Indi Hoops Standouts Part 3
The annual Indi Hoops Tip Off Classic was held this past weekend in Suwanne, GA. This tournament is one of the top tournaments in the nation before the NCAA live period gets started a week later. The field this year, like it does every year, featured top shoe programs and non shoe programs. This year sponsored programs included Atlanta Express (GA), Nightrydas Elite (FL), Atheletes of Tomorrow (GA), Georgia Stars (GA), Each One Teach One (FL), Team Breakdown (FL), Atlanta Celtics (GA), Showtime Ballers (FL), and more. This field featured a plethora of next level prospects this weekend, but here are a few prospects that stood out to me all weekend part 3.
Note: Photo above by OST24/7
2020 point guard Sharife Cooper – Athletes of Tomorrow 17U – McEachern High School, GA
Mr. Smooth Operator Sharife Cooper had a fantastic weekend this past weekend and arguably had the best weekend out of every prospect who competed in the Indi Hoop Classic. Sharife and his AOT squad took home the championship this past weekend with their stellar play all game long. Sharife contiunes to show us why he should be in the conversation as top point guards for the class of 2020. He’s an elite facilitator and gets everyone on his team involved on the floor. His quickness can be underrated at times but he is certainly quick, especially in transition. He showed us he’s able to connect with his jump shots off the dribble as well all weekend long.
2020 point guard Dwon Odom – Atlanta Celtics 16U – Saint Francis High School, GA
Like his backcourt teammate in Devion Smith, Dwon Odom was an explosive guard who led the Atlanta Celtics 16U to the final four this past Sunday in the 16U bracket. Dwon will be one of the best guards in the nation in the class of 2020. Let us not be surprised if this kid is ranked once the updated 2020 rankings release this August. Odom is an athletic point guard who can attack the rim with extreme force much like a Dennis Smith Jr. He has crazy bounce and also capable of creating his own shot off the dribble. Defensively Odom makes an impact as well and is one of the best at scoring in transition.
2020 point guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. – Team Breakdown 17U – Gulliver Prep, FL
Yes Jamal Mashburn Jr, son of NBA legend Jamal Mashburn, came out this past weekend with Team Breakdown out of Florida. Safe to say this is one tough kid. Jamal put his skills on notice this weekend against some high major competition. He’s a tough point guard with a nice pull up jumper. He can attack in transition and loves to attack in the halfcourt. He was a great distributor this past weekend to get his teammates involved and created scoring opportunities for his squad. Jamal should make some noise this spring and summer in the Under Armour Association.
2020 guard Sam Hines – Game Elite 16U – Saint Francis High School, GA
Sam Hines impressed me this weekend but not with his scoring or strengths on offense but just his hustle and passion for the game. Hines did the little things for his Game Elite squad this past weekend. He’s an aggressive two-guard who is a fabulous rebounder. He has a strong body which helps him with his scoring inside the paint and assists him to draw fouls and get to the free throw line. Sam will most definitely be a production with Saint Francis in the next two seasons.
2019 point guard Tre Mann – E1T1 17U – The Villages Charter School, FL
Tre Mann is one the top prospects nationwide and currently ranked #52 according to ESPN in the class of 2019. He will be running with E1T1 (FL) this summer on the Nike EYBL circuit. Tre was not able to fully display his skills this weekend due to him coming off injury but he did give us a litte something. He displayed his point guard skills mostly and he is certainly a score first point guard. His quick jumper, off the catch and/or dribble, makes it difficult for defenders to contest his jump shot. I noticed Tre will pull up from anywhere once he passes halfcourt. He was also able to penetrate the lane and suck the defense in with ease, which created open shots or layups for his squad. Tre was also very fluid running point guard this weekend and should be a threat in the Nike EYBL.