Live Period Team Preview: GA Elite Ballers
The GA Elite Ballers are an interesting team with a unique combination of size, versatility, and depth. They are composed of high academic prospects who can man multiple positions and play an unselfish style of basketball. Here is more on the makeup of this squad:
April 20-22: OnTheRadar Hoops Sweet 16 (Atlanta, GA)
April 27-29: Adidas Gauntlet Qualifier (Atlanta, GA)
6’2 2019 PG Mitch Ganote (Lambert)- One of my favorite players, Ganote is looking to build on his strong junior season this spring. He is a triple-double threat nearly every game, contributing in any area you need and doing so with ease. Ganote has proved himself as a reliable lead guard and plays with an edge to him that you like to see. He sets the tone each game with his energy as the PG and leader for this team. Expect numerous LM programs to jump in following these live periods.
6’6 2019 PF Kevin Hester (North Cobb)- Hester may not be the tallest forward, but his big body and understanding of how to use it makes up for that. He is a great rebounder on both ends and has showed a consistent mid-range jump shot also. His ability to carve out space gets him good position inside and results in quick, easy baskets. Winning matchups against some taller opponents these next few weekends will really help his stock.
6’6 2019 F JD Hull (Darlington)- Hull was back with the team last weekend and had some good moments. Once he got into a flow, he was productive and efficient. Hull is a mobile forward with nice touch, length, and good IQ. He stays active on both ends of the floor and has good fundamentals offensively. Making an effort to be physical and play through contact will be important for him this spring.
6’8 2019 PF Shawn Ohuabunwa (GAC)- Ohuabunwa is still quite raw but he has qualities that make you wonder what he could develop into. He has great height and length at 6’8” and plays with an impressive motor. He protects the rim on defense and should be a good rebounder as he gets stronger and improves his court awareness. Ohuabunwa converts on easy drop-offs and has shown aggression offensively, which is a good place to start.
6’4 2019 W Cameron Nayebi (Lambert)- Nayebi did not have many opportunities during the high school season playing behind some key seniors, but he looks determined to start the travel season. He has displayed a consistent mid-range shot and isn’t afraid to play absorb contact at the basket either. Nayebi provides a nice rebounding boost for this team as well and always gives great effort. He should continue to be a solid piece for them.
5’11 2019 PG Alonzo Johnson (Norcross)- Johnson can bring an excellent energy boost off the bench for the Ballers. He is vocal, plays with a lot of intensity, and can be a pest when defending opposing ball-handlers. Johnson may lack size but he does not back down or mind getting physical. Having a guy who raises the energy level and brings it on defense when in the game can be very valuable.
6’7 2018 F Ousman Cambi (Northview)- An unsigned senior, Cambi is an interesting case. His physical tools just scream potential; he moves well, runs the floor hard, and has an impressive wingspan. Having only seen a small sample size, he has shown some promise offensively but could definitely be more assertive. If a coach is willing to take on a project and really develop Cambi for a year or two, it could end up paying off.
6’4 2019 G Kalik Brooks (Alpharetta)- Brooks can basically be a position-less player for the Ballers. His size and length allows him to defend guards and forwards, and he really takes pride in making an impact on the defensive end. He may not score in bunches but he is a good passer and shows flashes of what he could be when he puts it all together offensively. Continuing to rebound and defend while also displaying a full offensive repertoire will elevate him as a prospect.
6’3 2019 G Neil Ilenrey (Johns Creek)- A serious football prospect, Ilenrey can get it done on the hardwood also. You can sense his football background when watching him; he has great strength and always looks for physical play. Ilenrey is a solid on-ball defender, slashes well offensively, and provides the team with another transition ball-handler. Look for him to make an immediate impact after missing last weekend.
6’6 2019 F Caleb Lucas (Cambridge)- At 6’6 with his skillset, Lucas can create matchup problems for a lot of teams. He has no problem stepping out to the perimeter where he is a confident shooter and handles the ball at times also. He has a decent frame on him and could probably use it to his advantage even more. Not settling on the perimeter and getting inside to do dirty work would benefit Lucas greatly during the live periods.