• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 19, 2025

IMG Academy Grows NBA Draft Talent as School Goes International

  • IMG Academy could have a record three alums—Jarace Walker, Keyonte George, and Jett Howard—picked in the first round.
  • The Florida school will gain more access to athletes around the globe through its sale to a Hong Kong-based firm.
IMG Academy alums Keyonte George and Jarace Walker will be picked in Thursday's NBA Draft.
Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

For the seventh straight year, IMG Academy basketball alumni will have their name called during the NBA Draft on Thursday at Barclays Center. 

This year’s group includes a pair of 19-year-olds—Jarace Walker and Keyonte George—who were teammates at the college prep school in Bradenton, Fla. before each played one year in the NCAA. Walker, a small forward out of the University of Houston, is projected to go fifth overall to the Detroit Pistons while Baylor guard George is projected to be picked 17th by the Los Angeles Lakers, according to the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report. 

“If your main goal is to try to get to the NBA, I think IMG is one of the places that could put you in the best spot possible,” George, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, told Front Office Sports. “Just as far as a mental standpoint preparing you to come into a world like this, I think it’s top of the top. I would definitely recommend it if you’re trying to better prepare yourself.”  

George, Walker, and fellow NBA Draft prospect Gradey Dick are all part of Philips Norelco Team OneBlade through their endorsements with the razor brand. 

Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, agreed in April to sell IMG Academy for $1.25 billion to Hong Kong-based private equity group BPEA EQT. More than 30,000 high school athletes from IMG Academy have made college sports rosters, with many going pro across the NBA, MLB, NFL, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse. 

The Florida boarding school will gain access to athletes worldwide under its new ownership. IMG Academy is partnering with Nord Anglia Education, which operates over 80 boarding schools in 33 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. 

While George and Walker are set to be the next IMG Academy alum to make the NBA, future classes could include overseas phenoms in the mold of Victor Wembanyama, the 19-year-old Frenchman set to be picked first-overall on Thursday on his way to becoming the league’s latest international superstar.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Draft Ratings Fall 14.5% Despite Early Cooper Flagg Lift

3.77 million viewers watched across ESPN and ABC.

Ace Bailey’s Strategy May Have Cost Him $9M—and Preferred Team

Bailey reportedly wanted to go to the Wizards, Pelicans, or Nets.
Bristol, CT - October 3, 2023 - Studio X: Kevin Negandhi on the set of SportsCenter.

From NBA Draft to Rubik’s Championship: Negandhi’s Whirlwind Summer With ESPN

Negandhi recently anchored the NBA draft lottery and NBA draft.

NBA Draft’s Most Shocking First-Round Pick Repped by LeBron’s Agent

Rich Paul and the Klutch Sports Group represent Yang.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center
October 16, 2025

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Kevin Durant
October 19, 2025

Durant’s $30M Discount Still Makes Him Highest NBA Career Earner

The deal will put Durant at $598 million in career earnings.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Bucks
October 7, 2025

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.