#OTRHoopsReport: Hemingway’s Notebook / Spring Edition – May 26, 2016
Class of 2017 wing-forward Reid Walker of Lithia, Fla., put up big time numbers this spring. Photo cred – Ty Freeman/#EBATop40
Every evaluation opportunity provides teams and individuals to prove themselves. Regardless of the venue or whether college coaches are in attendance, players are able to build reputations that can be valuable. Here are a few players that were noted in our notebook that improved their stock this spring.
Spring Stock-risers
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Michael Devoe (Orlando, Fla.), – E1T1 – 2018
E1T1 16U took home the Bob Gibbons championship a few weekends ago. In the process Devoe put himself on the map as one as a watch-list prospect in his class. Standing at 6-foot-4 the southpaw showed confidence in skill while leading his team to a number of wins at Suwanee Sports Academy. He has a clean stroke from beyond the arc and vision to set up his teammates with the pass. Per his twitter timeline (@Michael_devoe6), he picked up an offer from TCU in April.
Noah Gurley (Fayetteville, Ga.), – Infinite Skillz – 2017
Gurley showed terrific versatility this spring. He had a terrific showing at the OTR Sweet 16 Session II and followed it up with a solid performance at Bob Gibbons earlier this month. His ability to stretch the defense with jumpers sets up his quick step to get to the bucket with the bounce. Gurley brings an equal impact to the defensive end where he can swat shots while patrolling the lane or chasing opponents down on the break. The 6-7 wing-forward puts us in the frame of mind of Jaron Blossomgame who will return to Clemson for his senior season. Gurley has a ways to go in his development (especially physically) before he can match Blossomgame’s college production, but he is definitely trending in the right direction.
Noah Gurley @10slim__ has the potential to blow up this summer, 6-foot-7 forward that can shoot as well as put it on the floor @EYASports
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) April 23, 2016
Isaiah Miller (Covington, Ga.) – Infinite Skillz – 2017
Miller is poised to be one of the most pursued point guards in the state of Georgia heading into his senior year. Our staff saw first hand why UAB sent their entire staff out to watch the 6-foot point guard at the OTR Sweet 16. He is a tough, aggressive lead guard that can get into the lane consistently off the bounce. His athleticism and ball skill make him a great threat when using the ball screen in the half court offense. Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee State have also offered Miller this spring.
Isaiah Miller was tabbed as top player at the #Sweet16SessionI by @locksWAY_OTR
STORY: https://t.co/KLeStqxO7N pic.twitter.com/zLJixEc6qX
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) April 21, 2016
Temetrius ‘Ja’ Morant (Sumter, S.C.), – Team South Carolina – 2017
Morant showed his lightning quick slashing ability earlier this month at the Bob Gibbons Invitational. He is a very tough cover for perimeter defenders, because he can get down hill and change directions as well as any. Perhaps even as important was Morant’s willingness to hit the open 3-point jumper. These skills have led programs such as Appalachian State, Arkansas-Little Rock, Clemson, UNC-Asheville and Wofford to reach out to him in recent weeks.
Ryan Schwieger (Matthews, N.C.), – PSB Select 17U – 2017
Standing at 6-6, Schwieger has the length you love to see from a sharp-shooting wing. Yet the North Carolina native has the ball skill to run the team as a lead guard. The crafty guard pushes the ball in transition for PSB Select and delivers the ball to his teammates on time, on target. He blends all of this well with the ability to finish in traffic as well. His talents are far from hidden as he recently picked up offers from George Mason and Coastal Carolina in the past weeks.
Ryan Schwieger recruitment continues to take off, shined in the Sweet 16
STORY: https://t.co/1Y9UnyO7Gj pic.twitter.com/Y4ErA3LGcI
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 18, 2016
Reid Walker (Lithia, Fla.), – Tampa Titans – 2017
Walker’s skill set continues to round out and with that his production grows exponentially. In a three-game set at the Bob Gibbons Invitational, Walker put up 20 points multiple times while doing it in a number of ways. He showed solid range to the arc and the ability to finish off the move. Standing at 6-4 Walker has the length to defend the wing and the strength to rebound his position. Look for the rising senior to be a hot name from the Sunshine State this July.
#TampaTitans ’17 Reid Walker (6-4/W) has generated new initial interest from a program in the Gulf South Conference. pic.twitter.com/dXxLZPRtmF
— Coach Rob Walker (@Tampa_Titans) May 20, 2016
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
