OTR CIRCUIT: 17U Under the Radar Prospects - June 6, 2026

As the spring portion of the 2026 On the Radar Hoops Circuit has concluded and players shift their focus to working with their high school teams throughout June, it’s the perfect time to highlight some under-the-radar standouts.

Jonathan Hemingway

Jun 6, 2026

With the spring portion of the 2026 On the Radar Hoops Circuit concluded and players shift their focus to working with their high school teams throughout June, it’s the perfect time to highlight some under-the-radar prospects. While the leaders of the box score naturally receive the most attention, some of the most valuable contributions came from players who earned strong praise from their coaches for their impact. These hidden gems — the glue guys, most-improved prospects, high-character role players, and late additions — were difference makers all spring.

Here are some names worth knowing.

17U Division – Under the Radar Prospects

Micah Jarvis (PSB Tampa)

A versatile, athletic, and skilled wing/forward who has already drawn heavy interest from over 20 college programs. His all-around game makes him a high-upside prospect flying somewhat under the main radar.

Zihong Fan (Sunshine Elite)

6’6 sharpshooter hitting above 40% from three with elite footwork in the paint and the ability to finish with both hands. A proven winner who impacts both ends with size and skill.

Chase Orton & Tristan Fortelni (Beach Boys Elite OTR)

Orton is a 6’4 sharpshooter with a nice frame who stretches the floor and creates off the dribble. Fortelni is a 6’1 utility guard with a quick first step, strong 3-point shooting, and solid on-ball defense — two reliable pieces who make the offense hum.

Zion Square & Jorden Johnson - pictured (Georgia Fire)

Two impactful wings who produce on both sides of the ball and provide valuable two-way energy for the team.

Zi’on Thomas & Shannon Benjamin Jr. - pictured (Gold Elite OTR)

Thomas is a new addition already performing as one of the top players on the circuit and in the state. Benjamin is an elite two-way wing who attacks above the rim and plays with tremendous presence.

Nnambi Emmanuel & Walker Wilbanks (HoopGrind)

Emmanuel, a 6’9 stretch big who joined late, is poised for a big summer. Wilbanks is a scrappy, lights-out shooter who is often overlooked due to size but plays with toughness and elite shooting touch.

Terry Riggins (Warriors Life Elite 2027)

6’5 do-it-all forward who rebounds, scores, facilitates, and leads by example with toughness in the paint.

Nehemiah Michael - video above & Austin Coleman (Thunder Select OTR)

Late-season additions who have immediately stabilized and elevated the team. Coleman, a 9th grader playing up, has already made his presence felt on the circuit.

Carter Todd (Griffin Grasshoppers Elite)

Todd, a 6’8 8th grader, fearlessly battles older competition and continues to grow. Joined by high-energy contributors like LeSon Nelson, Quadarious Clemons, and Uriel Lopez, this group brings relentless intensity and team defense.

Joaquin Weaver (All Georgia Elite)

6’6 wing whose production has steadily climbed all summer. Expect continued upward trajectory and future growth.

Juan Rosales (Florida All Stars)

True freshman 3-point specialist, aggressive defender, and tenacious rebounder who gives maximum effort despite his size.

Tyson Jean-Baptiste & Denzel Johnson (G-Force Ryders)

Jean-Baptiste provides steady leadership and positivity. Johnson is a key 6th man who brings energy, scoring, and spark off the bench.

Amare McKinley (Elite Playmakers 17U - Smith)

Valuable contributor who adds depth and impact in key moments.

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

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ON THE RADAR HOOPS

Exposure Starts Here.

Founded in 2010, OnTheRadarHoops has quickly emerged as the premier one-stop shop for boys grassroots basketball exposure. We offer a unique blend of exposure opportunities from our On The Radar Hoops Report scouting service for college coaches to our showcases and tournaments for players.

ON THE RADAR HOOPS

Exposure Starts Here.

Founded in 2010, OnTheRadarHoops has quickly emerged as the premier one-stop shop for boys grassroots basketball exposure. We offer a unique blend of exposure opportunities from our On The Radar Hoops Report scouting service for college coaches to our showcases and tournaments for players.