The Grind Session Makes History with Inaugural Europe Tour in Partnership with FIBA
In a landmark moment for grassroots basketball, The Grind Session teamed up with FIBA to launch a historic 13-day European tour, becoming the first and only high school basketball league to execute such a venture. The tour, which spanned three countries—Lithuania, Italy, and Spain—was more than just a series of games. It was a bridge between American prep basketball and the international basketball community, offering top U.S. prospects a chance to compete on a global stage.
A Historic Partnership
This unprecedented collaboration between The Grind Session and FIBA brought together the best of two basketball worlds: the athleticism and creativity of American high school players with the discipline, physicality, and structure of European development systems. It was a partnership rooted in growth—both for the players and the game itself.
Over the course of 13 days, the Grind Session Select Team faced elite 18U to 20U squads in high-level matchups designed to challenge and expose young talent to new playing styles and environments. The tour began in Lithuania, continued through Italy, and concluded in Madrid, Spain, delivering unforgettable cultural and basketball experiences for everyone involved.
Player Spotlights: Standouts from the European Stage
Brandon Mason Jr. – Scoring Machine with Skyrocketing Potential
Widely regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2027, Brandon Mason Jr. entered the tour with high expectations—and he exceeded every one of them. Currently ranked No. 71 nationally, Mason Jr. is expected to rise significantly after this overseas showing. He averaged an impressive 21 points per game while logging just 20 minutes per contest, demonstrating incredible scoring efficiency and natural offensive instincts.
Mason Jr. showcased his full offensive toolkit during the tour: an explosive first step, a polished jumper, and a fearless mentality when attacking the basket. His ability to create his own shot in tight defensive settings made him a constant mismatch for older, more experienced international defenders. Against structured, physical European teams, Brandon's scoring didn’t dip—it thrived. This trip proved he's not just one of the top scorers in his class—he’s one of the most game-ready.
Jaylin Conard – Versatile Scorer with a Global Game
Jaylin Conard showed why his game translates anywhere. Facing four different teams across three countries, Conard consistently adapted to each country’s unique style of play—from Lithuania’s physical defensive schemes to Italy’s uptempo transition game and Spain’s highly tactical ball movement.
His standout moment came in Italy, where he poured in 29 points, the highest individual scoring output of the entire tour. The performance was not only electric—it was timely, demonstrating his ability to take over a game when his team needed it most. Conard used the European stage to display more than just scoring—he also showed poise, maturity, and a deeper understanding of when to attack and when to facilitate. This tour validated that Jaylin’s game isn’t just elite in the U.S.—it’s internationally viable.
Jayden Robinson – Youngest Player, Veteran Impact
At just 15 years old, Jayden Robinson was the only 2010-born player on the trip—a full four to six years younger than most of the competition. The adjustment was real. For the first two games, he had to find his rhythm, adapting to the speed, strength, and complexity of the older European squads. But once he found his footing, Jayden’s natural ability took over.
In the final stretch of the tour, he helped lead the Grind Session Select Team to two wins in their last three games, culminating in a breakout performance in Madrid against the Zentro 20U team. There, Robinson posted a stat line that turned heads: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists, showing off his all-around impact and competitive edge.
Robinson’s progression over the tour was one of the most exciting developments. What started as a learning curve ended with him playing a leadership role—despite being the youngest player on the court. His growth on this tour suggests he’s not just ahead of his age group—he’s on track to be special.
Seven Spurlock – Consistent Leader and Dynamic Two-Way Wing
Seven Spurlock, a Dallas native and standout wing from Prolific Prep, emerged as the team’s most consistent performer across all five games. With a powerful blend of athleticism, finesse, IQ, and physical strength, Spurlock’s ability to attack the basket and make plays for others was the engine behind much of the team’s success.
What separated Spurlock wasn’t just his scoring—it was his composure and versatility. He embraced the contact-heavy European style of play, adjusting quickly and using his size and instincts to carve through defenders. Offensively, he made a living in the paint and in transition. Defensively, he guarded multiple positions and never shied away from big moments. Every game, he brought the same intensity and poise, which proved invaluable for a team still finding its chemistry abroad.
Spurlock’s performance on the tour solidified his status as not only a Division I-level prospect but also as a reliable leader who can anchor a team across multiple styles of play and international competition.
More Than a Tour—A Movement in Youth Basketball
This Europe Tour was more than a unique experience—it was a statement. The Grind Session, in collaboration with FIBA, has elevated the standard for what high school basketball can look like on the international stage. Never before has a U.S.-based high school league achieved this level of global integration, and the results speak for themselves.
The players returned home better, sharper, and more prepared—not just for the next level of competition, but for the global stage that now defines elite basketball.
From Vilnius to Venice to Madrid, The Grind Session showed that high school basketball has no borders. And with FIBA as a partner, this is only the beginning of a new chapter in global hoops development.
Written by Alex Karamanos | June 14, 2024