#OTRHoopsReport: Auburn Recruiting Class – Febuaray 1, 2016
Bruce Pearl is determined to get Auburn back to the top of the Southeastern Conference. The 2016 recruiting class is a step in the right direction. Photo cred – @AuburnMBB/Twitter
Editor’s Note: We will look at several OTRHoopsReport.com college subscriber’s recruiting classes over the next few weeks.
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It is no secret that Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl can put together winning teams. The formula always starts on the recruiting trail. With the 2016 recruiting class, Pearl landed Mustapha Heron, a 5-star recruit, who will be ready to handle the scoring load from day one. Add in Jared Harper and the Tigers will have a high IQ floor general that is battled test and ready to contribute in his freshman year. Anfernee Mclemore is the wild card of the class. He is a high ceiling athlete that could develop into a quality contributor in years to come. Here is a closer look at what 2016 will bring for Tiger fans.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Mustapha Heron 6’5″ Guard
School: Sacred Heart
Travel Team: New York Rens
OTR Grade: 5 Star
OTRHoopsReport.com Eval by Jonathan Hemingway
June 18, 2014 NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)
Heron is a well-built wing player who’s game is predicated upon strength and power. He has grown a few inches since Brandon’s last viewing of him. In one of the skill breakdown drills he showed what he would be capable of, where he posted in the pinch post – power dribbled 2x towards the rim – then stepped back for the jumper. If his jumper does get consistent, he will be a big problem for opposing wings, because he can defend his position on the end. However, thinly build wings will be an immediate disadvantage when trying to guard him.
Jared Harper 5’11” Point Guard
School: Pebblebrook
Travel Team: Georgia Stars
OTR Grade: 4.5 Star
OTRHoopsReport.com Eval by Brandon Clay
September 13, 2014 EBA All-American Camp (Buford, Ga.)
Harper showed real shooting range plus the ability to use the high screen and roll to get downhill. When the defender went under, the four-star point guard calmly stuck the 3-pointer. In a marquee matchup with classmate D’Marcus Simonds of Buford, Ga., Harper went toe-to-toe providing a show that stole the spotlight on the camp’s opening day. With a full slate of Honors and Advanced Placement class on his schedule, Harper gets it done in the classroom as well.
Highlights of Harper courtesy of @KrisWatkinsPSB
Anfernee Mclemore 6’8″ Power Forward
School: Worth County
Travel Team: Atlanta Celtics
OTR Grade: 3.5 Star
OTRHoopsReport.com Eval by Brandon Clay
March 15, 2015 The Preview (Marietta, Ga.)
McLemore is a power forward with length and bounce in his legs. He didn’t show a specific offensive specialty, but has a number of athletic tools that will translate well to the next level.
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