Hidden Crossroads

Top talent shows out at the Crossroads of the South.

by Jamie Palmer / @deepsouthhoops

JACKSON, MS – Marc Rowe’s Crossroads of the South exposure event is becoming a yearly fixture in Mississippi’s grassroots community. In its third year of existence, COTS not only showcased the top talent from the delta state but featured some of Louisiana’s hidden talent. Below is a list of players who stood out at this year’s event.

Malik Newman | 2015 | PG | 6-2, 165 pounds | Callaway | Jackson, MS

Newman, considered as one of the top freshman prospect in the country, displayed a high level skill set. He has tremendous shooting ability that extends outside the arc and great build along with strong handle that allowed him to get in the paint against all competition. His quickness and athleticism puts his overall game at same maturity level as a college player with the potential of being on the same stage as his past predecessors (Monta Ellis and Mo Williams).

Kristoff Walker | 2012 | PG | 6-0, 160 pounds | McDonogh 35 | New Orleans, LA

Kristoff was the best performer at this year’s COTS. Barely standing 6-feet, Walker finishes with authority at the cup. His strong slashing ability and “Revis”-like defense was an eye catcher. He has a streaky outside shot and solid handle with nice mid-range pull up off the bounce. He would be nice pick up for any low- to mid-major school looking for an athletic, defensive-minded point man.

Quintarius Porter | 2012 | WF | 6-4, 170 pounds | Forest Hill | Jackson, MS

Porter, sporting the look of early ’90s rapper Special Ed, scored the ball in variety of ways. He has a nice handle on the ball and shoots it well behind the arc off both the bounce and catch. His athleticism and long wiry body allowed him to score well in the paint. He may not be the “magnificent” but will def have it “made” if he chooses to play for a low major.

Chris Bilbo | 2012 | PG | 6-1, 165 pounds | Forest Hill | Jackson, MS

Bilbo was the most sought-after senior prospect at the COTS. The unsigned senior point guard showed his athleticism getting to the rim along with some streaky three-point shooting. He displayed nice distribution of the ball and used his strong body to lock up his opponent. High-majors have peaked but mid-majors are doing most of the looking.

Damien Jones | 2013 | PF | 6-8, 195 pounds | Scotlandville Magnet | Baton Rouge, LA

The long, lanky junior displayed a unique set of skills at the COTS. Jones was very smooth along the baseline and showcased his length on couple two handed stretch dunks. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and showed he is comfortable facing up out of the post. If his back to the basket game can mature, Baton Rouge will be a hot spot on the recruiting trail for a lot of coaches in south.

Remond Brown | 2013 | SG | 6-4, 175 pounds | Richwood | Monroe, LA

The athletic wing proved he has more to his game than scoring. Brown put a little work in at the point guard position and showed great ball handling skills and play making ability. He has a quick release off the bounce and can finish above the rim. His size and multidimensional play should have high level coaches in attendance.