OTR Memorial Day Classic – Underclassmen Standouts – June 13, 2023

ORLANDO, Florida, – Hot dogs on the grill are what the average American may do over the Memorial Day weekend, but for basketball fanatics like us, the gym is where we ended up at the end of May. The OTR Memorial Day Classic provided a bookend to the spring travel season. It was a final opportunity for players and their teams to compete and get covered on the travel circuit. The Orlando edition of this tournament was a good one. Plenty of competition and standout players. Here is a final look at underclassmen who stood out at the event.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

A handful of 2026 prospects caught our attention at the event. Maddox Memen was at the top of that list. He is a skilled forward with length, shooting range and ball skill. He projects to be a versatile swing-forward who can stretch the floor with shooting ability. Yet has the size to impact close to the bucket. He suited up with Gulf Storm Elite at the event.

Class of 2025 forward Tayeshaun Smith earned attention with his play with 1 of 1 Elite. He is a high energy forward who runs the floor and cleans the glass. He fits the prototype of a forward who can defend multiple positions and bring an offensive spark by extending possessions with rebounds.

Getting a look at ‘24 Tayeshaun Smith this morning in Orlando.

He possesses winning characteristics like a high motor, defensive versatility & consistent finishing on the interior.

📍OTR Memorial Day Classic@NickyJallday @Tayeshaun_Smith https://t.co/Lqcy6WXztw

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 28, 2023

Put class of 2025 forward Nosakhare Samuel Osayi on the watchlist following this event. His play with Austin Rivers Elite earned recognition. He is a well-built prospect who runs the court and imposes his will with his physicality. He flushed dunks and blocked shots in an evening game that we watched. Unofficially he looks to be in the height range of 6-foot-7 to 6-8.

‘25 Nosakhare Samuel Osayi goes on our 🚨watchlist🚨after today’s performance.

Strong framed forward who finish with dunks often around the rim.

📍OTR Memorial Day Classic
📌 @SE_Elite_3SSB pic.twitter.com/FiP8QTFBDP

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 28, 2023

The Showtime Baller 16U team is littered with talent. The player that led the way over the Memorial Day weekend was class of 2025 Malik Sosa. He is a 6-5 guard with a lanky frame and a soft touch. He impressed us with his footwork and turnaround jumper moves. He is wired to score and has the athleticism to create space for his shooting.

📍OTR Memorial Day Classic

A trio of guards powered the Showtime Ballers 16U to victory today.

⭐️Maliq Sosa 22 points
⭐️Ryan Cody 20 points
⭐️Nick Womack the playmaker and the engine that made it all run. pic.twitter.com/hGJl7b8gLj

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 27, 2023

Class of 2025 guard Antonio Pollard earned his way on to this underclassman list with his scoring prowess. We watched him power his Powerhouse Bull squad to a victory on Sunday afternoon. Pollard is a confident ball handler who is comfortable going either direction with the ball. His shooting touch allows him to put points on the board consistently. The rising junior is on a trajectory to gain more attention this summer.

‘25 Antonio Pollard is a talented ball handler with scoring touch in the midrange.

He helped his Powerhouse Bulls to a win this afternoon.

📍OTR Memorial Day Classic pic.twitter.com/TqIyXIcLDU

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 27, 2023

 

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.