Who to Watch? Springtime Targets – March 9, 2023

Travel basketball season is here. Club teams are completing their tryouts and finalizing their rosters as high school ball comes to a close. Here are a handful of names to watch for this spring as players who we think are on the verge of breakout performances.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Junior forward William Jobe of King’s Ridge Christian School is poised for a huge spring. The 6-foot-10 prospect helped his squad to a state championship appearance this weekend. His length, skill, and feel for the game make him a must-watch target on the circuit this year with Team Dickerson.

Junior guard Anthony Alston carved out a big role for the Grayson Rams this season enroute to a Final Four appearance. Alston is a “3 and D” wing who provides timely buckets and can defend multiple positions on the perimeter. Look for him to continue his production this spring.

Sophomore point guard Marcus Smith backed up the hype followed him into this season. He firmly established himself as one of the top underclassmen in the state regardless of position. He led the Walnut Grove Warriors to a region championship this season. His blend of strength and explosiveness make him a consistently productive lead guard.

Freshman guard Malik Rideout gained valuable experience this season with the Knights at Central Gwinnett. His athleticism and versatility will catch eyes this spring. Rideout is yet to come into his own as to what his calling card specialty will be at the next level. However, with the playing time he received this season, he is positioned well for future development.

Freshman wing Manny Green caught our eye early this season with a solid outing with Cedar Grove. The 6-5 prospect brings size and shot making ability to the court. We predict that his versatility and athleticism will make him an intriguing underclass recruiting target this year.

Jayce Nathaniel enjoyed a breakout season for the Longhorns at Lanier High School. He was a double-double threat nightly for coach Branden Mayweather’s squad who finished with 26 wins and a trip to the Final Four. Nathaniel is a 6-8 prospect who can protect the rim defensively and score from the high post on the offensive end. With added skill work at the next level, there is even a higher ceiling possible for the Sugar Hill native.

Like Nathaniel above, Micah Smith is a versatile forward who can fill out the stat sheet every night. We watched Smith with Sandy Creek late in the season and was impressed with his ability to clean the glass and lead the break in the open court. Smith is a nationally ranked prospect with recently reported offers from Auburn, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, and Memphis.

Jonathan Hemingway has been a National Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2013. He has been involved in the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him at JLHemingway@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @JL_Hemingway.