Took some time off after a long scholastic season and I’m in Atlanta for a couple days. I missed the premier travel ball events in Texas, but evalauted some really quality basketball during my time in the ATL. Got to stop by and see my guys at Hoopseen in Suwanee, then I drove to Marietta to check out the talent at ‘The Opening’ presented by Shun Williams of On The Radar Hoops. I spent my Sunday morning and afternoon in the gym and here are some guys that stood out to me.
Xander Booker, 2024 6’5 Wing - Team Dickerson (Green): Interesting prospect with long arms, broad shoulder length and big hands. Booker displayed ability to connect from 3-point land as well as utilize size mismatch on post-ups from the block and mid-post.
William Jobe, 2024 6’10 PF/C - Team Dickerson: A lot to like about Jobe. Can stretch the floor and make shots from deep, saw him alter and block shots from inside, but also uses his length to alter perimeter shots when he is closing out. Versatile at his size, there's abundance of upside with this prospect.
Christian Johnson, 2024 6’2 Guard - Team SMASH: Wiry, attacking guard with a good feel for the game. Saw impressive touch around the basket vs. length and an ability to make quick reads with the ball in his hands. Rarely did I see him doing a lot of dribbling to get from point A to Point B.
Aidan Penchion, 2024 6’7 Forward - Team SMASH: Thicker framed forward that showed inside-out game. Knows how to use body to carve out space in the paint, gain an advantageous position on the offensive boards and connect mid-range shots off the bounce.
Mekhi Ragland, 2025 6’9 C - Team Huncho 16U: Big framed post with soft touch around the rim and can stretch the floor with reliable shooting from deep. Has good feel and a handful to guard in the post. Once he gets in shape and play effectively in longer stretches, he could make an even larger impact in games.
Maki Joyner, 2025 6’4 CG - Team Huncho 16U: Enjoyed watching Joyner. Southpaw guard that showed creativity with handle and precise passing off the live dribble. Smooth operator off the bounce and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Could have a big-time spring/summer and expect to see his recruitment and stock grow.
Israel Jenrette, 2024 6’9 - AJ Bouya Elite: Jenrette checks a lot of the physical tools. The size, frame and arm length is ideal for a post. He’s still raw on the offensive end, but liked his energy and presence on the glass and as a rim protector. Rebounded out of his area, used his length and adequate leaping abilities to impact shots at the basket and played to his strengths on both ends.
Lawrence Sanford, 2025 6’2 CG - Wood Elite 16U: Sanford was effective as a scorer playing on or off the ball. Active mover off the ball that creates scoring opportunities for himself and others. On it, he utilizes his quick first step to blow by defenders and can stop on a dime, rise and launch when creating off the bounce.
Jayden Bell, 2025 6’ PG - Team Power: Confident shot-maker that can score in bunches. Even though he can score it at a high clip, I saw some potentially potent playmaking skills especially when operating as a pick n roll ball handler. Has good vision, may not always make the most accurate passes, but he shows an ability to impact winning with both his scoring and playmaking.
Chase Tyler, 2024 6’4 Guard - Wood Elite 17U: A dual sport athlete that plays with a blend of power and finesse as a guard-wing. Gets downhill, finishes through contact and length, plus rebounder and when his shot is on, he is an even tougher cover. Albeit being a big-time football player, Chase could end up being a legitimate division 1 basketball prospect.
Isaac Tavares, 2023 6’6 Wing - Team Huncho 17U: An available prospect with good size for a wing. Assertive with the ball in his hands and can get to the teeth of the defense. Was really good in transition as a finisher, can switch and defend multiple spots and I really liked that his motor stays on.
