Anytime you gather hundreds of teams and put them in front of hundreds of coaches something great is bound to happen. This upcoming weekend’s Phenom Challenge Live will bring in teams from seven different states to compete in front of hundreds of coaches. In fact around 300 college coaches showed up to the 2017 version of this event with countless players earning offers and getting put on the radar by their play.
This year, we expect no different. The field is absolutely loaded with talent. Not only are there 5-stars in the mix, but also an incredible depth of college level players for all divisions.
Here is a list of the players to watch for as their recruitment could take a major step forward with a good weekend here.
Part 1
6’2” 2019 Trae Hannibal
Carolina Wolves SC
Claimed Offers: Oklahoma St, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, Western Carolina, SC State, Stetson, etc…
Already carrying numerous offers and one of them being high major a lot of eyes will be on Hannibal this weekend. Rightfully so, he is a Top 150 prospect who is unranked by the national guys. Well the offer sheets speak volumes here and expect that to grow this weekend. He will have a Friday night showdown against Josiah James which should be heavily attended (Michigan State was at their last face off). With schools like South Carolina, Clemson, Minnesota, Georgia Tech and many others keeping in constant contact, this April should be fun for him.
6’9” 2019 Chase Barrs
SEBA Select FL
Claimed Offers: James Madison
The highly academic Barrs carries a 7’2” wing span and runs the floor like a gazelle. Barrs has good upside as a rim protector as he has natural timing in the paint. He has the ability to push the break off the defensive rebound and attack, under control. With his soft hands and incredible natural ability it is hard to think he is just 16 years old. The upside here is out of control and with schools from the Patriot League to the Ivy League to the PAC-12 and ACC calling on him regularly, his recruitment should kick start this weekend.
6’6” 2019 Ben Lubarsky
Ball 4 Lyfe FL
Claimed Offers: NA
When watching film (both game film and highlights) of Lubarsky it is a bit surprising that he does not have a single Division 1 offer. The lefty has a great frame and his feel for the game is off the charts. His range and his ability to pass the ball are stellar. As of right now, all the high academic programs across the country (Davidson, Rice, etc…) are watching him as well as the entire IVY League. While his game certainly fits that mold, it will be interested to see if the traditionally non-academic schools jump into play here.
6’1” 2019 Malik Johnson
NC Red Storm
Claimed Offers: VCU, Rhode Island, Western Carolina
Perhaps one of the best “winners” in North Carolina basketball currently, when the high IQ point guard laces them up you can almost put the house on the fact his team will win. In his three full seasons of high school basketball, Johnson has played in two state championship games, winning one of them. Johnson has great speed to go along with an excellent change of pace. He is a dead-eye shooter from 3 and navigates around the paint very well. The tough minded guard has all the attributes of a high major guy, this weekend may be the one where he finally breaks through with a Power-5 offer.
6’6” 2019 Nate Dunlop
TMP Elite SC
Claimed Offers: NA
Dunlop may be the best shooter in the entire event, if not throughout the entire region. He has soft touch with deep range and a quick release. He has great size for his position and is more athletic than you would think. Dunlop is not strictly a jump shooter, even though is range extends out to the parking lot, he also finds buckets in the mid range and getting the basket. This will be the first time many college coaches have seen Dunlop so, with a typically good showing, the process should start picking up heavy now.
6’6” 2019 Marlowe Gilmore
Columbia Hoyas SC
Claimed Offers: SC State
Gilmore is an electric wing. He plays high above the rim and is looking to dunk on you in the half court and bring the house down in transition. He is an armpits at the rim type of athlete. However, his game is much more than that. Only a junior, he already is a three time area player of the year and two time All-State performer. Gilmore has lock down potential as a multi positional defender, both on and off the ball. Just scratching the surface and ready to explode, he will be a new name to many college coaches but could leave with an incredible amount of buzz surrounding him.