#OTRHoopsReport: Nike Extravaganza – Johnson & Okafor, Feb. 4, 2014

Santa Ana, Calif. – In one of the last premier showcases of the high school season, Mater Dei high school played host to a number of elite level teams and players last weekend. The highly anticipated match-up of Whitney Young versus Mater Dei had thousands of spectators staying up late into the night to watch these two nationally-ranked teams battle each other. However, it would be the individual match-up of two top ten prospects who that would pique the interest of all in attendance.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Stanley Johnson (Fullerton, Calif.) Mater Dei – 2014

At 6-foot-6 and a physique that seems ready to walk onto a college court today, Johnson is an athletic specimen who draws ‘oohs and ahhs’ from fans when he takes the court. His ability to power through defenders in the open court and then seemingly glide around them when approaching the basket is special. Although he will be slotted as a wing next year for Sean Miller’s Arizona Wildcats, Johnson played the lead guard position when the situations mattered the most this weekend. More interesting, was Johnson’s defense as he immediately matched up against the top player in the country in Jahlil Okafor in the paint. Admittedly, Johnson was one of two defenders who constantly shadowed the 6’11 center. However, it would be his activity that would hold Okafor in check for much of the first half. Johnson’s complete floor game helped lead the Monarchs to an impressive double digit victory over Whitney Young.
See what play from CoachHemi.com fits Johnson the best: 1-4 Low Ball Screen

Jahlil Okafor (Chicago, Ill.) Whitney Young – 2014

Anytime the number one player in the country walks onto the court, you can expect a bull’s-eye to be placed squarely on the back of that player. Being the tallest and physically most impressive player on the court, for Okafor that target gets even bigger. On this night, Mater Dei immediately came out in a “triangle and 2” defense with the ‘2’ defenders playing in front and behind the athletic center. After three minutes of play Okafor had not scored a bucket. However, the Dolphins held a 16-10 lead with St. Louis University signee Miles Reynolds scoring all of the team’s points, which all came from behind the arc save the one free throw on a 4-point play. This illustrates just how impactful Okafor can be on the game even when he is not getting consistent touches. It has been a long time since the basketball world has seen a player who possesses such a unique combination of size, power, hands combined with elegance around the rim. Once coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff have a chance to polish his back to the basket skills, his impact at Cameron Indoor Arena will be seen nation-wide.
See what play from CoachHemi.com fits Jahlil Okafor the best: Bison Post Feed

Prospect Evaluation/Exposure Options

***Designed for DII, III, NAIA & JUCO exposure. These events average 25 to 30 schools on hand to watch the showcase participants.

OnTheRadarHoops Spring Showcase (March 22)
OnTheRadarHoops Fall Showcase (Sept.)

Elite Basketball Academy Series

***Designed for evaluation purposes, these are great opportunities for upperclassmen and underclassmen alike to get valuable game broadcasts that can be sent to college coaches with a single email message. For underclassmen, it also serves as the gateway for prospects with remaining high school eligibility to play in front of the OnTheRadarHoops.com staff.

March 9th – EBA Top 40 Spring Workout
March 15th – CoachHemi.com Showcase

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball. 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