On the Radar Hoops released the Player of the Month candidates for the month of May this week. With the action taking a break in June, this is a good opportunity for us to take a closer look at the candidates and the buzz they have generated on the OTR Circuit.

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Gavin Reed – Team Gold Coast 17U – 2027

Reed is one of the most consistent players that we have watched this spring. Although he is not the team’s leading scorer, he generally handles lead guard duties, creating and dishing to teammates. Do not sleep on his scoring abilities, though. His ability to pull up and drain jumpers in traffic earns him plenty of recognition.

He was a standout performer at the Sweet Sixteen event in May with several college programs sending coaches to sit courtside to evaluate his game.

Cameron Ross wrote this last month:

Gavin is a super crafty guard, constantly making plays. He scored from all 3 levels off the bounce and created for his teammates. He has a tight handle and a quick first step, which allowed him to penetrate the paint, constantly putting pressure on the defense. He guarded multiple spots and competed on both ends (LINK).

Whit Bynoe – Sunshine Elite 17U – 2027

Bynoe is another guard who is steady, reliable, and productive. His shot making is matched only by his instincts on the court. He brings poise and energy for Sunshine Elite, which has established itself as one of the top programs on the OTR Circuit the past two years.

Check out Bynoe’s highlights from the Sweet Sixteen in May.

Devin Melton – Team Person 15U – 2029

Melton is an emerging star with the Team Person program. He brings a unique combination of size, strength, and agility. He runs the court and moves in the half court the way you would expect to see a wing move. Combine this with his soft touch and his ability to punch home powerful dunks, and the Alabama native is making his case for the top 15U prospect on the Circuit.

Here is Lonte Smith’s take from the Carolina Memorial Day Classic:

Elite positional size & utilizes it effectively. Finishes above the room consistently. Excellent in pick & roll sets with his ability to be a lob threat or free the ball handler up. Highly effective in the post with good footwork & patience (LINK).

Jeremiah Williams – Sunshine Elite 17U – 2027

Williams anchors the frontline for Coach John Elgani’s squad. Travel basketball is typically guard-centric with ball handlers and shooters getting much of the volume. However, Williams is carving out his niche this spring by capitalizing on every opportunity that comes his way. Perhaps Williams’s biggest attribute when projecting to the next level is his defensive versatility.

Ross Van De Griek wrote about Williams in his preview of the Sunshine Elite program ahead of the Sweet Sixteen:

The 6-foot-7 junior power forward is an excellent rim runner when it comes to transition offense, as well as staying active in the paint. Williams finishes effectively around the rim while being unafraid when it comes to finishing through contact. He also does a great job when it comes to timing and making strong cuts towards the basket when he doesn’t have the basketball in his hands. On the defensive end, his length and strength continue to be huge factors when he contests shots around the rim and rebounds. He has also asserted himself into becoming a versatile defender where he can guard multiple positions and remain disciplined when closing out on perimeter shooters (LINK).

Zion Thomas – Gold Elite 17U – 2027

Gold Elite has quietly put together a squad that could make some noise this July. They have a number of pieces who are all capable of getting buckets and guarding their yard. The 6-foot-4 guard is the latest to emerge for Coach Jaquez Motley. He averaged 14 ppg over the Memorial Day weekend for Gold Elite and earned recognition from a number of scouts.

Here is what @KOTRhoops wrote:

He’s one of the more explosive players in the gym. He had a moment today where he blocked a shot with 2 hands at the square then he took it in transition for a poster slam. Has a nice shot off the catch also.

KJ Reed – Georgia Stunners 15U – 2029

The 15U division on the OTR Circuit is shaping up to be one of the most competitive. There are a number of teams who are positioning themselves as favorites heading into July. The Stunners are one of those teams and Reed is one of the stars in the making. He was fantastic in Charlotte over the Memorial Day weekend.

Read what Miguel Ribeiro wrote:

Few players made scoring look easier this weekend than KJ Reed. The 2029 wing displayed an advanced offensive feel and continued showing why he is one of the more intriguing young scorers in the region. Reed’s touches-to-points ratio is extremely high. He does not need to dominate the ball to impact the game offensively. He scored comfortably at all three levels, got to his spots efficiently, and consistently let the game come to him instead of forcing difficult possessions. Beyond the scoring, Reed also flashed more floor-general qualities throughout the event. He looked increasingly comfortable facilitating offense, reading defenders, and creating opportunities for teammates. That added layer to his game makes his long-term upside even more exciting. Definitely a scholarship-level piece, and someone who should be tracked very closely (LINK).

Korben Polk – Georgia Legacy 16U – 2028

In the 16U division, Georgia Legacy has been grinding and building momentum. Polk is a combo guard who has been putting numbers up this spring. He started with a good showing at the Rocky Top Invitational and then followed that up by earning recognition at the Sweet Sixteen. He finished the month strong with a solid weekend in Florida at the Memorial Day Classic. He has earned the reputation as a solid shooter from deep. However, his game is well-rounded as he can also put the ball on the deck to score. We look forward to seeing him back in action with Cherokee High School at the OTR X SHR Team Shootout on June 20th.

Davis McCarn wrote about Polk’s game this month:

Korben Polk (@galegacyhoops) is a creative combo guard who has a smooth stroke from deep. Does a great job of attacking closeouts and setting up teammates for easy buckets as well. He finished with 18pts and 9ast (LINK).

Jayden Gunby – Charlotte Aces 17U – 2027

Coach Ligón of the Aces said recently, “Jayden Gunby is hotter than Al Green’s grits right now.” We don’t expect any opponents to need the burn unit after trying to check him. However, college coaches do need to get familiar with the 6-foot-7 forward’s game heading into July. There are few players on the Circuit who have exhibited as much consistency across the board as Gunby this spring. He defends, rebounds, and scores it efficiently in traffic. He has a finesse game and the ability to finish with power.

@TriHoopsNet agrees, here is what he wrote at the beginning of May:

6’7 2027 Jayden Gunby (Charlotte Aces) continues to be a name college coaches should monitor heading into live periods. Brings size, versatility, and activity with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Plays with a strong motor, finishes well around the rim, and has the tools to keep trending upward (LINK).

Highlights of Gunby courtesy of Southern Hoops Reports (@SHReport)

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.