First annual OTR “The Tune Up” was just that. Teams were lining it up and trying to get themselves some real game bump and real game feel. Appreciative of all the teams who elected to come out and play some real games. And most of all always grateful to be able to use top tier facilities and gym space at CE King HS.
We’ve seen a lot of the teams throughout the fall, so for me seeing how players play with their coaches on the sideline and in a more game like rotation and feel is ideal. These guys took advantage and made notable impressions this weekend
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Devon Pryor 6’6, PSAT 2024
A healthy Devon Pryor is a dangerous one. Always plays with good energy and good speed. But this weekend he had exceptional pace and put immense pressure on the defense in transition. The most energetic and springy I have seen him in awhile. Pryor keeps his chin up and his eyes up on all drives. So tons of on-the-money kick out passes to 3pt shooters were available. However Pryor’s biggest imprint on the games this weekend was on the defensive end. Used his length with active hands, and got a lot of deflections and steals in passing lanes. Most of which turned into ELECTRIFYING dunks. Got a steal, and pulled out the Michael Jordan rock the baby dunk on the break. He was impressive this weekend.
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Trent Burns 7’1, PSAT 2024
Bigs tend to develop late. And we’ve all been curious as to what strides Trent will make. Well he looked the part in his games. Best I’ve ever seen Trent play. Why? Biggest sign was his mobility and second jump and second effort on plays! Especially on the defensive end. Jumping and protecting the rim, then making a second effort to try and get another block/rebound. There was intent and aggression in how he attacked the ball in the air and while it was loose. Double digit rebounder. Looked a little bit more certain in his movements and abilities. Always a 3 point shooting threat. Good to see him steadily trending upward!
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Bubz Alvarez 6’5, Heights HS 2023 (South Dakota State Commit)
Bubz was looking every bit of South Dakota State. From first hand knowledge South Dakota St really loved his ability to pass the ball and move. Bubz’ vision and passing was surely on display. You know a player has great spatial awareness and feel when they can attack the primary defender, read the rotating defender, avoid the charge cleanly, and get a dump off assist or kick out 3 assist. Surprisingly a lot of players can’t make those plays. Very low turnover, and clean in his play. Bubz shot the ball well in the mid range getting to his spots pretty freely. His long arms and length really allow for him to be effective in passing lanes and tracing the ball to get deflections; as well as finishing around defenders on drives. Bubz is starting the season off looking polished.
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CJ McCain 6’5, Texas City HS 2023
Being in Texas City means every time you play in the city or big events the “pressure” is on to perform so that people can really believe in you and your abilities. CJ has always come to play when the lights are on. At first look if you didn’t know any better you’d be expecting a big man – but CJ is an ultra productive wing/guard. He made several 3 pointers off the catch and off the bounce. McCain plays with good speed off defensive rebounds; whether that’s getting out and running the lanes, or handling it via the push. He was very effective in transition because he can change direction and still be athletic playing above the rim for finishes. CJ will score A LOT of points this season for Texas City believe that.
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Nas Price 6’3, Seven Lakes HS 2026
We know Nas is good, but from what we saw at the Tune Up? He is phenomenal and one of the best 2026 kids in the country. You would expect a bunch of crossovers, or some giant freak athlete… but in reality Nas doesn’t overcomplicate the game. He’s ultra impactful on the defensive end. Culture + ability makes him look great on that end. INSTINCTS!!!! Always right place right time. He flys through passing lanes for steals. Anticipates plays 2 steps ahead and gets there first to make a play on the ball. His activity all over the floor usually leads to electric runs for Seven Lakes. Nas had several back-to-back-to-back type possessions. Hit a 3 on offense; get an on/off ball steal that leads to dunk; then get a rebound and push for an assist. Lastly, his 3 ball was really consistent. 3pt shooting was the area I wanted to see him really show improvement on… and after this weekend he showed he was knockdown. Once Nas gets the reps understanding the various ways to finish and not simply rely on his athleticism- it’s going to get really scary. He’s a problem for every SENIOR right now at this moment… and his confidence is only growing the more he performs.
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Nigel Walls 6’10, St Francis Episcopal 2025
Nicest thing I felt about Nigel was that he was locked in and engaged for a full 40 minutes in both games. It seemed like he didn’t take a play off. As if he’s starting to understand and see where he’s at on the food chain. Showed inside and out prowess. Made multiple 3pointers. Attacked off the catch and has perfected the spin finish. Also caught lobs, got offensive rebound putbacks, and dump offs. The more reps he gets, the more comfortable he looks in the halfcourt. Defensively he was communicating, protecting the rim, and attacking the glass. He has always showed these flashes of what he can do, but he was way more confident aggressive and sure of himself – and he was relentless in trying to win every possession. Upside and ceiling is as high as he wants to take it. We can see why USA basketball is very high on him and his potential.
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Omarion Harvey 6’7, St Francis Episcopal 2025
Omarion is slowly growing into a big time prospect! Biggest reason why is because of his length and athleticism he can be a high level defender that has the capabilities to defend 1-5, and the difference is, he buys in to competing on the defensive end! Very handsy and active, looking to get swipes, blocks, deflections. He’s a pest on the ball and plays with energy. He was exceptionally good at rotating and causing havoc for the next man in help defense. He’s also aggressive on the rebounds. He takes the challenge on that side of the ball. Offensively he showed good vision and making the right pass. Was able to get to the rim and finish or touch it over the top with floaters. Omarion is very confident in himself, and looks to shoot the 3 ball but I would love to see him improve his 3pt shooting – if he does that he could be one the biggest sleepers in the class nationally. Looks way more like a 3 handling the ball, then most tall kids who say they “want to be a 3.” Omarion has his print all over the game in some ways you may not recognize. He really helps a team win with all the little things he does.
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Eric Woods 6’2, Nimitz HS 2024
Eric is generally an unassuming reserved type player. But at the Tune Up, he was hooping! This was the best I had ever really seen him play. He was knockdown from 3pt range on the weekend. But most impressive was his consistency in his playmaking in various areas, and all of those plays being the RIGHT play. He showed great poise in the pick and roll game- played in the pockets and the midrange and let things develop: jumpers for himself or kick outs to teammates. He showed some improved ability to attack players off the bounce and create offensive opportunities for the team. And I really liked just how patient he was getting deep in the paint and breaking the defense down. Confidence was on full display. This is the type of play that Eric needs to always show and stay consistent with.
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Adam Boyd 6’2 & Carson Countryman 6’6, Atascocita HS (JV) 2026
Got a chance to get a small preview of Atascocita’s JV team. As a program top to bottom they are young. But the next few years at AHS could potentially be special. We know ’26 Jachai Cantave.. but Adam Boyd & Carson Countryman are up next. Adam has great size for a primary ballhandler, and has a good handle to match. He is a true PG who’s looking to get his teammates involved. I saw him making more paint touch kick outs than anybody in the whole event. He often times passed up good shots he probably could’ve taken to get a great shot for his teammates. He seemed to have a bubbly competitive personality. He was a leader and was talking and communicating on the floor. The mechanics on his jumper look good, and I’m sure he will make for a good shooter long term. And has athleticism and speed just as a freshman. If he keeps the expected progression don’t be surprised to see this lefty guard as one of the top in the city. Carson is a kid who helps you win games. Fresh off the football field he was very active and always in the right place right time. Protecting the rim and getting his hands on rebounds and loose balls. Runs the floor well. May not be a person who is a bucket getter, but as a utility guy he serves a role that is necessary to winning. And you can see the flashes now. Has length right now and plays the right way… again if he continues to progress, grow, and get the right skill development now he will be a vital piece for the success of Atascocita in years to come!