Highlights from the Georgia JUCO Peach Tour

Highlights from the Georgia JUCO Peach Tour

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Americus, GA – The annual Georgia JUCO Peach Tour took place this weekend hosted by South Georgia Technical College. This years practice session had three less teams but there were a lot more players who warranted some interest from the college programs in attendance. These teams are looking to represent the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association in Hutch’s national championship.

Last year, South Georgia State College represented the GCAA in Kansas after winning the conference. The Hawks, then the No. 2 seed, edged out No. 1-seeded Central Georgia Tech, 75-74.

This practice session in front of 11 four-year college was a glimpse on what is on each teams roster. Several of these teams will hit the JUCO Jamborees across the Southeast. While many of these teams did not really show their total hand here is what we learned from the open practice.

Kaziaes Hemphill | 6’9 | So | PF | Central Georgia Tech
Hemphill was one of the more talked about names last season. This is not going to change much because his name will continue to be mentioned. He starts the season on the Preseason All-GCAA team. Seeing him hanging around the rim and imposing his will against his teammates, you can see he is ready to get noticed regularly by a college program in search of a tenacious rebounders. He dominates the inside and does not shy away from slamming home the ball. Hemphill punishes the rim and defenders consistently.

Amir Eichelberger | 6’4 | So | W | South Georgia Tech
Eichelberger was easily the most athletic player in the gym. The Atlanta native returns to the Peach State after transferring from Lincoln Trail College. His presence was immediately felt as he put his eyes on the rim for some electrifying finishes. The athleticism was on display defensively pinning or altering a number of shots whenever possible. His motor and athleticism was the separator all along. Eichelberger, who was named to the Preseason All-GCAA team, shot the ball fairly well in the process. His range of motion and quickness will make him a problem for defenders. Look for the Westlake High graduate to take off with the Jets this season.

Reggie Cleveland | 6’7 | So | F | Central Georgia Tech
The Cleveland name is partially familiar in the league. The Eustis, Florida native played attended South Georgia Tech last season but season was cut short due to injury. His mid-range jumper was fluid. Getting downhill was effortless for this wing, who has spent time in the offseason in the weight room. Cleveland is an elite athlete and can change the game. He proved he could play in this league averaging 4.6 points, and 3.1 rebounds a game last season. His name was a buzz among the college programs in attendance. Seeing him in a new uniform and a much better build, the sky’s the limit for the Fort Lauderdale High product.

Roberts Macs | 7’0 | Fr | C | South Georgia Tech
Macs was easily the most intriguing prospect on the day. The Latvian native is a lefty with a 7’2 wing span and an excellent feel for the game. Macs runs the floor with tremendous ease and moves well for being footer. He can shoot the ball with some range and plays off of two-feet. His European style of play and footwork was a deadly combination for defenders. He finished on either side of the rim. Macs can see the ball dropping off a number of passes for scoring opportunities. The only adjustments he will need to make is the speed of the game. This isn’t to say he is slow because it isn’t the case. All international players struggle with the speed once they are on the mainland. Once it all clicks, you can chalk it up now he is going to be one of the more talked about players at seasons end.

Kyle Smith | 6’3 | So | PG | South Georgia Tech
Smith was the best point guard on the day. His playing style resembled that of the his home city (Baltimore, Maryland). He is tactical and gritty. Smith will post anyone inside, especially small guards. He plays with good pace and poise. Looks to always set the tempo against defenders. He is physical getting downhill. Smith was consistent hitting the open shots. His defensive toughness was on display with his nose on the ball, while also showing quick soft hands for steals.

Da’Avion Thomas | 6’0 | RS-So | PG | South Georgia State College
Thomas is back in the state after transferring from Talladega College. He showed excellent leadership and poise running the point. The McDonough, Georgia native was communicating on and off the floor. Players were being directed into the spots required for them to be at in the offense. He delivered timely passes for easy buckets or an open shot for himself. Thomas was talkative off the floor and served as a pseudo assistant coach. His communication, leadership, and physcial frame helped set him apart. It also helps he can score the ball at any time but it was not his focal point for a day. If SGSC wants to get back to Hutch his intangibles will be critical to the Hawks success.

Raifs Iesanlnieks | 6’2 | So | PG | South Georgia Tech
Iesanlnicks had a strong showing for the Jets. In his second season with the program, the Latvian native showed he is not only adapting to the physical and fast pace of the game but will thrive in the teams concept. He handles pressure well while playing balanced and always looking to create. He gets into the lane with comfort. Iesanlnicks can shoot the cover off the ball too making him threat. His IQ and feel for the game helped him escape critical situation. He is a leader without saying too much and will make an impact on the season.

Trip Griffith | 6’6 | RS-Fr | F | South Georgia State College
Griffith game into college with the reputation of being a double-double guy with an old man game. This continues to be the case for the Monroe, Georgia native. He looked stronger and a lot more tactical at getting to the glass. His knack for getting position on either end of the floor to clean up any missed opportunity. Griffith looked comfortable being out on the floor on both ends of the floor showing he can guard perimeter players or taller players inside. This versatility will help him in the Hawks offense. His game has expanded and puts the ball on the floor with purpose. Look for the Monroe Area High product to make a big jump this season. The once aspiring electrician will be electrifying this season.

Albert Laguerra | 6’3 | So | SG | Albany Tech
Laguerra is a new name in the league teams will see plenty of and college coaches will get to know. This former Florida State College of Jacksonville product is coming off of a 15 points and 7 rebounds per game after a redshirt season. His ability to score the ball at the rim with ease was evident. Laguerra as a nice mid-range and looks to capitalize on getting more points off the glass. He is a tremendous athlete who has put time in at the gym molding his body and improving his game. The Jacksonville, Florida native has good upside his game has evolved since the Andrew Jackson High graduate has stepped on a college campus.

Jeremiah Waters | 6’6 | RS-Fr | G | South Georgia State
Waters is back on a collegiate hardwood after being just a student a year ago. The Georgia Southern transfer missed the game and has enrolled at the Waycross campus. His attributes as a sharpshooter and a prolific scorer was on full display. He shot the cover off the ball from a variety of spots on the floor. The Albany, GA native sliced through defenders and absorbed enough contact to finish through contact. He was engaged defensively making plays on and off the ball. His name is familiar with college coaches and should warrant some interest soon.

Malik Lovett | 6’6 | So | F | Georgia Highlands College
Lovett is a long and wiry prospect who can change the game on either end of the floor. The St. Augustine, Florida native is an intensive defender, which is what the Chargers worked on during the session. He shot the ball well during their time on the floor. He motor, aside from his length, was the separator.

Aaron Jones | 7’0 | RS-Soph | C | South Georgia State College
Jones is a large human being. The Baxley, Georgia native is a rim protector who looks to contest any shot within his own reach. He will meet guys in the paint and returns or alters shot at a high rate. His length has guys second guessing wha they want to do when he is around. Jones establishes himself on the inside demanding the ball and has improved in finishing. However, he looks to dunk anything he can when in the paint. Jones was recently named to the Preseason All-GCAA team.

Honorable Mentions

Khaven Cochran | 6’3 | So | G | Central Georgia Tech
Cochran had a good start. He showed he can still score the ball effortlessly. His game continues to evolve. A sprain ankle slowed him down and prevented him from getting back on the floor. There was plenty to see of what he will bring to the table for the Titans, regardless.

Shaquell Cooper | 6’5 | So | F | Georgia Highlands College
Cooper is a junkyard dog on the floor. The Iowa Western transfer cranked his motor up and never put it on idle the entire practice. He was all over the floor. First, Cooper was on the glass at both ends of the floor. No one could keep up with him. The Brooklyn, NY native competes like he is on the blacktop. Every team needs on of these on the roster.

Jory Williams | 6’4 | So | G | Southern Crescent Tech
Williams looked really good from the opening play. The LaGrange College transfer shot the ball really well and knew what was a good shot. He never looked rattled or rushed getting to his spots. His length disrupted passes and was always in the passing lane. His experience should help the Tigers this season.

Daniel Burton | 6’8 | So | F | Georgia Highlands College
Burton made his presence felt immediately. The former Citadel product was on a pogo stick defensively blocking shots on the wing or onto the glass. He had enough control to cradle the rebounds. Burton finished above the rim a number of times. The Sumter, SC native showed he can knockdown shots with good elevation.

Kyler Johnson | 6’6 | Fr | F | Albany Tech
Johnson was one of the best kept secrets in the state as a senior. He was known for his high motor and athleticism. The Dodge County product did not disappoint. He played fast and above the rim at any given time. Johnson is long and active on either ends of the floor. Look for his game to grow on the collegiate level.

Cornelius Hines | 6’7 | So | F | Central Georgia Tech
Hines was an intriguing watch on the Titans roster. This Eustis, FL native rocked the rim a few times and grabbed some out of area rebounds. He is an explosive athlete who is excellent within 12 feet. As he warmed up his game continued to evolve. His production will double just based on his efforts this season.

James Dickens | 6’10 | So | C | Georgia Highlands College
Dickens has an old school game that fits into any offense. The Tallahassee, FL native can score off of either shoulder with his back to the basket. He leans on defenders on looks to punish them in the paint with a smooth unbothered pace. The Gadsen State transfer will put a defender in the rim powering up the rim with two hands. He carves out space and is an excellent rebounder with great feet and smooth hands.

Samuel Johnson | 5’11 | So | PG | Southern Crescent Tech
Johnson is a heady floor general. The former Rockmart High product refused to let up on either end of the floor. His effort helped him standout more than many other talented players. Once he a college program sees him, Johnson can grow on you the more you watch him play. He rally made two mistakes in a row. His vocal leadership provided the Tigers a shot in the arm.

Kal’El Riley | 6’5 | RS | F | South Georgia State
Riley turned plenty of heads based on his performance on the floor. The Collins Hill High product played with confidence and showed he can make shots. His game just looked smooth.