#OTRHoopsReport: Starring at the Elite 32 – July 17, 2018

POWDER SPRINGS, Georgia, – The OTR Elite 32 featured star players, hundreds of college coaches and national media members. Teams from across the nation competed in a showcase format to gain ultimate exposure. Here are the names that I starred in the time I spent at McEachern High School last weekend.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Dontaie Allen (Falmouth, Kentucky), M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs – 2019

Allen is rushing up the recruiting boards after his play this July. Some even have elevated his status into the top 50 range. Per Kentucky Sports Radio, Louisville extended an offer following his play last weekend and the University of Kentucky staff are following his progression quite closely. As for his play on the court, Allen possesses those rare combinations of size, scoring ability and versatility. In terms of body build and athleticism, there is a comparison between Allen and current Denver Nugget guard Jamal Murray. Allen uses his length to see over defenders and find the open player. He is also very good at using his body to create space for his own jumpers. Allen enters our radar for a potential #NaismithWatch nomination entering next high school season.

Devin Butts (Macon, Georgia), Team Georgia Magic – 2019

Butts made the most of his opportunity on Sunday afternoon in a match-up versus B Maze Elite. He connected on four quick triples and had coaches quickly flipping the pages of their notebooks to confirm his name. He finished with nine 3s in total and a game high 29 points. Butts has ideal size (6-5) to play at the next level. And his shooting stroke, pure, is a skill that will quickly translate to a number of conferences. Per Kowacie Reeves (@Hypesouthmedia) of OntheRadarHoops.com, Butts picked up offers from Houston, Charlotte, South Florida, VCU, Xavier and South Florida following the Elite 32 Showcase. Butts returns to the OTR circuit this weekend at the Super 6 Showcase. Expect to see even more offers roll in with more performances like the above.

Team Georgia Magic @DerexButts guard Devin Butts @devinab_1 excels as a shooter from the perimeter and his accuracy from the outside serves to stretch the defenses, which opens up driving lanes for slashers @HypesouthMedia pic.twitter.com/IyGsE70i6y

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 16, 2018

Jalen Cincore (Arlington, Tennessee), Tennessee Panthers – 2019

Some players look like next level ball players. Cincore certainly checks the physical boxes as well as having the skills to back it up. The 6-5 wing showed the ball skill to play a number of back court positions. His ideal length and athleticism combined with shot making abilities make him an intriguing prospect for the next level. He showed an explosive first step as well as deep 3-point range well beyond the arc in a match-up versus Infinite Skills. He averaged well over 20 points per game for the weekend. College coaches took notice of his skills as well. Kent State was quick to jump in and offer the rising senior a scholarship after the event.

All praise to God for His Word is true. I have recieved a scholarship offer from Kent State University! #GoldenFlashes⚡️? pic.twitter.com/vnoKclfUEU

— Jalen “Jay” Cincore4️⃣ (@_JalenCincore) July 16, 2018

Ibrahima Diallo (Bradenton, Florida), Florida Sons – 2019

Diallo is a 7-footer who looks to be chiseled out of the stuff that Greek Gods were once built out from. He has the length, strength and frame that scream a high major center. Unlike many post players who may need a year in the weight room before they are ready for the rigors of conference play, Diallo looks to be physically ready to battle any center at any time on the block. Right now Diallo is best suited as a defender, shot blocker and rebounder rather than a primary offensive target. That can change with reps and experience. Per his twitter timeline, Diallo has offers from Florida State, DePaul and South Florida.

Zion Harmon (Bowling Green, Kentucky), B Maze Elite – 2021

Nothing we write here is going to be a new observation about Harmon as he made a spotlight appearance with B Maze Elite. ESPN released their top 25 rankings for the class and put Harmon as the top PG in the nation and No. 8 overall. He already handles the ball and controls the tempo that is Chris Paul-esque. He has a rare ability to play with poise and be able to pick his spots to attack. Harmon will always have to fight the size stigma that is attached to him. There will always be guards that will be taller. What Harmon will have to continue to show is that his production makes his size a non-starter in discussions about his value.

Damari Monsanto (Pembroke Pines, Florida), Team Breakdown – 2019

One of my personal favorite prospects from the event was Monsanto, a 6-6 wing. Shooting is as such a premium in the modern game, a team nearly has to have shooters at every position. Monsanto proved that he could get his shot off in a number of ways. He nailed 3s in rhythm off of the reversal pass as well as connecting on shots off pin-down screens. His smooth stroke even translates when he puts the ball on the deck. This specialty skill along with his length should keep him on the radar of coaches this July.

Damari Monsanto @31damari is a pure shooter from deep. I’ve seen him hit some tough shots this weekend. 6’6 sniper with an attitude on the floor & ability to put the ball on the floor off the shot fake @TeamBreakdown

— Willie Evans Jr. (@Jr_OTRH) July 15, 2018

Jaykwon Walton (Columbus, Georgia), Team Thad – 2019

Walton blends skill and length to bring versatility to court. He is equally able to lead the team with his ball handling or post up and score on the block.  A consensus top 75 prospect nationally, Walton has the type of game that could translate to the next level simply because of his ability to defend multiple positions. Add in the fact that he is an adept passer with vision for the open teammate and he could blend in to a variety of lineups. He has back court skill, but also has the potential to play on the wing in a small ball lineup. Coach Tom Crean and his assistants were sitting tough on Team Thad’s game versus the Florida Sons. Georgia is one of the favorites for Walton to sign this winter.

Jonathan 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