Closer Look: Keep Your Eyes on These Guys This Fall
2019 SG Quincy Olivari (ATL Hoops/Westlake)- Olivari picked up his first D1 offer in July from Charleston Southern and I wouldn’t be surprised if more come in the fall. His ATL Hoops team had Elias King and some other solid players, so Olivari could not waste any opportunities on the offensive end, and he didn’t. Olivari can heat up very quickly from the outside and has extended range on his jumper. He also makes plays in transition, knowing when to pull up and showing his athleticism on the break as well. His efficient, unselfish style is always nice to have.
2019 W BJ Knight (God’s Property/Peachtree Ridge)- Knight burst onto the scene in July, impressing coaches in every event that God’s Property played in. He has now been receiving attention across all levels, with a few D1 programs jumping in after Orlando. Knight balanced aggression and unselfishness all month long and it paid off. A strong wing with inside-out ability at 6’5”, Knight is a load to handle and is a mismatch for many perimeter players. He showed a full arsenal of skills in July, shooting efficiently and confidently, finishing through contact with ease, and making good decisions when he put the ball on the deck. His versatility and excellent motor have helped boost his stock considerably these last few weeks.
2019 CG Malik Battle (Infinite Skillz/Alexander)- Battle was very impressive in June with Alexander and carried that momentum into July with Infinite Skillz and the Smyrna Stars. He is wired to score and can hurt you in any way imaginable. Battle is an extremely confident shooter off the bounce and uses that ability to open up other parts of his game. Probably my favorite quality of Battle’s is his competitiveness; he comes into each game with maximum intensity and a strong desire to win. Pairing this with high-level scoring ability makes him a prospect worth watching High D2’s and LM D1 programs should check in on him this fall.
2019 PG Donell Nixon (SBC/Buford)- Nixon is one of those guys who will go overlooked on the recruiting trail because of his size, but the impact he makes in undeniable. He is a gifted scorer who hits tough shots from all over the court and is very difficult to stop when he gets hot. Nixon understands when to get others involved also, weaving through opponents, drawing help defenders, and kicking to open teammates. His crafty handles, change of speed, and shot-making ability form an impressive offensive repertoire. If coaches look past his height and recognize all the different contributions he makes, they’ll see why they should take a chance on him. He could surprise a lot of people this year and in college.