Dereck Lively Emerges at Hoop Group #JrFAA Camp
by Eric Hampford, Future150 (8:31 PM CT, Mon July 31, 2017)

Reading, PA (Future150) -- While the majority of buzz surrounds Hoop Group Future All-American Camp coming later this week, the younger age groups kick off action as an appetizer of sorts. Prospects in the classes of 2022-2024 mixed it up on Monday, with several prospects earning the attention of Future150 staff. Who impressed us most? Find out below.

Central Pennsylvania Big Man Emerges 

The tallest player at camp, 6'6" post Dereck Lively immediately caught our attention with his size for a rising 8th grader. Made of seemingly all arms and legs and sporting a huge wingspan, it's easy to see how bright his future can be. After finding out that his basketball bloodlines include a mother who scored 1,000 points at Penn State and a 6'9" grandfather who played at Xavier, and the upside factor is undeniable for Lively. Right now, his game is quite raw on the offensive end, but he's a shot-blocker whose best days are very much ahead of him. Expect the Bellefonte Area (PA) prospect to really start catching on after his 8th grade season.

Jeremiah Bembry Dominant At Jr. Future All-American Camp

Another storyline from Monday's action came in the form of 6'3" New Jersey prospect Jeremiah Bembry. The lanky lefty and cousin of Atlanta Hawks guard DeAndre' Bembry made quite an impression with his play at camp. He dominated the action, showing off skills to play all over the floor. While he plays with a little bit too much emotion at times, there's no denying the talent he has. The Patrick School (NJ) has a good one in the rising 8th grader, who should start to pop up on the radar throughout the Northeast region this school year.

3 More Hoop Group Jr. Future All-American Camp Standouts:

Jameel Brown, 2022 SG, The Haverford School (PA): The 6'1" wing prospect had his way at camp on Monday. He was unstoppable when heading to the rim, and showed ability to knock down perimeter jumpers when necessary. However, at this particular camp, there hasn't been a prospect who can stay in front of him, so he's doing whatever he wants on the offensive end, which is mostly scoring around the tin.

Jah'khi Washington, 2022 SF, St. Luke's School (CT): Recovering from a broken leg suffered earlier this year, the strong 6'2" wing looks like he's back to his normal self. He can be explosive when working off-the-dribble and gets more lift on drives than the majority of campers in attendance this week. Look for his name to really start resonating in New England this winter. 

Noel Echevarria, 2022 G, MS 319 (NY): A playmaker who impressed us over the winter, the 6'2" power guard continues to make headlines with his play at the middle school level. He's a talented scorer who is also an underrated playmaker. Right now, he's one of the very best guard prospects in his class in New York City.