OTR Hoops: Who Wants the Smoke – Day 2 Top 2027/28 Performers (Sandy) – May 13, 2024

Who Wants the Smoke: Day 2 2027/28 Top Performers

By: Kyle Sandy

2027 6-6 F Rowan Woodrich – Devin Butts Elite – Peach County

It wasn’t just Rowan’s size that made him stand out in a 54-26 win over Upward Stars Carolina, it was his activity level inside. Woodrich works hard for rebounds and doesn’t shy away from finishing through contact. Rowan gets good position in the post and is efficient from 10-feet and in. He looks like a future double-double at Peach County.

2028 6-9 F Peter Julius – Georgia Stars EYBL (Pictured)

I’m not the first and definitely won’t be the last to sing the praises of future High Major big man Peter Julius. A true manchild for his age, Julius dominates the interior with his size and athleticism. He swallows up every shot attempt and cleans up every miss. Julius is very active. He’s a springy athlete with good feet and balance. When Peter gets the ball inside, he shows poise against swarming defenders. He gathers himself before powering up to score. Peter has a nice touch and tears down the rim with slams any chance he gets.  Julius scored out of the pick-and-roll and showcased a swift drop step. In a 74-62 win against Mpire Elite Team Taz, Peter recorded 15 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks. He is a Day 1 gamechanger and potential state picture alterer at the varsity level.

2028 6-0 G Brielen Craft – Georgia Stars EYBL – Pace Academy

Already recognized as one of the top incoming freshmen in Georgia, Craft had his silky-smooth game on display Saturday afternoon in 12-point win, dumping in 14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Brielen has a mature feel for the game. He doesn’t force the issue on offense and knows how to balance his scoring with his playmaking. Craft scores from all three levels. He eases into his pull-up jumpers with three-point range. Brielen is equally good attacking with his left hand as he is his right. Hampton offered in late March.

2027 5-11 G Abel Trotman – Mpire Elite Team Taz – Sprayberry

I liked the motor and balanced floor game of Abel Trotman against Georgia Stars EYBL. Trotman found success attacking the rim, fearlessly challenging the Stars’ intimidating frontline. Trotman did well penetrating and swinging the ball to open shooters, liking to use the skip pass. Trotman finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

2027 6-1 G Jackson Ushery – Atlanta Panthers – Southwest DeKalb

Ushery relied on the steak, not the sizzle in producing 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in a 50-45 win over the Georgia Thunder. Jordan netted three threes while adding a putback and a drive. Jackson is light on his feet, able to change directions. He can play either guard position. Ushery feels like a potential breakout candidate in a young, but talented Southwest DeKalb backcourt.