The NBA Creator Cup featured basketball skills trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews and streetball icon The Professor as coaches, drafting rosters that blend athletic talent with social media influence.

The Professor, known for his streetball expertise, cites the event’s rising talent level and community growth as key factors in his decision to join. “I heard the buzz from the last game, but also just how far this community has come,” he said in a news release. “To get to coach side by side with Lethal is an honor.”

His roster included D’Aydrian Harding, a content creator with over 12 million followers, and Chris Staples, a former Harlem Globetrotter who influenced NBA stars Dwight Howard and Aaron Gordon with his dunking prowess. Team Professor also featured Bree Green, another Globetrotter alumna who played professionally in Spain, the Czech Republic, and Mexico, alongside Trey Phills, a former G-League player and son of NBA veteran Bobby Phills.

Matthews’ Team Lethal showcased Jesser, a two-time Creator Cup participant and NBA Celebrity Game alumnus, alongside Tristan Jass, known for his viral trick shots and practice sessions with G-League and college teams. The roster included Carson Roney, a former Shawnee State University player with 5 million TikTok followers, and Kris London, a 6-foot-10 former college player transitioning from coaching to playing.

The event builds on momentum from previous tournaments. Last year’s competition required overtime to determine a winner, and the Summer League Creator Cup also delivered close competition, with the final possession decided.

Team Lethal’s roster demonstrates the intersection of traditional basketball and digital influence: J Dub, a 6-foot-9 former Lamar University player, and Jayda Bovero, who leverages her New Mexico Lobos basketball background in collaborations with brands like Jordan, Nike, and Fenty Beauty.

The Professor’s squad included emerging creators like YPK Raye from Las Vegas, Cam Wilder of Rod Wave Elite AAU, and ItsPikaaaa, a Fiji native with 1.4 million TikTok followers. The team balanced the competitive experience with digital reach, incorporating Meka, a former North Country College player who built a million-follower audience by combining comedy and basketball skills.

Matthews highlighted the participants’ competitive spirit, noting that creators are approaching the event with serious athletic intent. “The energy is unmatched,” he stated in the release. “These creators aren’t just showing up — they’re bringing their A-game.”