As the dust settled on the spring edition of OTR Circuit, we asked participating coaches one question. In your opinion, which OTR Circuit team is coached the best? The responses varied throughout the circuit. A few programs earned respect across the board for how they prepare their kids, adjust, and execute on both ends. While other coaches were admired for their experience and success in grassroots basketball. Here are their responses.

Multiple Mentions

Sunshine Elite

Sunshine Elite stood out more than any other program. Coaches kept coming back to their discipline and the way they play as one unit. They communicate on every possession and rarely miss defensive assignments. The ball movement is constant. There’s no selfishness. The buy-in is obvious.

One coach put it best: “Sunshine Elite’s program is easily one of my favorite programs to watch. They communicate on every possession and rarely miss assignments defensively. Offensively, the ball movement is constant, and they truly play together as one unit. There’s no selfishness everybody buys in. When you play them, you have to be at your absolute best because they don’t beat themselves and always have a next play mentality.”

They might not always have the roster with the most size or overall talent, but they play hard, listen, and compete.

Coach John Elgani has built one of the most reputable independent clubs in the Southeast. They are proving that last year’s 16U OTR Circuit championship was not a fluke. That group is back to defend the title this year.

Team Gold Coast

Team Gold Coast picked up strong praise for defensive intensity. Coaches noticed how all five guys stay locked in on every possession. That level of focus doesn’t happen by accident.

One coach said they watched the 17U squad twice and “there was not a time that all 5 guys on the floor were locked in on defense. That intensity is only found when a coach sets a standard and calls players up to it. Big respect to coach (Ham).”

This program has made quite the splash this spring with one of the most talented rosters on the OTR Circuit. However, coach Steffan Whittingham and his squad are proving their success is more than just individual ability. They do it with team execution and cohesion.

Sewer South

Sewer South got multiple nods for how well they play together. Coaches liked their execution and communication on both ends. The organization looks clean. You must bring your best when you face them.

One circuit coach remarked, “They play well together offensively and defensively. Execute and communicate properly.”

Coach Spencer Dixon is known for his ability to develop and challenge players to be more in critical moments. Read more about Sewer South here (LINK).

Team EYA

Team EYA earned respect for strong in-game adjustments. Coaches mentioned how they push their kids hard and adapt throughout the weekend. Coach Brad Martin has been a fixture of grassroots basketball on the Southside. He continues to identify and develop talent through that program.

Warner Robins All-Stars

Warner Robins All-Stars came up for their competitive nature and hard play. Coaches know they’ll get a battle every time under Coach Antwan Brooks. Read about their program from this February’s Program Feature (LINK).

Honorable Mentions

• Florida Blue Chips – Coach Jamie Kendrick has his group quietly taking care of business as one of the Circuit’s best 15U teams. They finished spring with a 15-5 record this spring. One coach remarked that the Blue Chips “do a great job of moving the ball and creating good shots for their players. Their offense is very dangerous and they play disciplined basketball.”

• Griffin Grasshoppers Elite – longtime coach Duck Richards was recognized for his track record of developing well-trained, solid groups. This year’s group has a core of guys that college coaches absolutely need to track in July.

• Triangle Offense Elite – “not the biggest team, not a team with all the talent but they played hard, they listened and they were dawgs.” The North Georgia based program is consistent with getting their guys to compete from tourney to tourney. Read more on coach Cedric Maxwell and his crew (LINK).

• Atlanta Standard is a brand-new program this year. They have turned heads with their 15U group while their 17U team is proving to be formidable with several underclassmen playing up. They earned recognition with their discipline and execution. Coach Les Stretch heads the 17U group while Dan Garza directs the 15U squad.

Harris Athletics – this program continues to grow each year. One opposing coach commented that they are “very well coached; disciplined; run good sets and unselfish.” Read how Harris Athletics started as a vision to develop individual players for pro ball to become one of Florida’s most quality independent programs (LINK).

• Twelve Time Elite OTR – Here is what a fellow 15U competitor wrote about the program from South Carolina: “one of the most well-rounded teams I have faced, their roster was constructed wonderfully. The attention to detail and intensity the team plays with is unmatched.” Coach Orvin Holliday leads this talented group.

• HoopGrind – The Florida based program made their mark on the OTR Circuit this spring. One coach noted that they “execute the game plan and playing team basketball.” Coach Ben Jones is quickly becoming a respected teacher of the game in the Jacksonville area.

• NGU Black earned praise in this feedback. Read more on their program from this February’s featured article (LINK).

• Atlanta Kings have made noise this spring with a talented roster. And now they are being recognized for the work that their coaches do on the sideline. They are legitimate contenders in the 17U division this July behind the leadership of coach Jacorey Harper.

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