OTRHoopsReport: Hoop Hall Classic – London & Oubre – Jan. 20, 2014
Springfield, Mass. – The Hoop Hall Classic provided the stage for the nation’s top talent to compete against each other. The three day weekend provided many local observers as well as fans from around the nation a glimpse of dozens of top 100 caliber talent. We will take a look at two seniors who are poised to contribute for their colleges next fall.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Makinde London (Nashville, Tenn.) – Montverde Academy – 2014
Standing at 6-foot-9 tall, London exhibits the prototypical 21st century frame of a power forward. He has the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor with nimble feet and quick hands. However, what London showed on Monday evening is that his offensive game is much more diverse than that of a “run-n-jump” 4-player. Perhaps it is because the Xavier signee experienced a late growth spurt and had focused upon being a perimeter player before stretching out eight inches in recent years. Nevertheless, the London showed exceptional touch from behind the arc by hitting a number of three point jumpers for his Montverde Academy team. He also exhibited ball handling skill that would allow London to play on the wing and even be a secondary handler at times at the next level. The term “steal” is often overused and perhaps not applicable for a perennial NCAA Tournament qualifier like Xavier. However, the Musketeers have to be excited about the production that London could bring to the Big East Conference.
Makinde London Highlights compliments from Courtcred:
Kelly Oubre Jr. (Fort Bend, Texas) – Findlay College Prep – 2014
In one the better individual match-ups of the MLK weekend was watching the future Jayhawk in Oubre face off against North Carolina signee Theo Pinson of Greensboro, N.C. In the opening minutes of the game it appeared that Pinson would single-handedly run away with the game himself. However, behind the steady two-way play of Oubre, the game gradually would swing in favor of Findlay Prep. Director of Scouting for the OTRHoopsReport.com, Brandon Clay, described the 6-7 wing’s game very well in his October Prospect Eval. We saw exactly what Brandon saw from the USA Basketball Mini-Camp in Colorado Springs from Oubre as he cruised to a 23 point performance. His effortless, yet powerful dunks in transition gained the attention of everyone in the stands at Springfield College. Perhaps went unnoticed in this game was how Oubre provided a key defensive presence both by pressuring Pinson with on the ball defense and also shooting the gaps while defending away from the ball. Look for Oubre to be a perfect perimeter compliment to Cliff Alexander’s interior presence next season Lawrence, Kansas.
***See what play CoachHemi.com says would fit Kelly Oubre: Backscreen/Re-Screen Action***
Kelly Oubre Highlights compliments IA Elites:
Prospect Evaluation/Exposure Options
***Designed for DII, III, NAIA & JUCO exposure. These events average 25 to 30 schools on hand to watch the showcase participants.
OnTheRadarHoops Spring Showcase (March 22)
OnTheRadarHoops Fall Showcase (Sept.)
Elite Basketball Academy Series
***Designed for evaluation purposes, these are great opportunities for upperclassmen and underclassmen alike to get valuable game broadcasts that can be sent to college coaches with a single email message. For underclassmen, it also serves as the gateway for prospects with remaining high school eligibility to play in front of the OnTheRadarHoops.com staff.
March 9th – EBA Top 40 Spring Workout
March 15th – CoachHemi.com Showcase
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball. 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
