8th Grade Nationals: Familiar Names Dominate
by Jason Pratt, Future150 (6:34 PM CT, Mon July 21, 2014)

Orlando, FL (Future150) -- Future150 got a look at the stars of tomorrow when we took in 8th Grade Nationals in sunny Orlando, Florida from July 12th-16th. Here are just a few of the prospects who stood out during their time on the floor.

Marvin Bagley III, 2018 SF, WACG: Now grown to 6-foot-10, the Arizona product continues to show signs of improvement and growth, which is a scary thing. He is blessed with the ability to play four positions on the floor and can easily score the basketball on all three levels. The game comes too easy to him, and playing against older competition is necessary for him to continue to evolve. Special prospect.

Chandler Lawson, 2019 SF, Team Penny: The 6-foot-6 forward has a chance to be even better than older brothers and Memphis commits K.J. & Dedric Lawson. Blessed with size and skills, the smooth prospect has the ability to play three positions on the floor, and play them well. The game comes so easy to him that sometimes people question his motor, but don't be fooled, the rising 8th grader is as elite as they come.

Javonte Smart, 2018 PG, ATR Xplosion: The 6-foot-3 Baton Rouge, Louisiana product continues to improve and looks like he might just be the top point guard prospect in the class. While he didn't show up until the first game of bracket play due to him playing up at 9th grade nationals, he willed his team from the moment he arrived. He has the ability to take over games and has court vision well beyond his years. He is an immediate impact freshman wherever he goes, so look for him to make a splash this winter on the hardwood.

D.J. Brittian, 2018 PG, Atlanta Celtics: One of the quickest prospects we've seen to date in the 2018 class is the 6-foot Brittian. A suberb athlete, he is at his best when he is attacking the basket both in transition as well as in the half-court. His jump shot is a work in progress, but he had his moments shooting the ball in Orlando.

Reggie Chaney, 2018 F, Team Texas Elite: Chaney was a pleasant surprise this week since we last saw him. He has grown two inches and has added muscle to his frame. He was in beast mode all week on both ends of the floor, especially when rebounding on the offensive glass. He showed the ability to step out to 18 feet and take players his size off the dribble when attacking. He led his team to the Elite 8 & has a world of upside to his game.

Chris Mullins, 2018 SG, Texas Select: Long and wiry at 6-foot-3, Mullins is a very skilled slasher who uses his length to finish over and around defenders. He is very good in transition and once he develops a consistent outside jumper, he will be an extremely hard guard to stop. He led his team to 5th in the Country.  He might be the best on ball defender in the class.  As his jump shot improves so will his overall game.

Tyler Harris, 2018 PG, Team Thad: One of the best scorers in the class right now is the 5-foot-9 point guard. Throughout the week at nationals, he was sensational, averaging 24 points per game, doing it from mid-range & 3-point range with ease. He has excellent speed both in the open floor and when he is attacking in a half-court setting as well.

Courtney Ramey, 2018 PG, Team Ramey: Now standing 5-foot-11, the skilled lead guard was impressive in Orlando. He is capable of leading the offense as well as scoring the basketball. He is a leader with a high basketball IQ, and once he puts muscle onto his frame, he will be able to take his game to the next level.

Jamie Lewis, 2018 PG, Georgia United: It's been pretty clear now for the past few years that there isn't a better combo guard in the state of Georgia than the 6-foot-2 Lewis. A natural scorer, he knows how to get baskets from both mid-range and 3-point range and is also capable of running his team as well.

Josh LeBlanc, 2018 SF, Louisiana Elite: The long and fluid 6-foot-6 forward has the ability to play both forward spots both now and in the future, and do it well. He possesses a solid set of skills and as he develops, we expect him to make a full transition to the small forward spot, making him an even more dangerous prospect.

Fred Thatch Jr., 2018 SF, Team Ramey: A powerful forward, the 6-foot-2 wing continues to evolve. He dominates each time he steps onto the floor and he did the same in Orlando during 8th Grade Nationals. Simply put, he is a gamer who produces each and every time he takes the floor. 

Drue Drinnon, 2018 PG, Atlanta Celtics: Already holding an offer from Georgia, the 6-foot combo guard has all the makings of a high major prospect. He has a high IQ on the floor, excellent decision making skills, and can score or facilitate. His ability to score in the mid-range is what sets him apart right now from other guards in the class. Look for him to start from day one at East Jackson (GA).