IMG Academy Outlook: A National Championship Contender

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I visited the beautiful IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL during a morning open gym and got an early look at what this group could bring to the 2026-27 season. IMG returns some key pieces while adding several new faces to the roster. As new as this group is together, they did a great job in the early season competing, pushing one another, and bringing energy throughout the practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is plenty of talent in the gym and the pieces are beginning to come together. If IMG can stay healthy and continue developing its chemistry, I fully expect this group to be in the mix for the Chipotle Nationals Championship when the season comes to a close. This is one of the deepest and most talented teams I've ever seen. Here's a look at their national roster:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returners:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["811751"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa998a70bc20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madi will be a starter for this IMG team and is one of the clear leaders and communicators on the floor. It has been impressive to watch her leadership continue to grow over the years. She has reached a point where she could nearly run an open gym by herself by constantly communicating, competing, and helping keep everyone organized. Madi is a competitor who wants to win and brings that mentality to everything she does. Her mid-range game was nearly unstoppable during the open gym. She rises up and releases from a high release point to make it difficult to contest, while her turnaround fade in the mid-range was another weapon that consistently stood out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681664"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa998a70bc5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stevi was one of the best communicators in the gym and consistently competed throughout the morning. She pushed herself during conditioning, continued running hard until the end, and willingly took on the challenge of guarding some of the top players in the gym. She has deep range and a lot of confidence in her shot. It was also clear she has been putting work into her ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. Stevi has great positional size and a strong frame that should continue to serve her well as she develops her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1318710"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa998a70bc99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jessie is expected to be a starter for this IMG team and brings one of the best downhill attacking games in the country to the floor. She does a great job using her body to create space and can finish through contact with either hand. Her mid-range game is another strength and she is capable of knocking down the open three at a high clip. Jessie handles the ball well and plays with good pace, rarely looking rushed as she gets to the rim and runs the break. After missing time last season, I'm excited to see her back on the floor at IMG and look forward to watching her impact this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1093289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4f47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mimi did not participate in practice while I was at IMG, but she looked healthy and appears to be on track to be ready for the season. She is expected to be a starter and brings elite length, size, versatility, and skill back to this group. Even while sitting out, Mimi was fully engaged with her teammates. She stayed loose on the bike, tracked stats, communicated with players and coaches, explained teaching moments, and consistently brought energy to the gym. Her presence was felt even without stepping on the floor. The Baylor commit gives IMG another high-level piece as they prepare for the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["787974"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4f79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nevaeh is expected to play a heavy role and log strong minutes for this IMG team. She rebounded at a high level during practice and did a great job running the floor in transition. Her length and versatility will be a major piece for this group to give IMG another player who can impact the game in multiple areas. The Virginia commit should have plenty of opportunities to make her presence felt this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885956"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4f9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jojo is stepping into a great environment to grow and learn, and her development should take a big jump playing against high-level competition throughout a national schedule. She showed good rebounding ability with her elite length and ran the floor well with her long stride. She also showed good touch around the basket by knocking down a smooth off-foot runner over a taller defender while using her great elevation to get the shot off. The big-time prospect from Chicago gives IMG another talented piece and adds valuable depth to an already loaded squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899791"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4fbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Momo was the best on-ball defender in the gym and showed a willingness to pick up full court and make life difficult for opposing ball handlers. She was locked in defensively throughout the practice by bringing great energy and physicality on that end of the floor. Momo is also a true floor general who creates for herself and others while playing with a noticeable chip on her shoulder. Her quick first step allows her to get past nearly anyone and put pressure on the defense. The Tennessee product is a big-time addition to the IMG backcourt and gives this loaded roster another tough, competitive guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381323"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4fdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayla was a physical presence throughout the practice by setting some excellent screens, deterring the offense from attacking the paint, and communicating loudly in a big gym. She competes on every rep and clearly wants to win every possession. One of the top post players in the country, Jayla controls the boards and dominates the paint with her size and physicality. She did a great job rebounding and following her own shot while keeping the ball high in traffic. With plenty of familiarity playing in Florida and against many of the teams IMG is set to face, the Texas commit should be well prepared for the national schedule ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1859374"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa9af3ec4ffc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claire is stepping into an incredible environment for a freshman to learn and grow alongside some of the best student-athletes in the country. The opportunity to practice every day against this level of competition is rare for a player in the Class of 2030. The lefty held her own during practice and showed that she belongs in the gym with this group. This should be a massive year for Claire as she continues developing both physically and mentally while competing against some of the best players in the country in practice and throughout IMG's national schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Additional Note:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1250082' first='Olivia' last='Witt'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1924652' first='Marley' last='Corpart']</strong> stepped in to practice with the National Team and helped provide the bodies needed to play 5-on-5. <strong>Olivia</strong> is a long, athletic wing who competed on every possession on both sides of the floor. <strong>Marley</strong> is a smaller guard who showed speed and grit on both ends while playing hard throughout the entire open gym. Both players helped keep the practice competitive and provided valuable depth for the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->