Southern Jam Fest: Hubb and Bacot display major value
HAMPTON, Va. – Some of the very best prospects from the Mid-Atlantic region hit the floor on Saturday at the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest. Regardless of a prospect's affiliation, the chance to keep playing into Sunday depended on your ability to win your next game. Prentiss Hubb, a recent Notre Dame commit, showed that he can have a very successful career in the ACC while Armando Bacot is nearing five-star status.
Recruitment: Maryland, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Duke, Kansas, Baylor and many others.
His day: Bacot was super productive on Saturday as he rebounded the ball well, finished at the basket and displayed unbelievable passing skills from the high post setting and on the outlet pass following the defensive rebound.
Quote: “I feel like I have had just a great summer playing the four and showing my versatility to and ability to do a lot of things.”
Prediction: The offers continue to roll in for Bacot, a potential five-star prospect in the 2019 class and a big man that will likely lead a blueblood recruitment. Duke and Kansas are each in a great spot but if you’re looking for a sleeper, Virginia Tech may be the dark horse.
Recruitment: Committed to Notre Dame.
His day: Committing to Notre Dame this past week, Hubb sure looked like a man possessed on Saturday as the Rivals150 guard did whatever was asked out of him. There have been questions as to whether the DC Premier product is a true point guard or not but instead, most should appreciate just how well-rounded he is in the backcourt. He is much more athletic now than he was this time last yet, was able to hit on a number of pull-up jumpers and showed the ability to facilitate a half-court offense and making timely decisions with the ball thereafter. He should have no issues fitting in at South Bend beginning next fall.
Recruitment: ETSU, Murray State, Marshall, Old Dominion, College of Charleston and several others.
His day: McClung was one of the top breakout performers of the day on Saturday. A super flashy but efficient playmaking guard, the rising senior hit his teammates with impressive passes around the basket but also brought the fans to their feet with a two-handed windmill dunk during his first session. He may not look the part of a high-level point guard but on Saturday, he did nothing to dispute the fact that his recruitment could bleed into that particular level this summer.
Prediction: Way too early to tell as the college offers have yet to stop coming in the Team Loaded VA product.
Recruitment: Boston College, Ole Miss, Tulsa, St. Joe’s and South Carolina.
His day: Bolton was pretty impressive displaying the ability to make shots but also create for his teammates. He is a deceptively spry athlete at the basket as he attempted a number of highlight reel dunks as Bolton has continued to improve, looking the part of an early producer during his collegiate playing career.
Quote: “I don’t know about when I will cut things down. I am just focusing on playing right now. I just want a good education program and somewhere that will let me play.”
Prediction: While most of the higher level programs have yet to offer Bolton, St. Joe’s has done an excellent job of hanging in mix for the Team Loaded product; at the end of the day, Phil Martelli and his staff could come out the giant winners in the Bolton sweepstakes.
Recruitment: Pitt, Florida, Temple, Miami, Northwestern, Notre Dame and many others
His day: A top breakout performer from the spring evaluation periods, Bey is one of the more versatile wings off of the east coast. A 6-foot-5 small forward that can defend three different positions on the floor but also create his own shot and playmake some for others, Bey is the glue to his DC Premier unit as he continues to cement his status as a potential top-100 prospect this summer.
Prediction: Florida was the most recent program to jump in with an offer for Bey, a versatile prospect that has seen his stock soar within the past two months. As of now, it sounds as if Miami, Northwestern and Notre Dame are the three to beat for his services.
Recruitment: Missouri, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Stanford and many others.
His day: Switching sides and playing with the Team Loaded NC this weekend, Wertz created for others, showed that he can knock down a number of shots when open and scored with craftiness and off of under control drives to the cup. He is a not an elite athlete but he has the well-rounded abilities to help a lot of teams, up and down the east coast, win many games in the future.
Quote: “I am still wide open. I wouldn’t say that anyone is standing out just yet right now.”
Prediction: Things are still in the infancy stages in the recruitment of Wertz and thanks to his quality skillset and grades in the classroom, he will continue to pull in a number of high academic offers this summer.
Recruitment: Miami, Pitt, Georgia, Georgetown, West Virginia, Tennessee, Seton Hall and Rhode Island.
His day: Harris began his day in fine fashion and ended it in a similar manner he competed with a much better motor than we are used to seeing. He is beginning to learn when he should score inside rather than play first out on the perimeter. A versatile power forward with a college ready body, Harris has top-75 talent and on Saturday, looked the part, just as well.
Quote: “I will be making a cut my list when I get back from L.A. I want to cut it down to a final seven. I will probably take my visits after July and committing in November.”
Prediction: Look for a cut list from Harris within the coming weeks but for Miami and West Virginia to be two of the heaviest of favorites prior to a fall signing with the DC Premier product.