Peach State Standouts from the 2022 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, Pt. I
SUWANEE—You already know that Georgia was well represented at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of champions over the weekend. Some of the state’s great programs were in the building with deep, talented rosters that we’ve come to expect at an event of this magnitude.
For the next few days, we’ll be going on a deep dive into some of the Peach’s best from Gibbons, and we’re excited to bring you the first part of it today.
Any time you have a big man that seems to have found his stride in his senior season and will take a post-graduate season at a place like IMG Academy, take notice. Pierce is big, he’s effective in the paint, he can stretch the floor with shooting and his best days may still be on the horizon. I’ve long been intrigued by him and think he’s going to be a very popular guy in the fall when college coaches go to schools for workouts. College coaches know about him and like most prospects, Pierce has heard “we’d like to see more of you”. This move makes a lot of sense for him and the college coaches that are interested. At the Tournament of Champions, we saw him really go to work in the paint for the Atlanta Xpress. I get more and more intrigued by him every time I see him play. - Justin Young
Hendricks put together another solid weekend at Gibbons. We’ve seen him be a force on the block for Norcross Heat, whether it be via rebounding, scoring or both. This weekend was a good example of that. He averaged double figures in scoring for Norcross Heat, which was highlighted by an 18-point game. Against the size that the Atlanta Xpress runs out on the floor, Hendricks pulled 10 boards, and he hovered around that make multiple times throughout the weekend. He brings a physicality that not many at this level can match up against. When he’s in a zone, he’s a fun player to watch. - Josh Tec
Playing up, Flynn’s still one of the best guards with the highest upside whenever the Timberwolves take the floor. He’s smart, has a strong frame, shoots the ball well, makes great passes and reads, and he’s a strong positional rebounder for his size. He either completes or flirts with triple-doubles with some regularity. While he’s already garnering college interest, Flynn has all of the hallmarks of a guard that will see his stock rise significantly when the 2024 class steps into the spotlight more. Think of a similar rise as someone like Brandon Rechsteiner. By this time next year, I firmly believe we’ll be talking about Flynn in the same regard, which is as one of the region’s best guard prospects. - Josh Tec
One of the lasting memories from this Gibbons has been the game-winning stretch of play Abdur-Rahman put together in a heated battle with AE5. To stop a fastbreak, with the game tied, Abdur-Rahman busted it down the floor, disrupted the break, and from out of nowhere came back into the play to secure the loose ball. He was rewarded by drawing a foul in the waning seconds of the game and hitting the game-winning free throw. Hustle plays never go out of style, and Abdur-Rahman certainly impressed with that sequence. - Josh Tec
The Atlanta Allstars boast one of the deepest, most versatile, and best overall frontcourts I’ve seen this season regardless of shoe affiliation or not. Elliott is a piece of that puzzle, and he had a solid showing at Gibbons. At 6-foot-9, he’s big, long, mobile, and skilled. Elliott works well as a lob threat down low or as a pick-and-pop option out on the perimeter. Because of his ability to move so well for his size, Elliott can be used as a switchable defender that can guard multiple positions. He’s seen a number of offers come his way this spring, but Elliott is someone that I could see having a breakout summer that sees his recruitment go to another level. - Josh Tec
Thompson is an unsigned senior who made a significant impression over the weekend. The South Gwinnett guard plays with plenty of athleticism and speed. Thompson is a killer when he’s in attack mode going at the rim. He’s great in those situations and difficult to stop. Because of his bounce, Thompson is good in transition going both ways. He can play above the rim and looks to dunk regularly, and he can chase an opposing guard down and pin a layup against the back board.- Josh Tec
