#OTRHoopsReport: May Rundown Report – May 31, 2018
Isaac Okoro has dominated the competition this spring on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Atlanta, GA – The spring session of the AAU circuit has ended earlier this week. There were a few prospects whose stock has risen over the last couple of months with their outstanding play in their respective circuits. Below we take a look at a few prospects who have caught national media, scouts, and evaluator’s eyes this spring.
2019 Forward Isaac Okoro – Athletes of Tomorrow (GA)
Isaac Okoro displayed his skills once again this spring on the Nike EYBL circuit. He is one of the leading regular season MVP candidates in the 2018 Nike EYBL and averaging 17.7 points per game thus far with the AOT Running Rebels. Isaac is a strong forward with a high major basketball body. His athleticism and bounce gives him the skills to be aggressive when attacking the lane in which where he can throw down a vicious dunk. Isaac’s ability to score inside the paint is incredible and he is also known as one of the top on ball defenders we have in the class of 2019. Okoro had a tremendous spring and looks to continue to rise as he attends the Pangos All American Camp, USA Basketball, and the NBA Top 100 Camp next month.
2019 Point Guard Ashton Hagans – Game Elite (GA)
Like Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans is another recent Kentucky commit. Ashton has been making his case this spring that he is the number one point guard in the class of 2019 (currently ranked as the #3 PG and #17 overall according to ESPN). He is a pit-bull defender who loves to play defense, literally. Hagans is one of the rare lock down guards we see that has a passion for defense. On the offensive side, he is able to create plays and get his teammates involved in the action. He has perfect size for guard, body and height, and is a great pickup for the Wildcats. Ashton has been debating all year long if he will be headed to Lexington this fall or next fall in 2019. That decision should be coming very soon.
2020 Point Guard Sharife Cooper – Athletes of Tomorrow (GA)
Talk about a kid who has burst onto the EYBL scene. Sophomore point guard Sharife Cooper has taken the EYBL by storm and has led his AOT squad to an overall 13-3 record, which ranks 3rd overall in the 2018 Nike EYBL. Cooper’s style of play looks tremendously effortless. He is an elite facilitator and has now been characterized as a certified scorer at the point guard position. At 6’1 he is able to find the open man whether he is in transition or the half court. He is a high major point guard in the open floor and 90% of the time will get a point for his team whenever he is on a fast break. His quickness to me is still underrated and shows some shade of Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo. Cooper had a fabulous spring outing and will be looking to finish the summer with a Peach Jam title.
2019 Point Guard Scottie Pippen Jr – Oakland Soldiers (CA)
Yes, the son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Scottie Pippen Jr. has been very consistent all spring running with the defending EYBL champions, the Oakland Soldiers (CA). Here’s a prospect that did not have much buzz coming into the EYBL season this year. Pippen Jr, is a very skilled point guard. As a son of an NBA Legend, there’s always high standards. But Scottie Pippen Jr plays with high level poise when he’s on the floor. He can be known as a floor general at times but Scottie is a score first point guard. He’s able to read what the defense is giving him every time before he reacts and makes his moves. He’s a playmaker and great teammate and showed that all spring. Scottie is averaging about 17.7 points per game in the EYBL and is the leading scorer for one the best programs in Nike.
2019 Guard Boogie Ellis – Oakland Soldiers (CA)
Here is another one of those non-ranked players whose game on the court that I personally fell in love with this spring. Let us remember the name Boogie Ellis, one of the top guards out of the San Diego, CA area. Boogie is one of the best shooters in this year’s EYBL and that is a fact. He is currently shooting 41% from beyond the arc. He is an elite shot maker and an elite perimeter scorer. Ellis is was also able to make plays when attacking the rim as well as creating a pull up jumper. As the July live period approaches, the rising senior looks to develop his game during the month of June and to come back ready to defend their Peach Jam title in mid-July.
2019 Center Babatunde Akingbola – Athletes of Tomorrow (GA)
Auburn commit Babatunde Akingbola, or aka stretch, has been one of the few great prospects playing his role on one of the best teams in the nation this summer. Akingbola is what you call an elite shot blocker. He is always determined to block his opponent’s shots when there driving to the basket. His long wingspan helps him with his rim protecting abilities. He is a major factor in AOT’s success. He does what he does best without the complaining. He is a vocal leader and great teammate when on the floor. Babatunde has a very high ceiling and will someday be one of the top shot blockers in the NBA. You can relate his game to current Houston Rockets center Clint Capela.
Samad Hines is a contributor to On the Radar Hoops
