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OTR Hoops: Elite 32 Stockrisers – July 17, 2024

OTR Hoops: Elite 32 Stockrisers - July 17, 2024
July 17, 2024

MARIETTA, Georgia, – The NCAA live period kicked off for On the Radar Hoops with the Elite 32­. College coaches from more than 100 colleges and universities sat in to watch recruiting targets at the event. Thursday marked the first of four days for the event. Here is a final look at stock risers from the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Jacob Rice – Chicago Hoops – 2025

Rice proved to be one of the top wing scorers at the event last weekend. At 6-foot-4 he has the size along with the frame to play a physical brand of basketball in the paint. He also has touch from the perimeter to connect on jumpers. It is his footwork which allows him to be most effective. He does a good job of creating separation and creating angles to score.

Malik Gillespie – Warner Robins All Stars – 2026

With each event, it becomes more apparent that Gillespie is rounding into elite form. The athletic combo guard proved last weekend that he could score while running around screens in the half court. Defenses cannot grant him the 3-point shot, because he is consistent with his jumper. However, he is most deadly with his off the dribble game. His body control and footwork allow him to score in an array of ways in traffic and in the lane.

Kain McCaskill – SW Illinois Jets – 2026

We always have our eyes open for point guards who play with something special. McCaskill was that guard that we identified as having that IT factor this weekend. He presses the issue with his penetration. Defenses routinely must play reactively to his aggressive style. What makes McCaskill unique is his willingness to play with his eyes up and deliver passes to open teammates off the drive. We like his high energy style and his ability to turn the heat up on his opponent.

Kennedy Okpara – AOT – 2025

Okpara is a prospect that college coaches should not sleep on this summer. He is a 6-7 wing with long arms and an all-around skill set. He fits the modern game in that he can be a switchable defender from the arc to block. His offensive skill is polished as well. We took note of his footwork and soft touch in traffic.

Drew Mears – Rocket City Suns – 2026

Mears is an emerging guard from Alabama. He plays with toughness, heart, but also with skill. He is more than just an effort guy, because he can produce with numbers on the score sheet. He has earned recognition from our evaluators a few times this spring and he backed up with another notable performance at the Elite 32.

Jayvion Nurse – Sewer South – 2025

Nurse should be mentioned as one of the top guard prospects in the greater metro Atlanta area. Equipped with length, athleticism, and a versatile offensive skill set there is not obvious hole in his game. He plays alongside some steady ball handlers with this Sewer South squad, so he fills the role of a wing scorer. But he flashes playmaking abilities that will make him a player who can run the show for a collegiate program in the upcoming years.

Gray Smith – Georgia Legacy – 2025

Smith has emerged as one of the top shooters in the state of Georgia. We watched as he scored 30 points which included six 3-pointers on Sunday afternoon. He stands at 6-4 and does not lack footspeed. When it comes to being able to defend his position, he is proving to be capable as well. He has a release that is quick, compact, and will easily translate to the collegiate level. Smith ought not to be ignored by college coaches who need to add shooting to their roster next fall.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.


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