#OTRElite32 Trending – July 19, 2017

Coach Andrew Scott and Team Knight got the win on Sunday at #OTRElite32. Photo cred – @ParallelsMedia_

ACWORTH, Georgia, – The OTR Elite 32 continues to be the spot where college coaches flock to see some of the best talent in the Atlanta area during July. From Harry Giles and Diamond Stone in 2014 to Nassir Little this year, the showcase attracts many of the top college coaches in the country yearly. Here is a look back on which players are trending upwards after this year’s Elite 32.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Justin Ahrens (Versailles, Ohio), Ohio C2K – 2018

Ahrens is a high-energy wing who does a little bit of everything. The lefty shoots jumpers with range and can score in the mid-range as well. Far from being just a spot-up player, Ahrens moves off screens and is threat to give an offensive rebound put back in the flow of the offense. Ahrens gave his verbal commitment to Ohio State last August, but re-opened his recruitment last month with the turnover on the Buckeye coaching staff. However, Ohio State seems to be trending back into the horizon of landing spot Ahrens after picking up an offer from coach Chris Holtmann this Monday. He also received offers from Missouri and Xavier this week.

 

Will Baker (Austin, Texas), Basketball University – 2019

Baker is a big man who is capable of playing either end of the hi-lo game. The 6-9 lefty showed his ability to play on the pivot and score through traffic. At the same time he is capable of hitting the step-out jumper at the arc. His length and footwork all have schools within the Lone Star Republic tracking him closely. Coach Shaka Smart at the University of Texas and Billy Kennedy at Texas A&M jumped in early on Baker’s recruitment. However, recently schools from the Southeast are tracking the stretch big man. Georgia Tech and Auburn have offered within the past month.

Bryce Beamer (Tampa, Florida), Team Breakdown – 2018

Look for Beamer’s stock to rise heading into the fall of this year. The 6-6 shooting guard is lighting up the nets this summer. His ideal size and pure shooting stroke will have schools that need a floor stretcher looking hard at him. He picked up an offer from Tennessee Tech at the beginning of this year. After his performance at Elite 32, expect more schools to hop on board.

Miller Kopp (Houston, Texas), Houston Defenders – 2018

Like Beamer, mentioned above, Kopp is a shooting guard with a big time stroke and deep range. At 6-6 he possesses the size, strength and athleticism needed to play in a Power 5 Conference. He is being hotly pursued by schools such as SMU, Northwestern and Vanderbilt.

Serrell Smith (St. Petersburg, Florida), Showtime Ballers – 2018

When it comes to floor generals, Smith was one of the best at last weekend’s showcase. He does a great job of mixing up scoring the ball with dishing to others. His ability to hit the pull-up jumper off of the ball screen puts help defenders in a quandry. After picking up an offer from New Mexico earlier this month, UAB and Murray State jumped in quickly after Elite 32.

Christopher Spenkuch (Miami, Florida), Team Knight – 2019

Unlike many of the prospects listed in this recap, Spenkuch is a prospect just breaking onto the recruiting scene. Just a rising junior, the 6-7 wing-forward sports a versatile skill set. He showed the ability to attack the lane on the face-up while also being able to play with his back to the basket. The lefty also did a good job of finishing in transition. As he puts his game together, expect the college coaching eyes to increase as well.

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Coach Hemi-100-100Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on  twitter @JLHemingwayPSB


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