith Jr. and Gaymon, it is an opportunity to validate their national rankings. For others, it’s a chance to earn a new scholarship offer and gain national recognition by delivering a breakout performance on a major stage.

The Legacy of the Jordan Holiday Classic

While the Jordan Brand Classic (held in April) is the official all-star game, the Jordan Holiday Classic has carved out its own unique niche as the premier holiday showcase. It is essential to distinguish this event, hosted by MADE Hoops, from other holiday tournaments. Its focus is purely on quality, high-profile matchups, rather than a traditional tournament bracket. The event’s reputation is built on the caliber of teams it attracts, often including national contenders like Columbus High School (Miami, FL) and Link Academy (Branson, MO) in its past iterations. The commitment to bringing together top teams from different regions—like Dynamic Prep from Texas facing East Coast programs—ensures a diverse and high-level basketball experience for fans. The success of the Classic is a testament to the growth of the high school basketball circuit, where elite showcases are increasingly important for player development and exposure. The connection to the iconic Jordan Brand lends a prestige that few other holiday events can match, guaranteeing top-level organization and attention from the biggest names in basketball. For players, competing in a Jordan-sponsored event is a significant honor and a boost to their personal brand. In conclusion, the 2024 Jordan Holiday Classic is poised to be a highlight of the holiday season, offering three days of non-stop, high-stakes basketball action at Baruch College. Whether you are a college coach scouting the next wave of talent, a local New York fan, or a national enthusiast tuning in via BallerTV, this event is where the future stars of the sport will be made.
5 Must-Watch Matchups and Top Prospects at the Jordan Holiday Classic 2024
jordan holiday classic 2024
jordan holiday classic 2024

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