#PrepHoopsLiveATL Preview July 8-10: Gotta See Em

<p>We have finally arrived at the big first live weekend of the summer with the July 7th-10th live weekend. The Prep Hoops Circuit is down in Atlanta with loads of great prospects, teams, and coverage to fill you in on every detail on the event.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We continue our preview coverage with some <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>"Gotta See Prospects"</strong></span></em> who will be down in the ATL that college coaches, scouts, and fans will have heads turning to see.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Noah Smith, 5’9 PG, Griffin Elite, 2025:</strong> A super athlete getting up to the rim in transition with tremendous spring that may catch some guys by surpise. Great first step and burst off the dribble and does a great job of weaving into the paint. He helps lead a really solid back court for Griffin. Plays with a big time motor and has quick hands on the defensive end. Great two way lead guard to watch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Landon Knopp, 6’4 SG, SSA Elite 2025 Black, 2025:</strong> A long and athletic two way wing player who had a massive June for his high school filling a big role for them throughout the month. Guards 1-4 with his combination of quickness and strength. On the offensive end he is a great straight line slasher and catch and shoot 3 ball player. Has a really high ceiling as he keeps developing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kyler D’Augstino, 6’2 SG, Mid Ohio Pumas Gold, 2023:</strong> A name who can really take off this live event is D’Austino after garnering some big time DII opportunities leading up to this weekend. He is a big time shot maker within a program that does things the right way and helps showcase guys how they would translate at the next level. Kyler plays with strength and balance in his attack game with an array of finishes off the glass and middle area floaters that are super effective. Has nice rhythm when getting to his jump shot as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1318179" first="Kyler" last="Penco"]<strong>, 6’3 Guard, Oklahoma Impact, 2023:</strong> Coming off of a conference player of the year season, Penco continues to have his stock rise. A big time shot maker especially from the three point line. He is lethal from the corners off the catch and can come down in transition and rise up and fire with efficiency. Also a heady defender with the ability to create turnovers and steals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Race Herr, 6’10 F/C, Texas Impact AE, 2023:</strong> Has the size and mobility of the prototypical big in today’s evolution of the game of basketball. Has a ton of potential and within a college system should see leaps and bounds in progression. Plays great out of the dunks spot, can be a high screen and roll/pop guy, and has a smooth shot off the catch. Herr is also a big time rebounder on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="981201" first="Levi" last="Birkholz"], <strong>6’3 SG, Wisconsin Crusaders, 2023 (Pictured):</strong> A name that caught my attention for about a year and half now from the state of Wisconsin, Birkholz is a supreme athlete from the guard position that he pairs with a top notch skill level. Very fundamentally sound with his handle, shot approach, and finishing ability and his athleticism gets him up the court and up to the rim in a hurry. Also a terrific on ball defender and help side rotation guard. He can light up the score board from three levels and make the small winning plays for his teams.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Emmett Lawson, 6’1 G, Team 1848, 2023</strong>: The true definition of a three point sniper, highlighted by his 9...yes 9 made three point game in the spring. His shot preparation is top notch gets his base set quick, loads up, and fires with a smooth quick transition with an elite follow through. Moves really well off the ball against both man and zone defenses and is elite on the catch when relocating on the perimeter. His three point shot making will turn some heads this weekend. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jaylen Carrington, 6’1 CG, Auburn Raptors, 2023</strong>: Has a great frame with an aggressive motor with the versatility to log successful minutes at both guard spots. Can lead a press and guard 94 ft with effectiveness and can handle pressure himself. A gifted passer on drives and is crafty in getting his teammates open shots and layups after drawing attention to himself as an attacker off the bounce. Does a good job of using ball screens and reading the defense to get to spots on the floor to either get to his pull up, to the rim, or create for others. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1142122" first="Michael" last="McNabb"], <strong>6’4 Guard, Chapman Basketball, 2024:</strong> A 2024 prospect who is primed to get a big boost throughout the July and there is no better time to start then this weekend. McNabb is a savvy guard with on ball and off ball ability. Can come off screens, catch, and be extremely decisive either into a shot or attacking before the defense can get closed out. Has great balance in the middle area of the floor playing off two feet getting to floaters of power finishes, has versatility in his launch points off one foot with an wide variety of floaters and stretch finishes with great touch. Has a great change of pace with the ball and does a great job of keeping his defenders guessing.</p>