#OTRHoopsReport: Versatility at a Premium – August 28, 2016
Class of 2017 post Jaren Jackson of LaPorte, Ind., heads the list of players who can affect the game in a number of areas. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
Recently we have seen a rise of players at the professional and collegiate level who play a number of positions. The ability to affect the game in multiple ways is a valuable asset for coaches. Earlier this month we wrote on ELITE Specialists, now we present those players provide ELITE versatility.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Jaren Jackson (LaPorte, Ind.), Spiece Indy Heat – 2017
(Photo by Jon Lopez)
Jackson could be next up in the line of new age big men who can protect the paint while also being to stretch the floor with the jumper. Standing at 6-foot-10 he hauled in seven rebounds per game while swatting two blocks per game on the EYBL circuit. He did this while averaging 17 points per game while shooting 44% from the arc. The lanky prospect checks most of the boxes that coaches and scouts want from a versatile big man. He gives a true inside-out threat at the next level. Per Corey Evans of the Roundball Rundown Report, Jackson visited Notre Dame this weekend.
**Jackson committed to Michigan State September 15**
Kyle Young (Massillon, Ohio), King James Shooting Stars- 2017
(Photo by Jon Lopez)
Young is a 4-player with small forward skill. In our evaluation of him at Session IV of the EYBL circuit, we witnessed his ability to reverse the ball at the top of the key as a facilitator. He also showed off his deep range on his jumper. He did this all the while grabbing 8.5 rebounds per game and shooting over 50% from the field. The 6-8 forward projects to give versatility, but also production at the next level. Per his Twitter, Young has narrowed his list of schools to 10 which include Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, West Virginia and others.
**Young committed to Butler on August 29**
Jordan Usher (Marietta, Ga.), Atlanta Celtics – 2017
Usher’s progression as a prospect has been steady since we first evaluated him in 2013. His physical gifts have always been intriguing as a player who could play the passing lanes and finish in transition. What we saw from Usher this year, however, is now a 6-7 wing can affect the game as a scorer and defender consistently. In fact in Dallas on the Gauntlet Series, he led the league with 24.5 points per game while also grabbing 9.3 rebounds. He is firmly entrenched in the nation’s top 100 prospects, because of his two-way production. He visited the University of Southern California this weekend.
Headed to USC❗️LA whats up #FightOn pic.twitter.com/S01tpCf8DL
— Jordan Usher (@100J_ush) August 25, 2016
**Usher committed to USC September 2**
Wyatt Wilkes (Winter Park, Fla.), CP 25 Southeast Elite – 2017
Wilkes is a forward in the same mold as the aforementioned Young. He can defend and rebound the 4-spot, but he has versatility that allows him to fly all over the floor. We have seen his hyper athleticism lead to booming dunks in the lane and on the break. With CP 25 Southeast Elite he put up almost 10 points and six rebounds per game. Those numbers should easily translate to the next level given his high motor and consistent production. Finding consistency on his 3-point jumper will be of utmost importance in the next 12 months. Per Jerry Meyer of 247 Sports, Wilkes has official visits lined up with Butler, Florida State and Missouri this fall.
Mizzou showing love! pic.twitter.com/twnXOb7qBz
— Wyatt Wilkes (@wyattwilkes) July 30, 2016
**Wilkes committed to Florida State on August 31st**
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
