OTR Hoops: Proven Grounds Standouts from @CoachHindsRCS – May 5, 2024
FULTONDALE, Alabama, – On the Radar Hoops returned to the Fultondale area to host the Alabama Proven Grounds. Numerous teams from the Southeast lined up to compete at the top tier facility at Fultondale HS. Here is a look at prospects that have placed themselves on the radar with their standout performances.
By: David Hinds
Malachi Kirkland – Alpha Elite – 2027 (Pictured Above)
Malachi Kirkland is as explosive of a guard as you will find at the 15u division. The young point guard is a joy to watch. He has a smile on his face while destroying defender’s ankles. He has a high basketball IQ that he shows off while weaving his way through traffic. Kirkland is a name to track as he continues to mature and develop his all-around game.
Le’son Nelson – ATL Express – 2027
Le’son Nelson is an aggressive big man for the ever-impressive Atlanta Express 15u squad. Whenever the ball touched Nelson’s hands, he put his head down and went to work. It was rare to see defenders have much success defending the well-proportioned big man when he was determined to get an easy bucket. Nelson also excels on the boards where he gobbles up many of the misses from his perimeter-oriented teammates.
Andrew Dudley – Rocket City Suns – 2025
Andrew Dudley knows his role and plays it well. The 3&D prospect stands at a solid 6’5 with a well-built frame that he knows how to use on the defensive end. Dudley shows tremendous hustle on the court and never takes a play off. The Rocket City Suns have several fantastic penetrators that create tons of wide open kickouts to Dudley that he knocks down at a tremendous clip. Dudley doesn’t try to do too much and will be a prospect to track throughout the remainder of the summer.
Akeem Looney – Players Only – 2028
Akeem Looney is a versatile combo forward that his team relies on for production at both ends of the floor. Looney has a great frame for his age group and knows how to throw his weight around on the boards. Looney is a vacuum cleaner around the basket where he seems to come down with every single rebound that ventures into his area. Looney is also versatile in that he can put the ball on the floor a little bit and create for himself off the bounce.
Kenneth Coats – Crimson Kings – 2028
Kenneth Coats is a crafty floor general for the Crimson Kings 2028 squad. Coats is a confident and capable ball handler that gets his team into their sets and provides on time execution in the half court. Kenneth showed the ability to touch the paint seemingly at will with a combination of blazing speed and creative handles. Coats is a prospect to track in the state of Alabama as he continues to develop mentally and physically.
David Hinds has been an Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2024. He is the Program Director/17u HC of the Rocket City Suns and is the Head JV/Assistant Varsity Coach at St. John Paul II Catholic HS in Huntsville, Alabama. You can reach him at rocketcitysuns@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @CoachHindsRCS.
