This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to various different locations for the June Live Period. Between the talent in Advance and Greensboro, there was plenty of buzz about the NCHSAA and NCISAA competition throughout the weekend. Although the public-school event was at capacity for most of the weekend, Greensboro Day School (as expected) hosted an extremely entertaining three-day slate of games for the private school sector. These events typically serve as tune-up periods more than anything else. There were plenty of notable takeaways, but no team has ever been handed a state championship trophy in June. Numerous individuals also stood out, like Wyatt DeGraaf—who is rapidly becoming one of the most under-recruited prospects in North Carolina.
At 6-foot-10 with strength, mobility, and vertical explosiveness, it’s incredibly difficult to make sense of DeGraaf’s recruitment. He showcased the ability to make a constant impact as the focal point. He does a great job of battling for post position, passing from the block, reposting, and conducting the offense with his back to the basket. He finishes with power above the rim, but also displays touch around the basket. DeGraaf is more than capable of facing up and attacking off the bounce, knocking down the occasional jumper, or reliably executing two-man actions. He’s a useful screener with an understanding of how to slip, dive to the rim, and force switches. DeGraaf also plays hard on both ends while controlling the glass and anchoring the paint defensively.
The appeal should be somewhat obvious, which is why his lack of offers simply doesn’t make sense (especially in comparison to other big men who have collected a bevy of scholarships). DeGraaf has a ton of physical tools in addition to a quality feel for the game and considerable upside as a long-term prospect. Regardless, it feels like a certainty that college coaches will eventually start pursuing the two-way big man with increased haste.