#OTRHoopsReport: Atlanta Talent on the EYBL Circuit – June 10, 2015
Class of 2016 point guard Alterique Gilbert was focused all spring long with Team CP3. He could be eyeing a state title this winter. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
Maple Grove, Minn., – The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League is a circuit where players can prove how they measure up with prospects from across the nation. The fourth and final stop of the circuit gave our staff a look at how several local players measured up. Here is an early peak at which players in the Atlanta Metro area are on the watch-list for the Atlanta Tip-Off Club Player of the Year.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Atlanta Tip-Off Club Player of the Year Watch-list from the EYBL Circuit
Class of 2016 Alterqiue Gilbert of Team CP3 heads up this list. The 6-foot-1 combo guard helped lead his team to a regular season circuit championship while playing alongside of Naismith Award Candidate Harry Giles this spring. He gave a steady 15 points and 5 assists per game this spring all while compiling offers from schools such as Connecticut, Illinois, Louisville and Ole Miss. Watch for Gilbert to have a superb senior year while playing for coach Sharman White at Miller Grove.
After leading his Pebblebrook team to a Class AAAAAA runner-up finish last season, class of 2016 Jared Harper is back to his old tricks with the Georgia Stars. The 6-foot point guard averaged 13.6 points per game, but did it while shooting a remarkable 52% from 3-point range. Harper’s skill set is not limited to spotting up around the arc as he is just as adept at using the ball screen to set up plays for his teammates. Expect the Auburn commit to continue to make headlines this upcoming year.
One of the biggest springs turned in by anyone in the Atlanta area came from class of 2017 Wendall Carter. The 6-10 power forward turned in a steady 11 points and 8 rebound average this spring. When it comes to skilled big men who have the athleticism to protect the rim, Carter is at the top of the list nationally. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see his name mentioned this upcoming year as the top player in the Atlanta area. Carter also made the USA U16 team while competing in Colorado Springs at the end of May.
All Metro Team Watch-list
Class of 2016 Martins Igbanu of the Southern Stampede entered the BrandonClayScouting.com Elite 100 in the last rankings expansion. He showed why in another evaluation in Minnesota. The powerful 6-9 is a monster on the glass and is solid post scorer in the paint. He averaged a solid 10 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Right alongside of Igbanu for the Southern Stampede is class of 2017 combo guard Aljami Durham. Durham has stretched out to 6-4 and is showing consistent range from beyond the arc. The left-hander is best when he can slither between defenders to get into the lane. He finished averaging 13 points per game on the circuit.
Another stock riser this spring is Raquan Wilkins from the Georgia Stars. The 6-5 shooting guard is one of the best athletes locally in the class of 2016. He has has some big games while playing a complementary role for his team. His 15 point, 7 rebound performance versus Albany City Rocks was notable on the Minnesota stop.
Exposure & Showcase Opportunities
College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here!
Jonathan 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
