@PrepHoopsTN Summer Combine Evaluations: Part XI
The annual @PrepHoopsTN Summer Combine featured nearly 50 aspiring college prospects. For the rest of the summer we will be featuring the campers with evaluations and measurements from the day.
Braden Buchanan
Braden
Buchanan
6'2" | SG
Bearden | 2024
State
TN
| 6’2″ SG | Bearden |
How did he measure against the competition?
- Class of 2024
- 6’2″
- Wingspan — 6’1.5″
- Hand Span — 8.75″
- Hand Length — 8.0″
- 3/4 Court Sprint — 4.1, 4.1
- Lane Agility — 11.56, 11.31
- Shuttle Run — 3.5, 3.8
- Camp Ranking — #30
NBA Stylistic Comparison: 2021 Magic Devin Cannady
College Projection: NAIA
Bradin Buchanan’s straight-line sprint speed was just ok (4.1, 4.1) during the late June combine. His most impressive time occurred in the Lane Agility Drill (11.56, 11.31). Buchanan showed the capacity to be a reliable two-way player by demonstrating a convincing shooting touch and the kind of lateral mobility to defend the 1-2 positions. Further, Buchanan is clearly devoted to the weight room making it possible that he will eventually be capable of guarding an NAIA-level small forward for stretches.
Eli Gaines Eli Gaines 6'1" | SG Chattanooga Prep | 2025 State TN | 6’0” PG | Chattanooga Prep | Chattanooga Elite
How did he measure against the competition?
- Class of 2025
- 6’0″
- Wingspan — 6’2″
- Standing Reach — 7’6.5″
- 3/4 Court Sprint — 3.8, 3.9
- Lane Agility — 11.59, 11.27
- Shuttle Run — 3.9, 3.5
- Camp Ranking — #34
NBA Stylistic Comparison: 2021 Lakers Kendrick Nunn
College Projection: NAIA
Eli Gaines Eli Gaines 6'1" | SG Chattanooga Prep | 2025 State TN posted a lovely +2 difference [wingspan = height]. Light on his feet. Strong legs. Quicks are good, not yet great, but every indication is that Eli Gaines Eli Gaines 6'1" | SG Chattanooga Prep | 2025 State TN will be a problematic slasher this winter thanks to his handle and quickness.
Gaines did not demonstrate any shooting range at the combine, but it may be there. He just did not take any shots away from 10′ in the limited five-on-five portion of the event. Gaines’ upper body and lower body are strong. He displayed more competence with the basketball than playing away from it, as a shooting guard. Of course, every team featured multiple point guards, so Gaines was occasionally operating as a two-guard. He projects as a lead guard though. Learning how to effectively drag and move his defender when he is moving off of the ball will be helpful all the same.
Needs to develop a deadly outside shot. Respected teammate.
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