Hoop Group Mid Atlantic Elite Camp: More wing/forward eyecatchers

Hoop Group hosted an exposure event at its headquarters in Neptune on Friday night, bringing in several dozen prospects from across the Garden State with most projecting as likely small-college recruits at various levels. We'll continue coverage by highlighting a few wings and forwards who caught the eye as potential priority recruits at the upper D3 level.    After making small contributions down the stretch last season as a transfer via Roselle (NJ), Belvin looks set to make a splash in the Linden rotation if his play on Friday night is taken as any indication. A long and slender wing with graceful athleticism in space, he shined getting out in the open floor for smooth finishes up near the rim using either hand. Belvin also looked to have a fluid stroke off the catch from the perimeter, which will be key towards translating into halfcourt settings with the talent he'll have around him in the winter. While he needs to add significant strength to his frame over time, Belvin certainly checks a lot if intriguing boxes with significant long-term upside for the small-college level.     There may not have been a more rugged downhill presence all night than Hallik, who was persistent in using his sturdy frame and deceptively quick feet to work past his man off the bounce for a series of strong, crafty finishes. The wing forward was patient in reading his man before attacking decisively upon spotting a seam. We'd like to see a bit more consistent shooting range for him to find a role at the scholarship level, but Hallik's physicality and track record of production bode well for success in the D3 ranks. Also look out for the potential of a post-grad year as Hallik is a young senior who's already begun contact with prep schools.     One of only a few true bigs in attendance, Gerckens acquitted himself well to the wide-open camp style of play while showing a well-rounded offensive skillset of his own in the process. Flowing smoothly between the interior and perimeter, Gerckens showed a strong feel for the game as both a cutter and facilitator. His soft hands and touch allowed him to finish inside with efficiency while he also flashed comfort as a ballhandler that could point to upside left to tap into in the years to come. While a bit awkward at times, Gerckens' intersection of size, skill, feel, and strong academics should make him a commodity among coaches at the D3 level moving forward.     There may have been more productive players who we saw, but few possessed the physical profile to offer the long-term ceiling that Pressley looks to have. Still in the very early stages of his development, the southpaw post prospect stands out immediately with a broad, chiseled frame and quick feet that would make for a dangerous combination in the trenches on the offensive line. Pressley brought great energy to both ends of the floor, showing strong fundamentals in the post offensively with flashes of projectable touch as a shooter from the foul line. As his feel for the game develops with added reps in the coming years, Pressley should go from unknown to at least a valued piece at the small-college level with a chance to attract scholarship-level attention as a long-term developmental bet.     Another key to the Lindenwold season will be the addition of Hanford from Central Bucks South (PA), as the developing wing forward brings an intersection of size and skill to the Lion rotation. Previously more of an undersized post, Hanford showed positive developments on Friday in his move out to the wing, displaying a budding dribble-drive game that Lindenwold expects to deploy in a point-forward role at times this year. Without much of a reputation up to this point, look for Hanford to potentially emerge in his upperclass years as a valued piece to a small-college recruiting class.

Hoop Group hosted an exposure event at its headquarters in Neptune on Friday night, bringing in several dozen prospects from across the Garden State with most projecting as likely small-college recruits at various levels. We'll continue coverage by highlighting a few wings and forwards who caught the eye as potential priority recruits at the upper D3 level.