Maryville MBB Announces Roster Newcomers

2023-24 Maryville MBB Roster

MARYVILLE – The defending Collegiate Conference of the South men's basketball champions are not resting on their laurels.
 
Maryville head coach Raul Placeres announced Friday the addition of 11 incoming student-athletes for his 2023-24 roster.

The Recruiting Class of 2023 newcomers are signing on from Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Florida. Seven guards and four forwards make up the class, with some of those signees able to play multiple positions.
 
"I couldn't be more excited about this class," Scots head coach Raul Placeres said. "We have some talented and dynamic players who have the drive and commitment it takes to succeed at Maryville. They all know this isn't for everyone, and they have welcomed that challenge and want to be pushed not only by our coaching staff, but by other really good players every day.
 
"Their potential to be great is there; now it is up to them to embrace this stage and come in every day ready to work and add value to an already talented existing roster. This class has won at the highest levels and knows how to impact winning in a number of ways. This is a group that that Scots Nation is going to want to cheer for and follow."



Kobe Franklin

6-2, 175

Guard

Lenoir City, Tenn.

Lenoir City High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Lenoir City High School in Lenoir City … Played three seasons for head coach Joshua Brannon … Senior-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and shot 48.1 percent from field … As senior, averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and shot 48.1 percent from field … Scored 1,000 career points.
Honors: 2022-23 All-Region and All-County … 2021-22 County MVP … Two-time All-District … Helped Panthers make first regional appearance since 2014.
Get to Know: Played club basketball for Pro One under head coach Ken Shipley.

Personal
Born: Kobe Michael Franklin in Knoxville.
Family: Parents are Ame Hazelwood and Mike Franklin … Three siblings, Zoie Goodwin, Cory Williams and Cody Purdy.

Coach Placeres on Kobe Franklin: "A great local get for our program. Kobe can score it from all three levels and can also play multiple positions. His game reminds you of recent grad Myles Rasnick."



Nathan Hoback
 
6-0, 170

Guard

Whitwell, Tenn.

Marion County High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Marion County High School in Jasper … Played one season for head coach Ryan Phillips, two seasons for head coach Tim Adams, and one season for head coach Nick Pickett … Two-year captain.

Stats: As senior, averaged 12.4 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Honors: 2021-22 All-District … Team Offensive Player of the Year and Leadership Award … Helped Warriors senior year to most wins in last six seasons.
Get to Know: Also played baseball and golf … Beta Club member … Played club basketball for Thunder Basketball under head coach Carlo Lopez … Averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Personal
Born: Nathan Jackson Hoback in Chattanooga.
Family: Parents are Dana and Paul Hoback … Two siblings, Nicholas and Greyson.

Coach Placeres on Nathan Hoback: "Nathan is a relentless worker who is going to give you everything he has on a day in and day out basis. He will only get better as he gets stronger and acclimates himself to the speed of the college game."



Seth Jack
 
6-7, 180

Forward

Canton, Ga.

Creekview High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Creekview High School in Canton, Georgia ... Played two seasons for head coach Casey Gramling.

Stats:  As senior, averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
Honors: All-Cherokee County honorable mention.
Get to Know: Played club basketball for Reid Fundamentals under head coach Kendrick Reidr.

Personal
Born: Seth Austin Jack in Snellville, Georgia.
Family: Parents are Dana and Randy Jack … Two brothers, Luke and Owen; and one sister, Hannah.

Coach Placeres on Seth Jack: "Seth has a good skill set for a player his size. With added strength and conditioning, I can see Seth's game taking the next step."


 
Nick Johnson
 
6-1, 185

Guard

Maryville, Tenn.

Maryville High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Maryville High School in Maryville ... Played four seasons for head coaches Mark Eldridge and Wes Lambert … Senior-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists … As senior, averaged 15.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Honors: All-District and All-Daily Times.
Get to Know: Student Council member … Played club basketball for the Bobcats under head coach Bob Feltner.

Personal
Born: Nicholas Matthew Johnson in Burlington, Vermont.
Family: Parents are Sarah and Matt Johnson … Two sisters, Madison and Haley.

Coach Placeres on Nick Johnson: "Nick fits our system of play. He can score it from all three levels and has great basketball pedigree. He is a worker and will challenge for opportunity as a first-year player. Really excited about Nick's future here with us."


 
Reed Kemp
 
6-0, 180

Guard

Franklin, Tenn.

Franklin High School (Missouri Western State University)
 
Awards
2022-23 MIAA Academic Honor Roll
2021-22 MIAA Newcomer Academic Honor Roll
 
Missouri Western State (2021-23)
Stats: Appeared in 38 games with six starts over two seasons … As sophomore in 2022-23, played in 28 games and started four ... Averaged 4.8 points, 1 rebound and 12.8 minutes … Career-high 17 points and five rebounds against Rockhurst … In 2021-22, played in 10 games and averaged 2.3 points and 0.4 rebounds … Made two starts … Career-high six assists against Rockhurst. 

Before Missouri Western State
Attended Franklin High School in Franklin … Played two seasons for head coach Darrin Joines and two seasons for head coach Jason Tigert … Two-year captain.

Stats: As senior, averaged 22.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals … Shot 39 percent from 3-point distance.
Honors: 2021 Tennessee Sports Writers Class AAA All-State … All-Midstate Second Team by both The Tennessean and Main Street Preps … Two-time District MVP … Helped Admirals to 28-4 record in 2020-21 and berth in Class AAA sectionals … Team went 104-28 during his four seasons and won two conference and two region championships.
Get to Know: Also played football.

Personal
Born: Stephen Reed Kemp in Paducah, Kentucky.
Family: Mother is Ellen Kim … Two sisters, Carter and Neale Kemp.

Coach Placeres on Reed Kemp: "Another great transfer get for our program. Reed's ability to shoot the ball at a high clip, his great skill set and his competitive spirit definitely are an addition to our talented group coming back." 



Hayden Llewellyn
 
6-2, 170

Guard

Corbin, Ky.

Corbin High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Jellico High School in Jellico and Corbin High School in Corbin, Kentucky … Played one season at Jellico for head coach Mike Reynolds, and then played three seasons at Corbin for head coach Tony Pietrowski … Two-year captain.

Stats: Scored program game record 55 points during freshman campaign at Jellico.
Honors: Four-time All-Region and All-District … 2020-21 Newcomer of the Year … 2021-22 District MVP … Four-time Team MVP.
Get to Know: Also competed in track and field.

Personal
Born: Hayden Josiah Llewellyn in Knoxville.
Family: Parents are Christy and Jerry Llewellyn … One brother, Jeremiah.

Coach Placeres on Hayden Llewellyn: "A high-level athlete regardless of level. Hayden will excel in our system due to his athleticism, speed and mindset. Looking forward to seeing his growth in the weight room and with his jump shot as he arrives on campus in August."



Ryon Reed
 
6-4, 205

Guard

Statesboro, Ga.

Southeast Bulloch High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Southeast Bulloch High School in Brooklet, Georgia … Played three seasons for head coach Matt Kuykendall and one season for head coach Tony Raymond … Three-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists and shot 87 percent from free throw line … As senior, averaged 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.5 steals, shot 42 percent from field and 80 percent from free throw line … Led team in assists and free throw percentage.
Honors: Helped Yellow Jackets in 2022-23 to first state Sweet 16 appearance in 21 years.
Get to Know: National Honor Society member … Also competed in cross country … Beta Club, FCA, Youth Leadership Bulloch … Played club basketball for Georgia Elite under head coach Jerome Washington … Averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

Personal
Born: Ryon Patrick Reed in Clayton, Georgia.
Family: Mother is Marcella Johnson … Two brothers, Ronnie and Robert; and one sister, Ronda.

Coach Placeres on Ryon Reed: "Our type of guy. Does whatever is necessary to help the team win. As his perimeter game grows, so will his overall game. Love that he has gained 15-plus pounds of muscle since we signed him."



Javi Rosell
 
5-11, 165

Guard

Miami, Fla.

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami ... Played four seasons for head coach Chachi Rodriguez … Two-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2 steals.
Honors: 2022-23 All-Region First Team and All-District First Team … Miami Dade Basketball All-Star … Twice named team MVP … Helped Wolverines to 2022-23 state championship and regional crown … Two-time district champions.
Get to Know: National Honor Society member … Member of Key Club, Rho Kappa and Brothers vs. Cancer … Played club basketball for Team Hardaway Jr. under head coach Jorge Milo.

Personal
Born: Javier Francisco Rosell in Miami.
Family: Parents are Cristina and Teo Rosell … Three siblings, T.J., Sofia and Anivi.

Coach Placeres on Javi Rosell: "Love Javi's ability to push the tempo and make others better. He is a proven winner and competitor. Played for one of the best high school coaches in Florida."



Collin Smith
 
6-6, 215

Forward

Statesboro, Ga.

Southeast Bulloch High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Southeast Bulloch High School in Brooklet, Georgia … Played one season for head coach Matt Kuykendall and one season for head coach Tony Raymond.

Stats: For career, averaged 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal … As senior, averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal … Team scoring and rebound leader … Set school game record with 50 points.
Honors: 2022-23 Class 4A All-State and All-Region First Team … 2021-22 All-Region Second Team … Helped Yellow Jackets to state playoff win in 2022-23.
Get to Know: Also played football … Played club basketball for Atlanta Timberwolves under head coach Jake Birdsong.

Personal
Born: Collin Scholtz Smith in Cary, North Carolina.
Family: Parents are Sara and Craig Smith … One brother, Quentin; and one sister, Allie Grace.

Coach Placeres on Collin Smith: "Really excited about Collin. Has the perfect blend of strength, athleticism and skill to play the 4 position for us. He has gained 20 pounds of muscle since we signed him. Scots fans will love his toughness."


 
Wes Walker
 
6-6, 215

Forward

Savannah, Ga.

Woodville-Tompkins High School
 
Before Maryville
Attended Woodville-Tompkins High School in Savannah, Georgia ... Played four seasons for head coach Lenny Williams … Senior-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists … As senior, averaged 19 points, 15 rebounds and 9 blocked shots.
Honors: 2002 Defensive Player of the Year …  Helped Wolverines to 2022-23 conference championship.
Get to Know: Member of DECA.

Personal
Born: Wesley Maurice Walker Jr., in Savannah, Georgia.
Family: Parents are Tanize and Wesley Walker Sr.. … Two siblings, Shania and Tamauris.

Coach Placeres on Wes Walker: "Looking forward to getting to work with Wes. As he adapts to the speed of the game and grows into his body, I can see Wes helping the Scots win at a consistent level for the next four years. Really enjoy his competitive spirit."


 
Keith Williams
 
6-9, 260

Forward

Powder Springs, Ga.

The Mount Vernon School 
 
Before Maryville
Attended McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia; and The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta ... Played one season at McEachern for head coach John Thompson, and then played three seasons at Mount Vernon for head coach Tarrik Mabon … Senior-year captain.

Stats: For career, averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots … As senior, averaged 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots … Mount Vernon's all-time leading rebounder with 622.
Honors: 2021-22 All-State First Team … Three-time All-Region First Team … Helped Mustangs in 2022-23 to first No. 2 final state ranking, first state final four appearance, first region championships for both regular season and tournament and first 20-win season (23-9).
Get to Know: Also played football … Played club basketball for Pro One under head coach Dylan Bunnell … Averaged 12 points, 11 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots.

Personal
Born: Keith Lamar Williams Jr., in Belzoni, Mississippi.
Family: Parents are LaToya and Keith Williams Sr. … Two sisters, Ka'zaria and LaTamyra; and one brother, Nick.

Coach Placeres on Keith Williams: "Really excited to add someone of Keith's ability and size to our program. Keith has an opportunity to help us win from Day 1 and has the potential to be one of the best big men we have ever coached here at the college. A lot of work ahead of us, but boy are we excited. His ability to bring others together and lead are attributes we know leads to winning basketball."