OTR Hoops: New Wave Middle School Camp 2029 Standouts – October 28, 2024

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia, – More than 100 middle school prospects from across the state of Georgia and a handful from beyond the Peach State attended the OTR New Wave camp last weekend. With some of the area’s best trainers and prestigious media outlets on hand, the players were introduced to an elite platform of instruction, competition, and exposure. Here is a look at the camp’s top 2029 prospects.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

243 – Christian Palmore – 2029

Palmore is an expert at leading the fast break. He pushes the tempo and handles the ball with confidence. He does a great job of changing directions and keeping defenders off balance with his ball handling. His ability to finish at awkward angles in traffic elevated him into the conversation among the elite at the camp.

160 – David Whitaker – 2029

Whitaker earned the nod as the top prospect at the camp. He is a physically impressive wing who can already bend the rim with 2-hand dunks and climb the ladder to block shots from the weakside. Yet it is his skill as a perimeter player that earned him praise on this day. He sinks 3-pointers with a high and soft release. He is also adept at attacking the rim with either hand off an explosive first step. The horizon is bright for Whitaker if he continues to put in the work in future years.

159 – Eli Hayes – 2029

Hayes is a left-handed big man who demanded the attention of all observers on Sunday. Equipped with a big frame and agile footwork, the big man proved he can score over or around any defender that tries to challenge in the paint. He uses his body effectively whether it is with power moves or with timely up and under moves to score. Hayes is adept at stretching the floor as well with his jump shot. He is confident and consistent from beyond the arc. These skills combined make him a big man to track now and beyond.

227 – Cadien Hudson – 2029

It was a tough discussion about who the top prospect should be at the camp. Hudson certainly put forth a worthy effort at Central Gwinnett High School. And truthfully, of all the prospects in attendance, Hudson might have the highest ceiling of any who suited up. He has elite size, and a well-rounded skill set. He can throw down tomahawk dunks in transition and connect with silky smooth threes from around the arc. He fits the prototype of a modern wing given his length and versatility. This is certainly not the last time we will see Hudson’s name in print on this website.

230 – Jeremiah Aderson – 2029     

Aderson found momentum midway through the camp as a playmaker. He has terrific size for a back court ball handler. And he uses his long arms to finish over defenders off the drive. His ability to shift into a higher gear and change directions with the ball made him one of the top lead guards at the camp. Do not expect the momentum to stop for Aderson. It looks to be all upward from here.

140 – Kenneth Reed – 2029

Reed is a wing with talent and athleticism. We took note of his ability to handle the ball versus on ball pressure in the back court. He remained calm and under control as the defense crowded him as he tried to push the ball up the court. His instincts for the game on either end of the court along with his physical gifts earned a spot on this list.

152 – Gavin Milton – 2029

Milton is a scoring minded guard with a high on-court IQ. We liked his creativity with the ball in his hands. He used spin moves and imaginative footwork to create his shot up, under, and around defenders. His willingness to dish and set up his teammates gives us reason to believe that Milton will develop into an all-around guard who can play make for himself and others.

189 – Dorian Douglas – 2029

Douglas is a left-handed guard who glides around the court with the ball in his hands. He is smooth and generally under control as he attacks the defense in 1 on 1 situations. He presented an array of moves and finishes at the camp. He showed terrific turnaround and fadeaway jumpers as well quick pull-up shots with precise footwork.

116 – Trenton Adams – 2029

Adams made an impression in the early stages of the camp. His 1 on 1 ability shined through during the skill stations and breakdown drills. He possesses great timing and body control when attacking the lane. He utilizes head fakes and hesitation moves to create angles to score around the rim. During game play who flashed a lethal 3-point jumper where he connected off step backs and pull back moves in transition.

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.