Since launching in 2007, Devin Butts Elite has been a force in Georgia grassroots basketball. The program has sent a stream of players to college while staying focused on faith and giving back to the game.

Program Snapshot

Name: Devin Butts Elite
Home Base: Macon, Georgia (originally started in Milledgeville, Georgia)
Founder/Director: Derex Butts (formed the organization on his own in 2007; teams began competing in 2008 as Middle Ga. Magic, later Team Ga Magic, then renamed to honor his son)
Motto: MTXE – Mental Toughness Extra EffortProven Track Record

Devin Butts Elite has placed more than 75 players in college programs over the years. Here is a chronological overview of notable alumni and their college placements

Earlier years (pre-2018):

Jarvis Williams – Murray State
Cody Wood – Columbus State
Dess Culpepper – Hiwassee
Raheem Waller – Garden City
Javonis May
Roshaun Medline – Middle Georgia State
Tay Edwards
John Williams
Brantley Attaway – Georgia College
R.L. Hunt
Donte Gaskins
Vanshaun Snoop – Voorhees

2018 class:

Tye Fagan – Ole Miss
Cam Holden – Towson
Dallas Ogletree
Titus Moore – Samford (track)
Travon Walker – Georgia (football)

2019 class:

Clarence Jackson – Wichita State
Malik Foston – Chaffey
Devin Butts – Mississippi State (program named in his honor)

2021 class:

Travis Harper – Tennessee State
Kowacie Reeves Jr. – Florida (now at Georgia Tech)
Keyshawn Fleetion – Voorhees

2022 class:

TJ Grant – Mercer
Chaydon Stone – UMBC
Jacory Brooks – Shawnee State
Nick Woodard – Alcorn State
Travion Soloman – Mercer (football)
TC Mathis – Central Georgia Tech

2024 class:

Khalil Green – Georgia College
Jacob Feagin – Georgia Southwestern
Aaron Jones – South Georgia State

2025 class:

Kyle Jefferson – Clayton (football)
Brayden Ellison – West Georgia (football)
Trey Bradley – Young Harris
Isaiah Camon – Columbus State
Ken Myles – South Georgia Tech
Josh Harden – Gordon State
Jaleel Jordan – Gordon State
Jaylin Harper – Thomas University

Blessings Are Meant to be Shared

Derex Butts explains the program's origin comes from a desire to share what was given to him. Coming from a single-parent home and earning a spot at Texas Tech University, he viewed basketball as a blessing from God. "GOD placed it on my heart to give back to the game that gave me so many BLESSINGS," he told On the Radar Hoops.

The purpose of the program is multifaceted: develop skills on the court, build discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and help each player reach their basketball goals while growing as individuals. The name Devin Butts Elite has a special meaning. It honors Derex’s son Devin, who was part of the early teams, but tragically passed away in 2023. It serves as a reminder to value every moment we spend with our young people.

Developing Players, Developing Character

MTXE—Mental Toughness Xtra Effort—is the motto that guides the program’s approach to everything. Devin Butts Elite works to prepare kids for high-level competition while equipping them for success beyond basketball.

Looking ahead to 2026, Butts is encouraged by the progress. "Seeing the young groups step into their own and create their own identity! We have some great young talent on the rise!"

The OTR Circuit has played a key role in that growth. "We have had a ton of success as a program, but none would be possible without OTR! The grassroots feel, the family atmosphere, the attention to detail for the success of each tournament and knowing that they have each kid's best interest at heart is why my teams participate on their stage. I typically carry 6-8 teams and OTR is key to our success. We don’t get over 50 kids in school without OTR.”

He added appreciation for the staff: "We are looking forward to working with Shun, Tai, and the OTR staff FOR ANOTHER SEASON. I’ve been doing it so long that I have lost track of the years. But this is the best platform in the SOUTH!"

Devin Butts Elite will return to the OTR Circuit in 2026. Follow them on X @DButtselite2027 and on Instagram @devinbuttselite for updates on tryouts, tournaments, and player developments.

Class of 2025 Isaiah Camon

Class of 2022 Nick Woodard

Class of 2021 Kowacie Reeves Jr.

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.