Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, two promising future stars from South Carolina’s 2025 signing class, took center stage Saturday night at the Nike Hoop Summit—but not in red, white, and blue. Despite being born in the U.S., both suited up for Team World in this high-profile showcase.
Makeer, who spent much of her life in Canada, holds dual citizenship and represents Canada in international competition. McDowell, eligible to play for Brazil through her mother, also took the global stage through her international ties.
Team USA ultimately claimed the win, defeating Team World 90-78. But both Gamecock signees left their mark.
Agot Makeer started for Team World and was tasked with locking down Aaliyah Chavez, the top-ranked recruit in the country and a scoring machine. Makeer proved up to the challenge—holding Chavez to just three points in their matchup. She even got some revenge shortly after, draining a clean spot-up three.
Makeer finished the game with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. While she held her own on defense, she faced difficulties offensively against stronger, more physical defenders.
Meanwhile, Ayla McDowell came off the bench and made an immediate impact—emerging as one of Team World’s top performers. She led the squad with 15 points, becoming the second-leading scorer in the game overall. Her stat line was impressive: 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line, and 5-7 shooting from the field, including 1-2 from beyond the arc.
McDowell had a brief injury scare after taking a hit during a scramble for a loose ball but showed toughness by returning in the fourth quarter.
One of the standout features of the Nike Hoop Summit is the in-depth physical measurements taken for all players.
Makeer was measured at 6-foot-1.5, 131.1 pounds, with a 6-foot-3.75 wingspan and an 8-foot standing reach—making her the lightest player on the World roster.
McDowell came in at 6-foot-2, 165.8 pounds, with a 6-foot-2.25 wingspan and the same 8-foot standing reach.
The event, held at the Moda Center in Portland, also carries historical weight. It’s the home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and the future home of a WNBA expansion team debuting in 2026. It’s also slated to host the 2028 NCAA Tournament Regionals and the 2030 Women’s Final Four.
Last year’s edition saw Joyce Edwards lead Team USA to a thrilling 83-80 comeback win over Team World, setting Nike Hoop Summit records with 25 points and 9 rebounds, while also tying for the team lead with 2 assists.
The spotlight continues to shine on South Carolina’s elite pipeline, with Makeer and McDowell already showing why the hype is real.
