Butler, McDaniels, Otyaluk stand out on Saturday at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions
SUWANEE, GA - At the midway point on Saturday, there were three players who jumped off the page for me in the morning. Let's take a look at some of the standouts.
THINKING LONG TERM IN THE MOMENT
When you evaluate players, sometimes you’re looking for the now. Sometimes you’re looking for the later. With 1 of 1 big man Jordan Butler, the play is certainly down the road with a little bit of the moment mixed into the conversation. On Saturday in a back-and-forth battle with a tough Drive Nation, Butler showed why he’s drawn the interest from the likes of high-major programs.
The big man hit a three, scored in the paint, got to the free throw line and impacted the game as a defender. His length caused some problems on the defensive end of the floor.
Thinking about the player he will be as a 20-year-old college player is intriguing. As he moves forward with a balanced offense, Butler could be in store for a big jump this summer at the Best of the South and the Grassroots Finale.
STATE CHAMP SLEEPER?
Every year the South Georgia region has a handful of players that take full advantage of a big stage and plays their way into a good situation on the recruiting front.
Columbus Spencer won Georgia’s AAAA classification state championship this season thanks in large part to the play of 2023 forward Tycen McDaniels. Playing with Georgia South here at the Bob Gibbons, the long and lanky rising senior gave us a look at why he could be in store for a very good 12 months ahead.
Can you win a state title and still be a sleeper? Maybe. Nevertheless, McDaniels has tools to be a player to keep a close watch on.
HI, MY NAME IS…
You’re going to read about Isaiah
a lot this weekend and into next weekend. The bouncy 6-foot-6 wing has opened a lot of eyes with his bouncy play so far here in metro Atlanta. He’s playing very well for No Guts No Glory in the 17U division.
The Gibbons stage has long propelled players into a bigger spotlight on the recruiting front and Otyaluk has done enough on multiple stages to warrant his inclusion in any sort of top performer report.
It’s fun to watch young players take the stage and run with it.
