GMR Hot 100 Showcase: 2021 Standouts | Pt. 1

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. – It was great to support an event in my home state over the weekend as the “Get Me Recruited Hot100 Middle School Showcase” was hosted at Knightdale High School. Now in its third year, the 2017 Hot100 Showcase attracted more than 100 middle school prospects from across the Southeast region and beyond.

Here’s the first of two features that will recap the top players I watched at the Triangle-area event and what to expect from these Class of 2021 prospects as they prepare to enter high school later this fall…

John

Butler

• Class of 2021
• |
• C
• |
• 6'9
• |
• 190
• |
• Simpsonville, SC

It’s been fun to monitor Butler’s rapid ascent the last several months. Currently standing 6-foot-9 and weighing in under 200 pounds, Butler appears as if he may legitimately reach seven-foot status, and we’ll need to be patient with him as he adds bulk at his own pace. Now playing with a few extra doses of confidence, Butler was not afraid to put his soft touch on display during the Hot100 Showcase, knocking down several perimeter jumpers. He’s still best served in the lane, as his length helps him swat away shots, and snatch rebounds at a high rate. As his level of aggressiveness continues to ramp up, the post prospect has the potential to be a true game-changer in the paint on both ends of the floor, but will need to commit to transitioning rim-to-rim consistently. 

Josiah

Dow

• Class of 2021
• |
• PF
• |
• 6'7
• |
• 210
• |
• Charlotte, NC

Dowd appears to be going through his own growth spurt, as the 6-foot-7 forward struggled with knee pain throughout the Hot100 Showcase, but toughed it out and flashed his usual effectiveness in the halfcourt. At this stage, Dowd is strong enough to overpower opponents on the block, but also has the skills to be a multi-threat from the high post. Improving his lateral quickness and footwork will be vital for Dowd as he hopes to continue raising his status. Overall, he’s an intelligent player with leadership qualities, and those are valuable traits that should not be overlooked.

Redford

Dunton

• Class of 2021
• |
• WF
• |
• 6'5
• |
• 180
• |
• Huntersville, NC

Dunton is another player in the Class of 2021 that is quickly building a profile for himself. A one-footed leaper, the wiry wing is one of the more exciting high-flyers in the region at this stage, and represented well in the Hot100 Showcase dunk contest. At 6-foot-5, Dunton is capable of slashing to the rim, but is also making strides with his handle and jumper. If he commits to being a consistent rebounder and defender, the perimeter prospect is likely to become one of the more touted players in North Carolina, and perhaps beyond. 

DeAndre

Gourdine

• Class of 2021
• |
• WG
• |
• 6'0
• |
• 160
• |
• Magnolia, DE

Meet one of the more overlooked players at the Hot100 Showcase. A talented combo guard, DeAndre Gourdine made the long trip down I-95 from Delaware, and caught my attention with his combination of scoring and playmaking abilities. Gourdine owns a shifty handle, can knock down jumpers off the catch, and has a frame that suggests additional upside. He spent most of his weekend working for touches away from the ball but I was impressed with the way he remain engaged in the action. It won’t take long for Northeast powers, both prep schools and travel clubs, to begin reaching out to Gourdine. 

Eric Van der

Heijden

• Class of 2021
• |
• PF
• |
• 6'6
• |
• 185
• |
• Raleigh, NC

Eric Van der Heijden is a versatile offensive talent and put his full arsenal on display at the Hot100 Showcase. The 6-foot-6 forward handled, shot, and passed the ball at a high level throughout the event and has basketball bloodlines that likely signify tremendous long-term potential. Ultimately, his position will be determined by his ability to defend, and the skilled forward will be monitored for improvements with regard to his vertical and lateral explosiveness.