Story starters from the Elite Preview
We spent a good part of the high school season looking for players that really earned their spot for the Elite Preview. Sure, reputations are nice. We respect the work that goes into being a great player. But we are also cognizant that talent is in every corner of the Peach State. Finding them and offering a stage to highlight such a gift is and will continue to be one of our goals of the Elite Preview.
The 2016 Elite Preview did not disappoint. There were a number of players that took advantage of the stage and played their way into the conversation.
This notebook is all about the guys that have started their story with us or should continue their upward trajectory in the spring on the circuit.
THE BIG SURGE
Snellville, GA
The biggest riser in the 2016 hoops calendar year has been Shiloh big man TJ Massenburg. The 6-foot-8 junior ended the high school season on the uptick and was his talented team’s most consistent offensive force. Massenburg finished everything at the rim at the Elite Preview. He caught everything that came his way, played above his shoulders and powered home baskets throughout the day. The long-armed five man started his uptick in the second half of the season. Hard to find guys like that these days. Playing with the Southern Stampede, Massenburg should be a popular player for mid-majors and above come mid-April.
Kell big man Brian Thomas has been a favorite of ours all high school season because of his active play in the paint as a defender. At 6-foot-8, he’s a long rim protector with a great bounce off the floor. He’s very fast as a second jumper and has great timing. Looking ahead to the travel season, don’t be surprised to see Thomas make a splash with recruiters. He has the frame, the intrigue, the grades and the character that coaches love. Thomas showed all of those pieces at the Elite Preview.
Macon, GA
Nate Brooks was a key member of Stratford Academy’s great run in the Class A Private bracket this season. We invited him after watching him around the mid-season mark. We are so glad we did. Brooks, a big, strong 6-foot-7 forward, played at our Georgia Cup as a youngster and continues to develop into an intriguing prospect. A number of onlookers wanted to know how he was and that was justified with his aggressive play. He’s a guy that academic schools will want to take a look at.
QUICK-HITTERS
Don’t be surprised to see Kane Williams (South Paulding) be a popular guy with recruiters. The 6-foot-3 all-state point guard has a frame the colleges love. Not a lot of schools have seen a lot of him…yet. When they do, the recruiting heartbeat will ramp up.
Ben Smith is the second-leading scorer in Jacksonville University history. The Dublin native helped turn the program around during his time as a Dolphin. Smith had one offer coming out of high school. He jumped on it. Smith was a major competitor and a blur from end to end. He never shied away from a battle. I saw Ben Smith, part 2 at the Elite Preview in Whitefield Academy’s Isaiah Hart. The class of 2017 lead guard isn’t very big but he’s a warrior. That line was attached to Smith, too. Buy the ticket and take the ride, coaches. Hart is worth the good look.
Evan Cole was an all-tournament selection at last season’s first Georgia Cup stop in Suwanee. The 6-foot-7 forward from South Forsyth was one of the top players at the camp and started the spring with a major bang. The play of tournament came in sudden death in a terrific game. Cole slammed home a game-winning dunk over shot-blocking supreme Ikey Obiagu in the first game of the day.
Mays High School sophomore wing Horace Wyatt, Jr., jumped right into the picture with his athleticism and energy. His coach, Billy Faulkner, convinced us that we would not be disappointed. He was 100 percent correct. Wyatt, Jr. is a long 6-foot-6 wing with great bounce and a high ceiling. The young player played his way onto our depth chart.
I like what Brandon Younger can become in time. The class of 2018 guard has great length and skill for a youngster. The 6-foot-6 prospect can play three positions and is still a good ways away from what he can become. Younger has a very high ceiling for a prospect. I’m looking forward to seeing him more.
