MARIETTA, Georgia – On the Radar Hoops hosted the Run for the Cup tournament last weekend. This event spanned three locations and featured nearly one hundred teams from Georgia and across the Southeast. In this article, we will take a closer look at which 17U prospects earned attention with their play at the event.

17U

Luke Beaver – Georgia Legacy – 2027

Beaver is ascending into the next category of prospects on the OTR Circuit. He began as a hopeful watchlist guard who now should be classified as a legitimate college prospect. He is putting up numbers consistently across several weekends with Coach Dyron Gates’ squad. Impressively, his numbers are not just in the scoring category. He grabs rebounds and dishes assists as well. His 6-foot-2 frame gives him the height to compete with the very best at this level. OTR evaluator Josh Tec noted Beaver’s decision making and ability to move the ball quickly in this weekend’s tournament. All these points of data indicate that Beaver is trending in the right direction.

Khalil Prather – NGU – 2027

Prather had as big a weekend as any prospect on the OTR Circuit. He dropped 30 points in a win over the Conyers Kingsman. He splits time as a lead guard who can initiate the offense at the point of attack and as a shooting guard running off screens. He balances his scoring attack well as a scorer in the midrange, finishing at the rim, and hitting the open 3-pointer. Prather and NGU seem to have built some momentum heading into the May live period weekend.

Fortune Hicks – Gold Elite – 2027

Gold Elite finished the weekend 3-1 with their only loss being a 1-point defeat to the GA Knights. While Jaquez Motley’s group is being led by Michael Wright Jr. most games, he is flanked by one of the top point guards on the OTR Circuit in Hicks. His playmaking and complementary play are essential for Gold Elite’s success. He is a player who does not always need the ball to make an impact. He can slide to the corner to drain a jumper or step into defensive help side to make a play. Hicks’ headiness along with his athleticism are attributes that college coaches should pay attention to during the May Live period.

Carter King – Atlanta Standard 17U – 2028

Atlanta Standard’s roster is mostly filled with 2028 prospects while competing in the 17U divisions this spring. King is one of the featured players on this roster. He works in the backcourt as the primary ball handler. His steady hand with the ball and ability to make plays in traffic have been key for the team’s success this season. This season of experience is certain to pay dividends for King and his teammates.

Kelan Smith – Georgia Canes – 2027

Smith joined the Canes this weekend for the first time and made a smooth transition into the lineup. The 6-foot-6 wing punched a dunk on a fast break as a sort of announcement that he arrived. He is equally menacing on the defensive end, where he uses his length to disrupt opponents’ plans. He is capable of running down blocks from behind or swiping steals in the open floor.

David Williams – Atlanta Kings 17U – 2027

The Atlanta Kings made noise on the circuit, running off 10 straight wins to start the spring. We had a chance to evaluate this roster closely this weekend and saw why this team has started so successfully. Guard David Williams is the engine for this squad. His competitive nature and willingness to give the extra effort set the tone. He scored 22 points versus Livon EYBL 2028 in a Saturday matchup. He connected on three 3-pointers in this game, but it was his quick first step and strength driving through the lane that caught our eye.

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 X @CoachHemi and Instagram @Coach_Hemi.