Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Greenville, SC (Future150) -- Every year, our Future150 Elite24 All-American Camp brings in some of the best and brightest young middle school talent nationally, and every year, there's a prospect who shines brighter than all the rest. This year, that player was John Butler.
From the moment he walked in the doors, the 6'10" big man was turning heads all over the gym. First, he stood out in the combine testing stations of the camp, measuring a 7'0"+ wingspan and checking in with a size 15 sneaker, all while not turning 15 years old until December of this year.
Then, once game play started, his gifts really started to shine through.
"Right now my interior defense and shot blocking are probably the strongest parts of my game. Also, being as agile as I am now and having the range at my height plays a strong part in my success," he told Future150.
He isn't lying. Using his length and natural instincts, he was a menace on defense, while showing excellent footwork and shooting skills throughout the weekend.
We first noticed the talented big man while playing for Team United in the HOT League this past winter, and now, his stock is ready to take off.
Right before attending Elite24 Camp, he was invited to and attended the University of Tennessee's Elite Camp, and the Volunteer staff was impressed.
While it's only a matter of time before other high-major schools, specifically SEC programs begin to contact him, there may be one school that holds a slight edge over the others off the bat.
"My mom played college basketball at the University of South Carolina, and my dad played all through high school and later became a high school coach," he told us when asked about the history of hoopers in his family.
After speaking with his family at camp, it's clear that academics are priority for the Butler family when it comes to John's future. An excellent student, John enjoys math.
"Growing up, I've always had a mathematical gift to see and understand problems that the other kids couldn't," he said.
While a math degree may be in his future, he has some very specific basketball related goals and dreams for his future, starting at Christ Church Episcopal School (SC).
"I want to win a state championship with my high school team and play for a division one college, but overall, I want to play professional basketball."
Right now, he's a top 10 prospect in the freshman class nationally, and with his combination of size and skills, that's not likely to change as he progresses. Which high-major school will offer him a scholarship first? We should know that answer very soon.
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