The Phenom Hoop State Fall League has been tremendous, and we are heading into championship weekend. But there have been plenty of storylines and players that have grabbed my attention. Even though this list could go on a lot longer, here are the top players who have left their mark on me so far at the Fall League at the wing position.
2025 Tre McKinnon (Lake Norman): McKinnon had a strong showing at the Fall League throughout, and it only excites us more with what he will be able to do this upcoming season. McKinnon has a chance to really elevate and showcase everything he has in his game, as the game continues to improve with his shot-making and range, as well as his ability to excel in getting downhill and getting to the rim. He is one that has tremendous athleticism and continues to add levels.
2024 Tyler Showalter (Butler): Showalter is the clear leader heading into the season at Butler, and he will have all the opportunities to display his full potential and ability with his program. He will have plenty of opportunities to be the go-to scorer, take advantage of the matchups given to him, display his shot-making ability as a 6’6 prospect, and be a playmaker on the court. Though he has always been a productive player, he will be counted on being the dude this season and he started that at the Fall League.
2026 Michael Phillips (Grace Christian): This is a young man who has a lot of potential and is just scratching the surface of what he may be in the end. He is long, athletic, and is showing a lot more confidence and understanding in his ability. He is stretching the floor more with his outside shooting, especially from the corner, as well as using his wingspan to be effective inside and on the defensive end. Phillips has a great chance to be a big prospect in the class of 2026, and there should be a lot of excitement with what we saw.
2026 Cole Cloer (Orange): Cloer has proven to be one of the best players in his class, whether in North Carolina or even nationally. His 6’7 frame can be a nightmare and he shows that he is the best player on the court. Whether it is his ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots with a pretty release, his ability to attack and get to the basket, and also create off the bounce to find his shot, Cloer continues to show he can hurt you in so many ways and there isn’t much you can do about it.
2024 Desmond Kent (Central Cabarrus): Kent has seen his stock rise more than anyone over the year, and it is only a matter of time before college coaches come flocking his way even more… we truly believe that. Kent’s tremendous length, athleticism, skill set, and impact on both ends can’t be denied and he has only added more to his game. And what makes him even more intriguing is what he could continue to add at the collegiate level, working on his body and strength, and also showing how he can score in a variety of ways.