OTR Hoops: Elite 32 2027 Notable Performances – July 15, 2025

Marietta, GA– The On the Radar Elite 32 July Live Period event featured multiple teams from multiple U.S. states. Collegiate coaches from all levels attended the event- which featured multiple gyms in and around the Marietta area, looking for players to keep eyes on as they continue to develop. Here is a look at the 2027 standouts from our observation during our time at Etowah, Next Play 360, and Woodstock locations during the live period.

By: Joel Hillsman

2027 Caden Earl (Team Person 16U OTR); Caden Earl displayed a balance game at the guard spot as he led Team Person 16U to a 4-1 mark in the event. Earl showed his ability to score via the drive or from the perimeter as well as on the ball and off the ball. He has added more muscle and plays physically, especially when attacking the rim and playing through contact and defensively. His vision, poise and decision-making are other key components to his game. In a game we observed he finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

2027 Jaylen Nelson (Devin Butts Elite OTR); Nelson is a fearless basketball player. Defensively he is a pest who wreaks havoc by forcing multiple turnovers and defends without fouling. Offensively he tallied 20 points in a game we observed by getting to the basket, hitting shots from the perimeter, and scoring in transition. Nelson plays with confidence and makes impactful plays that do not always show up in the box score.

2027 Eli Ahlers (Team Speights 16U); Ahlers continues his steady progression. Coming off a high school season in which he averaged 21 points and 9 rebounds, he showed why. In a 22-point effort we observed, he connected on three three-pointers, showed his ability to get to the basket, hit from the perimeter, and uses his length to rebound and defend. He moves well without the ball and is always able to make a play defensively. His poise and leadership led Team Speights 16U to a 5-0 mark in the event.

2027 Eli Krueger (Wisconsin Swing Bredesen 16U); Krueger had an impressive weekend and drew praise from coaches. Krueger is a solid stretch four that plays inside and outside and on both ends. He rebounds well and plays within the flow of the offense. Krueger plays with passion, however, is never fazed when adversity hits. In a come-from-behind win for Wisconsin Swing Bredesen 16U that we observed, he scored 9 of his 17 points in the second half during a key stretch late in the half. He also snatched 7-plus rebounds and connected on a pair of three-pointers in that game.

2027 Amarion Hunter (Dallas Mustangs 16U); Hunter is an athletic and true engineer for Dallas Mustangs 16U. He plays with poise, a controlled pace and is an outstanding facilitator. Defensively he guards his yard, has cat-quick hands. There was never a moment when Hunter was not in control. He knows how to pick his spots to score and collected several hockey assists because of his high IQ. He finished with 12 points in one game we observed by making clutch free throws down the stretch. He also tallied 4-plus assists in that contest.

2027 Hanan Matthews (Tennessee Panthers OTR); Savvy, sound or heady, just pick one as they all describe Matthews. His natural instincts can be immediately seen. He plays with confidence and poise. He knows how to play in transition and ran several transition situations to near perfection. He tallied 12 points in a victory with an impressive seven points in the second half off the bench during a stretch of the game that gave his team enough cushion to pull out the win. He connected on a pair of three-pointers to show he can score from the perimeter, and he finished in the paint with floaters and used the glass when needed. He has active hands-on defense and moves his feet well and can force live ball turnovers and start the break.

2027 Roman Avery (Sewer South 2027 OTR); Roman Avery is a knock down shooter. In one game we observed he tallied 24 points and 7 rebounds. Avery showed off his shooting skill by draining four three-pointers from different spots on the floor. Avery caught fire early and scored 14 of his team’s first 18 points. Avery has long arms which allow him to be disruptive on defense by staying in passing lanes and getting strips, steals, and deflections.