#OTRHoopsReport: Summer Stock Risers – August 4, 2015
Auburn commit Jared Harper proved he is one of the nation’s best point guards this summer when he claimed co-MVP honors at the Nike Peach Jam. Look for Harper to be one of the Atlanta’ areas best this season. Photo cred – Jon Lopez / Nike
July is known for heat! The action on the basketball courts often matches the temperature outside. With so many players hitting the courts all over the country, it is impossible to pinpoint who had the biggest summer. However, we can make a judgment on a few of the players who crossed our attention. Here is a rundown of a few players that made a splash on the national and local scenes.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Naismith Player of the Year Watch
BREAKING: ’16 G Kameron McGusty (TX) to Oklahoma. #Super6Showcase EVAL: Slashing playmaker, can score or distribute. pic.twitter.com/DWFJWahl7Q
— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) July 20, 2015
After back to back impressive performances at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and at the Super 6 Showcase, McGusty positioned himself as one of the nation’s elite play-making guards. Standing at 6-foot-5 he has the diverse skill set to score the ball with the jumper or off the drive. The shooting guard capped an impressive summer campaign by committing to coach Lon Kruger and the Sooners of Oklahoma. Look for him to be a lock to enter the BrandonClayScouting.com rankings this fall and a potential candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year in his senior year in high school.
Atlanta Tip-Off Club Player of the Year Watch
#EBAAllAmerican: ’16 Jared Harper was Peach Jam MVP we broke his game down here w/ video: http://t.co/VjPJqVVmah https://t.co/cSr22nOFcX
— Kris Watkins (@KrisWatkinsPSB) July 12, 2015
The Auburn commit seemed to catch the country off guard with 34 point game in the championship game of the Nike Peach Jam. Harper was named co-MVP and left a nation of twitter followers saying “why isn’t this guy ranked.” We had Harper pegged as a 4 star plus prospect following his #EBAAllAmerican performance last September, where he went toe-toe with another Elite 100 prospect in D’Marcus Simonds. Not to mention Harper led his Pebblebrook team to the state championship game and was just two Jaylen Brown free throws away from being crowned a state champ. Harper’s track record is solid and his summer performance puts him atop of the list for early consideration for the Atlanta Tip-Off Club Player of the Year.
Atlanta Tip-Off Club All-Metro Team Watch-list
Teshaun Hightower has improved alot. Is getting to the basket and getting easy pts at FT line for HeatCheck @HeatCheckbball
— Willie Evans Jr. (@Jr_OTRH) July 18, 2015
Hightower burst onto the summer scene by showing his skills at the #EBASuper64 Camp in June (Watch highlights and read his evaluation here). Standing at 6-5 with a lanky build, the class of 2016 prospect showed all the tools you would like out of a high octane scoring wing. He demonstrated the ability to score above the rim while also being able to knock down shots from long range. He continued his progression this summer by joining Heat Check and showing his skills at the Super 6 Showcase. He has fielded calls form Appalachian State, Gardner Webb, South Alabama, Southeast Missouri State and many others since his July performances. If Hightower continues on this trajectory, he could become one of Gwinnett County’s biggest new names this year.
College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here!
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