Nike Hoops Summit final score: 3 things we learned in the United States’ 98-87 win

Some of the best young basketball players in the world were on display in Portland on Friday night at the 2017 Nike Hoops Summit. The United States outlasted the World team 98-87 to win the game for the third time in the last four years.

The biggest star on the American team was Missouri commit Michael Porter Jr., and he showed why he’s the No. 1 recruit in the country. Porter finished with 19 points and flashed his ability to score from all three levels.

Point guard Collin Sexton was also excellent for the U.S. The Alabama commit made plays for himself and others all night after an injury to fellow point guard Trevon Duval in the first half. He finished with seven points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals in the win.

Here’s three things we learned during the game.

All eyes were on the uncommitted players

It’s become trendy for top recruits to wait until the spring to commit. It allows them to see who’s entering the draft, who’s transferring and who’s coming back to college. The U.S. team was full of instant-impact players who still haven’t picked a college yet.

It’s hard to take your eyes off Mohamed Bamba. The Harlem native boasts a 7’9 wingspan, which would be longer than any measurement in the history of the NBA draft combine. He put it to good use in this game:

Bamba is choosing between Kentucky, Duke, Michigan and Texas.

Trevon Duval was limited by a first-half leg injury in this game, but there’s no doubting his talent. He’s a power guard in the mold of vintage Derrick Rose. Duke and Arizona are among the leaders for his commitment.

Kevin Knox is another player every school wants. The 6’9 wing is an elite athlete with a developing skill level. Duke, Florida State, North Carolina, Kentucky and Missouri are all after him.

The World team keeps getting stronger

A year ago, the U.S. rolled over the World team by 34 points. The year we got a game that went down to the wire. That’s because the talent on the World team fielded a group full of big and athletic players that will have bright futures as they move on in their careers.

R.J. Barrett — a Canadian wing ranked as the top sophomore in high school basketball — looked the part of a No. 1 recruit. He’s slasher who thrives in transition and he even showed off a developing jump shot in this game.

Lindell Wigginton has the unenviable task of replacing Monte Morris at Iowa State next year, but he looked great going against an athletic American backcourt on Friday.

The biggest surprise was Belgium native Kostja Mushidi. The 6’5 wing was the World team’s best shooter all night.

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jarred Vanderbilt were breakout stars for the U.S.

Michigan State’s front line is going to be scary next season with the addition of Jackson, a five-star big man. At 6’11, he can step away from the basket and shoot the three. He also showcased his ability to finish above the rim on offense and block shots on defense during the United States’ win.

Vanderbilt, a Kentucky commit, was also excellent. A versatile 6’8 wing, Vanderbilt is an excellent athlete, passer and defender. He might remind Kentucky fans of former star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist when he arrives in Lexington next season.