#OTRHoopsReport: Hemingway’s Notebook – May 14, 2015
Forward Wendall Carter of East Point, Ga., is one of the nation’s most productive and versatile big men in the class of 2017. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
This week we dig inside of my notebook to see some of the hot names and evaluations from this spring. With the travel circuit in full swing and the summer camp series in front of us, here is a preview of some of the top 2017 prospects from the Southeast region.
College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here!
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
On the Radar Class of 2017 Prospects
The player that has made the most believers in recent months is power forward Wendall Carter while playing with the Georgia Stars on the EYBL circuit. We saw first hand at Gibbons at the beginning of May how the 6-foot-10 power forward can dominate the game. His blend of skill and athleticism makes him a double-double threat nightly. Carter is playing with improved confidence and thus solidified his 5-star rating in the ELITE 25.
Combo guard Colin Sexton of Powder Springs, Ga., emerged as one of the most dynamic scorers in the city of Atlanta this spring. He has been our radar over the past year as he was a stock riser at the OTR Fall Showcase last October. Since then he has shown that he can give out buckets in a variety ways including being able to hit the tough mid-range jumper. Sexton powered the Southern Stampede 16U in May and drew the attention of many at Gibbons. On the current trajectory, Sexton becomes an ELITE 100 caliber guard.
Speaking of dynamic guards in the city of Atlanta, Davion Mitchell with the Georgia Stars Elite RL 16U went toe to toe with the aforementioned Sexton. Mitchell handled much more a point guard role in a match-up with the Stampede at Gibbons. In that role, he proved that he could balance distributing and finding his own shot effectively.
Javonte Smart of Baton Rouge, Louis., has earned a lot words while playing with Elfird Payton Elite. The 6-4 lead guard is special. He has a great combination of size, composure and skill for an underclassmen. Impressively what he brings to the table is making the right play at the right time for himself or his teammates.
Also in the same vein of guards with size and composure, Luis Hurtado of Decatur, Ga., proved he belonged in the mix of elite competition while playing with E1T1 16U. Standing at 6-4 he split time as a point and a shooting guard. He has a feel for the game that is very mature.
On the Recruiting Radar
Class of 2017 combo guard Al Durham of Stone Mountain, Ga., has offers from South Florida and Virginia Tech. Alabama and Georgia have been in contact.
Class of 2017 forward Chuma Okeke Fairburn, Ga., was offered by the University of Georgia today.
Kansas, Ohio State and Florida have all been in contact with 7′ class of 2017 center Ikechukwu Obiagu of Decatur, Ga. Georgia recently offered the 7-footer today.
Class of 2017 forward Alex Reese of Ala., has fielded calls from Kansas, Michigan and North Carolina.
Florida Vipers 2017 post Paul Atkinson has picked up offers from Vermont and Binghamton.
Class of 2017 point guard Blake Williams of Cordova, Tenn., has picked up interest from South Alabama and SIU-Edwardsville.
Team Breakdown 2016 post Juwan Durham was on an unofficial visit to South Florida yesterday.
Indiana and Pitt has offered Each One Teach One post Tony Bradley.
Miami picked up a commitment from Charlotte Aces post Ebuka Izundu.
Florida Vipers guard Kaleb Fitzgerald has picked up offers from TCU and North Florida.
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
