OTR Hoops: Final Look from the Power 24 – July 24, 2024

MARIETTA, Georgia, – Coaches from over 200 colleges and universities from across the country were present to take in the action of the OTR Power 24. Even the coaching staff from the two-time National Champion University of Connecticut were in attendance. Here is a second look at a few of the names that got our attention last weekend.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Maguire Evans – Hawks Elite – 2025

Evans turned in an elite performance on Friday evening. He scored 27 points on nine 3-pointers enroute to a Hawks Elite victory. Evans is a confident shooter who plays with poise while knowing how to seize the moment. Later in the tournament, he proved he can do more than just shoot. He contributes by defending his position and being a timely passer.

Amir Taylor – Team Huncho – 2025

Taylor has earned plenty of ink over the last year with the Grayson Rams and their march to the state title. It does not appear that the 6-foot-8 forward is ready to rest on past successes. We were impressed with his activity and ability to move up and down the floor. Taylor has value at the collegiate level, because he has size to throw around under the rim while also having face-up skill to stretch the defense.

Antonio Pemberton – Mass Rivals – 2027

Pemberton was a popular name at the Power 24. Evaluators were excited to get a glimpse of an elite player from outside of the region. The sophomore lead guard plays the point position with steadiness and confidence. While being under control, he can also turn up into a higher gear to make a play. Smooth and skilled, we expect to see Pemberton’s name on recruiting lists consistently in the future.

Jamai McClure – Team Person – 2028

Team Person introduced us to a prospect of the future last weekend in McClure. He has yet to walk the halls of high school yet, but he stepped onto the hot hardwood last weekend and held his own. He has lanky long arms and the look of a kid who will stretch out several more inches before he is done growing. We saw him knock down a corner three and then disrupt the game defensively for his squad. File this name away for future reference.

Austin Nance – UWIN Serventz – 2026

Nance is a crafty combo guard with plenty of juice to create. We were impressed with his first step and ability to pierce the defense from the top of the key. Nance will team up with fellow UWIN teammate at Hazel Green High School to make one of the top backcourts in the state of Alabama next season.

Drake Crain – ATL Timberwolves – 2027

Crain is a new name for the OTR evaluating crew. With more outings like he put on last weekend at the Power 24, he may just become a regularly mentioned prospect on this site. We watched him score 15 points in a win on Saturday afternoon. He showed range on his jumper and some spring in his legs to finish at the rim. He has ideal size at 6-4 with the all-around skill set needed to compete at higher levels. He is a Daphne, Alabama, product.

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.