Unbelievable! Montverde’s 2024 Seniors Make History with 4 First-Round NBA Picks—You Have to See Who Made the Cut!
By Marcus Delgado | SLAM High School Insider
Brooklyn, NY — June 27, 2024
History was made under the lights of Barclays Center on NBA Draft night as Montverde Academy, the powerhouse prep school from Florida, saw an unprecedented four seniors from its 2024 roster selected in the first round.
In a draft class loaded with international intrigue and college standouts, Montverde’s quartet proved that elite high school talent can still dominate the headlines — and the draft boards.
> “It’s not just a win for Montverde,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas on-air. “It’s a seismic statement about how dominant and professionally prepared their program has become.”
Who Made the Cut?
The four standout seniors from Montverde to be taken in the first round were:
1. Trevon Gaines (Pick No. 3 – Detroit Pistons)
A 6’7” two-way wing with freakish athleticism and a 7’1” wingspan, Gaines wowed scouts all season with his ability to defend four positions and score at all three levels. His decision to skip college and prepare via the Overtime Elite pathway paid off, as he became Montverde’s highest draft pick since Cade Cunningham.
> “I’ve been dreaming of this since the fifth grade,” said Gaines after hugging his mother and donning a Pistons cap. “Montverde built me for this moment.”
2. Jahlil Watson (Pick No. 11 – Chicago Bulls)
Watson, a 6’3” point guard with the handle of Kyrie and the court vision of Chris Paul, ran Montverde’s offense with surgical precision. Known for his composure and leadership, Watson was a McDonald’s All-American and MVP of the 2024 GEICO Nationals.
3. Elijah N’Dour (Pick No. 17 – Atlanta Hawks)
The Senegalese-born center turned heads at the Nike Hoop Summit with his dominant rim protection and emerging offensive game. At 6’11”, N’Dour was the defensive anchor for Montverde and has drawn comparisons to a young Serge Ibaka with a softer shooting touch.
4. Dante Hill (Pick No. 24 – Boston Celtics)
A sharpshooting 6’5” combo guard, Hill led Montverde in three-point percentage and served as a lights-out closer in tight games. His shooting stroke and defensive tenacity made him a favorite among analytics departments across the league. The Celtics, known for valuing plug-and-play rookies, snatched him up late in the round.
A Program Unlike Any Other
Under head coach Kevin Boyle, Montverde has become synonymous with basketball excellence. Alumni like Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Ben Simmons paved the way, but this 2024 senior class has officially raised the bar to new heights.
> “Four in the first round? That’s unheard of,” said Boyle. “These kids put in the work every single day. This isn’t luck—it’s legacy.”
What’s Next for Montverde?
Recruiting analysts say Montverde’s pipeline is far from dry. The 2025 class already features three five-star prospects, and the program’s dominance in national tournaments shows no signs of slowing.
Still, the 2024 senior class will go down as perhaps the greatest in high school basketball history.
Four first-rounders. One school. One unforgettable night.
Montverde didn’t just show up to the draft — they owned it.
Would you like a follow-up feature on one of the fictional players or the impact on the prep basketball scene?
