Discover the Complete NBA Summer League 2023 Roster and Key Players to Watch
2025-11-17 10:00
Walking into the NBA Summer League always feels like stepping into a time machine—you get this rare, unfiltered glimpse into basketball’s future. I’ve been covering these games for years, and what strikes me every time is how much raw talent and untapped potential fills these courts. This year, the 2023 NBA Summer League roster is stacked with names that could very well shape the league in the coming seasons. From top draft picks to undrafted gems fighting for a spot, the energy is palpable. But it’s not just about who’s playing—it’s about the stories behind them, the journeys that brought them here, and the systems that nurtured their growth. That’s why I can’t help but draw parallels to other leagues, like the PVL, where development paths often mirror what we see in the NBA’s summer circuit. Take, for instance, the situation with Robins-Hardy. Amid her ongoing PVL playing eligibility saga, she’s taken on assistant coaching roles for SGA-backed teams ahead of her expected entry in the 2025 PVL Draft. It’s a smart move, really—one that reminds me of how NBA prospects sometimes transition into coaching or mentorship roles to stay connected and grow, even when eligibility issues slow them down. Her story underscores a broader theme: the blend of playing and coaching experience can create more versatile athletes, something I’ve seen pay off in the long run.
Now, let’s dive into the key players to watch in this year’s Summer League. I’ve got my eyes on a few standouts, starting with Chet Holmgren, the 7-foot rookie from Gonzaga who’s returning after missing last season due to injury. His shot-blocking and perimeter skills are unreal for a big man—I’d argue he could average around 18 points and 3 blocks per game if he stays healthy. Then there’s Scoot Henderson, the G League Ignite product who’s just explosive; his athleticism reminds me of a young Russell Westbrook, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up 20 points and 7 assists a night. But it’s not just the lottery picks that excite me. Players like Emoni Bates, who’s had a rocky college journey but oozes scoring potential, could be the dark horses. I remember watching him in high school and thinking he’d be a top-three pick—now, he’s fighting to prove himself, and that kind of hunger often translates into Summer League heroics. On a personal note, I’m biased toward underdogs, so I’ll be tracking undrafted guys like Oscar Tshiebwe, the rebounding machine from Kentucky. He led the NCAA with 15.1 rebounds per game last season, and if he brings that energy here, he might just force a team to sign him.
Beyond individual talent, the Summer League is a testing ground for team strategies and player development systems, much like what we see in leagues such as the PVL. Robins-Hardy’s move into coaching while navigating eligibility issues highlights how athletes are increasingly multi-faceted. In the NBA, we’ve seen guys like Tyronn Lue jump from playing to coaching seamlessly, and it often gives them an edge in understanding the game. Similarly, Robins-Hardy’s involvement with SGA-backed teams—which, by the way, have produced around 12 PVL draft picks in the last two years—shows how integral support systems are. I’ve always believed that having a strong backend, whether it’s in the PVL or NBA, can make or break a player’s transition. For example, the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League team is notorious for its focus on fundamentals, and it’s no coincidence they’ve developed stars like Kawhi Leonard. This year, with Victor Wembanyama likely sitting out, their roster might not have the flashiest names, but watch for how they execute plays—it’s a masterclass in team basketball.
As the games unfold, I expect a few surprises. Last year, we saw Keegan Murray dominate and parlay that into a Rookie of the Year-caliber season, and I’m betting on someone like Gradey Dick to do the same this time. The sharpshooter from Kansas could light it up from deep—I’m projecting he’ll hit at least 40% of his threes—and in today’s NBA, that skill is pure gold. But let’s not forget the international flavor; players like James Nnaji from Nigeria bring a physicality that’s hard to teach. Having scouted him in the EuroLeague, where he averaged 8.5 points and 6 rebounds, I think he’ll turn heads with his rim protection. On a lighter note, I love how the Summer League mixes serious competition with a festival vibe—fans get to see future stars up close, and the atmosphere is less corporate than the regular season. It’s where I’ve had some of my best basketball conversations, like debating whether a second-round pick could become the next Draymond Green.
Wrapping up, the 2023 NBA Summer League isn’t just a series of games; it’s a narrative in motion, filled with dreams, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Reflecting on stories like Robins-Hardy’s in the PVL, it’s clear that the path to professional sports is rarely linear. Her coaching stint, while awaiting the 2025 draft, mirrors the resilience we see in Summer League hopefuls—they adapt, learn, and grow, whether on the court or from the sidelines. For fans, this is a chance to witness the next generation before they hit the big stage, and for me, it’s a reminder why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. So grab your popcorn, keep an eye on those key players, and enjoy the show—it’s going to be a fun ride.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
