#OTRHoopsReport: Under the Radar Guards – August 11, 2015
Class of 2016 guard Myles Powell of Trenton, N.J., is one of the nation’s premier shooters. Read three of the nation’s best unranked guards here. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
By this point every year analysts, fans and coaches alike have identified the ELITE prospects in the nation. This is not to say that there are not players outside of the top 100 who could impact immediately at the next level. Here are a handful of guards who are on the outside looking in to most rankings, but proved themselves with production.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @OntheRadarHoops
EYBL Circuit Standouts
Carsen Edwards (Humble, Texas), Houston Hoops – 2016
While playing alongside one of the nation’s premier point guards in De’Aaron Fox, Edwards averaged 15 points per game on the EYBL circuit. Edwards is a pace-setter as a lead guard, but he proved that he could be effective in a shooting guard role as well. He shot a solid 39% from the arc while shooting just under 50% from the field. Edwards projects to be a player that can give a college program quality minutes as a primary handler early in his career. He has the upside to become a double digit scorer nightly. Late last night Edwards gave his verbal commitment to Matt Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers per Nathan Baird of the Journal & Courier.
Charles Moore (Chicago, Ill.), Mac Irvin – 2016
Moore is a late-bloomer in terms of production. The 5-foot-11 point guard landed on our radar last spring when he attended the Nike Elite 100 Camp. However, he seemed to turn a corner this year on the EYBL circuit. The slashing scoring guard averaged 15 points a game while also dishing out 4.4 assists per contest. He consistently demonstrated a lightning crossover move that allowed him to create space against defenders. Although some may classify him as undersized, he makes up for that with great body control and change of pace with the ball in his hands. There are a number of schools that are pursuing the rising senior. Per Derek Piper of Scout.com, California, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa and VCU have all extended offers to the guard in this calendar year.
Myles Powell (Trenton, N.J.), New Jersey Playaz – 2016
When speaking exclusively about shooters, it is hard to find many guards that filled up more than Powell did this year. He blazed the nets for the Playaz to the tune of 18.1 points per game on the circuit. That average ranked him tenth overall in the league. He did that while leading the EYBL in 3-pointers made and shooting a solid 39% from beyond the arc. Although he may lack the ideal size for a wing shooter at 6-1, one cannot argue his production. Powell followed up his impressive circuit season with an equally productive outing at the NBPA Top 100 Camp where he finished in the top ten in scoring and again led in 3-point field goals made. As we have seen shooting percentages dip at the collegiate level in recent years, Powell’s value should be at max value for college programs. Per Adam Zagoria of the Zagsblog.com, Powell recently trimmed his list of schools to eight. Those schools are Georgetown, UConn, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, VCU, St. Joe’s, Seton Hall and DePaul.
OntheRadarHoops.com Event Standouts
Kaleb Hunter (North Raleigh, N.C.), Team United – 2017
The combo guard is one of the toughest slashers we evaluated on the summer circuit in July. While he shoots it well enough to keep perimeter defenders honest, it his end to end speed that keeps opponents off balance.
Luis Hurtado (Sagemont, Fla.), E1T1 – 2017
We noted the 6-4 guard this spring from his performance at Bob Gibbons (Hemingway’s Notebook). He continued that consistency into July as he continued to prove that he can be a primary handler while balancing getting his own shot. His length in the back court combined with his skill make him a guard that will not be under the radar for long.
Collin Sexton (Mableton, Ga.), Southern Stampede – 2017
The 6-4 dynamo continued his assault upon defenders in July. His quickness and ball skill allow him to attack defenders effectively. What makes him one of the best junior guards in the state of Georgia is his ability to score off the bounce. Few kids have his blend of speed and touch in the back court.
Zach Scott (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Florida Vipers
The point guard from the Sunshine State will not be under the radar for long if he continues playing like he did at the #OTRElite32. His explosiveness off the dribble allows him to get past defenders. He picked up offers from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Central Florida along the way.
Jordan Usher (Canton, Ga.), Atlanta Celtics – 2017
The 6-6 guard refuses to plateau in his development. His length and ability to get into the passing lanes have been his calling calling card in years past. Yet, this summer he proved that he can be an effective two-way player for the Atlanta Celtics. His ability to get buckets earned him offers from DePaul and Florida International after his performance at the #OTRSuper6 Showcase.
College Coaches can get the full report by clicking here!
Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities
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
Shun Williams is the owner of On the Radar Hoops, Inc. The On the Radar Hoops Report is picked up by Division I and II colleges and universities across the country. He serves as the director of the On the Radar Hoops Fall Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Spring Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Invitational, Elite 32 Session I, Elite 32 Session II, Power 24, and Super 6 Showcase Session I & II
