HoopSeen Tip-Off Day Two Notebook
Suwanee, GA -
The HoopSeen Tip-Off is at full throttle and we were there for all of it. Here are a look at some of the notes from Day Two.
Suwanee Sports Academy
Yeah, I am starting my notebook off with the name of the venue we hold our basketball events in Georgia. This place never seems to amaze me. We have had some celebrities, professional athletes, major high school recruits and more come through the doors at Suwanee Sports Academy. This weekend has been no different. We have had Rolls Royce's and exclusive cars more expensive than some people's house. AND 1 Mixtape phenomenon Hot Sauce was in the building today along with Pinkie from the now classic movie Friday. It's always a surprise as to who you will see at the HoopSeen Tip-Off.
Double Duty
Ace Bailey from AOT was playing on the 17 and under squad and the 16 and under squad for AOT most of the day. He was pulling double duty for both of his teams' and was making a huge impact event at the 17 and under level. He has the look of a high-major prospect and should be considered the top sophomore in Georgia and in the top-10 for the country. He is one of the best rebounders I have seen at this age and he has a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He's got a great motor and loves to get up and down the floor. Our man Justin Young wrote about Bailey back in February calling for us to store his name in our memory banks, as usual, JY was right.
Ace Bailey is that dude among Georgia sophomores. Great rebounding instincts. Looks the part. High-major ceiling. @AOTBasketball pic.twitter.com/gf5EnkUJab
— Justin Byerly (@JustinByerly) March 26, 2022
Notes from the MacBook
I have been doing this long enough to tell you that back in the day I used to write my notes on an actual notepad but I have aged and I now, well for the last few years, type everything on my MacBook so that I don't have to spend time writing it again. Just copy and paste.
Jelani Hamilton might be the best prospect on a talented Georgia Stars 17 and under squad. He has college ready shoulders and chest. He can score from all areas of the floor. Has some toughness to his game and can handle the physicality at the next level. Hamilton scored 20 points including making two from deep in the game I watched for the Stars. He holds offers from Georgia State, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia Tech.
Xavier Tubbs-Matthews is that guy for Team Wall. The 6-foot-1 guard who recently played for a NCHSAA 4-A state title, almost led the comeback in their game against AOT with a four-point play to take a one-point lead late in the game on Friday. On Saturday, he received the in-bound pass with 8 seconds left and drove the lane making a tough shot to get the win at the buzzer for Team Wall. He is averaging close to 14 points per game at the Tip-Off.
Xavier Tubbs-Matthews with the game winner for Team Wall. 45-43 over All-Alabama. pic.twitter.com/sONaXowFM0
— Justin Byerly (@JustinByerly) March 26, 2022
Theo Antinori, Team Swish - The guard originally from Asheville, North Carolina has just got better and better since opening a re-class year at Rabun Gap just over the state line in Georgia. He is a shooter with good form and gets to his spots. He has a quick first-step with blow-by speed all coupled with a smooth looking shot.
Thomas Watkins, All-Carolina - The sophomore prospect has some size and can knock down shots from the outside. Watkins is a 6-foot-7 forward that has nice size and length. His shooting ability for his size allows him to be able to hurt defenses with him being able to stretch the floor like he can.
