SUWANEE, GA – The Best of the South tipped off Thursday afternoon, and, as expected, Suwanee Sports Academy was filled with college coaches from different levels. Several prospects started off the July evaluation period with a positive beginning.

Here are Thursday’s standouts…

SMITH CONTINUES HIS EMERGENCE

2017 McEachern (GA) and Game Elite power forward Bryce Smith has had quite the start to the July evaluation period. The 6-foot-8 big man continued his strong performance from the Live Player Festival over to BOTS.

Smith continued to be active around the basket with his length and athleticism. He finishes at a high rate with contact and can hit down some mid-range shots. He lists minimal interest as of right now, but that will change after his performance this week. It looks like things are beginning to click with him. He is starting his story at Suwanee Sports Academy.

PSB SELECT ELITE DUO HAS NICE OUTING

It’s fun to watch a well-coached, good chemistry program like PSB Select. From top to bottom, the players understand the game and are focused on winning. Cue in 2016 shooting guard Ray Kowalski and 2016 wing Michael Buckland.

Kowalski, a 6-foot-2 shooter, found his stroke during their opening game. He connected on a number of three-point attempts, as well as some mid-range shots, too. Despite his lack of athleticism, he uses his high IQ to aid him in his scoring. Campbell has extended an offer, and more will follow suit in time.

Buckland acted as a nice complement for Kowalski. The 6-foot-4 wing is a great utility player for PSB, as he impacts the game everywhere. He has great length and size for a wing and he does a little bit of everything on both ends of the court. He will be a player to watch throughout July.

CHICAGO POINT GUARD SHOWS PROMISE

Chicago is notorious for producing talented basketball players and nothing is different with 2017 Curie point guard Elijah Joiner. The 6-foot-3 guard has a great feel for the game and carries himself in an impressive manner. His game still needs some work, but in the early stages, his poise and size helps show his promise.

Joiner claims offers from Illinois-Chicago and DePaul, along with interest from Wisconsin-Green Bay, Loyola, Drake, Creighton, Illinois, and others.

SHOOTER ALERT

He may not pass the eye-test, but 2018 shooting guard Austin Deckard passed the shooting test for his Warriors squad on the opening night of #BOTS. The sharpshooter connected on eight 3s in a close loss for his team. Non-majors will have to mark his name down for future reference.