Garrett Tucker:
Future150 Southeast Analyst. Covering high school basketball across the Southeast.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- Future150 Birmingham Camp was once again one of the most successful stops during the annual camp tour. This year, we found several prospects who were flying under the radar. Here is who stood out most during the Top 40 All-Star game...
Leroy Buchanan, 2015 SG: Buchanan was one of the most entertaining players to watch at the camp with his athleticism. The 6-foot-1 shooting guard put on a show on the offensive end each time out, whether it was making plays above the rim or hitting shots from the perimeter. With offers from Tulane, Murray State, and more, Buchanan will see his stock continue to rise.
Traquan Knight, 2015 SG: Knight paired with Buchanan to make quite the duo in 5-on-5 play. The 6-foot-2 slasher did a nice job of getting to the rim, especially in transition. Knight’s athleticism is his best quality, as he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. His shot needs to get more consistent, but he proved he is a threat from behind the arch.
Jaquez Johnson, 2015 CF: Johnson was the most dominant player in the camp. With his size, speed, and motor, it was difficult for any player to match his play. The 6-foot-4 combo forward caused problems on both ends of the floor, but he really proved he can guard anyone on the floor. He also produced on the offensive end, finishing around the basket and hitting outside shots.
Triston Chambers, 2016 SG: Chambers may be the Deep South’s biggest secret, but that won’t be for too much longer. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is a sniper from long-range and he was probably the best overall shooter from the camp. However, the sophomore can put the ball on the floor, and with his sneaky athleticism, he surprises some people around the rim. Local schools Samford and UAB are all over him, but expect that list to grow.
Brandon Miller, 2015 PG: Miller was one of the best point guards to show an understanding of the game over the weekend. The 5-foot-11 guard has a nice body and he knows how to play the game, whether it is directing players on offense or going to score the rock. He is also very coachable and takes constructive criticism well. This point guard has a great head on his shoulders.
Daniel Laster, 2015 SF: The ceiling is high for Pensacola native Daniel Laster. The 6-foot-7 wing is very versatile with his skill-set and game; he can play on the outside or go inside, causing a matchup problem for both. He is extremely long and explosive. While his three-point shooting needs to become more consistent, he has proved he can score the ball on all three levels.
Darius Hicks, 2016 SF: Hicks has the most potential out of any Birmingham camper, and after last year, it is scary to think of how good this kid could be in the future. Last year, the 6-foot-7 forward was extremely raw; fast-forward to this year, and Hicks can do a variety of things with his game. He can put the ball on the floor, score from the mid-range, and occasionally hit some three-pointers. There is no doubt, Hicks is a high-major talent.
Quinndary Weatherspoon, 2015 SG: Weatherspoon is another Mississippi native that has the potential to be a very good player. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is crafty and versatile with his game. He showed the ability to play both guard spots, where he played both roles quite nicely. He can score in bunches, whether it is driving to the rim or hitting shots from the perimeter.
Reginald Mhoon, 2017 CF: Mhoon is definitely one of Alabama’s top prospects for the 2017 class. With his potential, there is the possibility that he could sky-rocket to the top of the list by his senior year. The 6-foot-5 forward blocks shots at a high rate, and while his offensive game is still coming along, he has proved he can play multiple positions and succeed. He is great in transition, as well as hitting mid-range shots.
Tucker Campbell, 2015 SG: Campbell was one of the more skilled and fundamental kids at camp, and he proved to be worthy of an all-star selection. The 6-foot-4 wing showed a steady knowledge of the game and high IQ. He isn’t the most athletic player, but he used his intelligence to beat other players. He has a nice shot and could be a steal for a school down the road.
Avery Brooks, 2014 SF: Brooks was another skilled player to showcase his talents over the weekend. The 6-foot-5 small forward made the trip from Louisiana worthwhile, as he showed off an array of offensive moves and his skill-set. He shot the ball very well from all spots on the floor, and he did so with nice form. He also has a college-ready body with a nice build.
Josh Hill, 2016 CF: Hill has been monitored by the Future150 staff for the past few years and each time we see him, the 6-foot-4 forward continues to improve. Now a sophomore, Hill lead his team in the all-star game with a couple of clutch three-pointers to help his team stay in the game. When he is hitting shots, the Mobile native is very dangerous.
Tobias Mitchell, 2016 SF: Mitchell played as hard as any player in the camp. He impacted the game in a variety of ways, whether it was causing problems on defense or hitting the offensive boards. He did a nice job of taking his defender off the dribble from the perimeter. With his size and quickness, he is a tough matchup for players.
Tyrell Clary, 2014 SF: Clary plays in the same mold as Mitchell, but there are some differences. The 6-foot-3 small forward makes defense a priority, as he forces pressure on the ball. He also has great anticipation, leading to easy steals and scores for him. Clary uses his quickness and athleticism to beat players off the dribble. He will be one of the most exciting players coming out of the Huntsville area this high school season.
Bruce Stevens, 2015 PF: One of the hardest working players to come to Birmingham was Stevens. At 6-foot-7 and 250-pounds, he is quite the grown man and he uses his size to his advantage. He has great post footwork and moves, as he punished big men down low when he received the ball. He also very nimble for his size, as he moves well and can do many things most big men his size cannot.
Justin Blaha, 2015 SG: Blaha was one of the most reliable players as far as taking care of the basketball. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard did a nice job of handling the ball under pressure and in big situations. He has a high IQ and uses it to his advantage. He is also very dangerous from the perimeter with his shooting ability. If left open, it is an automatic bucket for this guy.
Ricky Holden, 2015 PG: Holden showed a great pace and swagger to his game. The 5-foot-11 point guard had no intention of showing out; instead, he proved to be reliable and just play the game. He has a great motor and has a passion for the game. He is a fierce competitor and has a great feel for the game. When his shot is going, he is very dangerous.
Michael Bell, 2014 PG: It was a challenge for defenders to keep Bell in front of them. With his quickness and speed, many defenders failed to contain the 5-foot-10 point guard out of Hueytown. He showed outstanding ball-handling skills, second-to-none at camp. He is very explosive and does a nice job of making plays for his team.
Terrell Guy, 2015 PG: One of the most electric lead guards in the camp was the 6-foot Leeds High School (AL) prospect. With a powerful 210-pound frame, he is deceptively quick. His ball skills also helped him get past defenders on his way to the basket. However, his reliable jumper was also on display. One game he knocked down five three-pointers, four of which were in the first half.
Jarad Pruitt, 2015 SF: The 6-foot-2 wing was one of the most aggressive prospect in Birmingham, and it caused him to stand out. He was constantly attacking the glass on both ends of the floor. He is also a skilled slasher when attacking the basket, where he finished at the rim against contact all weekend. He is also an extremely aggressive on-ball defender.
Future150 Birmingham Camp Top 20 Prospect Rankings:
1. Jaquez Johnson
2. Leroy Buchannan
3. Daniel Laster
4. Darius Hicks
5. Triston Chambers
6. Traquan Knight
7. Quinndary Weatherspoon
8. Tobias Mitchell
9. Josh Hill
10. Jarad Pruitt
11. RJ Mhoon
12. Tyrell Clary
13. Avery Brooks
14. Michael Bell
15. Justin Blaha
16. Bruce Stevens
17. Terrell Guy
18. Rickey Holden
19. Tucker Campbell
20. Brandon Miller
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