#OTRHoopsReport ELITE Prospects at Elite 32 – August 14, 2017

Class of 2019 wing Blake Hinson shot the lights out for the Showtime Ballers. Expect him to shoot up the rankings as well. Photo cred – @OntheRadarHoops

ACWORTH, Georgia, – The Atlanta heat was out in full effect this summer. Instead of avoiding the heat, college coaches flocked to OTR Elite 32 to watch dozens of nationally ranked prospects. Here is a rundown of the notable prospects that are recognized nationally as ELITE in their class.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Quentin Grimes – Basketball University – 2018

Vitals

6’4, 175, PG
247 Composite ranking: #20
Recruiting: Top seven of Kentucky, Arizona, Texas A&M, Kansas, Marquette, Baylor and Texas

Quick Takeaway: Grimes elevated himself into one of the top five point guards nationally. We should find his name of the Naismith 50 Watch-list in the preseason for the 2018 Player of the Year Award.

#OTRElite32

A nasty move by Quentin Grimes (@qdotgrimes) of @Basketball_Univ in the isolation play.

?: @ParallelsMedia_ pic.twitter.com/Ys5gpeISB8

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 16, 2017

Blake Hinson – Showtime Ballers – 2019

Vitals

6’7, 240, SF
4 star rating per Rivals.com
Latest Recruiting Updates: South Florida, Seton Hall, Washington State, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia Tech from the second half of July

Quick Takeaway: Hinson’s ranking has not updated on many of recruiting sites nationally since his July performances. Expect that to change in upcoming months as the he absolutely scortched the nets all July long. Hinson looks like a football player….and HE IS! He is 4-star Tight End that has gotten almost as many offers on the gridiron as he has on the hardwood. His shooting touch makes him one of the ELITE in the country at his position.

2019 Deltona (FL) wing Blake Hinson @B_Hinson21 has picked up an offer from South Florida @ShowtimeBaller1

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) August 1, 2017

Josh LeBlanc – Louisiana Elite – Elite 32

Vitals

6’7, 210, F
4-star rating, 247 composite ranking of #100
Latest Recruiting: Finished an official visit to Georgetown and is now is planning an official visit to Arkansas on August 25. He is down to Arkansas, Georgetown, LSU and Texas A&M per Billy Embody of Scout.com.

Quick Takeaway: LeBlanc impressed at the Elite 32 with his athleticism and versatility. He is a forward who can post up and score or fly in from the rafters for a tip dunk. His defensive versatility is what could be the biggest advantage for him at the next level as he can defend inside and out.

Texas A&M has their whole staff on hand watching 4 star Wing Josh Leblanc. Long & springy with a motor on both ends. @LouisianaElite_

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 16, 2017

Nassir Little – 1Family – 2018

Vitals

6’7, 205, SF
5-star rating, 247 composite ranking of #22
Latest Recruiting: Official Visits: GT August 25-27, UNC Sept 8-10, Miami Sept. 15-17, Arizona Oct. 26-28 (Duke TBD)

Quick Takeaway: Few if any improved their stock this summer as much as Little did this year. He looks like a polished top ten prospect nationally who could very well end up being a lottery pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Expect Little to mentioned often as the Naismith Award List and McDonald’s All-American list is determined.

Florida Head Coach Mike White & his entire staff is here at the #Elite32 to see 1Family’s @1FamilyHoops Nassir Little @2ez_nassie

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 16, 2017

Makhi Mitchell – DC Bluedevils – 2019

Vitals

6’9, 225, C
4-star rating, 247 composite national ranking #38
Committed to Maryland 8/4/17

Quick Takeaway: Mitchell has the body of a prototypical B1G post player. He should do well in coach Turgeon’s system. Mitchell showed the ability to hit the trail 3 at the Elite 32. That gives a lot of hope for his long term upside.

Omar Payne – Team CP25 – 2019

Vitals

6’9, 195, PF
4-star rating, 247 composite national ranking #44
Recruiting: South Florida, Georgia and USC have offered since the second half of July

Quick Takeaway: Payne is a high energy interior player. His ability to defend makes him a valuable paint protector. Given his size and athleticism, expect his recruitment to heat up heading into his junior year.

#OTRElite32

2019 Osceola (FL) F Omar Payne has received an offer from Georgia @Ogomarpayne @TeamCP25

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 18, 2017

Charles Smith – Basketball University- 2019

Vitals

6’5, 180, SG
4-star rating, 247 National Composite Ranking of #46
Recruiting: Unofficial visits to DePaul and Texas within past months. Picked up an offer from Florida and USC in June.

Quick Takeaway: Smith is a talented guard who picked up a lot of interest coming out of the spring weekends this year. His skill and athleticism make him a prospect to keep tabs on moving forward.

Elijah Weaver – Team Breakdown – 2018

Vitals

6’4, 195, PG
4-star rating, 247 National Composite Ranking #36
Recruiting: Oklahoma State, Ohio State, Florida, Villanova, USC and others per Andrew Slater of 247

Quick Takeaway: Weaver is a left-handed play-maker who can put up points in a hurry. He showed range and slashing ability at the Elite 32. His shot making abilities give him the versatility to play the shooting guard position if in the back court with another point guard. Weaver should be in the mix for the Naismith Award 50 preseason watch-list as well.

#Elite32

Elijah Weaver (@___ewr) of @TeamBreakdown left his mark on the game earlier. Scoring in a variety of ways. pic.twitter.com/TA4L9Jwdp3

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) July 16, 2017

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