Atlanta Jam: Friday Notebook Part 1

Keith Agran

April 13, 2021 @ 12:10 PM

Had a busy weekend out of the ATL-Metro, so I only got to see one night of the HoopSeen Atlanta Jam. Here are some performers who stood out: K’hamani Olivacce, 5-9, PG, PSB (2022, North Atlanta) The best PG performance I saw on a night where point men thrived, terrific quickness gives him blow-by ability but he’s also a crafty ballhandler and uses hesitation and speed changes to be effective, showed all kinds of impressive mid-range ability in addition to knocking down 3-balls and getting to the rim, among the best on-ball defenders I’ve seen this grassroots season. Gus Hood, 6-1, SG, PSB (2022, Rabun County) Combines flash and flair with a sound understanding of the game, all of that usually results in either a fun play to watch or a smart decision resulting in scoring for himself or others, can be effective as a 1 but does most of his damage as a wing player slashing to the basket with and without the ball, solid range for knocking down open looks and generally does a slew of positive things at both ends. Omari Hamilton, 6-5, PF, PSB (2022, Dacula) Playing with another tangy forward in 6-5 Abduhl Diaby (2022, Grayson) the two were a handful when in the lineup together, Hamilton is tough and fearless finishing around the basket and has soft hands, his length means he can wrap you up on the defensive and with good lift can get off the deck top clean the boards in a hurry. [player_tooltip player_id="1167117" first="Tre" last="Chatman"], 6-4, SG/SF, SBT (2022, North Cobb Christian) Becoming a regular on weekend wrap-ups, once again saw lots of defensive attention but fought through some physical play and found his way to the line a lot, slowed things down a bit and with a combination of aggressive and sly scoring acumen from both the perimeter and inside the paint got his numbers. [player_tooltip player_id="1020680" first="Dajaun" last="Devonish"], 5-11, PG, OTP (2022, Etowah) Has been torching folks in March and April with his continued improvement, you can see the progression from last summer where the tantalizing skill was often outdone by questionable decision-making, that has morphed now into a much more mature and polished combo guard who can handle the game at the 1 or slide over and drill you from deep or as a slashing finisher, set up for a big senior year at this pace. Caleb Moore, 6-2, PG, OTP (2022, Washington County) Making a nice name for himself in the ATL-Metro by outplaying a lot of solid players in the backcourt, strong and savvy he can play with the likes of a Devonish and make for a 2-headed beast or handle the ball himself out front and show his lead guard chops, at his best right now getting to the basket with his speed and will absolutely guard you up and down the floor.