#OTRHoopsReport: Name Dropping from Indi Hoops TOC – April 18, 2017
The IndiHoops TOC is a tournament that hosted teams from all over the Southeast in preparation for the upcoming NCAA evaluation weekends.
SUWANEE, Georgia, – Last year Collin Sexton began his case as a top 25 player nationally at the Indi Hoops TOC. This year Indi Hoops was back at Suwanee Sports Academy to host some of the nation’s premier travel teams from throughout the Southeast. Here are a few more names that emerged from last weekend’s tournament. (See the Standout RECAP here)
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Big Men on the Block
There were a number of post players of interest last weekend. Class of 2018 combo post Kalu Ezikpe of AC Georgia is becoming a hot name in the metro-Atlanta area. He battled with Emmitt Williams of E1T1 and proved he could defend and rebound at high levels. Do not sleep on his face up game either as he hit the open spot-up jumper and attacked from the high post area. The 6-foot-7 power forward picked up an offer from Troy yesterday while also having Iowa State, Garner Webb, Georgia State and Wofford into see him at Discovery High School.
Blessed to receive an offer from Troy University
— Kalu Ezikpe (@EzikpeKalu14) April 18, 2017
Class of 2018 post Amanze Ngumezi of 1Family is the type of big man who can be functional in a number of areas. His college ready frame allows him to establish position on the block or bang defensively versus the opponents. Listed at 6-7 he plays bigger than that often while also having very good springs in his legs. He recently picked up an offer from Florida Gulf Coast.
Team Breakdown had plenty of interior size to complement their terrific guard play. Class of 2018 post Emmanuel Dowuona has the size and frame that reminds us of Abdul Ado who is on the roster at Mississippi State as a freshman. Dowuona picked up offers from USC and Arkansas State heading into this spring.
Steady Guard Performances
Playing on one of the premier travel teams nationally, for a second straight year, Nick Honor is showing that he can be a difference maker. He is a perfect complement to E1T1’s backcourt which consists of Antwann Jones, Will Richardson and himself. Honor is a shot maker and a threat to attack the paint when the defense closes out long. He picked up offers from American University and Toledo earlier this year.
Nick Honor @NickHonor3 showed that he can penetrate and kick but also connect on the mid-range/deep jump shots
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) April 15, 2017
Showtime Ballers took home a championship and Sylvain Francisco carried home the Indi Hoops TOC MVP award. He is an electric finisher above the rim, but it is his shot making ability that could separate him as a potential difference at the next level. Francisco is an available 2017 prospect and had an array of high major offers coming into this calendar year.
Highlight of Francisco courtesy of Blue Chip Hoops
The Southern Stampede have a high flyer of their own on the 17U team. Jalen Lecque, who reclassified into the class of 2019, is an impressive athlete. He finished around the rim as well as anyone at the Indi Hoops TOC. He holds offers from a variety of colleges including Iona and VCU.
Look Out Ahead
We mentioned Naseem Khaalid yesterday as the best underclassmen prospect in the building, but there are a few other names to remember as well. Class of 2020 Scottie Barnes of Thunderstruck (FL) is an intriguing prospect. Last listed at 6-6, he very well may be growing as we speak. His long wingspan, guard-like ball skill and ability to finish in traffic had many watching this weekend.
Class of 2019 guard Brendan Tucker of Game Elite 16U is not a new name for anyone who has paid attention to basketball in the metro-Atlanta area recently. Tucker’s size and athleticism is legit. With Ashton Hagans (2019) transferring to Oak Hill Academy, could Tucker be considered atop of the 2019 list of Georgia guards?
The Southern Stampede seem to be filled with capable guard play from their top team down to their 15U team. Caleb Byrd, a class of 2020 point guard, showed his skills during the weekend. He is very good at getting his shot in the mid-range. He has an advanced skill set to go along with exceptional quickness.
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
