OTR Hoops: Notable 2028 Prospects from The Opening – March 16, 2025

MARIETTA, Georgia, – The OTR spring circuit kicks off with The Opening this weekend. Teams from all around the state came to get competition and exposure. Here is a look at 2028 prospects who are ready to take the next step after this event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Malik Jordan – North Metro Elite – 2028

Jordan runs the show for his NME squad. He took control of the game we watched and pushed his team out to an early lead. He is a shifty guard who can move quickly with the ball in his hands. He can elevate and hang in the air when finishing in the lane around defenders and their outstretched arms. Jordan projects as one of the better lead guards in the 2028 class in the state of Georgia.

Merrick Ham – North Metro Elite – 2028

Ham drew attention with his impressive inside-out presence. He punched dunks in transition and even threw down a powerful tip-dunk in traffic. With wide shoulders and a powerful build, an observer might expect Ham to spend all his time throwing his weight around the block. However, Ham has perimeter tools. He drained trailer threes in the secondary break action and showed an aggressive downhill attack.

Cooper Nelms – Georgia Legacy – 2028

Nelms is a promising wing with length and skill. We took note of his willingness to get in transition and finish off the move. His poise and body control are unique for a player his age. He proved he can finish with either hand around the rim while also demonstrating face-up skill around the arc. Look for Nelms to continue this trajectory as he matures physically.

Jordan Hamilton – Pure Elite Basketball – 2028

Hamilton is a promising prospect in the freshman class. He possesses several physical attributes that set him apart from players he competes with. His long arms and quickness in the open court allow him to create shots around the perimeter. We noted his touch on turnaround and pull-up jumpers in the heart of the defense. There is plenty of work left for Hamilton to put in, but he is off to a solid start.

Tahjir Brown – Team SMASH – 2028

Brown has a high ceiling of potential. He is a versatile back court player who can handle and score the ball in several ways. We took note of his ability to slash to the heart of the defense. He is equally confident in his midrange jumper. Brown has the attributes of a prospect who will only trend upwards in future years.

Kamari Turner – Triangle Offense Elite – 2028

Turner was one of the top point guards we evaluated on Sunday afternoon. He is physically mature for his age in terms of his athleticism and spatial awareness. He rarely predetermines a move but instead reads how the defense will play him and makes the right decision. He is as confident in his left hand as he is in his strong hand. Further, defenses would be wise not to give him space beyond the arc, because he can punish defenses for sagging off.

Anwar Mollette – SAA – 2028

Mollette is a talented wing. He has size and an instinct for the game. We were impressed with his versatility. He is a natural swing player who can flash into open areas and score with turnaround jumpers over either shoulder. Yet he has enough fundamentals to handle the ball as a lead handler when his team needs him. He still needs to grow physically and mentally. Once he finds that balance, his game will be ready to click up to the next level.

Paxton Coon – Atlanta Timberwolves – 2028

The Timberwolves have a young core of guards that are skilled and fun to watch. Leading the way for their 15U squad is Coon, who splits time as the lead handler. He keeps the ball on a string and is a threat to score off the dribble. He scored 16 points in his team’s final game on Sunday afternoon. What Coon lacks in height, he makes up for it in skill and fundamentals.

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 CoachHemi@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.