Houston GMI Recap
by Ani Umana, Future150 (12:54 AM CT, Fri July 17, 2015)

Houston, TX (Future150) -- RCS Sports hosted the GMI Tournament this past weekend in Houston and there was high-level talent and college coaches in each gym.

Guard Play

Texas A&M commit J.J. Caldwell showed why he might be the best guard in Texas for 2016. His passing abilities are at an extremely high level and also Caldwell gets to the rim at will.

Kameron McGusty and Caldwell form the most dangerous backcourt in Texas. McGusty at 6-foot-5 can play the point and run the offense. He is a high-level shot creator and finishes strong when fouled.

Kennie Cooper (2016) of Dallas Showtyme is a lights-out shooter.  He will hit shots with heavy pressure on him.

Cooper was one of the top shooters in the tournament along with 2017 scorer, Maxwell Evans of Texas Elite Basketball.

Evans, who may be the best shooter in the country in his class is scary with the ball. He has great elevation on his shot and he shoots from beyond the arc.

With offers from Oklahoma and SFA Evans wants to show he is one of the best guards in the nation.

Evans teammate Ricky Doc Nelson gives Texas Elite a frightening backcourt combination.  After this weekend, Nelson is no doubt one of the best guards in Houston. He is more of a scoring guard, but he has great vision in the half-court setting. 

Committed

Lamar University landed verbal commitments from Cameron McGee and Tyrin Atwood.  

They are both big pickups for the Cardinals.

McGee, who plays for Dallas Showtyme is a point guard that makes the right decisions on the court. He is a high volume scorer that has a quick pull-up. He can create for his teammates at a high rate.

Even when he doesn't score, McGee makes a big impact on the game.

Atwood is a versatile wing.  Whether it is bringing the ball up the court and getting a shot or guarding positions from the 2-5, Atwood can do it all.   He was very impressive for the Houston Defenders this summer and especially this past weekend.

Jacob Young of Dwight Howard Elite is a Texas commit that is a sight to see. On offense he is lethal when he comes off pick and rolls. The lefty can score from anywhere on the court and creates space using his solid frame to initiate contact. He plays tough pressure defense, which is a product of the Houston Yates High School system.

For M&E Elite athletic forward Mike Jones Jr. committed to Centenary College in Louisiana this past weekend. 

Bigs

A trio of 2017 bigs climbed above the masses with strong play. 

Zach Lord of Austin Rain, Jayden Peevy of Houston Hoops, and Kevin Samuel of the Dream Team made their marks.

Lord has great footwork in the paint. He like to face-up his defender before backing them down for a hook shot or small fade-away.

Lord has interest from Rice, Princeton and Dallas Baptist and should soon get offers.

Peavy has a similar game to Lord.  He might not be very athletic, but he is very skilled on the block and big and strong.  Peavy is a good offensive rebounder.  He blocks out on every shot and is quick off his feet.

Samuel has offers from Houston, Texas, Louisiana Tech and many others. He is a 6-foot-10 post player that is a force on defense. Offensively, he has a soft touch with his left-handed hook shot.  Defensively, he is a difference maker already. Even when he doesn't block the shot, his contest alters the attempt.

The Next Sophomore Class

Mitchell Seriale of Howard Elite, Bryson Etienne of Texas Elite Basketball, Roderick Lewis of 3T Basketball, and Trajan Wesely of Basketball University showed out playing in the 17u bracket.

All four players are Class of 2018 guys, but they still thrived in the top AAU division.  

Etienne is a strong guard that has a good feel for the game. He has a nice pull-up game and is effective in transition with or without the ball.

Lewis scores at a high volume. He can be more streaky than consistent.  If he is on, he is nearly impossible to stop.

Wesley picked up an offer from Sam Houston State this weekend. The guard displayed his shot-creating abilities and defended very well.  

The staff have been keeping track of Wesley this summer and the offer is much deserved.

Seriale is a name that will be common very soon. The 6-foot-7 forward has good touch from three-point land and plays above the rim. With looks from Kansas State, Texas, Texas A&M and other high major schools, Seriale will be a prospect colleges will seek out going forward.

Under the Radar Prospects

Darius Love (2016) of Houston Topguns is a freak athlete. He gained attention with an immediate tip-dunk against the Houston Defenders. Love it a strong rebounder and helpside shot-blocker.

Class of 2016 member, Andre Shelby of M&E Elite is a combo forward that scored mainly off transition.  He runs the lanes and finishes.  Shelby is a strong finisher inside and a solid offensive rebounder.  High motor.

Unsigned

Class of 2015 Ross Joseph of the Rookies is a 6-foot-7 stretch-forward that hasn't signed yet. Definitely he is a D1-D2 Juco talent. Ross would be a good pickup for a team still looking for a big.