OTR Hoops: 17U Standouts Carolina Mania – April 9, 2024

We were in Spartanburg this weekend for Carolina Mania, the first of four Carolina stops that OTR will be making this spring. The field was deep with talent, several highly touted prospects and many new names also emerging. Here are a couple of guys that stood out in the 17u division.

By: Cam Rickers

Robert Moore – 2025 – Upward Stars 3SSB (Pictured Above)

The Upward Stars are once again loaded with talent this year. On a team full of capable scorers, it’s important for each guy to find his role and Robert Moore has done that already. Moore provides a deadly spot-up option on the perimeter and his shot making ability shined in his last game of the weekend. He has great size for the position at 6’7 and his game will expand as he fills out the frame. After putting up big numbers during the high school season, Moore should garner plenty of attention this spring.

Siul Murillo – 2025 – Charlotte Aces Platinum

Murillo is a name that quickly made its way around the gym this weekend. Murillo looks the part, 6’9 with some serious muscle on the frame. Around the paint, Murillo capitalizes on dump-offs and finishes above the rim. He can space the floor as well, showing off a smooth stroke from beyond the arc this weekend. There’s still a ton of upside for Murillo to tap into and his development over the next year will be something to keep tabs on.

Payton Waites – 2025 – Atlanta All-Stars

Few players in attendance this weekend helped themselves as much as Payton Waites. In the All-Stars’ first weekend together, Waites emerged as a primary scoring option and led his team to a 3-0 weekend. The lab work is apparent as Waites has developed into a knockdown shooter. He brings some size and strength to the backcourt, capable of playing either guard spot effectively. If this weekend was a sign of things to come, Waites could be in for a very big spring.

Jeremiah Brooks – 2025 – Upward Stars Columbia (Etheridge)

Brooks made a strong impression at Carolina Mania, averaging 14 PPG over three games to lead the scoring charge for Upward Stars Columbia. Brooks provides some tough shot making ability from the point guard spot, able to hit contested pull-ups off the dribble and knock down three-pointers when given space. He also showed us flashes of some sneaky bounce. Brooks is highly regarded around the Carolinas and he showed us why this weekend.

Sifeng Huan – 2026 – Team Breakdown Black

Huan was one of the most interesting prospects we saw this weekend, pairing great size at 6’10 with impressive skill in the open floor. On several occasions, we saw Huan grab a board, push the ball up, and create in transition. He also drew a number of fouls and shot it well from the line. Huan still has a lot of work to do but his combination of size and skill at a young age is intriguing.

Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator in 2023. He’s spent the past few years scouting for PrepHoops, building a reputable profile within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting Director for Sewer South. You can reach him at camrickershoops@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops