OTR Hoops: #OTRElite32 Friday from Sequoyah – July 17, 2024

Canton, GA- The On The Radar Elite 32 was held this past weekend during the first NCAA Live Period for the month of July. Over 120 college coaching staffs were on hand evaluating the action. Here is a look at some players who stood out from the action on Friday July 15th at Sequoyah High School

By: Joel Hillsman

2026 Christopher Gooden JrTexas Hardwork Booman– Gooden is a do everything guard, whose numbers will not wow you, however his impact will. The aggressive 6’0 multi-sport athlete backs down from nothing. The aggressive style of his defense constantly gives opposing offenses fits with his active hands, guarding his yard, rotations and helping the helper. Offensively he can drive at will to score, drives to facilitate, shoots it from the perimeter efficiently and makes it a point to rebound (on both ends) offensively- at one stretch he had three straight offensive rebounds which lead directly to second chance points for his team. In 2 games on this day at Sequoyah he averaged 10ppg 4apg 3spg and sealed a close game in the final minute with four straight clutch free throws. He followed that up with a 16-point, four three-pointer effort on Saturday at Etowah. We cannot bury the lead here, Gooden’s defense, leadership, trust in his teammates and impactful playmaking all come before his offense.

2026 Deven NelsonAtlanta Xpress Blue– Nelson averaged 27.5ppg in 2gms with nine three-pointers and multiple assists. In a win over Hoopgrind Nelson tallied 32 points with five-three pointers. Nelson is an attacking guard that is hard to stop once he is below the foul line, is active on defense looking to get transition points and rebounds strong for a guard when in position.

2027 Ja’Kez BaldwinThunder Select (GA)- The lefty point guard is shifty and crafty in getting to the bucket, finishing through contact and shoots it from the perimeter at a good clip. In one full game we charted Baldwin finished with 18 points, four-three pointers, 4 assists and 2 steals. Baldwin’s intent to involve others is clear with his vision and IQ which at times lead to turnovers charged to him yet the instinct was seen. Baldwin is prone to shooting the passing lanes on defense to get easy fast break buckets. As he continues to develop and become more efficient offensively, he is one to track moving forward.

2026 Logan GonzalezTexas Hardwork Booman– The 6’3 strong Gonzalez is the offensive threat due to his ability to score from anywhere on the floor with and without the ball, off the catch, and off the bounce. In the 3 games we charted he averaged 17.3ppg and connected on a combined nine three-pointers. Gonzalez plays within the flow of the offense and is efficient. Defensively his communication, length and weakside help stood out the most. As he continues to develop his overall game, he will be trouble for opposing teams while increasing his recruitment.

2026 Philipe Ndong- Colorado Roughriders 16 U National- Ndong is a 6’6 long and lanky forward that should be tracked heavily in the coming weeks. He scores off the bounce, attacks off the wings, finishes at the rim despite his thin frame, shoots it well from the perimeter and uses his length for defensive activity. He finished with 14 points with four three-pointers made and multiple assists in the game we watched in full. The ceiling is high for Ndong.