From the Sidelines
North Carolina’s unsigned seniors (Part V)
One thing is crystal clear, the North Carolina 2018 class is absolutely loaded with talent. As a
matter of fact, 43 players in this class has already committed/signed to play at the D1 level while
seven players have committed/signed to play at the D2 level. There is at least 30 plus D1
prospects that are still available. So far, we have looked at 16 available unsigned seniors, which
are listed below.
Unsigned seniors part 1
https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/01/12/sideline-six- unsigned-seniors- stock-rise/
Stephen Edoka, Milos Stajcic, Qon Murphy, Isaac Suffren, KC Hankton, and Jamarius Burton
Unsigned seniors part 2
https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/01/15/unsigned-seniors- part-2- 2/ (MJ Armstrong),
Torey James, Marque Maultsby, Isaiah Wilkins, and Chris Barnette)
Unsigned seniors part 3
https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/01/14/sideline-six- unsigned-seniors- stock-rise- part-3/
(Kenyon Burt, Tripp Greene, Ahmad Jeffries, Jordan Love, and Chris Martin.
Unsigned seniors part 4
https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/01/26/north-carolina- 2018-unsigned- seniors-part- iv/
Today, we will look at another group of unsigned seniors that D1 and D2 schools need to reach
out to. Each player has an impressive resume and like so many other players from the hoop state,
these young men can play and contribute at the collegiate level, not to mention these players are
true student-athletes.
6’7 Adafe Price (Albemarle HS)
Adafe Price is a NC Top 80 alum and we’ve been constantly confused by the lack of recruiting
respect this young man gets. He has been loyal to his local grassroots travel ball team and is
flying under the recruiting radar. We’re talking about an extremely long and athletic wing
forward that plays both ends of the court. We have always been impressed with his high motor
and energy. He is a strong and active rebounder and has a nice array of offensive moves around
the rim, not to mention his versatility to step out and knock down the midrange jumper. Adafe
has all the physical tools and intangibles and should become a high priority for upper D2 schools
and lower division D1 schools.
6’5 Makiah Fox (The Burlington School)
The Burlington School has been one of the strongest teams in the NCISAA 1A division. They have won countless state championships and this year’s team is 17-4 and coach Ron Johnson will tell you Makiah Fox is the reason why! Fox is averaging 17.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG and is shooting 58% from the floor and hitting 39% from the 3-point line. Versatility and consistency is his calling card. We’re talking about a player that prides himself on being a tough, hard-nosed basketball player. He has always been a “we guy” and has maintained a team first approach whether it is on his high school team or travel ball team. In addition, Fox has a strong, sturdy and physically mature frame, not to mention a high basketball IQ. He can score from all three levels. Coach Johnson on Fox: “Makiah is a lefty with three-point range; he’s very good at the catch and shoot, proved to be an excellent rebounder for his size. He’s a bit of a tweener that should add quickness to play the wing or size to play down low. Either way, Makiah is a very useful player and would be a steal at the right level. In our opinion, Fox should be a high priority for D2 schools and lower tier D1 schools should also take another look this spring.
6’5 Tyler Nelson (Metrolina)
At the fall Phenom High School jamboree, Tyler Nelson was more of an unknown. That being
said, he came away making a big-time impression on the various scouts in attendance. We’re
talking about a lean, lengthy, and athletic wing guard that has tremendous bounce. We were also
impressed with his fluidness and effortless offensive approach to the game. His scoring came
with the rhythm of the game. National scout Chick Gillespie stated, “An unknown to me until
today, I was impressed with Tyler Nelson’s touch. He had 23 points including five 3-pointers.
In addition, he used his athleticism extremely well getting to the basket. He used his long arms
defensively as well disrupting some plays in the painted area and generally making a nuisance
of himself. One to keep an eye on for sure!”
5’10 Dezure Moulden (Stuart Cramer HS)
Dezure Moulden is having an outstanding senior campaign. He was all conference as a junior
and is one of the top candidates for conference player of the year in the NCHSAA Big South 3A.
He’s a 1000 t career point scorer and is leading the conference in scoring and third in assists. (22.4
PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.0 SPG) Coach Brad Sloan stated, “Dezure has an elite first step
and is an excellent competitor who can score at all three levels. So far, he is being recruited by
D2 and D3 schools, but is talented enough for lower tier D1 schools.” We had seen Dezure at
our NC Phenom 150 camp and is graded out extremely well. In our camp evaluation, we stated,
“Dezure is a guard or a baller that does what is needed when it’s needed. Great on defense,
both on and off-ball. He picked up numerous steals that turned to layups, midrange jumpers
and even a few three-pointers. Dezure has the ability to finish and is not afraid to throw it
down. He runs the floor well and often, or as long as needed in order to get the win.”
6’3 Austin Hadden (Hickory Grove)
Austin is another senior having an outstanding season. He is averaging 15.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG and
was named the 2017 MAC All Conference team. Austin is a skilled guard that can score from all
three levels. To put it mildly, he is a solid all-around player that does all the little things to help a
team become successful. Coach Rhodes stated, “Austin is an athletic do it all player. He shoots
the three, makes good decisions and finishes through contact.” In addition, Austin can play
and guard multiple positions and rebounds well for his size/position.”
