Standouts from On the Radar’s Proving Grounds (Part 1)

Birmingham, AL – On the Radar was back in Birmingham, Alabama to host the annual Proving Grounds showcasing 15-17U teams from across the southeast. The tournament featured noteworthy prospects from independent teams who are college ready or on the verge of becoming a true college prospect within the next few years. This feature specifically highlights 2025 and 2026 standouts in a two part series.

By: Jennifer Brazelton

 

2026 | Eli Bannister | We Play Basketball

2026 guard Eli Bannister caught the eyes of several evaluators throughout the weekend. Bannister is a sharp shooter that can get hot quickly and knock down shots at a high clip. Bannister averaged several 3’s each game and was effective off the catch. Bannister also showed off his crafty handles, creating his own shot with minimal dribbles or getting downhill to the basket.

 

2026 | Cam Blankenship | Pro One

2026 forward Cam Blakenship was dominant for Pro One throughout the weekend. Blakenship has great size and length, and paired with his skill set, he was able to dominate the paint. Blakenship did well posting up, demanding the ball, and finishing around the basket. Blakenship also had a few breakaway dunks using his length and quickness to get in the passing lanes and disrupt the offense. Blakenship has a high ceiling and is a prospect to track this travel season for Pro One.

 

2025 | Connor Cannon | Carolina Pressure

2025 G Connor Cannon is a prospect that has recently reclassed to the 2025 class and the change will benefit him significantly. Cannon proved he’s a 3-level scorer; creating options quickly and makes good decisions. Cannon has a smooth and quick release from 3 and as a lead guard attracts defenders only to dump inside or swing the ball quickly. Cannon’s hesitation dribble proved to be effective coming off screens and curls. High IQ player that plays within the game.

 

 

2026 | Marcus Cooper | Panhandle Prospects

2025 6’6″ wing Marcus Cooper was dominant all weekend for Panhandle Prospects. In the 20+ win, Cooper finished with 28 points and had some of the best dunks of the weekend. Cooper is a workhorse inside the paint; moving around defenders and has nice control with the ball. Cooper showed he could step outside and knock down the 3-ball at a high clip and gets downhill quickly, utilizing his length and strength. Defensively, Cooper was hard to get past and defended the rim well. Intriguing prospect for the next level.

 

2025 | Javion Dailey | True Freshman Elite

2025 G Javion Dailey was one of my favorite prospects throughout the weekend. Dailey dominated every game I watched and made shots at a high percentage. Dailey is a high-motor player with significant energy on both ends of the court. Dailey made impressive plays on both ends and was able to fill up the stat sheet in several areas. Dailey has been a standout for our evaluators for a few weekends now and with his consistent play, should pick up traction going into the Live Periods.

 

 

After serving on college coaching staffs and working at several universities in the Southeast, Jennifer Brazelton joined On the Radar Hoops as a National Evaluator in April 2022. She has been involved in the Georgia basketball community since 2015 and can be reached on Twitter @Proven_Prospect.