OTR Hoops: Who Wants the Smoke – DT Standouts – May 12, 2025
A list of standouts from Who Wants the Smoke? via OTR evaluator DT.
By: DT
Bryson Jatta – Class of 2028 | AOT EYBL 15U
Bryson Jatta continues to prove he’s a force on both ends of the court. Offensively, he was relentless when attacking the rim, showing no hesitation and thriving through contact to get to the free throw line, finishing as his team’s leading scorer. Defenders couldn’t contain his aggressive style, and when they backed off, he showed he could knock down the three. On the defensive side, Jatta impressed with his awareness—reading the offense, forcing turnovers, and playing with consistent intensity. With back-to-back standout performances, he made it clear he’s a problem for any opponent.
LJ Smith – Class of 2027 | Team Thad
LJ Smith delivered a complete performance, impacting the game on both ends of the floor with poise and aggression. Offensively, he showcased his ability to knock down big-time threes and finish through contact at the rim, using his tight handle to create separation and keep defenders guessing. His shot selection was smart, and his confidence grew as the game progressed. On defense, LJ brought intensity—playing physical, disrupting passing lanes, and forcing his opponents into tough, contested shots. His relentless energy, toughness, and leadership helped set the tone and elevate the level of play for his team throughout the weekend.
Devin Hutcherson – Class of 2026 | Game Elite 17U
Devin Hutcherson is a quick, shifty guard who consistently uses his elite handle to break down defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He showcased his ability to hit tough shots off the dribble while fearlessly attacking the paint and finishing through traffic. Hutcherson played with a high motor, always staying in attack mode and pushing the tempo. On the defensive end, he brought relentless energy, applying pressure, jumping passing lanes, and forcing multiple turnovers. His poise, skillset, and two-way impact make him a serious threat every time he steps on the floor.
Tarris Bouie – Class of 2026 | Team Thad
Tarris Bouie is a dynamic scoring threat who can create his own shot off the dribble and stretch the floor with his confident three-point shooting. In the first half alone, he knocked down several clutch threes that kept the defense on their heels and shifted the game’s momentum. His constant movement—whether running lanes in transition or making sharp off-ball cuts—adds another layer of pressure for defenders. With his length and athleticism, he attacks the rim with purpose, often finishing through contact and drawing fouls. Bouie’s versatility as a shot creator, floor spacer, and slasher makes him a tough assignment for any defense.
Jaylen Alexander – Class of 2026 | Team Thad
Jaylen Alexander made his presence felt with a relentless defensive performance, locking down ball handlers and disrupting the passing lanes with aggressive anticipation. His ability to force multiple turnovers set the tone early and frustrated the opposing offense. After suffering a gritty injury in the first half that drew blood, Alexander returned with even more fire, refusing to let it slow him down. He came out in the second half knocking down multiple threes, converting steals into buckets, and dropping key assists that helped shift the momentum. His toughness, resilience, and high-level two-way play became the heartbeat of his team’s second-half surge.
Nehemiah Cupid – Class of 2027 | Team Forrest
Nehemiah Cupid brings relentless energy on the defensive end, locking in on ball handlers with intensity and showing no hesitation—even when matched up against bigger, stronger opponents. His aggressive closeouts and active hands led to multiple forced turnovers and disrupted the rhythm of the opposing offense. Offensively, Cupid made his presence felt with timely three-point shooting and a confident approach that gave his team a boost when they needed it most. Coming off the bench, he played with a spark—diving for loose balls, pushing the tempo, and outworking his matchup on both ends. His hustle, toughness, and composure under pressure make him an invaluable piece for Team Forrest.
Connor Teasley – Class of 2026 | Team Person
Connor Teasley is a pure scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, consistently knocking down shots—even with defenders draped over him. His ability to stay efficient without demanding the ball shows his high basketball IQ and ability to flow within the offense. He finds scoring opportunities through smart movement, spacing, and an instinctive feel for the game. Beyond his perimeter shooting, Teasley can put the ball on the floor and attack the lane, finishing strong through contact and absorbing pressure in traffic. His balanced offensive skillset makes him a complete threat that defenses can’t afford to overlook.
Wyatt Thomason – Class of 2026 | Seba Warriors
Wyatt Thomason lit it up from deep, showcasing his sharpshooting ability by knocking down six threes, including back-to-back daggers that shifted the momentum. His catch-and-shoot game was automatic, and he consistently used sharp off-ball movement and timed screens to free himself for open looks. Defenders paid the price for even the slightest lapse, as he punished closeouts with quick, confident releases. Thomason’s spacing ability stretches the floor and forces defenses to adjust, opening opportunities for his teammates as well. He’s a major threat from beyond the arc and a nightmare matchup for any team lacking perimeter discipline.
Jakye Benjamin – Class of 2027 | Team EYA
Jakye Benjamin made his presence felt early in the weekend with a scorching start—draining four consecutive three-pointers in his first game and setting the tone for a strong overall performance. He remained consistent throughout the event, delivering timely buckets and playing disciplined defense that kept opponents in check. His awareness on the court allowed him to make smart decisions on both ends, whether stepping up with a key shot or locking in on a defensive assignment. Benjamin’s steady contributions and hustle stood out, especially in critical moments when his impact helped close out games. His poise, shot-making ability, and work ethic make him a key asset for Team EYA.
Johnquell Garner – Class of 2028 | AOT
Johnquell Garner is a physical enforcer in the paint, using his strength and toughness to make life difficult for anyone attempting to score inside. He consistently contests shots without fouling, altering attempts and controlling the defensive glass with smart positioning. Garner also crashes the offensive boards, giving his team valuable second-chance opportunities. On the offensive end, he finishes strong through contact, showing good touch around the rim and the ability to power through defenders. His presence in the paint on both ends brings stability, toughness, and high-effort play every time he steps on the floor.
AJ Williams – Class of 2028 | GA Stars EYBL
AJ Williams is a dynamic force on the court—quick, athletic, and capable of scoring at will from multiple spots on the floor. He bullies his way through the paint with strength and skill, finishing through contact and overpowering defenders with ease. As a big guard, his versatility allows him to play and defend nearly every position, making him an invaluable asset on both ends. Whether he’s pushing the break, attacking off the dribble, or posting up smaller defenders, Williams creates mismatches all game long. His physicality, scoring ability, and all-around dominance make him a nightmare for any team trying to contain him.
