#OTRHoopsReport: 2015 Predictions – January 15, 2015

Could Harry Giles III be the top player in the class of 2016? We discuss this question with other predictions for the upcoming year. Photo cred – Jon Lopez

Which player is poised to claim the top spot for the class of 2016?

After watching Harry Giles of Winston Salem, N.C., at the City of Palms with Wesleyan Christian, I am leaning towards giving the 6-foot-10 power forward the edge in the class. He blends power, athleticism and skill as well as anyone we have seen in recent years at the position. He can block shots like Daniel Giddens yet he has touch around the rim like Diamond Stone. There are no ill-effects from the knee injury that he sustained a few years ago whatsoever. He moves up and down the floor like a wing and has range on his jumper. To be clear, Giles has the potential to dominate the lane as a power forward like we have not seen in many years. — Jonathan Hemingway

As mentioned above, it would be hard to argue against Harry Giles. His latest performances coupled with his great start to July at the Elite 32 Tournament erased any doubts that may have lingered about his return. He has great hands and can finish with either around the basket. He is also an active rebounder that gets to ball outside of his area and excellent shot blocker who can erase his teammate’s defensive errors. –Shun Williams

Which unsigned senior outside of the ELITE 100 could make the biggest splash on the recruiting trail this spring?

Currently shooting guard Kobe Eubanks of Elev-8 Academy has the attention of many power conference schools as he has a list of Georgia, Oregon, UConn, Missouri, Providence, Louisville, Kansas, South Florida, Maryland and Virigina Tech. But looking past the 6-5 shooter there are other players on the horizon who are primed to be recruited heavily such as Kaleb Johnson of Roankoke, Va., who plays for the Carlisle School. The 6-7 wing forward proved his scoring ability in a match-up versus Arlington Country Day at the Marshall County Hoop Fest back in December. His 21 point 8 rebound effort piqued the interest of programs like Wake Forest and Clemson. He already has offers from Auburn, East Carolina, Oklahoma State and South Florida. — Jonathan Hemingway

There is a lack in quality big men around the country in the 2015 class, available post Shawntrez Davis of Sound Doctrine Academy in Georgia is at the top of many programs lists. He holds offers from the likes of Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Purdue, and Tennessee. In addition to Davis, there has been a lot of traffic through West Charlotte High School in North Carolina to see Simeon Carter. The 6-foot-9 post had an impressive performance at the High School Hoops Festival in DC in front of SMU Head Coach Larry Brown. Carter currently holds offers from Georgia, Nebraska, SMU, and Virginia Tech. –Shun Williams

Exposure & Showcase Opportunities

OTR Spring Showcase March 21, 2015

 

 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy.  He is the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB

 

 

Shun Williams is the owner of On the Radar Hoops, Inc. The On the Radar Hoops Report is picked up by Division I and II colleges and universities across the country. He serves as the director of the On the Radar Hoops Fall Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Spring Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Invitational, Elite 32 Session I, Elite 32 Session II, Power 24, and Sweet 16