OTR CIRCUIT: Gold Elite Year in Review - October 9, 2026

Some say there is a tendency to prioritize players who come from the metro Atlanta gyms. Players from outside the city have to play catch-up. Gold Elite, an independent program from Middle Georgia, spent the spring and summer on the OTR Circuit proving that there is talent that cannot be ignored outside of the Atlanta sprawl.

The 17U group posted numerous winning weekends, including a 4-1 mark during the Elite 32 live period, and finished several other events at 3-1. They beat some of the circuit’s better teams along the way. When the live period ended, multiple players had offers and interest to show for their work.

Earning the Looks

Class of 2027 guard Zi’on Thomas had a breakout moment in May. He drew attention over Memorial Day weekend and carried that into the live period, averaging more than 21 points per game at the Elite 32 while finishing above the rim and knocking down threes. He earned offers from Columbus State, Augusta, and Clayton, along with additional interest from other schools. Coach JaQuez Motley called Thomas “one of the best players in the state.”

Allen Pettigrew wrote this after the Memorial Day Classic in Florida: Thomas is a powerful athlete who can play on or off the ball. At 6-foot-4 he has the strength and explosiveness to make plays above the rim in transition and in the half court. He has the next-level speed to beat defenders off the dribble and be a real threat on the break.

Motley’s praise for his squad did not end with Thomas. He also pointed to others he considers among the best in the Peach State.

Class of 2027 point guard Michael Wright Jr. (Photo Above) is a different type of player, but no less effective. At 6-foot-5 he can run the offense and still match up with bigger wings. He was already in the conversation for player of the month in March, then picked up an offer from South Georgia Tech during the live period. Class of 2027 point guard Fortune Hicks is the all-around combo guard who can handle, lead, or score. He averaged 15 points and ran the offense at the Sweet Sixteen earlier in the spring. He came out of the live period with an offer from Savannah State. Class of 2027 shooting guard MarTaveis Rice is the staff favorite for the way he competes. His reputation as a fierce defender preceded him. But over the summer he showed he could get buckets as well, averaging nearly 18 points at the Elite 32. He earned strong college interest from that stretch.

The Supporting Cast

The strength of a team should not be judged solely upon star power. Gold Elite had a roster complete with players who filled their roles. Class of 2027 small forward Aj Levros, class of 2027 forward Tyree Travis, and class of 2027 shooting guard Warren Roundtree were the players who provided needed depth during the winning weekends. Coaches on the circuit had already called Travis the best interior defender they had seen all season. Levros also picked up some college interest from his play during the live period. The Gold Elite staff views all three as prospects who are coming on.

Looking Ahead

Head coach JaQuez Motley Sr. and assistants Alesia Motley and Malcom Dingle are already building the next Elite Circuit roster for 2028. The program has a reputation to uphold as one of the top teams on the circuit and in the state. Class of 2028 center Jerry Fernandez is the player they flagged as the one to watch in that next group. He dealt with an injury early in the spring and never got a full chance to show what he could do this year. Motley has already said he expects a breakout junior season. Read more on Fernandez here.

Coaching staff: JaQuez Motley Sr., Alesia Motley, Malcom Dingle

Roster

Michael Wright Jr., 6-5, 2027 PG
Tristan Hines, 5-10, 2026 PG
Fortune Hicks, 6-3, 2027 PG
MarTaveis Rice, 6-4, 2027 SG
Zi’on Thomas, 6-5, 2027 SG
Warren Roundtree, 6-6, 2027 SG
Aj Levros, 6-7, 2027 SF
Tyree Travis, 6-6, 2027 Forward
Jerry Fernandez, 6-8, 2028 Center

Written, edited, and formatted for web by the author.

Jonathan Hemingway is a senior writer for On the Radar Hoops. He has covered basketball for the site since 2013 and has been involved in the game since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. Reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com or follow @CoachHemi on X and @Coach_Hemi on Instagram.