The North Carolina Top 80 is a major platform for kids throughout the state of North Carolina. The best of the best come to stake their claim among the top prospects in the country. However, it also has allows many players, who are not nationally ranked, to boost their stock in front of national media and college coaches alike.
Here is a look at some of the guys who used this national platform to boost their name as prospects on the high major and national rankings radars.
6'9' 2019 Emmanuel Izunabor
Fayetteville Academy (Fayetteville, NC)
izunabor made waves this past year putting up numerous triple-doubles throughout the season. He is a lengthy post player who is a rim and paint protector in the truest sense of the word. However, what is most impressive with his game is his footwork on the block and ability to pass from the high post. Izunabor has touch and explosion to go with his strong frame. Already carrying an East Carolina offer, it would not surprise us to see him pick up numerous high major offers this summer and possibly make a run at a Top 100 ranking.
5'11' 2019 Shakeel Moore
Piedmont Classical (Greensboro, NC)
The most notable part of Moore's day was his jaw-dropping performance in the NC Top 80 Dunk Contest. Needless to say, his explosion is pretty special as he lined up against the state's best and won running away. Moore is a strong lead guard who has the ability to touch the paint often and either finish or set up his teammates. He has range and vision. With his high academic standing, look for the high majors to be courtside watching this summer.
6'8' 2020 Jaden Seymour
Northside Christian (Charlotte, NC)
Seymour is everything you look for as a high major wing. He is long and runs the floor very well. He knocked down multiple threes off the catch and showed the ability to finish above the rim both in transition and in traffic. Still a little unknown, don't let the fact others don't know him prohibit you from knowing him. He has high major, Top 100 written all over him and his recruitment should follow suit.
6'2' 2020 Cam Hayes
Smith (Greensboro, NC)
Hayes opened eyes immediately and kept those eyes on him throughout the event. He is in the conversation of top point guards in the state of North Carolina. Hayes is long and explosive, he plays with a great pace and does not let anyone get him rushed. He knocked down numerous threes, showing good lift and form on his shot. He also finished above the rim. He has all the tools that a high major, Top 100 point guard possess, so let's start there and watch him continue to grow.
6'4' 2020 Ricky Council IV
Northern Durham (Durham, NC)
This is not a new name in North Carolina basketball as his older brother, same name, signed with Providence out of Norther Durham. Council IV has all the tools of a high major wing. He has great length, he has a smooth, effortless jump shot with range and he has aggressive explosion when attacking from the wing. This should be the summer the offers start coming in, it is hard to think about the amount of upside with this one.
