OTR Hoops: Standouts from the Rocky Top Invitational – May 5, 2024
GATLINBURG, Tennessee, – On the Radar Hoops is hosting the Rocky Top Invitational for the second consecutive year. Using the first-class facility of the Rocky Top Sports World and adjacent Gatlinburg-Pittman High School gym, the event hosts more than 100 travel teams from around the Southeast. Here is a second installment of standouts from the event.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
Julian Bunton – Kentucky Hoop Dreams – 2025
Bunton is a guard prototype for the next level. He possesses length, athleticism, and a versatile offensive skill set. He showed confidence on the jumper and can fill in as a primary handler in spots. His defensive prowess ought to get the attention of college coaches. He is willing to get into a stance and do the things necessary to win a game. The 6-foot-4 combo guard measures up in several categories.
Christopher Carr – No Excuses Elite – 2025
Carr is a grinder. He competes on every play. It does not take much time watching Carr to see that he takes the game personally. With the ball in his hands, he will push the tempo and look to make plays in the lane. On the defensive end he moves laterally with quickness and explosiveness. There are bigger things in store for Carr.
Evan Gentile – Midwest Basketball Club – 2025
Gentile had one of the best weekends of any guard at the event. We watched him score 26 on Saturday night and followed that up with 21 points on Sunday morning. His team won both of those games as well. He is a confident shooter who can hit the pull-up jumper around the ball screen or sink a quick 3-pointer off the reversal pass. Gentile is locked and loaded for a breakout senior season.
Garrett Giles – Hawks Elite – 2025
Giles exploded for 25 points in a runaway win on Sunday morning. He showed shooting range with four 3-pointers as well as the athleticism to score in traffic. The 6-6 wing possesses the ideal length needed to compete at the next level. He is a player who is a must track heading into the live periods this spring and summer.
Simon Walker – Pro One Basketball – 2025
Walker is another sharpshooter to make the list. He drilled five 3-pointers Sunday afternoon to power his UAA Pro One team to a 20-point victory. Walker works the back court with maximum efficiency. He moves off screens and understands the nuance of creating the extra inches needed to get his shot off versus a pressuring defense. As impressive as his shooting acumen is awareness as a playmaker. He uses his body to create passing angles for teammates or for step back jumpers.
Simon Walker ability put the ball in the basket is what sets him apart from most.
Walker is a good shooter off the catch or dribble and has the ability to score off drives to the basket.
📌:@DannyServick @Pro1Basketball @SimonWalker2025 pic.twitter.com/RWJg7T6g34
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 5, 2024
Braden Flowers – The MVMNT – 2026
There were a handful of younger players that caught our eye this weekend, but Flowers name is at the top of that list. He is a lanky guard who has yet to reach his physical maturity. His athleticism is terrific. He can turn the corner and get to the hoop. He keeps his eyes up and dishes to teammates for dunks. And he has a nice jumper from range. Optimism drips from Flowers and his game.
Carson Phillips – Tennessee Panthers – 2026
Phillips is a throwback player. He is a 6-5 big man that can play both on the low block or in the high post. He showed touch and footwork in the 1/1 post up situation. He showed a baby hook with his left hand after pivoting on his right foot. He can also step out and drain the 3-pointer. He turned in an impressive 26-point, 15 rebound outing in an OT win on Sunday morning.
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.
