#OTRHoopsReport: 2016-17 Naismith Watch – November 17, 2016

Class of 2017 center Mohamed Bamba of Westtown HS (N.Y.), is one of the nation’s premier two-way players. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike

This week the Atlanta Tipoff Club released it’s Preseason Watch List for the High School Boys’ Player of the Year. The list of 50 players were nominated by the Board of Selectors, which included members from the #OTRHoopsReport. At the beginning of this month we looked at three prospects who could be considered front runners for Player of the Year. This week we look at three more players who could easily move into the discussion with a big high school campaign.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @BrandonClayPSB

Mohamed Bamba (Harlem, New York), Westtown HS – Uncommitted

“Bamba emerged as a game changing post player last high school season. We saw the 7-footer cash in a triple-double at the Hoop Hall Classic in a win over Potter’s House Christian Academy (FL) and Udoka Azubuike, who is now a freshman at Kansas. Although limited on the EYBL circuit (played only five games), he completed an impressive performance at Peach Jam where he averaged a double-double (16 points and 12 rebounds per game). His ability to anchor a team with post scoring and rim protection make him one of the most talented prospects in the country.” — Jonathan Hemingway

“Bamba runs the floor, blocked shots and rebounded as well. He showed touch to 15 feet on offense and punished the rim on multiple occasions in my evaluations over the past year. In that way, Bamba is a darkhorse candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year award next spring. With Westtown School playing an elite national schedule, Bamba will have multiple opportunities to showcase his game.” — Brandon Clay

We will see Bamba at City of Palms December 16-21 and at the Hoop Hall Classic January 14. 

Trevon Duval (Wilmington, Delaware), IMG Academy – Uncommitted

“Duval rates as the top guard in the class of 2017 by most scouting services. BrandonClayScouting.com has him as the No. 4 ranked player overall in the class of 2017. The 6-2 guard is a prototypical scoring point guard who can cross up defenders in a blink of an eye. His jumper has always been smooth, which makes him a near impossible cover when he uses a ball screen anywhere on the court. Making the move to IMG Academy should be a positive one for Duval both on the court and in the classroom.” — Jonathan Hemingway

“Duval has made the transitioned that I saw coming back in the spring 2014 of becoming a full-time point guard. He’s getting downhill off of the bounce seemingly at will. Duval also has shown the ability to make the open jumper when need be. In that way, he’s positioned himself at the head of the class as a backcourt prospect. If Duval can bring that scoring guard mentality to this 2016-17 school season for IMG Academy, he’s definitely in contention for the Naismith Player of the Year award in the spring.” — Brandon Clay

We will see Duval at the Holiday Hoopsgiving November 25 and at the National Hoop Fest in Washington D.C. December 10-11.

Collin Sexton (Mableton, Georgia), Pebblebrook HS – Alabama

“We have wrote a lot about Sexton in the past year and for good reason. He is the nation’s premier scorer and he is putting pressure on the aforementioned Duval as the nation’s top guard in the class. He is already off to a blazing start as he dropped 45 points in the Falcons opening game. He is signed to play for coach Avery Johnson at Alabama next year. With Pebblebrook playing a national schedule, expect Sexton to keep the buzz going all year long.” — Jonathan Hemingway

“Sexton’s rise to the elite of the 2017 class has been nothing short of remarkable. He scores with the best in high school basketball today. Sitting at 31.7 points per EYBL game, he’s led the league by almost 10 points per an outing during the regular season. He’s also rebounded from his position snagging 5.6 rebounds per as well. Sexton reminds me of James Harden in his ability to get fouled and get to the free throw line as a result. Once he’s there, Sexton shot 85 percent. He’ll match up with Duval at the Holiday Hoopsgiving event the day after Thanksgiving.” — Brandon Clay


We will see Sexton multiple times with Pebblebrook during the high school season including at Holiday Hoopsgiving November 25 and at the City of Palms December 16-21. 

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Coach Hemi-100-100Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He is also 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


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