BrandonClayScouting: Player Card – Billy Preston

Class of 2017 Billy Preston of Calif., proved he is one of the nation’s most talented players. More on his game here. Photo cred – NBPA Top 100 Camp

Photo: NBPA Top 100 Camp

Billy Preston (Bellflower, Calf.), Prime Prep – 2017
Height: 6’8″
Position: Power Forward
Committed College: Kansas
Star Grade:

By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @BrandonClayPSB

Date: May 29, 2016
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: Nike Boys EYBL Session IV (Atlanta, GA)

Preston has every physical tool to be an elite level prospect. Shortly after this session ended, he announced that he’ll attend Oak Hill next school season. He’s averaging 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds in 12 EYBL games. He’s shooting 58 percent from the free throw line, 36 percent from beyond the arc and 52 percent from the field.

Date: December 4, 2015
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: Marshall Co. Hoop Fest (Benton, Ky.)

Preston was the one starter that was not benched in the first quarter of this match-up with Prolific Prep. He took advantage of it and scored 14 first half points. He also pulled down 9 rebounds on the night. He is really good at the elbow and attacking the rim from that area.

Date: June 16, 2015
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)

Preston is a 4-player with a great frame. He is strong through his shoulders and can make plays through contact. He showed terrific versatility today as he handled the ball in the open court and hit jump hooks in the low post. Improving his decision making at times is an area of improvement for Preston.

Date: June 16, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)

Preston made a nice coast to coast finish and a good athlete. He is much improved after our initial eval at the City of Palms in 2013. He finished a tough shot over Tony Bradley (FL-16). Preston also made a tough turn post to score in this setting too.

Date: December 12, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: Team Takeover Showcase (Hyattsville, MD)

Preston is a skilled power forward. He has ALL of the physical tools to be an elite player at the position. He’s slow to react at times on the floor. They ran a nice iso for him to catch in the pinch post and he scored off of it.

Date: December 23, 2013
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Preston has great size at an early age. In a lot of ways, his game resembles Daniel Giddens (GA-15). Preston has a huge upside but his skill is still a work in progress. His face up jumper is a bit of a windup and doesn’t dominate the interior consistently. That said, keep an eye on his progress.

Highlights of Preston courtesy of Courtside Films

Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities 

Brandon Clay is the owner of the Peach State Basketball, Inc., and BrandonClayScouting.com. In addition to serving as OTRHoopsReport.com Director of Scouting, Clay serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. He is a McDonald’s All-American Game Selection Committee member. Clay serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is the National Coordinator of Voting for the Boys / Girls All-American Teams. He has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach Clay at [email protected]

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at [email protected] and follow him on  twitter @JLHemingwayPSB