Hype Hawks Top 250 Invasion

<p>I’ve been watching HYPE teams for 3 travel seasons now and they brought a long list of guys from their multiple 2020 and 2021 teams to camp Sunday. They produced as expected, giving a mixture of effort, IQ, and exciting play. Here’s an overview of the HYPE attendees and their performances.</p> <p>It would be wrong if we didn’t start with 2021 forwards <strong>Cole Middleton</strong> and <strong>Devin McGlockton</strong>. They were two of the top performers at camp regardless of class and showed why they are among the best forwards in a loaded 2021 class in Georgia. Middleton brings more of an angry, bruiser-like style while McGlockton has some nice finesse to his game. Pace assistant Greg Blythe recently said that <strong>Middleton</strong> is on a mission, and that has been very evident this fall. After a nice showing at HoopSeen’s Fall Preview, I think he turned it up another notch last weekend. There aren’t many, if any, that have a better motor than Middleton. He always rebounds, gives 100% on both ends, and has skill to go with it. People were scared to get in his way when he attacked the basket, he stepped out for top of the key 3’s, and continues to make strides handling the ball. Middleton is determined to regain some of the prior attention he had gotten before battling through injuries as a sophomore.</p> <p><strong>McGlockton</strong> is in season for football, but didn’t show any rust when he stepped on the court Sunday. I said following the event that he may have helped himself as much as anyone at camp, and others seemed to agree. McGlockton compares pretty well with 2019 Mercer signee James Glisson; he has a big, thick body, soft touch inside and out, and can elevate above the rim easily. Once he gets back from football, you should hear his name a lot in basketball circles. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be getting inquiries from regional MM programs. McGlockton solidified himself as one of the top sleepers in Georgia’s 2021 class with his showing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Also in the 2021 class and representing HYPE at camp were <strong>Luka Avaliani, Najhae Colon, Jayce Harrison, Sutton Smith, Logan Turner</strong>, and <strong>James Watts-Abrams.</strong></p> <p><strong>Avaliani</strong> had some good moments as a guard with size at 6’2” and a solid build. He plays with lots of confidence, can act as a primary ball-handler, and is crafty off the dribble. Avaliani has good all-around skill and should have a big season at Walton.</p> <p>Najhae Colon, Jayce Harrison and Sutton Smith are 3 smaller but productive guards. <strong>Colon</strong> has been impressive in multiple camps this fall and comes out to prove himself in each event. His defensive presence is always evident but he has also showed improved consistency in his perimeter shot-making. <strong>Harrison</strong> was able to thrive in the camp setting with his speed and quickness in the open court, flying past defenders with frequency. The camp’s coaches spoke highly of his confident presence and vocal approach throughout the day. He brought energy on both ends and played physically. One of the most steady, consistent players in the state, <strong>Smith</strong> contributed how we’re accustomed to seeing. He connected from range, whipped in accurate passes, and made some flashy plays. You know what you’ll get from him each time out and he almost never disappoints.</p> <p>Turner and Watts-Abrams had size advantages over most perimeter players in attendance. Playing on a fast, talented team, <strong>Turner</strong> was able to get out in transition to make plays like he usually does. He is a quick-twitch athlete who excels as a one-foot leaper. He was able to get to mid-range spots and hit jumpers also. <strong>Abrams</strong> drew nice reviews from coaches due to his physicality and aggression. He was determined to get to the basket for the entirety of camp and finished through contact often. Abrams has improved his perimeter skill considerably over the last year and has gotten quicker.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>HYPE’s 2020 class attendees included <strong>Amos Long, Michael Whitmore</strong>, and <strong>Evan Hurst</strong>. Long and Whitmore gave tremendous energy on defense and were always hounding guys as the tried to create off the dribble. This was fun to watch as most do not bring that type of mentality to a camp. <strong>Long</strong> has impressive end-to-end speed and uses it well. <strong>Whitmore</strong> was included in the best two-way players list and earned it by adding to his defense with great distributing. He knows what it’s like to be a true PG, which will suit him well on a loaded Woodward team this season.</p> <p>I watched <strong>Hurst</strong> in his first game of camp, and although he wasn’t hitting shots like he usually does, I still believe he’s going to impress some people this winter. He had a productive summer and performed well in various settings, including at the NCAA Academy in Houston. If he finds his stride early on this season and maintains consistency, he’ll get his fair share of college looks.</p>