6’8 ’23 Dejuan Sidney (Juice All-Stars)
Commonly known for their slew of up-and-coming talent, it should come as no surprise to see Sidney as another name worth noting within the Juice All-Stars program. He’s a long, mobile forward/post prospect with nice length and an active motor. Sidney can finish as needed but doesn’t look to force the offensive action. He rebounds, blocks shots, and looks to score when necessary.
6’6 ’24 AJ Newton (Carolina Riptide)
The Carolina Riptide have been widely acknowledged for their grit and unselfishness, and arguably no player within the program exemplifies these traits more than Newton. He’s a rugged, high-motor forward/post prospect with a clear willingness to make hustle plays and do the dirty work on either side of the ball. Newton prioritizes rebounding and simply playing hard, but is also quite bouncy and welcomes physical play around the paint. As a rising junior, he could be a very useful piece for Lake Norman.
6’8 ’23 Jaydin Spillman (NC Rise)
Although most folks already know, Spillman continues to make his case as one of the most skilled post players across North Carolina. At 6-foot-8, his blend of vision, shooting, and ball-handling make him a nightmare assignment. When Spillman mixes it up offensively, he’s extremely difficult to contain. He can operate from the low or high block, or attack from the wing, and looks quite comfortable in either area. Capable of pushing in transition.
5’9 ’22 Jaylan Bowen (Team Push)
Though slightly undersized, Bowen is simply a guy who teams would rather compete with than against. He’s quick, tough, and displays a nice feel for the game—especially when getting downhill and creating for himself or others. Bowen is a great defender, sharp penetrator, and reliable perimeter shooter. He can effectively run a team or play alongside another primary ball-handler. Plays very well through contact.
6’4 ’23 Zion McDuffie (Grindhouse Lakers)
The Grindhouse Lakers squad definitely proved to be a tough group, and McDuffie stood out as much as anyone on the roster. He’s a long, athletic forward prospect with a nice blend of inside-out ability on both ends of the floor. McDuffie is versatile enough to score from all levels while defending multiple positions and making his presence consistently felt on the glass. He finishes well and makes a strong impact in transition.
6’4 ’23 Jordan Durham (Team Push)
Personally, Durham continues to stand out as one of the more under-recruited prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2023. He’s a long, athletic guard with great size and a fairly well-rounded skillset. Durham really shined as a leader on both sides of the floor, dictating the offensive action, causing problems with his defensive prowess, and consistently making timely plays whenever it was most needed. Durham shot the ball at a high percentage today from distance, which made him a legitimate matchup problem.
6’4 ’23 Jah Short (Garner Road)
Given his returning status as their main leader, folks should already be well-aware of Short and all his appeal. He’s a long, explosive guard with IQ, toughness, and exceptional downhill ability. Short is able to get downhill and seemingly finish anything he attempts, but also knocks down shots at a respectable rate. He’s a useful creator, both for himself and others, and displays great anticipation defensively. Short thrives in the open floor but still applies a ton of pressure in the half-court.
6’2 ’24 Jaylen Claggett (BSA Supreme)
Although their roster has an overabundance of talent, Claggett stood out as a huge catalyst in this showing. He finished, converted midrange pull-ups, and knocked down three-pointers at an extremely consistent clip. Claggett is a steady defender, rebounder, and offensive cog with the IQ, motor, and adaptability to excel in various different roles. He also handles the ball and can initiate the offense as needed.