OTR Hoops: Standout Guards from The Opening – March 19, 2024
The AAU season tipped off this weekend with The Opening, On the Radar’s first event of the spring circuit. The weekend provided plenty of storylines and wire-to-wire finishes as we watched some of Georgia’s top programs square off. These are a few of the best guards we saw on opening weekend.
By: Cam Rickers
Zach Bleshoy – Atlanta Timberwolves – 2025
Zach Bleshoy made a strong case for best player in the event this weekend. Bleshoy ran the show for the Timberwolves and posted some impressive scoring numbers, a 25-point outing to start the weekend. He continues to get bigger, faster, and more explosive. Now 6’5, Bleshoy was finishing above the rim with power this weekend. He’s a known scorer but we’re now beginning to see more of his passing ability too, able to manipulate defenses and hit guys in tight windows. He currently holds an offer from Kennesaw State and should attract plenty of D1s this spring.
Jayden Crawford – Team Scoot – 2026 (Pictured Above)
Jayden Crawford put on a show on Sunday afternoon, catching fire late and bringing Team Scoot back to defeat EYA. It was clear watching Crawford this weekend that he’s grown a lot mentally since we saw him last summer, both in the way he plays and the way he carries himself. He still has that killer scoring mentality and know has a feel for when to take over versus when to get his teammates involved. The backcourt duo of Jayden Crawford and Jayddence Ford will be very fun to watch this spring.
Abel Trotman – MPIRE Elite – 2027
Abel Trotman was one of the best underclassmen we saw all weekend. Trotman plays like a seasoned point guard, IQ and instincts beyond his years. He was a dose of instant offense for MPIRE Elite, constantly getting into the paint and making good things happen. In the open floor, Trotman was a killer. Whether getting to the rack or dropping off dimes, Trotman was money in transition. Abel Trotman is building momentum after a big freshman year at Sprayberry and it looks like he’ll be a popular name this spring.
Chris Park – HYPE Hawks DJ – 2025
Chris Park has worked his way up the food chain in recent years and is now beginning to look like a real college guard prospect. He’s got the keys for the HYPE Hawks this year and proved to be a strong leader this weekend. Park is a grinder, willing to do the dirty work and lay his body on the line. He’s creative with his handle and crafty once he gets inside, also capable of hitting shots from the mid-range and beyond the arc. D3 coaches should make an effort to see Chris Park at OTR events this spring.
Abram Gaddis – Wood Elite – 2027
Abram Gaddis quickly emerged as the leader for Wood Elite’s 2027 group and made his presence known on opening weekend. Not only did Gaddis provide a lot of the scoring, he was extremely vocal and made sure his guys were in the right places. He was lethal from the three-point line, hitting from deep while needing little space to get his shot off. Between his leadership ability and his three-point stroke, Gaddis should be a valued piece for Creekview in coming years.
Cam Rickers has lived in Georgia his whole life and joined OTR as scout/evaluator in 2023. He’s spent the past few years scouting for PrepHoops, building a reputable profile within the grassroots scene. In addition to his work for OTR and PrepHoops, he is also the Recruiting Director for Sewer South. You can reach him at camrickershoops@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @CamRickersHoops
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