#OTRHoopsReport: In Focus with Eric Hamilton – Oct. 28, 2013

Editor’s Note: “In Focus” is a regular piece designed to give readers an in depth view of notable basketball players from around the country.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Each year there is a player that takes the college scouts by surprise on the summer circuit.  This year it was Eric Hamilton of Duluth, Ga. who solidified himself as a four-star prospect during the summer months.  Hamilton who recently transferred to Duluth High School for his senior year did not play in the previous season, but that has not prevented his recruitment from taking off after a successful summer campaign.

Hamilton tells OntheRadarHoops.com that a number of schools have been actively pursuing him since the end of July.

“My recruitment really picked up after AAU season.  I just recently cut my list of schools that I am considering from over 25 schools to eight,” Hamilton said.  “I am deciding between Auburn, Cleveland St., Jacksonville, James Madison, Murray State, Northfolk St., Northwestern and Wichita State.”

When asked about why the attention towards him has skyrocketed as of late, Hamilton says “The answer is simple: hard work.  I have worked very hard to prepare over the past few years.”

Hamilton feels as if he still has much to prove to himself and those around him.  He has set a lofty goal by saying “I have the talent to be one of the better players in the state of Georgia and I want to show that I am exactly that.”

The publisher of the OTRHoopsReport.com, Shun Williams, agrees with Hamilton’s self assessment.  “Hamilton has one of the most unique skill sets in the state of Georgia,” Williams said of the 6-foot-7 forward.  “However, what I like about him the most is his motor.  He always looks to produce and compete.”

With the future so bright, Hamilton is not getting blinded by the praise.  His plan for the future reflects a young man with a purpose.

“I transferred to Duluth because it was one of the top academic schools in Gwinnett County.  And when I choose a college, academics will be important in that decision,” Hamilton told OntheRadarHoops.com at the Fall Showcase.  “I probably will not make a college decision before December.  I would like to keep my options open before then.”

Hamilton has not planned on stopping his improvement on the floor, however.  Not only is a challenging academic setting important to the versatile four-player, but also the coaching staff at the college level is important as well.

As Hamilton says, “I am looking for a coaching staff that will continue to work on skill development with me.  If God blesses me with an opportunity to play after college, I want coaches who will prepare me for that next step.”

The bottom line for the 6-7 forward is he has plenty of potential in front of him.  How he turns that potential into production will be the storyline for his final year in high school.  Hamilton is a face-up forward who can score at the arc, but is also a threat to score at the rim.  With the type of focus that Hamilton displayed at the Fall Showcase in September, he is poised to have a break out senior season.

***See what play CoachHemi.com says would fit Eric Hamilton: 4 Player Iso***

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