KSU Team Camp Standouts
Analysis

KSU Team Camp Standouts

Da'Avion Thomas2023 6-0 PG Da’Avion Thomas – McDonough
In point guard heavy class with nationally recognized names headlining, Da’Avion Thomas deserves a seat at the table when breaking down the best playmakers in Georgia. The reigning Class 4A Player of the Year was unstoppable in a win over River Ridge, producing 26 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. Thomas is one of the very best at getting to his spots in the mid-range. His jumper is a lethal weapon as he sank a pair of threes and a handful of pull-ups. Thomas controls the ball exceptionally well and manipulates defenses with spin moves and step backs to create separation. When he decides to get downhill, he can finish with a soft kiss off the glass. Time and time again, Thomas has proven he is one of the elites in Georgia. There aren’t many other point guards that I would take over him.

2023 6-3 W Avante Nichols – McDonough
Avante Nichols is known for one thing – his elite athleticism and highlight dunks, but on Sunday he tried to switch the narrative, mixing in a three-pointer and a nice touch from the foul line. In most games, Nichols can overwhelm opponents with his freakish bounce, skying in for rebounds and slam dunks. Primarily a slasher and a garbage guy, adding an outside shot to his game could completely alter his trajectory. If Nichols can develop a three-point shot and a mid-range, it will pair incredibly well with his energetic play which led to 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Ziair Finch2025 6-0 G Ziair Finch – Lithia Springs
Coach Keith Simmons has spoken highly of Ziair Finch this offseason and he did not disappoint on Sunday morning, pouring in 18 points against Holy Innocents’. The baby-faced lefty has a smooth release and a knockdown jumper. Finch scores the ball off the dribble with pull-ups and step-backs. He’s deadly when left open in the corners. Against the zone, Finch served as a playmaker in the high post. He could turn and drain the 15-footer or attack and create for others.  Finch looks like he may have a few more inches left to grow. With his mature demeanor and beautiful outside shot, Finch might be on the verge of becoming something special out west of Atlanta.

2024 6-7 C Damerius Putmon – Lithia Springs
Great length and rail thin, Damerius Putmon is starting to put things together. While he needs to add at least 15 pounds, Putmon doesn’t get pushed around inside. He collects rebounds at their highest point and finishes overtop the defense. He runs the floor well. Putmon alters plenty of shots and will see major minutes his junior season. He put up 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block vs. Holy Innocents’.

Devin Hutcherson2026 6-3 W Devin Hutcherson – Holy Innocents’
The Sandy’s Spiel Spring Showcase alumnus impressed me back in March and he did so again this past weekend. Hutcherson has good size on the perimeter to go with his well-rounded game. He converted And-1 drives, pull-up jumpers and got to the foul line as he tallied 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Devin’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways gives him great value at an early age. He has quality strength to embrace bumps inside and is fleet footed enough to make plays defensively. Circle Hutcherson’s name as a freshman that will make a difference right away.

2024 6-5 W Jaeger Ouanounou – Riverwood
Riverwood has interesting length both on the perimeter and in the paint. On the wing, it’s Jaeger Ouanounou who stands out. He is long and gangly but has some lean strength to him as well. He has a pretty outside shot and can make plays going toward the rim, capable of scoring through contact. Jaeger can help defend inside and out. He moves his feet fairly well on the perimeter and has the wingspan to make opposing ball handlers cautious. Only entering his junior season, I think Ouanounou has a chance to blossom into a sneaky good player that will draw D-III attention and possibly more.

2023 6-6 F Matt Aronowitz – Riverwood
Matt Aronowitz is a young-looking rising senior with a thin frame. Aronowitz, however, can catch opponents off guard with his steady play in the post. Matt has a very good touch with his back to the basket. He drops in hook shots and uses his functional strength to convert buckets through fouls. Aronowitz blocks some shots and runs well. He is another subtly talented player for the Raiders.