#OTRHoopsReport Summer Stock Risers Part II – August 18, 2014

Harry Giles III had a bounce back summer after suffering a knee injury last year. His July puts him back atop of the rankings in the class of 2016.

A number of prospects elevated their games and turned coaches into believers this summer. In our second look at the summer 2014, we will look at who is poised to have a big season on the court this winter.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

SUMMER STOCK RISERS PART II

Harry Giles III of Winston Salem, N.C., was considered the top class of 2016 prospect before he suffered an ACL injury over a year ago. That set back allowed other players in the class to position themselves ahead of Giles in the meantime. The 6-foot-10 forward erased any doubt that may have lingered about his return this July.  He returned to elite form both at the Elite 32 and the Nike EYBL Peach Jam while playing for CP3. Giles athleticism has not been stunted as he can patrol the lane as a play finisher and as a rim protector. However, what separates Giles as one of the top five prospects in the class is his offensive skill. His ability to create shots with his back to the basket and to score facing up is second to none.

A class of 2015 prospect that climbed into the realm of the elite was Donovan Mitchell of Wolfeboro, N.H. The 6-3 shooting guard brings strength and athleticism to the wing. We had a chance to evaluate Mitchell at the Hoop Hall Classic in January of this year for Brewster Academy. His ability to finish above the rim while also being able to stroke the long range jumper attracted coach Rick Pitino this summer. Mitchell gave his verbal to the Louisville Cardinals following his July campaign.

There may be no truer example of a stock riser than in the example of 6-6 small forward Dillon Brooks of Mississauga, Ont. While playing for Findlay Prep this past winter, he played a small roll behind the likes of Kansas signee Kelly Oubre and UNLV signee Rashad Vaughn. However, Brooks changed his image of a complimentary dirty-work player into a full-fledged play-making wing this summer while playing for CIA Bounce. His ability to shoot the basketball, but also to play physical in the lane made him the “go-to” player for his summer team. He parlayed this transformation into reclassifying into the class of 2014 and signing with Oregon University this week.

Honorable Mention

No point guard elevated his status more this summer than Demontrae Jefferson Milwaukee, Wisc. His performance at the NBPA Top 100 Camp earned him national recognition. He even cracked the top 100 rankings on 247 Sports as a result.

One of the bigger, athletic wings in the class of 2015 is Lagerald Vick of Memphis, Tenn. His play with Team Thad on the circuit earned him a 4-star rating according to OTRHoopsReport.com and an offer from Cincinnati.

Class of 2016 guard Trent Forrest of Chipley, Fla., raised his stock with play at the Elite 32 last month. At 6-4 his brings size and IQ to the floor, which schools like Miami, Wake Forest and Wichita State have all noticed. Look for him to be one of the top returning players for the Alabama Challenge next year.

Post play is always at a premium in college recruiting circles, which is why Chris Lewis of Milton, Ga., has gained interest from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, Mississippi State and Tennessee. The 6-8 post raised his OTRHoopsReport.com ranking to a 4 star after performances at the Norman Parker Showcase and the Elite 32 in July.

 

Exposure and Showcase Opportunities:

August 30, 2014 – On the Radar Hoops Rising Star Camp 
September 13/14 – EBA All-American Camp
September 20 – On the Radar Hoops Fall Showcase 
October 11 – CoachHemi.com Fall Workout

 

Jonathan HemingwayJonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. 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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