Over the years, there has been a common theme amongst college coaches and their evaluation process of recruits. Too often, programs are fixated on what they think players cannot do as opposed to focusing on the positives. No one is advocating for high-majors to take an undersized, unathletic, non-skilled player—but difference-makers come in all types of shapes and sizes. After playing at an incredible level with CC Elite, moving to Team CP3, and finding success, it feels like Grant Hamilton is now arguably the most under-recruited prospect in North Carolina.
Being one of the best marksmen in the region has almost become a hindrance for Hamilton, as folks constantly want to label him as a “shooter.” In reality, he’s just a phenomenal basketball player who happens to double as a special shooting threat. While Hamilton didn’t shoot his normal percentage on the EYBL, that’s primarily due to the small adjustment window. However, his coaches stated that his defense, passing, and general gravity still gave him clear value on the court.
Then, merely a week removed from Peach Jam, Hamilton comes to our Hardwood Classic and absolutely tears opponents to shreds—averaging 21.3 PPG and hitting seemingly everything he attempted from midrange or beyond the arc. Whether as a creator or spot-up threat, Hamilton caused constant problems for opposing teams. He mixed it up at a healthy rate and produced extremely well within his role. In looking at an overwhelming majority of the “shooters” to come through the state over the recent years, Hamilton impacts the game more than any of them without compromising a step as a floor-spacer. It wouldn’t be shocking if he takes another leap during his senior season at Weddington and starts accumulating offers from Division I programs. In the end, whatever program nets Hamilton will be getting a smart, reliable, low-maintenance piece who visibly contributes to winning basketball.