OTR Hoops: 17U Standouts from The Opening (Tec) – March 16, 2025

MARIETTA, Ga.— The travel ball season is officially underway. Teams from all over Georgia gathered in Cobb County to tip things off at On the Radar’s The Opening. Talent of all levels and age groups were represented. Here are some standouts from the 17U division. 

By: Josh Tec

Zyree Brown, Sewer South: When asked about my player of the weekend, it was difficult to come up with a name other than Zyree Brown. The Sewer South guard made a statement to open the season by stacking big-time performances. He was an escape valve of sorts for Sewer South. If nothing else was working for them, getting the ball in Brown’s hands and letting him make a play got the job done more often than not. Brown is quick. He can get where he wants with the ball with little issue. He can get to the rim in a blur, but his offensive arsenal isn’t limited to that. Brown’s biggest performance saw him net seven 3-pointers. He produced all weekend and announced himself as a prospect to keep a close eye on this spring. 

Jason Welborn, Georgia Canes: As a unit, the Canes were the team of the weekend with an undefeated record against good competition. When I saw them on Sunday, Jason Welborn shined for them. The 2026 guard does a little bit of everything well. His performance on Sunday showed that. He knocked down several shots from beyond the arc and used his above average athleticism to his advantage on drives. Don’t be surprised to hear more about Welborn in the next few months. 

Huey Blalock, Atlanta Timberwolves: There wasn’t a more fun player to watch this weekend than Atlanta Timberwolves guard Huey Blalock. He plays with a swag that adds a jolt of electricity to a game. He’s not flashy with no substance though. He makes the right play more often than not. It’s functional flair. Blalock was one of the best  legitimate point guards of the weekend. He’s a tremendous distributor, offensive initiator who controls the game well with a crafty handle and great feel for the game. Blalock can light it up from 3-point range as well. 

Jaylin Sweat, Gold Elite: This was an establishing weekend for Sweat. He made an impression on those who were either vaguely familiar with his game or not familiar at all. He’s low maintenance and makes things happen at the forward spot largely because of his motor and physicality. He converted on some loud finishes with impressive dunks. A south Georgia prospect to know this season. 

Jayvion Nurse, Sewer South Unsigned: Nurse was one of the best unsigned prospects in attendance. He filled it up all weekend with multiple 20-point games. He’s a strong shooter who can heat up from deep. Nurse can score with the best of them, and he looked to get his teammates involved when he scrambled defenses with his offensive threat.