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#OTRHoopsReport: Atlanta Classic Stock Risers – May 23, 2018

#OTRHoopsReport: Atlanta Classic Stock Risers - May 23, 2018
May 23, 2018

Team Georgia Magic guard Devin Butts stock continues to rise. 

Atlanta, Ga – Nike’s EYBL circuit made its way to Emerson, Georgia at Lake Point Sports Complex this past weekend but just 30 minutes South, at Hillgrove and Hiram high schools, On the Radar Hoops held its annual Atlanta Classic Showcase. Some of the best non-shoe sponsored teams around the southeast were eager to play, fresh off the live period weekend just two weeks ago. It was another opportunity for scouting services and evaluators to take a look at those looking to boost their stock before high school basketball teams reconvene and team camps begin. These are names that you may or may not have known about but should look out for from the Atlanta Classic heading into the month of June.

Hasahnn Reynolds – 2019 (Discovery/AC Georgia)

Atlanta Celtics vs. AC Georgia was one of the more anticipated games and high level match-ups on the weekend and new Discovery high school transfer Hasahnn Reynolds was arguable the most impressive prospect in the matchup. Reynolds, coming from Immokalee, Florida is a smooth 6’5” wing that looked comfortable in every way on the offensive end. He led all scorers in the first half with 14 points, 12 of those coming in the first eight minutes of play. He has a nice release from the perimeter and showed his ability to start and finish the break with his ball handling. His has a high basketball IQ and it showed in his ability to get to his spots and score on all levels but still taking shots within the offense and letting the game come to him.

Jordan Black – 2019 (Mundy’s Mill/ ATL Hoops)

Black is a springy 6’7” forward that plays with a high motor whenever he is on the floor. He did as good a job of any big at rim running for lay-ups and being the beneficiary of dump off scores at the end of fast breaks. He played above the rim consistently for ATL Hoops and has legitimate shot blocking ability on the defensive end. Black is impressive in his ability to put the ball on the floor in the open court without turning the ball over and possesses soft hands when catching bad or hot passes from guards. Black is coming off a solid year with Mundy’s Mill and that energy and athleticism will have him double-double territory every time he steps on the floor.

 Ricky Knight Jr. – 2019 (Fayette County/ South Fulton Lions)

If you’re looking for one of the best shooters over the weekend at the Atlanta Classic, look no further than Fayette County guard Ricky Knight. He was impressive with the South Fulton Lions and led a ferocious second half comeback that almost resulted in victory because of that shooting ability. He knocked down seven three pointers in a 26 point output for the game and did so on a number of back to back possessions. He has a lanky 6’5” frame and is easy to find on the break and in the half court where torched teams that played zone against them. He has a quick release on his jump shot and isn’t afraid to get to the rim to make plays at the basket as well.

Elijah Jones – 2019 (Collins Hill / Game Elite Black)

Every time you looked in the box score for Game Elite Black, Jones had a lot of numbers beside his name. Whether it was from the free throw line, mid-range or three point arc, the combo guard out of Collins Hill had no problem putting the ball in the basket. He wasn’t afraid to run the show from the point guard position but has good size and athleticism for a natural off guard as well. He has a good looking shot and used it efficiently at Atlanta Classic, spotting up on the wing or off the dribble in pick and roll situations. He plays at his pace but isn’t afraid to play fast or hard on the defensive end. Good things happened when the ball was in his hands and he was a productive player all weekend long.

Jared Ivey 2020 (North Gwinnett/ ATL Hoops)

Ivey was a man amongst boys in the paint for ATL hoops in a number of their matchups at Atlanta Classic. He blocked and altered shots, rebounded on both ends, and had thunderous dunks as he was a key piece in their offense all weekend. The two sport athlete does it all on the block on both ends, put it on the deck several time to finish himself and was a force that made his impact known on the hardwood at Atlanta Classic. 

Myson Lowe 2020 (Whitfield Academy/ Game Elite Blue)

One of the best pure point guards at Atlanta Classic this past weekend was Game Elite Blue’s Myson Lowe. The future Whitfield Academy Wolf had some of the flashiest passes off the pick and roll and made a lot more good decisions than bad when getting his teammates involved in the offense. Lowe has a tight handle on the basketball and knocked down perimeter shots consistently when presented the opportunity. Lowe was also fearless in his attacks to the basket and knows how to craft his lay-ups off glass over taller defenders. He is very good with either hand and can easily handle pressure in the half or full court.

Demetrius Rives 2020 (Drew/ Infinite Skillz)

Rives was very impressive offensively for an Infinite Skillz team that went undefeated on the weekend at Atlanta Classic. He is a load to defend once he picks up a head of steam and uses a nice hesitation game to get his initial defender off balance. The best part of Rives’ game is his jump shot, as he was able to get to his spots on the floor and use a high-arcing release that smaller defenders couldn’t contest. He looked good posting up in late game situations and really used his 6’3” body to his advantage to score or assist. Rives has a lot of upside and he will be one to watch heading into June and even his junior prep campaign at Drew high school.

Emmanuel Jones 2021 (Glenn Hills/ Team Power)

Jones is a big prospect, already standing 6’6” and used every inch of that frame to his advantage. With his size at his age, he has a big impact on how teams play offensively and he kept a lot of drivers from doing just that just when he was on the floor. Jones did a good job on the glass when perimeter shots were taken and was a key piece in the fast break attack for Team Power with solid outlet passes to guards. If Jones continues to grow he can be a legitimate big, controlling the paint and becoming the ultimate double-double guy for Glenn Hills for the next few years.

Devin Butts 2019 (Stratford Academy/Team Georgia Magic)

Butts has continued to see his recruitment take off after receiving a number of offers at the Sweet 16 Session I. He is one of the fastest rising senior prospects on the east coast. He virtually shot out of a cannon during the first evaluation period in April and has continued to improve and excel.  At 6-foot-4, Butts has the ability to stretch the defense better then most. When he gets into a groove he can knock down (5) or (6) deep three pointers in a row.


Sam Hines 2020 (St. Francis/Game Elite Black)

Hines is a slashing scorer and good defender who made the most of his limited scoring opportunities. A long and athletic swingman, Hines scores by filling lanes in transition, slashing to the rim, or pulling up in the mid-range area. Defensively, he is very effective using his length and quickness to both contain and disturb the ball handler.  

Donta Eberhardt is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops


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