2031 Caden Long (XLXB)
Though it was early to start the day, Long was a prospect that quickly caught my eye with his overall feel and play. A young prospect who has early factors in his game that you like, he checks off the boxes with his size, skill, and offensive capabilities. Long displayed the ability to be a strong creator for himself, attacking downhill, finishing strong, and being that playmaker for his team. He was at his best when attacking the basket as he led the way for his team.
2031 MJ Kent (D1 Sports)
Kent is a long, wiry guard who was really able to flourish not only with his ability to create but also his defensive presence. He was active and engaged throughout and was able to really dictate the offense with his ability to create off the dribble, attack in transition, and his excellent feel in being to get around defenders. Kent also was useful with his length defensively, creating issues for opponents as well. I really liked his overall feel for the game with the ball in his hands.
2032 Tavon Wilson (1of1)
On a loaded team for 1of1, Wilson certainly is able to carve out his name with his presence down in the paint. Great size and frame early on, Wilson showcases the ability to finish with touch as well as be a physical presence down in the paint. He got to his spots down in the post, finished strong through and over defenders, and rebounded well with his size.
2030 Carter Hunter (D1 Sports)
Hunter was able to flourish in a variety of roles and areas on the court, as he has good size, brings versatility to the court with his ability to guard multiple positions, and offensively was able to operate inside and out. Hunter showed good fluidity and feel overall, finding ways to get to the basket and score, rebounded well, and simply had a fluid overall game offensively. He also made plays on the defensive end.
2029 Rowen Fitzgibbons (Carolina Bulldogs)
Fitzgibbons has had a strong overall month with Phenom Hoops, as he has been able to flourish in a variety of areas and settings. Today, Fitzgibbons continued to show a strong overall feel and skillset, being able to be an effective three-level scorer, creating off the bounce, knocking down open shots from outside, and simply making the right play at the right time. He has a high IQ and is one we are eager to see how he continues to develop.
2029 Jayden Almonte (Carolina Conquerors)
Almonte was a player that we had a chance to watch at our camp and he brought that same game and production to the courts here at Winter Nationals. He is a strong, sturdy forward who gets to his spots well, understands how to operate and use his frame to his advantage down in the post, and shows touch as well as finishing through contact. Time after time, he finds ways to score and finish down low.
2029 Jhamari Cain (River City Reign)
Cain was one that caught my eye with his impact in a variety of areas of the court. He was able to produce in several areas, whether it was creating and attacking, finishing strong through defenders, playing off the ball to knock down shots, and just his overall impact on the glass and all. Cain was consistent throughout Day 1 at the Winter Nationals.
2028 Mamoudou Mamadi (Carolina Culture)
Mamadi is a new name for many of us, but he is one that certainly left an impact on our scouts. Standing around 6’7, he is a big who was able to make a statement in certain areas and is one who has potential in what he could be in the end. Mamadi made his impact by altering and blocking shots, attacking the glass, running the floor, and playing hard. And though he had flashes of his game offensively, he is one that is still raw and has potential for development.
2030 Sonny Watkins (Team Loaded NC)
Watkins, at his age, is simply a matchup nightmare for many opponents. He has the size, the fluidity, and the scoring ability to be a dominant presence on the court. With his length and skillset, Watkins can score with ease around the basket, showing touch, the ability to create, and being a presence on the glass for extra opportunities. And I’m eager to see how he continues to expand his overall game.
2029 Kayden Durham (Team Loaded)
We were eager to see all of the talent on display for Team Loaded, and Durham was the one who consistently caught my eye with his play. Very physical guard that didn’t shy away in attacking downhill, attacking the basket, embracing contact, and finishing strong. But he brought a good overall balance in showing his ability to knock down open shots from the perimeter.
2029 Josiyah Moore (CC Elite)
Moore played with energy, was able to get paint touches consistently, and just played well within the offense but also found ways to produce offensively. He displayed the ability to create for himself and get inside the defense, finishing strong, but also making high IQ decisions as a playmaker. Overall, Moore was impressed with his feel for the game, his team mentality, his motor, and his decision-making.