2023 NextGen Preview Camp: Top Performers
SUWANEE, Ga.—HoopSeen’s camp season is officially here! The Next Gen Preview kicks off an exciting fall schedule.
As is always the case, this camp provides an opportunity for middle schoolers to start their stories. We’ve had players that have come through this stage that have gone on to be players that excel early on in their high school careers.
Judging by what we saw on Sunday, that should be the case yet again.
Let’s kick off our coverage of the day with a look at the top overall performers as determined by our coaches and staff.
A year ago, Baer Bailey was one of the standouts at this camp because of his plus size, potential for continued growth, and his impact on the game around the basket. Now, he’s gotten taller, and his skill has improved as well. Bailey still impacts the game in the ways that he did last year, but his jumper looks like it’s developed, and he’s generally added more skill in his repertoire in terms of fluidity and perimeter acumen.
Man, it’s not everyday that you see a player with the kind of pop that Dominion Whitaker has at a middle school camp. During drills, his burst and athleticism shined like no one else’s. His first step on a drive was different, but he really turned heads by getting on the rim off of one foot. Playmaking, getting into the paint, getting to the rim, Whitaker showed off a well-rounded skill set for a young guard. Based on his current frame and electricity, he looks like he can be next up in Georgia’s lineage of power guards.
One of a pair of brothers, David Whitaker was easily one of the most projectable prospects in the building. He’s ahead of the curve in terms of positional physical attributes. His movements were fluid, and he’s athletic beyond most his age. As the day went on, his 3-point shot kept falling, and he continued to show that getting to the rim was too easy for him. Write the name down.
Mercer was an immediate eye-catcher. He has advanced IQ and feel for this level. He played with great pace and utilized tempo changes with the ball to get his spots. He impacted the game in multiple ways. His shot looked solid as well. It’s clear that he gets it already.
Shedrick was pesky throughout the day. He plays with plenty of craft, shift with the ball. His handle was tight, and he routinely shook defenders. Not the biggest guy in the gym, Shedrick paired his ball skills with quick movements to be successful. He was one of the most skilled guards in attendance on Sunday. Shedrick consistently showed range on his jumper as well. He plays an exciting style of basketball.
It didn’t take more than a second to notice that Garner was one of the best long-term prospects in the gym. At this level, his size was a difference-maker. He showed that he has good hands, dexterity with the ball, and touch inside the arc. Garner was one of the better rebounders as well. He’s going to be a name to keep an eye on. He had stretches of dominance. Garner looked different, he moved different. He was one of the best of the day.
Woodson was an enthusiastic guard that played with infectious energy. He was versatile on either end of the floor and shined with the ball in his hands. As a scorer, Woodson was able to finish in traffic and knock down jumpers. He converted creative finishes at the rim and made passing reads when they were available. During five-on-five games, he stood out as one of the most impactful players whenever he was on the floor.
