#OTRHoopsReport: Mr. Georgia Basketball Frontrunners – January 16, 2017
Since 1983 the Atlanta Tip-Off Club has recognized the state of Georgia’s top basketball player. The rich basketball history from the Peach State has produced the likes of NBA pros such as Lou Williams (2005-South Gwinnett), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (1994-95-Wheeler), Dwight Howard (2004-Southwest Atlanta Christian) and most recently Jaylen Brown (2005-Wheeler). Although it may be too soon to project any of the current Georgia prospects as sure-fire NBA lottery picks, the talent and the potential is certainly there.
This week our staff looks at what we think are the top four front-runners for the award, which will be given in March.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Tye Fagan – Upson Lee HS – 6’3 Guard
Overview: Some might say that Fagan is a “long-shot” for the award. The MTSU signee might have other words for that idea. Upson-Lee HS has not lost a game since 2016. That is 50 in a row and a state championship for those of you counting at home. Fagan carried his team to three impressive wins at the City of Palms Classic last month. That included a 34 point effort to claim the Signature Series Championship. There are not many more deserving to be on this list than Fagan.
Video Courtesy of @FloHoops
The disrespect is real. This dude’s ankles will never be the same. ?? @Tyefagan pic.twitter.com/NEPRfx2LZP
— FloHoops (@FloHoops) December 20, 2017
EJ Montgomery – Wheeler HS – 6’10” Forward
Overview: This year Montgomery became the prospect we all believed he could become. In years past the 6-10 forward showed glimpses of talent, but this year he has produced consistently. He is a double-double machine who has powered his Wheeler Wildcats to multiple big wins. His ability to finish around the bucket while also having versatility to stretch the floor with the jumper makes him one of the nation’s best. Montgomery was also named a McDonald’s All-American this week.
Video courtesy of @SUVtv
ICYMI, EJ Montgomery finished w/25pts, a big @BSouthShootout win, and @P5Designs MVP honors for @WheelerHoop yesterday.
Full game replay: https://t.co/38STP2V8rn#BSShootout @E_Montomery @Wheeler_High @samcrenshaw23 @GAHoopCircle @HSBasketballBR #SUVtv pic.twitter.com/LD2ihCE86l
— SUVtv (@SUVtv) January 3, 2018
Landers Nolley – Langston Hughes – 6’6″ Wing
Overview: Since signing his NLI with Virginia Tech in November, Nolley has taken his game to the next level. The problem for his opponents is that they are all still in high school and Nolley is playing like an ACC guard already. The first time we saw Nolley was actually when he was sophomore playing for Curie High School in Chicago. Here was his evaluation as he matched up against Thon Maker and Athlete’s Institute
Nolley had a productive game vs. Athlete’s Institute today scoring 15 points. He made hustle plays and found the incidental baskets well. He scored 15 points which also included three 3-pointers.
Fast forward to this year and Nolley is averaging over 30 points per game and even had a 50 point game last week. Some have expressed their opinion that Nolley was snubbed for the McDonald’s All-American Game, which will be moved from Chicago to Atlanta (ironically the same move that Nolley made before his junior year) this spring. Count on Buzz Williams to take that chip on Nolley’s shoulder and mold it into something even greater in Blacksburg.
Video courtesy of @ParallelsMedia_
Landers Nolley (@thatbooych3z) is showing why he can’t be left open. He’s a clutch spot up shooter. @LHughesHoops pic.twitter.com/Ce8oT2r5Dg
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) November 27, 2016
Reggie Perry – Thomasville HS – 6’9″ PF
Overview: Perry is a dominant big man. According to Brandon Clay, owner of Peach State Basketball, he reminds him of another Mr. Georgia Basketball winner; Gani Lawal (2007-Norcross). Perry who signed his NLI with Mississippi State last fall has one added advantage over Lawal at the next level, which is a perimeter jump shot. We have seen him hit the top of the key jumper with consistency over the years. Perry was also named a McDonald’s All-American this week.
Video courtesy of @KennyMoralesTV
ICYMI: I sat down with Thomasville five-star forward Reggie Perry (@_R1bang_) to talk about his commitment to Mississippi State. #HailState pic.twitter.com/JDSFmOxHCh
— Kenny Morales (@KennyMoralesTV) July 18, 2017
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
