OTR FEATURED PROGRAM: Sunshine Elite – October 22, 2025

This week we debut our site’s new FEATURED PROGRAM. We take a closer look at the programs that compete on the OTR Circuit, answering key questions: Where did they come from? Where are they going? And who have they helped along the way? We start with a program from the Sunshine State that has quickly risen to become one of the top teams on the Circuit.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Program: Sunshine Elite
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Director(s): John Elgani, Ashley Felton
Founding Year: 2022
Motto: Shine As ONE
Notable Alumni: Caleb Jones (University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Amari Davis (Edward Waters), Cameron Bryant (Palm Beach Atlantic), Jaden Wilenson (University of Miami – Football), Luke Mayberry (Naval Academy)
FROM BACK COURTS TO CIRCUIT CHAMPS
In just a few years, Sunshine Elite went from a brand-new program playing in back courts to becoming an OTR Circuit Champion. Founder John Elgani says the process was not easy, but it has paid off.
“Playing on the OTR Circuit has taught me to take my feelings out of it and let our play on the court do the talking. We started on back courts and in small gyms, nowhere near the courts of Next Play 360 two years ago. Now we are one of the faces of the circuit and are constantly being showcased in front of many of the best colleges in our region.”
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Elgani and his program operate in a region with no shortage of travel options. Every shoe company has a sponsored team in the Orlando area. Nevertheless, history has shown that playing for a shoe-circuit team does not guarantee exposure. Elgani saw the opportunity and created a new option.
“We started Sunshine Elite in Orlando, Florida, because a lot of players go under-recruited. I wanted a program where I could develop, teach, and showcase the second tier of players. They deserve equal opportunities to be seen.”
That strategy has paid off. Sunshine Elite has helped numerous kids get signed. Caleb Jones was a consistent star for Sunshine Elite and signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the SWAC out of high school.
See Jones’ highlights from the OTR Circuit below.
Caleb Jones is a pass-first guard who takes care of the ball, places teammates in position to score, and has shown he can score when needed. Jones committed to Arkansas-Pine Bluff earlier in the fall. pic.twitter.com/xxzw2ipPS4
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) October 24, 2023
TEAM CULTURE & 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP
One challenge club coaches face is getting players to buy into a team concept. Elgani shares a slogan he uses to remind his guys that it’s a team sport.
“‘Shine As ONE’ is the motto we live by. We put our teammates first. We make the right plays, always make the extra pass, and celebrate each other’s successes. YOUR goals become OUR goals, and together we can SHINE AS ONE.”
That motto went from words to action in 2025. The 16U team brought home the 16U championship. They were led by a core group of stars, including class of 2027 Bryce Hoffert. He was named Circuit MVP for his all-around play. The 6-foot-6 wing earned a reputation as a long-range shooter but also impacted the game as a passer, rebounder, and ball-handler. He was joined by guards Cory McPherson and Whit Bynoe, plus wings Jamison Blake and Jeremiah Williams. Post player Kyle Blair, who missed much of the year with an injury, showed promise at the OTR Final Run and has earned several offers this fall (see more on Blair’s game here).
My highlights from On the Radar Power 24. Blessed to be a part of the @sunshine_elite team with great teammates and coaching. #ShineAsOne pic.twitter.com/I7wyHGNRyD
— BryceHoffert (@BryceHoffert) July 24, 2025
2026 VISION
Elgani seems far from content after last year’s success:
“We are excited to build our brand and get our kids offers. As our name grows, so will our expectations. We welcome that. Like I tell our guys, pressure is a privilege. We are ready to showcase what we’ve got in 2026.”
The OTR Circuit is where Sunshine Elite elevated their profile since its creation. Elgani had this to say about the opportunities to play:
“I want to thank all the writers who come and sit down to watch our games. They give our players spotlights and opportunities to be seen and heard. Jonathan Hemingway, Ross Van de Griek, Trent Markwith (Relentless Hoops), Josh Tec, Robert Alfonso (Sideline to Baseline), Proven Prospects (Jenn Brazelton), and everyone else who spent time watching our program. Thank you.”
Highlights of Cory McPherson
Cory McPherson is a shot-making guard who can get hot and put points on the board in a hurry. :@SHReport @CoryMcPherson7 @sunshine_elite @TFARoyalsMBB pic.twitter.com/GOHCeOo7EH
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 12, 2025
Sunshine Elite Highlights
It was a dunk party tonight! @23KyleBlair @OntheRadarHoops @TaiYoungHoops @coachT_fearless @BTS_Report pic.twitter.com/EMfTzM4E7r
— TheSunshineElite (@sunshine_elite) July 20, 2025
Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. You can reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CoachHemi
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