The 2025 NBA Finals began last night, and the seven-game championship series will feature a trio of stars – Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Thomas Bryant and Isaiah Jackson of the Indiana Pacers – who have risen from the Grind Session to the pinnacle of professional basketball.
Luguentz Dort – Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
Dort's high school journey took him across North America, including stints with three different teams in the Grind Session – Arlington Country Day (2015-2016), Conrad Academy (2016-2017), and Athlete Institute (2017-2018). During his senior year with Athlete Institute, he participated in notable events like the Nike Hoop Summit and the BioSteel All-Canadian Game, earning MVP honors in 2017 and 2018. He played a single season at Arizona State. After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Dort was signed by the Thunder.
Known for his tenacious defense, Dort has been a key perimeter defender for the Thunder. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor has been vital to Oklahoma City's success.
Thomas Bryant – Center, Indiana Pacers
Bryant played his final two seasons of high school basketball for the Grind Session’s Huntington Prep, during which he averaged 15.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. A former McDonald's All-American and NBA champion with the 2023 Denver Nuggets, he joined the Pacers mid-season after a trade from the Miami Heat.
Since arriving in Indiana, Bryant has become a key figure in the Pacers’ frontcourt rotation as a starter and off the bench. His high-energy play and versatility have been pivotal in propelling the Pacers to the NBA Finals.
Isaiah Jackson – Power Forward, Indiana Pacers
Jackson’s high school career spanned multiple institutions, including SPIRE Academy, where he averaged 14.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game during his junior year with the then Grind Session team. He eventually went on to play one season of college basketball at Kentucky, before being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to the Pacers.
Despite a season-ending Achilles injury in November 2024, Jackson's contributions earlier in the season were instrumental in the Pacers' success. A defensive stalwart and rim protector, he has been a crucial part of the Pacers' frontcourt.
Pride for the Grind Session
“Watching these young men compete in the NBA Finals is a moment of immense pride for the Grind Session. Their journeys from our courts to NBA championship contenders is a testament to not only their dedication, but also our commitment to developing and nurturing their elite talent,” said Grind Session co-founder and CEO Scott Waldrup. “It's exhilarating to see them showcase their talents on such a grand stage, and we couldn't be more thrilled to witness their success."
When the 2025 NBA playoffs tipped off in April, 15 former Grind Session stars across 10 different teams were among those looking to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. However, this impressive playoff presence comes as no surprise, as 61 total players who previously competed on the circuit appeared on NBA opening day rosters this season. More than half of them (36) spent time with a Grind Session team during their high school careers, while the others showcased their skills at least once at a Grind Session event.
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