SUWANEE, GA - The 2023 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions is off and running and we check in with a midday report from Suwanee Sports Academy. 

TOP DOGS 

Sebastian Akins, 1 of 1 Elite: When we look at this class of 2024, particularly in the South, we’re starting to see a clear separation between the very, very good and the rest of the pack. Leading the way is Akins. He’s been nothing short of brilliant this season and continues to rack up big wins and big performances for the nation’s top 17U independent team. Akins can score from all spots on the floor. That’s never going to be in question. He makes that element of his game come easy. Don’t be surprised when he makes a debut in our national top 100 rankings for the class of 2024. It is warranted. 

Xavier Shegog, Anthony Edwards 5: The big man from Atlanta’s Mount Vernon continues to play with power, toughness and something to prove. The physicality of his game should translate well to the college level. He scores the simple buckets and keeps the game uncomplicated. The big man is a terrific low-major scholarship offer in the class of 2024. 

Stone Bureau, Florida PRO: Shocker. The Floridian caught our attention once again. He’s one of the best guards in the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions field this season and showing off a terrific touch from three, tough-as-nails drive to the rim and big-game deliverables. 

DJ Shine, Upward Stars: Here’s the deal: He’s going to be a free throw line hunter from tip to final buzzer. The pressure he puts on the defense is incredible. His start and stop ability allows him to get past defenders easily. Shine can power through defenders and absorbs contact with ease. Shine has been consistently good thus far here at Bob Gibbons. 

Devin Brafford, Team Swish: So far, so good for Team Swish and the long and lanky forward from North Georgia. His length was hard to contend with for opposing teams and his jumper was falling from all spots on the floor.
Jordan Davis, Tennessee Marathon: Playing against 1 of 1 Elite, Davis absolutely came to play. He plays with pure power from start to finish and attacks the game like a linebacker on a blitz. His strength to the cup is outstanding and he knows how to finish in the paint. Tennessee Marathon has been terrific this spring and Davis is a large reason why.