Five Must-Watch Prospects Outside The Top 50
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USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% THE FIRST PURCHASE FOR ANY SUBSCRIPTION The First Live Evaluation Period of the 2024 Grassroots Season is almost among us! Although many of the Palmetto State’s top prospects are spread out throughout the country, it…
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The First Live Evaluation Period of the 2024 Grassroots Season is almost among us! Although many of the Palmetto State’s top prospects are spread out throughout the country, it is still a great opportunity for them to gain in-person exposure to College Scouts. This list provides a name, short report, and location of five prospects outside the Top 50 that I consider a “must-watch” in this weekend’s Live Evaluation Period. Check it out below:
Nehemiah Thompkins Nehemiah Thompkins 6'3" | SF Greenville | 2025 State SC ( Next Level Elite 17U) – Phenom G3 Live (Rock Hill, SC)
Nehemiah is a prospect that is starting to trend up after a solid start to the Spring. He recently received an offer from Montreat College and could be up for more with a strong weekend at Phenom G3 Live. He is a 3 & D that shoots it at an efficient rate with good volume. Thompkins is a great athlete and has a good frame built to hold even more mass. At the next level, he should be comfortable guarding 1-3 and adding a threat from the outside to keep defenses honest.
Devin Swindler Devin Swindler 6'3" | SF Clinton | 2025 State SC ( Next Level Elite Poole) – Phenom G3 Live (Rock Hill, SC)
Devin is another wing to monitor during the Live Period, but he is more of an athletic, do-it-all 3. He makes highlight plays above the rim on both ends, either rejecting shots on the defensive end or finishing shots on the offensive end. Swindler’s defensive game is not subject to blocks only, he is good on the perimeter moving his feet and forcing turnovers. Devin has a very tantalizing frame with good size and tremendous strength, which he uses to create offense on the other end. He does have room for growth from the perimeter, but he is a capable shooter from the outside and is a name to monitor for the rest of the Grassroots Season.
Daniel Hutto Daniel Hutto 6'10" | PF Walhalla | 2025 State SC (Hoopzters) – Big Shots Carolina Live (Bermuda Run, NC)
Daniel is one of the prospects that I will be watching in person this weekend at Big Shots Carolina Live. While he may be still on the raw side, there is no doubt he has long-term potential as a big man. He has good size and length and holds desirable qualities around the basket on both ends. His most ready attribute is his rim protection. Hutto doesn’t shy away from contact and uses his frame to make shots difficult for opponents. With development and a chance at the right program, Hutto certainly can have a future at the next level.
Yasir Cromer Yasir Cromer 5'10" | PG River Bluff | 2025 State SC (Upward Stars Gold) – Adidas 3SSB Gold (Bryan, Texas)
Cromer has quickly developed into one of the best true Point Guards in the state and has seen his stock rise with seemingly every game since December of last year. While he is capable of getting his own bucket, that isn’t necessarily his role with Upward Stars Gold. With this squad, he will often have more assists than points, constantly putting his teammates in positions to be successful on the offensive end. Yasir will also chip in with some defensive work, jumping passing lanes and picking pockets thanks to his reaction speed and hands.
Jacarey Ballard Jacarey Ballard 6'0" | CG Lancaster | 2025 State SC ( Carolina Pressure ) – Phenom G3 Live (Rock Hill, SC)
Ballard is the type of Guard who sets the tone with his play on the defensive end. He does a terrific job of moving his feet and keeping opposing ball handlers in front, causing chaos on normal offensive possessions. Ballard has good hands and often pokes a steal or two as well. On the offensive end, he can go get a bucket in transition or the half-court with his speed and finishing ability. Jacarey is also a confident shooter who is able to spot up for threes or pull-up in the mid-range. Although it is his defense that stands out, he is a solid all-around prospect who deserves a look from College Coaches.