OTR Summer Jam STANDOUTS Part I – May 26, 2023
MARIETTA, Georgia, – On the Radar Hoops hosted the annual Summer Jam which gave teams from around the Southeast an opportunity to compete. Many of the region’s top media members were in attendance. Here is a first edition of top performers from the event.
By: Jonathan Hemingway
We have evaluated several seniors who look to be college ready this spring. Add forward DaRon Waller from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to that list. The 6-foot-6 lefty is active and will impact the game with his rebounding and hustle in the paint. He showed us another layer of his game in this showing. He hit several threes and proved he can be a scoring force when he is in rhythm. Waller college-ready athlete who has a ceiling that coaches would be anxious to develop.
📍OTR Summer Jam
Last game of Saturday night saw ‘23 DaRon Waller put up 25 points in a win for the Stars.
6-6 lefty is great on the boards, but he showed his 3-point shooting as well. Intriguing prospect who belongs at the collegiate level. pic.twitter.com/xzepBOcAOb
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JL_Hemingway) May 21, 2023
One of the first prospects we identified as an impact player on Saturday morning was KJ Kirk from Pro One. The 2024 point guard is a very good athlete who imposes his will on the game in transition. He uses his strong shoulders to discard defenders who are in his way. His physical nature generally leads him to getting to the free throw line often. Kirk is a good athlete who is equally as skilled as a slasher and scorer.
📍 OTR Summer Jam
‘24 G KJ Kirk led Pro One Select with 15 points in a win.
Athletic combo guard who is strong to the rim and can rip the 3 in rhythm.
📌 @KJKirk4 @ProOneSelect_TN pic.twitter.com/G2pDotIfFh
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JL_Hemingway) May 20, 2023
We have taken note of the contributions of Khamani Paxton in recent outings for Team Scoot. Paxton plays a complementary role for this team, but it is an important one. He defends multiple positions and can always be found around the fray of a loose ball or rebound. Paxton caught our eye on Sunday afternoon when he heated up with his jump shot. Paxton has upside as a guy who plays his role willingly and provide two-way backcourt stability for a roster.
📍OTR Summer Jam
Every team needs a player like ‘24 Khamani Paxton.
Do-it-all, defends, hits the reversal jumper, makes the extra pass. Good build. Meshes nicely in the flow.
📌 Team Scoot | Walton HS pic.twitter.com/CpscbkkuEB
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 21, 2023
We walked away impressed with the play of class of 2024 guard Damone King of Team Phenom United. He split time in the back court as a primary handler and as a wing slasher. He made the most of his opportunities getting the mouth of the bucket or pulling up for mid-range jumpers. King is a solid all around guard who projects well as a handler who can also get a bucket.
📍OTR Summer Jam
‘24 Damone King earned our respect with his style of play this weekend.The Phenom United guard is heady, plays under control and has the frame/athleticism that points to a next level ceiling.
📌@Team_Phenom_KY pic.twitter.com/ujrtjczuzd— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 21, 2023
We took note of Damerius Putmon’s game with AJ Bouye on Sunday morning. He is a lengthy forward who does a great job of running the floor and finishing in transition. He rattled the rims with a couple of dunks and drew attention with his athleticism. He is a player that has defensive versatility and an offensive game that is still rounding out.
📍 OTR Summer Jam
‘24 Damerius Putmon of AJ Bouye is on the way ⬆️ just like his jumping ability.
He slammed his way to 13 points and a win this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/XCvLrLwzKg
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 21, 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.
