Thanks to everyone who attended the Tennessee Prep Hoops Rankings and Exposure Showcase at Carson Newman last week. I have compiled the information from several former coaches in attendance and will prepare an evaluation for each player who attended. I will stress positive points and make suggestions on things that could help you improve your game as you move towards your dream of playing at the next level. I wish everyone luck and look forward to seeing you this year with your respective high schools.
Auburn (21-30)
21. Thomas Mackey (Gatlinburg-Pittman) 2014 (5'10 PG/SG)
Tough minded small guard who plays with passion and has a motor. He seems to be more comfortable at the two-guard spot despite his lead guard size. He has no fear of driving to the bucket and despite his lack of girth does finish in traffic. His outside shooting needs structural work but he is the type of kid who will spend time in the gym and make it work for him. As aforementioned he will need to embrace the role of leader and make efforts to become more of a distributor in the half-court system.
22. Michael Jeffers (Oneida) 2014 (6'2 SG)
Much improved off guard/wing player who showed increased aggression with his drives to the bucket. He has strength which allows him to make space when he goes to the rack. He will really need to work on his lateral quickness and foot speed especially on the defensive end of the floor. His knowledge of the game allows him to be a competent defender at his high school level with the use of angles and anticipation. His strength also makes him a good offensive rebounder.
24. Dylan Reppart (Daniel Bone) 2014 (6'4 SG/WF)
Solid lefty performer has good length and gives maximum effort on the court at all times. Reppart could project as a wing if he continues to gain confidence in his outside shot which is not bad but could use some tweaking from a release point standpoint. He could also project as a two in which case he needs to work on his ball handling and shooting. His length and effort make him a player who should garner some next level attention especially on the defensive end which seems to be the lacking point of majority of high school players who enter the college ranks.
25. Silas Adheke (Hamilton Heights) 2017 (6'6 PF)
Young man has all the tools to become a big time recruit. His size is impressive and his strength is certainly an asset as he asserts himself into the post. He has an array of moves and is a lefty which gives him the additional aspect of playing from the opposite side of most defenders comfort zone. Has shown a lefty hook but lacks the counter move which will come with court work and repetition in practice. As a lefty he will need to learn to use both hands on the interior, a feat difficult for young lefty post players. He showed he could knock down the short jumper and plays with a motor. His future is bright if he has the heart.
26. Boston Smith (Gatlinburg-Pittman) 2018 (5'4 PG)
Diminutive young guard who was the youngest camper at the event. Despite his size what we tend to look for at that age is aggressiveness and does he show fear playing with bigger and stronger players. He was overmatched from a physical standpoint but he never backed down and seemed to have an understanding for the game. His lack of physical attributes didn't allow him to complete the plays he saw with his basketball IQ. His outside shot was good and he will increase his range as he gains strength and size.
27. Jordan Bowden (Carter) 2015 (6'2 SG)
Lanky combo guard prospect has made some strides in his overall game including knocking down the open shot from the outside. Jordan has run the point guard position and has a good handle with the ball but must work on his explosion as he needs to make more plays in the lane. As an off guard his outside shot is his strength and his ability to handle and make passes makes him a valuable commodity. He desperately needs to add strength to his body so he can finish his forays to the hoop and not get bumped off his track when looking for his shot. This will be an interesting season for the rising junior.
28. Devin Stuart (Dobyns-Bennett) 2015 (5'10 PG)
Young lead guard has made supreme improvement in his overall game showing more aggression, especially on the defensive end, and embracing the role of team leader with the ball in his hands. Devin is not a big kid but he is stronger than he appears and has a quickness that he should employ more than he does. His shooting is adequate but can improve with gym work while he seems to have improved his decision making off the dribble even since the beginning of the summer. He will always be the small guard but when he learns to make his quickness his best weapon and terrorize opposing guards on defense and blaze by them on offense his stock will be on the upturn.
29. Darian Ellison (Alcoa) 2017 (5'6 PG)
Another small guard who undoubtedly had the best hair in the camp bar none. Young man seemed a bit overwhelmed by the speed of the game and the size of the players he was matched up against. Very common for an incoming freshman so no need to fret. He seemed most comfortable with the ball in his hands and seemed to be programmed to go to the basket. His size and strength did not allow him to complete plays most of the time but the fact he recognized the play is something that can be worked with as he enters the prep ranks this season.
