OTR Hoops: Carolina Classic Top Floor Generals – May 8, 2024
OTR hosted the Carolina Classic this weekend in Spartanburg, pitting several Georgia and North Carolina programs against each other to determine the real hoop state. Steady point guard play seemed to be the common theme this weekend. Here, we break down some of the event’s top floor generals.
By: Cam Rickers
Bronson Blair – 2024 – Team S.M.A.S.H Blue (Pictured Above)
Bronson Blair had a great weekend in Spartanburg, leading Team S.M.A.S.H. to a couple of close wins and an undefeated record for the event. Blair had one of the weekend’s best performances, going for 31 points and bringing his team from behind to beat Upward Stars Charleston. Blair shoots it well off the bounce and knows how to get to his spots, also a sneaky good athlete. At this point, Blair remains one of the better point guards still on the board in Georgia and belongs with a college program next year.
Zay Howard – 2024 – Team Next Generation
Few prospects helped themselves this weekend as much as Zay Howard. Team Next Generation went 3-0 and Howard played a vital role in their success. Howard possesses great size for a point guard at 6’5, also extremely athletic. He threw down a number of highlight dunks this weekend that fueled his team with energy. Howard is also an excellent rebounder and to have a guy like that at point guard can tip the scale. Several Georgia JUCOs have already offered Howard and we’ll likely get a decision sooner than later.
Nas Berry – 2025 – PSB Elite Barnes
Nas Berry was one of the most complete point guards in attendance this weekend. Berry runs a very smooth show, able to direct traffic with composure and score within the flow of the game. His shot form is textbook, and he showed the ability to knock it down off the dribble or the catch. Nas Berry has all the qualities you look for in a lead guard and should be of interest to many college programs this summer.
Saxon McWilliam – 2025 – Grassroots NC
Saxon McWilliam was terrific this weekend and quickly jumped onto the radars of several OTR scouts. The Oak Hill product plays with IQ and maturity beyond his years, almost like he’s processing the game at a different speed than those around him. He was extremely effective in pick and roll looks, able to attack the rim or knock down jumpers off the dribble when given space. McWilliam looks to be in for a big summer on the Puma circuit with Grassroots NC.
Keyon Knowles – 2027 – Pasadena Stars
Keyon Knowles was one of the biggest eye-openers of the entire weekend. Knowles is just a freshman but played up with the Pasadena Stars 16u. Still, he might have been the best player on the floor in every game. Knowles has elite speed and quickness, able to change speeds in a split second to blow past defenders. The three-level scoring package was on full display, his pull-up mid-range looking especially lethal. Keyon Knowles is one of the best freshmen I’ve evaluated this spring and will certainly be a player to track in South Carolina’s 2027 class.
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
