OTR Hoops: 16U Standouts from The Opening (Tec) – March 16, 2025

MARIETTA, Ga.— This is an important time of year for the 2027 class. In about three months, these players will be able to be contacted by college coaches. Within that time, new names will emerge, and initial evaluations will become more robust. The Opening’s 16U division offered an initial opportunity to identify spring stockrisers and delve deeper into scouting reports.

By: Josh Tec

Quentin Clopton, EYA: Clopton was one of the first eye-catching players of the weekend for me. It’s the first travel ball weekend of the year. Everyone starts slowly. Not Clopton, however. His energy was outstanding. He was in the middle of every play on both ends. It felt like there were two of him early on because he was everywhere. It didn’t hurt that he started the weekend shooting well from three. That tends to get players energized. Regardless, he set the tone early in the weekend with outstanding effort.

Byron Lee, Team Smash Pro: Lee is more of a long-term guy for me right now, but he’s an interesting prospect nonetheless. He immediately stands out on the court because of his true 6-foot-7 size. He showed an ability to hit a shot from a few spots on the floor, and he used his size to put in work around the basket. He made an impact on the boards as well. Lee had good moments throughout the weekend, but he isn’t there yet though. The screws are in place, but they still need tightening. As he continues to refine his game, he has a chance to make tremendous strides over the next year or two.

Essien Lockleer, Only1Elite: Lockleer started his travel season well with Only1Elite. Shifty, quick, Lockleer got by defenders with little issue. Paint touches came often for him. Lockleer’s jumper worked well for him. On Saturday, he had a shooting performance that saw him net four 3-pointers.

Roman Avery, Sewer South: Not many perimeter prospects stood out in the 16U division like Sewer South’s Roman Avery. He looks the part of a next level prospect at around 6-foot-4 with good length. Pairing his physical tools with his shown ability to knock down a jumper added to the intrigue. Avery opened Saturday with several 3-point makes.

Jordan Wiseman, Sewer South: Wiseman was one of the best glue guys I saw this weekend. He originally popped because of his willingness to make hustle plays. Another viewing later in the weekend saw him show a more versatile scoring skillset. He’s athletic as a slasher and can rise up and cram eye-popping dunks.