#OTRHoopsReport: What We Learned Jared Cook Classic – Nov. 28, 2013

Rakim Lubin of Buford, Ga., proved at the Jared Cook Classic that he has a world of potential.
*Photo by Ty Freeman

SUWANEE – The Jared Cook Classic has become a staple of the metro Atlanta calendar. North Gwinnett High has done such a good job with the event that teams from South Carolina and the southern part of Georgia came to take part as well. Monday night had a local feel with eight teams from around the city playing. We learned a couple of things during the night’s marquee matchup as Buford faced off with Peachtree Ridge.

By: @BrandonClayPSB

1) UConn signee Rakim Lubin has a world of potential.

Much has been made in the recruiting world about 6-foot-7 power forward Rakim Lubin of Buford High. We talked about the four-star prospect in an evaluation of his practice in late-October. Lubin showed here in a matchup with Jacksonville signee Amir Warlock that he is capable of emerging into a player capable of making the Huskies better with his presence. Though he still isn’t as smooth offensively as some of the other posts in the class nationally, Lubin showed flashes of what could be in Storrs hitting a soft eight foot jumper off of a post spin move. On another possession, Rubin literally cleared space between himself and Warlock in the post with his shoulders finishing the basket with the future Dolphin draped all over him.

2) Aaron Augustin is as smooth as his Twitter handle.

The 5-10 guard uses the moniker @SwavyyGambinoo on the social media utility, Twitter. On Monday night, the Peachtree Ridge high standout showed that he is an impact player at the guard position scoring in a variety of ways. A class of 2016 prospect, Augustin used the step back jumper, wide open 3-pointer and also slashed his way right to the rim to finish. Augustin’s presence on the game left the impression that he was involved in every Peachtree Ridge score whether assisting or scoring in the entire second half.

3) D’Marcus Simonds could be a premier recruit nationally.

Simonds, a 6-4 shooting guard, can score the basketball. The class of 2016 prospect is at his best in the open floor finishing in traffic with good body control. Central Gwinnett High coach Branden Mayweather remarked “the kid [Simonds] can make a play when it appears there is no gap for a play to be made.” After some off court issues as a freshman kept Simonds from playing the majority of the season, he’s back attacking rims and opposing defenses with a vengeance.

Check the dunk that Simonds closed the game down with:

Brandon Clay Brandon Clay is the Director of Scouting for the OTRHoopsReport.com. Clay is also the owner of Peach State Basketball, Inc., and ProspectsNation.com. Clay has been involved in the community since 2001 as an evaluator, event operator and trainer. You can reach him at BrandonClay@PeachStateBasketball.com


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