Hoop Group DC 17U Standouts (Part 2)
Unfortunately the new NCAA rules only allowed for one live evaluation period this July, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good tournaments with good talent to go to. Hoop Group, one of the top organizations for exposure camps and AAU…
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Continue ReadingUnfortunately the new NCAA rules only allowed for one live evaluation period this July, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good tournaments with good talent to go to. Hoop Group, one of the top organizations for exposure camps and AAU tournaments, came back down to the DMV area, this time running their first ever DC JamFest at the brand new and unbelievably beautiful facility The St. James in Springfield, VA. (Side note: It’s almost possible to overstate how gorgeous this facility was, best one I’ve seen in my five years of doing this.)
While we all agreed that it could have possibly been the biggest tournament in the country if it was a live period event, it still brought loads of talented teams from from New England and the Mid-Atlantic Area, and there was a ton of talent on display. Here’s a look at part two of the 17U standouts from the DMV area.
Dowar Jioklow | 6’7” F | New World Gold
New World fell to Crown out of NY in the 17U championship, but Jioklow out of Flint Hill was very impressive with his activity and skill set for his size. The 6’7” forward was all over the glass on both ends of the floor, he showed that he can both run the floor and finish and handle in transition, he scored well from 15 feet and in and was an unselfish and good passer out of the block. From all accounts I’ve been told he’s a hard worker both in the gym and in the classroom and seems like a kid that low and mid major schools should seriously consider.
Efton Reid | 6’11” C | Team Takeover
Reid played up all season on the EYBL circuit with the 17U team, and while they didn’t attend the event he did come and play for the 16U team that played up in the 17U division. The near 7 footer continues to impress with his improved mobility and explosiveness around the rim, but it’s his overall skill set and feel for the game that makes him stand out as a possible five star. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands, he runs the floor well, he can stretch the defense out to three-point line and he’s a great teammate and leader as well. He’ll make a lot of noise as one of the best players in VA this year at Steward School.
Quincy Allen | 6’7” WF | Team Takeover
Allen is one of the hottest 2021 prospects in the DMV area as the Maret wing has all of the physical tools as far as height and length to be a big time player at the collegiate level. While he needs to fill out, Allen is capable of scoring it in bunches both on and off the basketball as he can make shots from all over but can also put it on the deck and create his own shot. He continues to improve his feel and overall game and should be on every high majors list moving into his junior season.
Jordan Hawkins | 6’5” WF | Team Durant
Another hot 2021 recruit in the DMV area, Hawkins is set to blow up with his move to DeMatha in the WCAC this year. He’s still somewhat raw and needs to fill out but he has a good looking frame with long arms, he’s super bouncy and all over the rim and he showed the ability to catch-and-shoot from deep while also being able to attack in straight lines. With his physical tools and high upside he’s already intriguing to a number of coaches, and as he continues to develop he should see that intrigue turn into more and more offers.
Julian Reese | 6’7” PF | Team Durant
When it comes to big men, Reese is another hot name in Maryland after picking up offers from Virginia Tech, VCU, Rutgers, Maryland and now LSU. He has a strong frame with long arms and he should continue to fill out and become more mobile as he works on his body, but it’s his touch and footwork that really stand out when you watch him play. He isn’t the most explosive guy but he gets up and down the floor, he can shoot the midrange, he can score over both shoulder and control the glass on both ends of the floor.
TJ Gadsen | 6’6” F | EBL
Not quite sure where Gadsen will end up as there’s rumors he’s leaving O’Connell, but if he goes to public school he should dominate and have a breakout season for sure. The 6’6” forward has somewhat of an awkward game, but he’s very effective and has the athleticism to play with high level guys on a night in and night out basis. He can play inside-out, he makes shots off the catch even when contested and he competes on both ends of the floor. He finds ways to be impactful in a number of areas and should be a steal for someone who’s willing to take a chance on him.
Ro Hutchinson | 6’2” WG | DC Blue Devils
I had never heard of this kid and can’t find many that have, but when I watched them play against VA Premier the kid flat out couldn’t miss and filled it up in bunches all game long. He showed good quickness with the ball in his hands and was able to handle in transition and get to the rack, but he really thrived off the ball where he moved well and absolutely torched the defense from deep. He hit 8 three-pointers in the game, and if anyone knows more about this kid they need to start telling college coaches now!