Steady Climb: Georgia Prospects Who Have Continued to Progress.
2019 PF Brady Spence (Atlanta Allstars/Alexander)- I’ve had the pleasure of watching Spence’s rise since last summer when he was with the Georgia Bulls. He has continued to take small steps in his progression, developing into a solid LM target. He has offers from Presbyterian and Army, as well as interest from Wofford, William & Mary, and others. Spence impressed coaches this summer with how hard he played, running the floor hard, swatting shots, and looking to dunk everything. His touch from mid-range and the free throw line is respectable also. Getting in a college program for a year or two will do wonders for Spence’s strength and offensive polish. He may be one down the road that schools regret not going after. Expect Alexander to be a popular place for coaches to watch workouts this fall.
2019 F Brandon Deravine (GA Elite Ballers/Campbell)- Deravine did some good things with Game Elite ELW in the spring and was solid for Campbell in June, but really made a name for himself this July with the Ballers. At 6’6”, he is skilled enough to handle and shoot on the perimeter but also physical and strong enough to be effective in the paint. Coaches were attracted to this versatility but also liked how Deravine was more consistent with his effort. He was a relentless rebounder on both ends throughout July and did not take many plays off. He had numerous D2 coaches asking about him last month; they should pursue him aggressively now because he is sure to get a lot of attention this winter.
2019 W Jon Morgan (Atlanta Timberwolves/LaFayette)- While Morgan was well known in North Georgia before this season’s travel circuit, most outside of that area weren’t familiar with him. Fast forward to today and he now has an established reputation as an active wing who is a serious threat above the rim. Morgan is one of the more athletic guys I watched this July, springing up for big dunks frequently and even going through bodies to throw it down. He has a nice second jump which helps him on the offensive boards and has improved his skill as well. His outside shot is more consistent and his ball-handling ability is coming along. Prepping at Combine this year should be very beneficial for Morgan.
2019 CG Ben Sheppard (God’s Property/GAC)- Sheppard had a significant number of coaches come to watch him in April, but none pulled the trigger on him, citing that they wanted him to be more aggressive. That was not a problem in June or July, as he paired his skill and potential with an attacking mentality. Sheppard now has 6 D1 offers and more should be on the way over the next few months. He can play either guard spot and his smooth game allows him to create a lot of opportunities. Sheppard is an efficient perimeter shooter and showed more of a willingness to play through contact in July. Hunter McIntosh and Sheppard will be extremely tough to stop in 3A once again.
2019 SG Lance Terry (Atlanta Xpress/Heritage)- I feel like Terry is still considerably undervalued as a recruit, but I guess that can be somewhat expected when you’ve been the 3rd guard option behind Anthony Edwards and Chase Hunter most of the travel circuit. Still, that did not stop Terry from having a successful summer, in my opinion. Once Terry got comfortable with the Xpress team, he provided an efficient, reliable perimeter option that gave a boost on both sides of the ball each game. Terry was always ready off the ball, connecting on corner 3’s whenever his number was called. He is a solid athlete as well, which he puts on display in transition after getting in passing lanes particularly. Coaches need to get in to see him this fall, they will be impressed.