NCAA Academy Session 1: Georgia Recap

Madison Durr (Pace)- Durr used his size advantage well against smaller guards and played a nice all-around game as usual. He constantly improved throughout the spring and summer and ended it with a nice showing in Houston. Looks ready for a big junior season on a loaded Pace team. Jamaine Mann (Dutchtown)- Mann did a lot of his usual things at camp. He is as physical as they come and seeks out bodies whenever he is in the paint. Mann is an explosive athlete who can handle playing against taller opponents because of his strength. Respectable perimeter skill also. RJ Noord (Heritage-Conyers)- Because of his intense, active approach, Noord will produce in almost any setting. He is always locked in on defense and is no slouch on the offensive end either. The full game I watched ended with him hitting clutch shots in a nice win. Jaylin Galloway (TSF)- A quiet, laid-back player, Galloway was not shy at all in Houston. He was looking for his shot often, and connected frequently. Continuing to assert himself well be key in his development and recruitment. He has the size at 6’5” and skill to be a serious SG target in Georgia’s 2021 class. Josh Taylor (Norcross)- One never has to question Taylor’s motor. He gives 100% effort every time he’s on the court and the NCAA Academy was no different. His team seemed to develop chemistry quickly and carried it throughout camp. Taylor is a double-double machine whose jumper has improved significantly. Sutton Smith (Denmark)- It happens in pretty much every event, but Smith proved to be one of the best floor generals in either Session in Houston. He ran his team very well and made few mistakes, showing once again that he compete against and play with high-level players while producing himself. Nyle Hillmon (Pebblebrook)- Hillmon was able to give his team efficient production as one of the younger players at camp. He is very skilled for a rising sophomore and should do some good things for a very talented Pebblebrook team this season. His poise and calm, smooth play are impressive. Blake Hadley (Pebblebrook)- Another Pebblebrook member, Hadley is an active, physical forward who always seems to make an impact in the paint. He can overwhelm opponents with his strength and rebounds well on both backboards. His toughness and low-maintenance style are boosts to any team. Jaycee Hawkins (Pebblebrook)- I think Hawkins might be the lone rising senior for Pebblebrook this season. He is an effective outside shooter with a thick body that he uses from time to time. Hawkins is small but his build allows him to get in the lane and make things happen. Luke Champion (Lambert)- Champion seemed to perform better as the camp progressed, hurting opponents with his outside shooting consistently. There weren’t many who could heavily contest his shot considering that he’s 6’7”. Champion also went to the offensive glass a few different times throughout camp. Toneari Lane (Grayson)- Lane carried on his hot play with the Celtics into Houston. He is playing more confidently than anyone in the state and understandably so. Lane has developed into a serious deep threat and still makes sure to bang and attack the basket. London Riley- The trio of Riley, Lane, and Champion was capable of going for 10-15 made 3’s nearly every game in Houston. Riley continued to make his case for best shooter in Georgia with multiple games where he was on fire from the outside. His lack of offers still surprises me. Jack Kostel (Mill Creek)- His team struggled, but Kostel’s individual performance at camp was good. He was able to thrive in the open, free camp style with his speed in transition and ability to create off the dribble. Kostel continues to show that he does just about everything, especially rebounding at the PG spot. Chase Cormier (St. Pius)- Cormier was switched onto a team that had multiple top 2022 prospects and solid 2020 guards, but fit right in with them. He hit shots and displayed his ability off the dribble, an area that he showed strides in throughout the travel season. He will carry a heavy load for St. Pius this year. Seth Cushenberry (Druid Hills)- Cushenberry was one of the more unique prospects in attendance in Houston. He has a huge, wide body, but serves primarily as someone who can stretch the floor. Cushenberry is a below the rim player, but does use his body to carve out space and create angles when he does go down low. Lamar Oden (Greenforest)- A prospect whose recruitment has really taken off recently, Oden brought his usual bag of tricks to the NCAA Academy. He showed his versatility as someone who can handle the ball, facilitate, score, and rebound effectively. Oden looked to take on various roles at camp. He is currently on an official visit at Drexel. Josh Reed (Pace)- Another 2022 prospect, Reed showed that he belonged early on in camp. His shooting ability was evident as usual, but he also did some good work in the paint and showed other parts to his game. Reed looked more comfortable handling the ball in transition and made some nice cuts in the halfcourt. Micah Roebuck (Franklin)- Roebuck didn’t score particularly well in the segments of camp that I saw, but still did some good things. When his outside shot wasn’t falling, Roebuck looked to attack off the dribble and was able to get by defenders frequently. His speed was impressive and he asserted himself often.