Next-Gen Hoops Talent on Full Display: Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, and Johni Broome Headline Star-Studded 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago
The 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago offered a compelling glimpse into the future of basketball, as college basketball’s most dynamic rising stars converged on the Windy City for a multi-day showcase of skill, grit, and professional potential. Among the headliners were Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, and Johni Broome—three players who not only exemplified the competitive intensity of college hoops but also demonstrated that their games are evolving to meet the demands of the next level. The camp, a proving ground for overlooked prospects and under-the-radar talent, has in recent years become a crucial stepping stone for players with NBA aspirations. This year was no different. The hardwood was buzzing with anticipation, and as scouts, executives, and coaches packed the stands, the pressure was on.
Lamont Butler, the clutch guard who rose to national prominence with his unforgettable buzzer-beater in the 2023 Final Four, arrived in Chicago with something to prove. After returning to San Diego State for another season, Butler demonstrated marked improvements in his shooting efficiency, ball-handling, and leadership. Known for his defensive tenacity and fearless shot-making, he entered the camp with an aura of poise. From the moment drills began, Butler asserted himself as a vocal leader, directing traffic on both ends of the court and showcasing an improved pull-up jumper that had scouts nodding in approval. His defensive presence was even more impressive, as he harassed ball-handlers full court and made hustle plays that set the tone for his team. The narrative that he is just a defender is now being rewritten. Butler’s offensive polish, coupled with his mature basketball IQ, made him one of the standout guards at the camp.
Amari Williams brought a different flavor to the event. At 6’10” with broad shoulders and nimble footwork, the Drexel big man quickly captured attention with his ability to dominate in the paint while also stepping out to hit the occasional mid-range jumper. Williams has long been known in mid-major circles as a defensive stalwart, but at the Elite Camp, he showcased an expanded offensive game. His passing out of the high post, ability to finish through contact, and improved footwork in the low block were key takeaways for scouts who might have initially pegged him as a one-dimensional shot blocker. Williams’ motor was evident, diving for loose balls and sprinting in transition, a display of the kind of energy NBA teams covet in backup bigs or G League rotation players. Though he faced stiffer competition than in the Colonial Athletic Association, Williams did not look out of place, often outmuscling and outmaneuvering bigs from Power Five conferences. His physical tools and relentless approach elevated his stock significantly over the course of the camp.
Johni Broome, the Auburn standout, came into the camp with perhaps the most attention of the trio, having been a central figure in SEC basketball for two seasons. Broome’s blend of size, agility, and basketball instincts made him a formidable presence throughout the camp. Offensively, he flashed the versatility that had SEC fans buzzing all season—hitting short corner jumpers, executing pick-and-rolls as both screener and ball handler, and making smart reads when double-teamed. But what truly set Broome apart was his defensive awareness. Whether contesting shots at the rim, switching onto smaller guards, or directing teammates from the back line, he was always engaged. Broome’s rebounding was dominant, often grabbing contested boards in traffic and initiating fast breaks. His ability to stretch the floor with a developing three-point shot added another layer to his already compelling skill set. While not the flashiest player on the floor, Broome’s steadiness and two-way productivity turned heads and sparked whispers about potential second-round interest.
The camp wasn’t just about isolated brilliance. It was about how these players performed in structured environments that mimicked NBA situations—five-on-five scrimmages, situational drills, and coach-led workouts. In those scenarios, Butler continued to shine as a facilitator, often orchestrating the offense with precision. His vision in transition and his ability to thread tight-window passes brought comparisons to several current NBA backup point guards. Williams, meanwhile, displayed a strong feel for help-side defense, sliding over to protect the rim without fouling and showing enough agility to hedge and recover on pick-and-rolls. Broome, for his part, showcased his ability to anchor a defense and serve as a reliable outlet in offensive sets, often freeing teammates with perfectly timed screens and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
Off the court, all three prospects impressed with their professionalism. In media sessions and interviews with team representatives, Butler was articulate and composed, speaking candidly about the importance of returning to school to refine his game. Williams was praised for his humility and eagerness to absorb feedback, while Broome’s thoughtful approach to the game—detailing how he studies film and breaks down opponents—resonated with team evaluators. Their maturity stood out in a camp that included players from varying backgrounds, and that level of poise will serve them well as they navigate the uncertainty of the pre-draft process.
The camp also served as a stark reminder of how much talent resides beyond the Power Five. Players like Amari Williams have long been overlooked due to their conference affiliations, but the Elite Camp has become a platform for these prospects to go head-to-head with better-known peers. That Williams not only held his own but often outperformed more hyped big men was one of the camp’s biggest storylines. Similarly, Butler’s experience playing in high-leverage NCAA Tournament games gave him an edge, allowing him to remain calm under pressure and make smart decisions in crunch-time scrimmages. Broome’s consistency reinforced what many scouts suspected: he’s NBA-ready from a fundamentals and character standpoint.
Each player’s path to Chicago was different, but their missions were the same—to show they belong in the conversation when teams assemble their summer league rosters and ultimately fill out their training camp invites. The G League Elite Camp acts as both a filter and a funnel. Some players earn invitations to the main NBA Draft Combine, while others use the experience to build momentum for overseas contracts or G League assignments. For Butler, Williams, and Broome, the goal was clear: leave no doubt that they can contribute to winning basketball at the next level.
As the camp concluded, whispers began circulating about who might earn a coveted call-up to the Draft Combine. Based on performance, all three headliners made strong cases. Butler’s control of the tempo, Williams’ physical presence, and Broome’s all-around efficiency provided a compelling narrative for each. Teams in need of backcourt toughness, frontcourt depth, or switchable bigs had ample reason to take a second look at these rising stars.
Beyond the statistics and scouting reports, what set these three apart was their hunger. Butler played like someone who had watched too many point guards get drafted ahead of him. Williams played like a man tired of being underestimated. Broome played like he belonged in an NBA rotation yesterday. That collective edge resonated with everyone in attendance and added a sense of urgency to every possession they played.
The NBA G League Elite Camp is often dismissed as secondary to the main combine, but for those who watch closely, it’s a showcase of future role players, late bloomers, and overlooked gems. Many of today’s NBA contributors—including names like Jose Alvarado and Terance Mann—got their first real shot through this very event. If history is any indication, the same could happen for Butler, Williams, and Broome. With the right fit, the right opportunity, and continued development, they could become more than just summer league darlings—they could be long-term assets for franchises willing to invest in raw talent and high character.
In the end, the 2025 G League Elite Camp did what it was designed to do: elevate worthy prospects into the spotlight. For Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, and Johni Broome, it may have done more than that. It may have launched their professional journeys into a new gear. The NBA dream remains difficult and highly selective, but their performances in Chicago suggested that the door is not only ajar—it might be swinging wide open.
