2023 Atlanta Jam 17U Standouts
SUWANEE, GA - The 2023 Atlanta Jam was as deep and diverse with talent as any other in recent years. From South Florida to Canada, an array of hoopers gathered in Atlanta, and these were some of the no-brainer standouts from the 17U division.
Related: 2023 Atlanta Jam Top Performers
Routh is a skilled forward that plays the old-school way. At 6-foot-4 with a solid basketball frame, Routh was able to find scoring opportunities by using simple shot fakes and jab steps to get defenders moving before he made a drive to the basket. He was a difference maker for the Tennessee Tiger program as they moved to 4-0 on the weekend at The Atlanta Jam. - Justin Byerly
Stone Bureau has been steadily building a resume in front of me for the last year or so. Whether it’s been on the HoopSeen stage with Florida Pro or at events down in Florida—shout out HoopExchange—I’ve walked away from watching Bureau having been impressed. The 2023 Atlanta Jam was another instance of that. His defense has been what I’ve liked the most. I don’t know that I’ve seen a guard his size contest and block shots the way he does. Bureau really showed off his scoring package this weekend too. Highlighted by a 20-point game, he showed that he can create his own shot in a variety of ways and that he can sink tough jumpers. I’m the head of the Stone Bureau fan club in Georgia. - Josh Tec
Akins was one of the best guard prospects I saw this weekend at Atlanta Jam. The 6-foot-2 point guard initially impressed as a facilitator. First and foremost, Akins is the initiator of the dunk show that 1 of 1 Elite can put on. He looks to throw the lob, and I’m not mad at him for it. He was also able to get by his man and draw help that led to easy kickouts to shooters. He has great feel at the PG spot. After more viewings, his ability to get all the way to the basket and convert tough shots at the rim sweetened the deal. Akins should be amassing offers sooner than later. - Josh Tec
The class of 2023 prospect is still trying to make a decision on where he will play next year and his play this weekend should have the higher level of Division II schools taking a look at the kid from Raleigh. Bridges has a nice frame and size for his position at 6-foot-5, for the weekend playing with DB Elite, Bridges averaged 16 points and 5 rebounds while helping lead this team to a 3-1 record. - Justin Byerly
One a team with so many guys that standout, Yohance Connor was able to make a mark on each game we saw with his ability to create off the dribble and his explosiveness to the paint and rim. Connor has a strong bloodline with North Carolina prep royalty, Michael Connor, his older brother who won a few state titles at North Rowan nearly a decade ago. The younger Connor looks to be one of the top prospects in his class for the region and with some more strong weekends and playing a national schedule in the high school ranks, he could make some lists on a national level - Justin Byerly
Niare is a Canadian guard that came down to Atlanta with the Monarchs. We came to know this program very well by the end of last travel season, and we know they’re loaded with 2025s that will be playing at the next level. Niare is one of those guys. The 6-foot-5 guard has a lot of tools to work with. He’s an athletic shooting guard, who can do just that, he can hit shots. He adds a good scoring punch to a team that’s talented across the board. Niare left an impression on our staff. He’s going to be a guy that we want to check back in on. I know I’ll be locking in to get eyes on him again this coming weekend. - Josh Tec
Reinhardt was one of the better guards I saw this weekend, but, truth be told, he could easily pass as a running back or linebacker on the football field. A stout 6-foot point guard, the junior was a massive bowling ball that got wherever he wanted on the floor. Typically, he was getting downhill and scoring at the rim or driving and dishing to other teammates. Reinhardt will get a lot of credit for his scoring ability, but I like his passing ability, too. - Garrett Tucker
