OTR Hoops: Summer Jam Emerging Sleepers – April 23, 2024

Summer Jam was the most loaded event of the spring so far for OTR with just about every notable Georgia program in attendance. We saw multiple Top-100 prospects go head-to-head and some of the top circuit teams battle it out for bragging rights. These are a few under-the-radar guys that made a name for themselves this weekend.

By: Cam Rickers

Nik Avaliani – 2025 – Georgia Legacy (Pictured Above)

Nik Avaliani has really flourished this spring with Georgia Legacy, able to showcase the full package and help carry the scoring load. While he’s been an off-ball shooter in most previous settings, we’re now beginning to see what he can do with the ball in his hands. Avaliani has good size and a strong build that allow him to muscle his way to the paint. Once he reaches that second level, Avaliani can hit the mid-range or find the open teammate. He should be in for a major role increase next year at Walton.

Elijah Woods – 2025 – NGU

Elijah Woods has strung together a few impressive weekends to start the spring and he’s garnered the attention of multiple OTR scouts. Woods is the primary playmaker for NGU, able to generate offense with his creativity and free up open looks for his shooters. He plays at a cool pace but can change speeds in a hurry, keeping defenders on their toes at all times. NGU has taken a major step in the right direction this spring and Eljiah Woods is a big reason why.

Xavier Berry – 2025 – Formula Elite Academy

Xavier Berry’s stock is on the rise after some impressive showings at OTR events this spring. Berry is playing with a new level of swagger and confidence as the lead dog for FEA. He’s got a quick trigger from beyond the arc and knows how to create space to get it off. Not only did he provide steady scoring throughout the weekend, but he also dropped some impressive dimes as well. This FEA team is full of guys flying under the radar like Berry and they’ve snuck up on some good teams already this spring.

Duor Duor – 2026 – The Lab

Duor Duor is a hidden gem in Georgia’s 2026 class. The South Atlanta product continues to grow, now up to about 6’8. He pairs the height with some extreme length and mobility, all of which come together to make him an elite rim protector. Duor is also an excellent rebounder and he controlled the glass all weekend. There’s still a ton of untapped potential and his development is worth tracking over the next two years.

Bryce Howson – 2026 – Bo Bell Elite

I’ve been high on Bryce Howson for a couple years now but this weekend left me more impressed than ever. On Saturday, I watched Howson takeover the game and lead Bo Bell Elite to a win over Team Thad EYCL. He finished that game with 26 points and several assists. Howson incorporates different speeds really well, able to breakdown or burst past defenders to get to the mid-range where he’s lights out. Howson’s combination of skill and IQ set him apart from most of the point guards in his class.

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