Top performers from Rodney Hood Elite Camp: Part I
Rodney Hood and his Mississippi Express program hosted the Rodney Hood Elite Camp over the weekend in Meridian, Mississippi. The event brought together some of the top talent in the state of Mississippi for a two-day camp.
Here are the top performers from the event. This is part one of the series.
Meridian, MS
Tyron Brewer, 2018 SF, Meridian (MS): Brewer tipped off the event as one of the biggest competitors in the building. The long, 6-foot-6 wing is a supreme athlete and excels attacking the rim. His shooting needs to get more consistent, but he showed the ability to hit some shots in a rhythm. Brewer plays with a high motor constantly, as he competes on both ends of the floor with his length and athleticism. He blocked several shots and can cause havoc on the defensive end. To end the day Saturday, Brewer and Robert Woodard had a highly contested matchup and onlookers left impressed with the play of the Meridian standout.
Laurel, MS
Troymain Crosby, 2017 PG, Laurel (MS): Crosby had a slow start Saturday, but he ramped things up in a quick way Sunday morning. The 6-foot-4 guard is a legitimate point guard, but he has plenty of size and versatility to play multiple spots on the perimeter. Crosby plays with a good pace and has a fantastic feel for the game. He is a terrific passer, as he delivered several full-court bounce passes right on the money for easy lay-ups. With his size, versatility, and ability to make his teammates better, expect virtual zero college interest to ramp up and for Crosby to be a priority guard for low and mid-major programs.
Holly Springs, MS
DaQuan Smith, 2018 PG, Holly Springs (MS): Hello explosiveness! Smith (pictured above) was one of the most explosive guards in camp, but he was selective with when he used it. The 6-foot-1 guard has great end-to-end speed, and, just when you think he's hit his last gear, he has the ability to hit another gear and explode past defenders and finish at the rim. Smith controls the game with the ball in his hands and showed a great feel for the game. He operates through traffic very and showed a consistent jumper, too. Another unknown in the recruiting world, Smith will push for mid-major and possibly high-major attention in the next year.
Jackson, MS
Onyinyechi Brown Eyisi, 2018 PF, Prolific Prep (CA): A native of Africa, Eyisi played with MBA Hoops on the adidas Gauntlet circuit this summer and performed very well. The 6-foot-9 power forward is expected to have another promising year at Prolific Prep, too, and he showcased his ability at the Rodney Hood Elite Camp. Sporting long, wiry arms and a huge wingspan, Eyisi set the tone on the defensive end of the floor with his ability to protect the rim. The mobile 4 man is more of a defensive presence right now, but he showed offensive progressions with some nice moves around the rim. The rising junior will be a priority guy for mid-major programs across the country.
Columbus, MS
Robert Woodard, 2018 SF, Columbus (MS): Tim Duncan may have retired from the NBA a few weeks ago, but his game lives on through Woodard. The 6-foot-6 forward has an outstanding skill-set and is as well-rounded as they come on the floor. Woodard is a threat to pass, shoot, rebound, and defend all over the floor and never fails to impact the game. Coming into the camp as the perennial top dog, Woodard helped set the tone with his play and attitude. He consistently got to his spots on the floor, but the most dangerous spot for him is the elbow pull-up jumper. Woodard backed up his national name and ranking this weekend.
