The Final Assessment Day
Where the pathway converges.
Where league places are earned.
The Final Assessment Day is the decisive stage of the Next Play UK pathway — a high-performance evaluation where selected athletes compete for roster spots in the NXT U23 League.
It is not an open trial.
It is not guaranteed entry.
This is where standards rise — and where the top players in the pathway show they belong.
WHO ATTENDS
The Final Assessment Day brings together players from two routes:
1. KOTC GOLDEN TICKET ATHLETES
Standout performers from KOTC Regional Tournaments who showed consistency, impact and competitive presence.
2. VIDEO SUBMISSION SELECTS
Players whose full-game footage, highlights or season-long performances demonstrated the level required — including athletes who were unavailable, injured or better suited to structured environments.
These are the strongest and most promising players in the pathway — evaluated side-by-side.
WHAT THE DAY LOOKS LIKE
High intensity. Real decisions.
A complete evaluation.
The Final Assessment Day combines:
- competitive matchups
- situational play
- small-sided games
- decision-making tests
- physical evaluations
- IQ and spacing reads
- coaching interaction
- pressure moments
- structured sets and spacing concepts
It’s designed to show not just what players can do, but how they play, think and respond at a higher level.
Every drill and possession reveals something.
WHAT COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR
Not just talent — but readiness.
Evaluators focus on:
BASKETBALL ABILITY
- spacing
- reads
- decision-making
- efficiency
- role execution
- shot selection
- defensive awareness
COMPETITIVE IDENTITY
- energy
- presence
- resilience
- ability to rise in moments
TEAM VALUE
- communication
- adaptability
- discipline
- impact without the ball
- contribution beyond scoring
FIT WITHIN THE NXT U23 ENVIRONMENT
- pace
- standards
- maturity
- coachability
- consistency
This is where complete players rise above highlight moments.
WHAT THIS STAGE REPRESENTS
Opportunity — earned.
Players reach the Final Assessment Day because they’ve shown something real, something worth exploring, something that suggests their story isn’t finished.
Some arrived through the intensity of KOTC events.
Some through season-long performances on film.
Different roads — one destination.
This day is where those pathways meet.
HOW SELECTION WORKS
At the end of the Assessment Day:
- coaches
- evaluators
- league staff
…review performance across the full session.
Players who demonstrate the level, consistency and potential to compete at the top of the pathway will earn a place in the NXT U23 League.
Selections are based on the whole picture — not one moment.
IF YOU’RE NOT SELECTED
This stage is competitive — but not final.
If a player isn’t selected:
- they can return for future trial windows
- compete in upcoming KOTC events
- submit updated footage
- continue building their game in club or academy environments
Development doesn’t run in a straight line.
The pathway stays open for those who stay committed.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
The Final Assessment Day is where the best compete for league places — and where new stories begin.