Hoophall Classic: Whose fans should be excited by Saturday action?

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The first day of the Hoophall Classic featured several big-time outings. But fans of programs like Arizona, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Temple and USC should be feeling great about what players headed to play for their programs did on the opening day of the event.

If you’re a fan of the Arizona Wildcats, the Hoophall Classic was the place to be on Saturday as 75 percent of their 2017 recruiting class was on display.

Four-star forward Ira Lee kicked things off with an MVP performance, as he scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He showcased ambidextrous abilities around the basket, a much more explosive body on the dunk attempt and a polished mid-range game that should be utilized from day one in Tucson.

To finish the evening, DeAndre Ayton and Brandon Randolph went at it as Randolph and Westtown (Pa.) School came away with the win. Ayton was at his best when engaged around the hoop but also hit some nice looking jumpers to finish with 21 points and 10 rebounds. However, it was Randolph’s three-level scoring skills that really stood out.

Randolph made deep shots, dunked in transition and did a little bit of everything in between in a 28-point, three-rebound and six-assist effort.

“We are going to bring an impact to the team with my shooting ability, Ira’s athleticism, DeAndre’s skills and (Alex) Barcello’s skills. We are all going to be great,” Randolph told Rivals.com. “Next year, we are going to be a force.”

Fans of the Georgetown Hoyas should be very excited about their future point guard, Tremont Waters of New Haven (Conn.) Notre Dame.

The 5-foot-10 point guard, who ranks No. 36 in the class of 2017, put on a show. He scored the ball from inside and out, set his teammates up for timely baskets and used his instincts and quick-twitch abilities in causing havoc as an on-ball defender. As the final buzzer sounded, the entertaining lead guard not only secured an excellent win for his team, he also won MVP honors thanks to his 29 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Georgetown is going to need an immediate presence that can run an offense and provide scoring punch. Waters gives checks both boxes and looks like he can be the point guard Hoya fans have been waiting for.

“The academics are great, they have a great business school and the coaches have my best interest at heart,” said Waters. “I just need to come in and run the show.”

A pair of high-level wings staged a high scoring showdown as Notre Dame bound D.J. Harvey of Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha and USC bound Charles O'Bannon Jr. of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman dueled. Harvey and DeMatha got the win, but fans of the Irish and Trojans should be excited about what each of their top-50 type talents brings to the floor.

Ranked No. 52 overall in the class of 2017, Harvey showed polish, poise and versatility. He's a strong 6-foot-6 wing scorer who makes defenders pay with his mid-range game. He's showing extended range as well and has gotten tough on the glass. He finished with 28 points, 14 rebounds and four assists while looking ready to step in and provide immediate help in South Bend.

On the other side, O'Bannon continued to show off more explosive athleticism. He had multiple high-level finishes at the rim and then he stepped out to score from deep. Ranked No. 51 overall, he looks like a perfect fit for the high-octane offense that Andy Enfield is trying to build in Los Angeles. O'Bannon finished with 27 points.

Finally, we want to be sure to mention the play of Temple bound combo guard Nate Pierre-Louis. What really stood out about Pierre-Louis was the job he's done transforming his body and adding strength. He looks like a college player on a floor with high schoolers, and that physicality will allow him to help out early. The Rivals150 guard finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists.