#OTRHoopsReport: BIG Potential – Sept. 8, 2015

Bruno Fernando of E1T1 is a post player who will demand attention from college coaches this fall. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike

Since the evaluation periods in July have ended, we have looked back at non-ranked players who are poised to impact at the next level. In August we looked at Under the Radar Guards and Wings You Should Know. This week we look at players with size who have potential to produce and to be recruited heavily in upcoming months.

By:  @JLHemingwayPSB & @OntheRadarHoops

 

College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here! 

EYBL Circuit Standouts

Bruno Fernando (Fort Myers, Fla.), E1T1 / Montverde Academy – 2016

This week E1T1’s Tony Bradley went off the board to North Carolina. The 6-foot-10 post is currently ranked No. 37 in the BrandonClayScouting.com ELITE 100. However, that is not the last big man that you should expect to make headlines to come from the E1T1 organization this year. Insert Fernando, who also stands at 6-10 and just completed his first year on the EYBL circuit this year and will play for Montverde Academy this high school season. This is also Fernando’s first year in the United States as he recently just moved from Angolo, Africa. Although he did back-up Bradley for much of the season, the upside of the post player is enormous. He has a frame that is similar to Ohio State freshman Daniel Giddens, who also played for the E1T1 organization. His specialty currently is to block shots and be a rim protector. Although Fernando’s offensive production was limited, we did see glimpses of pivots and half-hooks with his back to the basket. Per Evan Daniels of Scout.com, Fernando will be on campus at Central Florida this weekend.

Brachen Hazen (Columbia City, Ind.), Spiece Indy Heat / Columbia City HS – 2016

Hazen does not fit the mold of a traditional big man as he likes to face the basket and facilitate the action from the top of the key or the wing. However, at 6-7 he showed the willingness to play physical with the Spiece Indy Heat and rebound the ball in the lane. He finished averaging an impressive 6.8 rebounds while adding 11 points per game on the circuit. His versatility to play inside or out will coaches at the next level a lot of options when deciding on how to use him. Brazen has the ball skill to be a big small forward or mis-match 4-player. Per Thomas Beindit of BTPowerhouse.com, Hazen has made unofficial visits to Maryland and Clemson within the past week and will also join Fernando in Orlando for a visit to Central Florida this weekend.

Taurean Thompson (Jersey City, N.J.), New Jersey Playaz / Brewster Academy – 2016

Thompson is a versatile 4-player who can affect the game on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6-9, he has the length and athleticism to provide primary interior coverage. However, what is most intriguing about Thompson is his ability to run the floor. As we saw first hand at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in June, he is a rim runner that provide a big target for point guards who are looking to push the temp. He even showed the ability to finish with either hand around the rim on the EYBL circuit. Given his mobility and size, he is a great pick-and-roll option that will demand a weakside defensive rotation. Per Brian Snow of Scout.com, Thompson will be on campus at Xavier this weekend. He also received an offer from Syracuse recently, per the report of Adam Zagoria of zagsblog.com.

OntheRadarHoops.com Event Standouts

Nicholas Claxton of Legacy Charter (SC) recruitment continues to increase after an outstanding summer. Claxton has attracted the attention of Clemson, NC State, South Carolina, and Wake Forest. Claxton is a long and athletic big guy who plays all over the court. He can really run, he has a fairly high skill level for his size and he is extremely active on the glass. Defensively, Claxton has the mobility to hedge screens on the perimeter, the athleticism to block shots, and the developing strength to defend the post.

Covenant Christian (GA) post Martins Igbanu is a big and strong developing for power forward prospect with a high ceiling. He’s still raw and inexperienced, but shows flashes of becoming a dominant force in time. He does a good job of rebounding inside and outside of his area. Igbanu will attract the attention of many high major programs this season.

Victory Rock (FL) post Gorok Gak brings great energy every time he takes the floor and impacts the game with hustle plays. He is an offensive rebounding specialist that has a good feel for the path off the ball and is relentless at chasing down second shot opportunities.

 

This summer Lemmie Howard was one of the more exciting players in attendance for the Elite 32. This 6-foot-8 forward out of Mississippi is a long thin power forward that competes and works hard on both ends of the floor. He runs well and get’s up and down the court at a very good pace. He does a good job of crashing the boards and finishing above the rim. He is a player to keep an eye on in the class of 2017.

Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities 

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

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 Super 6 Showcase Session I & II