OTR Hoops: Featured Bigs from Carolina Mayhem – July 6, 2024

GREENSBORO, North Carolina, – July kicks off with the OTR Carolina Mayhem at Proehlific Park. Many of the top programs from the Carolinas were in the building to gear up for the open periods in upcoming weeks. Here is a list of BIGS that emerged from the first day of the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Nayte Spargo – Cap City Clutch – 2025

Spargo is a 6-foot-9 combo post player with upside. His lanky frame gives us reason to believe his days of physical maturity are in front of him. We were impressed with his footwork and ability to anticipate plays on the defensive end. His instincts and soft touch give him an edge on the offensive end as well.

Jaiden Cooper – Garner Road Select – 2026

Cooper might have been the best rebounder we evaluated in his age group. He is hard-nosed forward that gets proper position on either end of the court. We liked how he battled and kept the ball alive in traffic. His offensive game showed signs of life as well. If he puts all his skill together while retaining his tenacity, he ought to be one of the more productive prospects in his class for the next two years.

William Stevens – Boo Williams – 2026

Stevens is a 6-10 post player with a high ceiling. He looks to be built for the modern game armed with his length and versatile skill set. He alters shots in the paint defensively while also being able to carve out great position as a low block threat. Instead of trying to out-leverage stronger opponents, he finds the proper angle and uses that to score or set up to become a facilitator from the low block.

Rivers Knight – Boo Williams – 2026

There is a lot of excitement swirling around Knight coming into this event. He is a 6-9 forward with a multitude of skills. He can connect on 3-pointers with confidence. He is a threat to finish above the rim with thundering dunks. Like Stevens (above), he is a player that will fit into several types of collegiate systems since he can provide production inside and out.

Jones Lay – Garner Road 16U – 2026

Lay is a seven-foot prospect who can anchor his team in the paint. We took note of his ability to change and alter shots defensively with his long arms. He has an advanced offensive skill set too. He proved he can catch in traffic, pivot and score over outstretched arms. His best days on the court are still in front of him as he gains confidence and plays in the rhythm of the offense.

Aidan Rousseau – WBCA – 2026

Rousseau is a different type of big from others on this list. While the prospects above primarily get their work done from the front of the rim to the top of the key, the WBCA product works the game from the elbow as a combo forward. At 6-6, he does the dirty work and little things that coaches love. Setting screens, crashing the glass, and spacing the floor off guard penetration are things he does instinctively. It is outside shooting that Rousseau can check as his specialty. We watched him swish several jumpers in the opening game of the afternoon. Keep his name in mind this winter.

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.