Team 20
Coach: Brant Short
#4: 5’6 ’28 MJ Russell (RJ Reynolds)
Starting off, we look at a player who has a natural understanding of how to run a team on both ends of the floor, MJ Russell. He’s a smart, scrappy point guard prospect with an unselfish approach and quality motor. Russell displays a great balance between scoring and playmaking, looking to create for others and pick his spots within the flow of the offense. He’s a reliable perimeter shooter who spaces the floor and attacks closeouts as needed. Russell battles well defensively and makes hustle plays at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Short on Russell: “MJ has great touch, feel, and pace. Very quick. Shoots the ball well from beyond the arc. Offers tough on-ball defense, but can improve his off-ball defense. Great team player.” Russell did a lot of things well during camp and should be a key piece for RJ Reynolds going forward.
#10: 5’11 ’28 Davonta Lindsey Jr. (Charlotte Country Day)
Next, we look at a player who was easily among the top floor generals in attendance, Davonta Lindsey Jr. He’s a dynamic, athletic point guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and strong polish as a creator. Lindsey utilizes his quickness and handle to consistently break down opponents and touch the paint. He scores the ball from all levels and sets up others at a quality rate. Lindsey is a reliable defender who routinely outworks opponents to force turnovers and make hustle plays. He’s also a useful rebounder and transition threat. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Short on Lindsey: “DJ has a great combination of frame and athleticism for his position. Great off the dribble step/side and back shot. Improve attacking the middle (pull up or kick). DJ competes every possession and brings solid on-ball defense. Great team player.” Lindsey had a notable showing at camp and should be among the most productive freshmen during the upcoming season.
#23: 5’10 ’28 Justin Golphin (Ambassador Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who understands how to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Justin Golphin. He’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and reliable presence with or without the ball in his hands. Golphin is a reliable shooting threat who can apply pressure as a cutter, spot-up threat, or penetrator. He offers a solid defensive presence and utilizes his quickness to keep opponents in front. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Short on Golphin: “Justin has the ability to cause problems on both sides of the ball. He has a solid strong hand but needs to continue improving his off-hand. Justin has a nice float game. Can work on attention to detail with his off-ball defense.” Golphin enjoyed a strong showing during camp and should be able to carve out a meaningful role for Ambassador Christian going forward.
#59: 6’0 ’28 Micah Gunter (Greensboro Day)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who is already standing out as one of the top newcomers to North Carolina, Micah Gunter. He’s a skilled, intelligent point guard prospect with a strong combination of scoring polish, playmaking instincts, and defensive ability. Gunter sets the tone through his toughness and unselfishness on both ends of the floor. He scores the ball well from all levels but looks to set up others and make the right play whenever possible. Gunter displays great quickness, positioning, and anticipation to keep opponents in front defensively. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Short on Gunter: “Micah has a shooter’s touch and point guard’s instincts. Solid ball-handler with useful passing ability. Great range, tempo, and pace. Soft touch and feel. Nice team player. Continue to advance the ball and look to fill in the three-pointer. Press up some on defense.” Gunter stood out as a difference-maker throughout camp and should be a major asset for Greensboro Day over the coming years.
#76: 6’2 ’28 Ashton Green (Atkins)
Next, we look at a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Ashton Green. He’s a scrappy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with a nice combination of size, athleticism, and toughness. Green is a capable scoring threat from all levels and can create for himself or others off the bounce. He’s a willing passer and unselfish teammate who plays with solid energy on both ends of the floor. Green offers a solid defensive presence and rebounds the ball really well for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Short on Green: “Ashton will be as good as his motor. Great hands/touch. Good body and athleticism. Continue to work on perimeter ability in addition to ball-handling and in-game decision-making. Ashton is a great team player with a solid team attitude.” Green did a lot of things well during camp and should be a key piece for Atkins going forward.
#92: 6’3 ’28 Kingston Hardie (West Forsyth)
Moving forward, we look at a player who impacted the game through his motor and versatility, Kingston Hardie. He’s a smart, unselfish wing/forward prospect with a nice skillset and the ability to cause matchup problems for opponents. Hardie is a tremendous rebounder with the necessary skill to push the break and make decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a quality finisher and floor-spacing option who can mix it up based on what the defense gives him. Hardie is a solid passer and cutter. He’s a useful defender who can effectively guard multiple positions. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Short on Hardie: “Kingston has a great feel for the game. Great touch and finishing ability. Wedges players well for rebounds and will compete without the ball in his hands. He can improve his first 2-3 strides in transition and get increased reps with game passing. Great team player.” Hardie made a strong impact at camp and will be a prospect to watch emerge for West Forsyth over the coming years.
#145: 6’4 ’28 Ayo Awo Sanya (Myers Park)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who stands out through his versatility and ability to cause mismatches, Ayo Awo Sanya. He’s a long, athletic wing/forward prospect with the combination of size and skill to create consistent problems for opponents. Sanya is a solid creator who can score the ball from all levels and set up others as needed. He’s a reliable finisher who plays well through contact and positions himself for success around the basket. Sanya possesses a great nose for the ball, as evidenced by his active rebounding presence on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Short on Sanya: “Ayo has a high release and great spirit. Continue to work on ball-handling and passing. He has a great motor with unique size and skill. Great team player.” Sayna made a strong impression during his time at camp and will be an immediate contributor at Myers Park throughout his freshman season.
#158: 6’7 ’28 Andrew Juergens (Greensboro Day)
Finishing up, we look at a player who highlighted an impressive blend of production and excitement, Andrew Juergens. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing/forward prospect who excels at utilizing his size and explosion to his advantage. Juergens is a useful floor-spacer who can knock down jumpers, force defenses to extend, and then attack closeouts for powerful finishes at the rim. He plays with phenomenal energy, which allows him to shine as a defender and two-way rebounder. Juergens blocked shots, forced turnovers, and ran the floor properly in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator. Coach Short on Juergens: “Andrew’s best years are ahead of him. Work is starting to stand out. Great baseline player who hits corner threes and finishes at the rim. His weak-side defense is much improved. Feel and IQ will keep improving with reps. Great team player. Very explosive.” Juergens was a definite standout during camp and should be a difference-maker for Greensboro Day going forward.