11 Breakout Players

February 16, 2019

There will be plenty of movement on the recruiting frontier this spring as college coaches jockey to land impact recruits for their programs. Most of the notable 2020 prospect have committed or will commit in the fall. Most of the recruiting chatter that is reported deals with players within the top 100 in the upcoming class. Here are 11 players that has a chance to see their recruitment take off this spring.

EBENEZER DOWUONA

Newnan (GA) – The Heritage School

Dowuona is an active post that runs the floor extremely well. He rim runs with long strides and puts constant pressure on the transition defense. He has great length which allows him to be an above the rim finisher with ease. Dowuona also uses his length to be a very affective rebounder. He is quick to the ball on the offensive end and can be counted upon for a timely tip in or quick put back basket. He scores not only by running the floor but in the post with a jump hook over his left shoulder or from drop off passes created by guard penetration.

TAY WATSON

Newnan (GA) – Newnan HS

Watson is a long and active power forward that likes to face up and attack the rim where he is a very good finisher. He is a physical forward that rebounds well and competes at a high level on both ends of the floor. Watson also has the ability to defend both forward positions as well. Watson has attracted the likes of Central Florida, UAB, Middle Tennessee State, UNC Greensboro and recently picking up offers from UNC Asheville and Canisius. If Watson decides to reclassify to the 2020 class look for him to pick up even more attention.

BRANDON HARRIS

Savannah – Johnson-Savannah HS

Harris is one of those prototypical wing-types that can do just about anything on the court. He has a long, lean frame that oozes with potential and touch out to 22-feet. His stroke is smooth and effortless and he doesn’t need a lot of space to get it off. He has a versatile game and can even post up smaller defenders and shoot over the top of them. Harris is a Top 100 caliber prospect with a terrific upside.

BRANDON STROUD

Sharpsburg (GA) – East Coweta HS

Stroud has a smooth shooting stroke that extends out to 22-feet. His shot is tight off the catch and he is getting better creating off the dribble. Despite his reputation as a shooter, the most impressive aspect of his game is his savvy. He understands angles while attacking the basket and he is an astute passer as well. Stroud can also rebound and start the break or he sprints the lane where he can knock down the spot up three by reading penetration and moving to the open area. His versatility alone makes him a hot commodity.

CALEB BRYD

Rome (GA) – Rome HS

Bryd is a scoring machine who can put points on the board in a hurry. He had multiple games in the high thirties throughout the course of the season. Bryd has a nice combination of getting by you off the dribble and being able to make the perimeter jump shot with range. He has a tremendous pace and confidence to his game, and never feels like he is in trouble.

JAMONATE HILL

Tucker (GA) – Tucker HS

He’s long and athletic with a ton of undiscovered upside left in his frame. He’s got slashing tools that translate to the next level, shows no hesitate to finish against contact at the rim, and the ability to make open shots from the three-point line. His length and quickness are defensive assets as is his ability to guard multiple positions. Hill picked up offers early from Kansas State, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech and Florida State. At 6-foot-6, he has the ability to gain national attention this summer and make a drastic jump in the rankings.

Ja'Queze KIRBY

Hazelhurst (GA) – Jeff Davis HS

Kirby is a warrior in every sense of the word. He impacts the game with his tenacity on the glass and major bounce. He has a nose for the ball around the hoop and he gets up twice before most get up once. He has great hands, a good feel for the game, and he just makes winning plays at both ends. In transition, he can slash his way to the rim or go over the top of the would-be defender to finish. Overall, he is that prototypical prospect for the mid-high major level.

MATTHEW DAVIS

Atlanta (GA) – The Skills Factory

Davis is a slim forward who hasn’t even touched his true potential. He has great length and agility to go with a tremendous work ethic and love of the game. His shot is crisp with a high release and he gets it off quick. He has a high basketball IQ and knows how to move without the ball to get open. He has improved his dribble-drive game and does a solid job of getting to the basket.

ERIC GAINES

Lithonia (GA) – Lithonia HS

Gaines is an excellent athlete with sneaky athletic ability. He can finish above the rim with flare when he gets a full head of steam toward the rim. He is terrific at making attacking plays off the dribble with his excellent handle in order to get to the rim and or create defensive help where he can consistently find the correct open teammate with his passing ability.

JADEN WALKER

Lawrenceville (GA) – Discovery

Walker is a pass first lead guard that can score when needed. He possesses good size and length to go along with his excellent basketball IQ. Walker does a good job of beating defender with his size and IQ rather than speed and quickness. When he gets a defender on his hip while penetration Walker can get deep into the lane where he delivers the ball to an open teammate or score. He also uses his size to shoot over smaller point guards when he feels the need to score.

TYLER JOHNSON

Athens (GA) – Cedar Shoals HS

He plays with great energy and can make plays at both ends of the floor due to his length and quickness. He has the ability to rebound in traffic and lead the fast break and he is quite the gifted passer. He’s a powerful driver and slasher from the wing and along the baseline in the half court and can scores through contact with great physical strength. He handles the ball well in the open court, and is a willing passer. In addition, he has the size, strength, and athleticism to post up smaller defenders and score over the top of them.