#OTRHoopsReport: Impact Commitments – October 5, 2016

Class of 2017 wing DJ Harvey of Md., projects to fit perfectly within the Fighting Irish system. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike

The smell of fall is in the air. College football Saturdays have a significance even for future future college basketball players. This is the season for official visits and commitments for many within the ELITE category. This week Brandon Clay and Jonathan Hemingway take a look at three important commitments nationwide and what that means for those programs.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

IMPACT COMMITMENTS

Chaundee Brown (Orlando, Fla.), Nike South Beach / The First Academy – Wake Forest

Clay’s Takeaway

“I love what Wake Forest is getting in Brown. He is a strong scoring guard who is at his best when attacking the rim right now. Though his jump shot is still a bit inconsistent, Chaundee has shown real growth in that area over the past year. At the end of the day, Brown is a good athlete capable of making plays getting downhill off of the bounce. He’ll be in a position to help Wake win battles against anyone inside the ultra-competitive ACC including the other three members of Tobacco Road.”

Hemingway’s Takeaway

“Brown becomes coach Danny Manning’s highest ranked commitment since getting the job in 2014. Although the Demon Deacons have landed multiple 4-star prospects in previous years, Brown becomes the prospect that Manning can build around for years to come. He is a strong framed wing that can impose his will at the rim. His jumper is showing signs of life as he shot over 40% from 3-point range on the EYBL circuit and Peach Jam combined. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205, he has the physical stature to become an instant threat in ACC play.”

Bruno Fernando (Luana, Angola), E1T1 / Montverde Academy – Maryland 

Clay’s Takeaway

“After reclassfying to 2017, Fernando has set out to work on his game. The future Maryland Terp put up staggering EYBL numbers in just six regular-season games: 12.8 points, 7 rebounds per on 79 percent from the line, 63 percent from the field. Fernando is an elite athlete who hit a 15 footer as well as a right-handed half hook in this eval. He has as much potential and size as former Terp Diamond Stone. Look for similar production from Fernando during his time in College Park.”

Hemingway’s Takeaway

“I was immediately taken by the potential of Fernando when I first saw him in May of 2015 on the EYBL circuit. At the time he was playing behind Tony Bradley of E1T1, but his sheer physical presence and athletic tools had me fascinated (Read my 2015 reaction here). Since then his skill set has polished and as a result his production has increased. Landing with Mark Turgeon is a very good sign for Bruno. Turgeon oversaw the development of Phoenix Suns center Alex Len and last year’s 40th overall pick, Diamond Stone. Fernando has the frame to impact in Big Ten play and a ceiling to play professionally for years to come.”

DJ Harvey (Hyattsville, Md.), Team Takeover / DeMatha HS – Notre Dame Commit

Clay’s Takeaway

“In evaluating Harvey’s play on ten different occasions since the ninth grade, there is no question that he is a talented prospect. He struggled a bit during Nike EYBL play this season. That said, the future Notre Dame swingman played with a renewed pace during the Atlanta stop making plays on both ends against Cal Supreme’s talented roster with DeAndre Ayton and Brandon McCoy. Harvey averaged 11 points, 6.7 rebounds and right at 2 assists per in 16 EYBL games. He shot right at 68 percent from the line and 30.5 perfect from the 3-point line. Both of those numbers have room for improvement but the talent / size is there for him to be a productive guy in South Bend.”

Hemingway’s Takeaway

“Notre Dame is an outstanding fit for a prospect like Harvey. Coach Mike Brey has done a fantastic job of developing guards in recent years. Take 2015 NBA Draft prospects Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton as an example. Harvey will become the most talented recruit landed by the Irish in recent memory. Brey’s guard-centric offense that places importance on 3-ball shooting and play creation on the perimeter will fit Harvey very well. In addition, Harvey will not be asked to carry the load of play-making as there will be plenty of back court help when he gets there in the Fall of 2017. In the long view, Harvey fits a real need at the NBA level if he continues to develop as a prospect. Standing at 6-6, he provides length, shot making ability and defensive versatility which are held at a premium in NBA front-offices. It is too early to tell if Harvey is a one and done prospect, but he certainly should be an impact player for the Irish.”

Brandon Clay is the owner of Peach State Basketball, Inc., and BrandonClayScouting.com. He serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. Clay is a McDonald’s All-American Game Selection Committee member. He also votes on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is the HS Boys / Girls All-American Team Board of Selectors Chairperson. He has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach Clay at BrandonClay@PeachStateBasketball.com

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also 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