This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled up to the Henrico Sports and Events Center in Richmond, Virginia, to host our inaugural Ceros Open 804. Although we also held events in Bermuda Run (Carolina Clash with Made Hoops) and Rock Hill (Ceros Open), Richmond still had an incredible amount of talent on display. Between the likes of Team Loaded, Team New England, Team Different, New World, and various others, there was a lot to like. Let’s take a closer look at some personal favorites from the event…
6’8 ’26 Latrell Allmond (Team Loaded Virginia)
It’s no secret that the game of basketball is constantly changing. Every decade or so, we see new coaching strategies, developmental ideologies, and emphasis on specific archetypes. Though he does fit the modern mold exceptionally well, someone like Latrell Allmond could genuinely find success in any era. At 6-foot-8 with IQ, athleticism, and two-way versatility, he possesses an incredibly high floor and ceiling. Allmond is a reliable initiator with a terrific handle, particularly for his size, and strong understanding of when to attack versus defer. He makes intelligent decisions as a creator with the ball in his hands but is more than comfortable applying pressure as a cutter or spot-up option. Whether posting up, hitting jumpers, or attacking downhill, seemingly every scoring avenue yields positive results. On the other end, Allmond defends multiple positions with relative ease. Not only is he big and strong enough to guard bigger opponents, but his length and quickness allow him to contain smaller players. In addition to his switchable defensive presence, he’s a strong rebounder with the ability to grab and go in transition. Allmond is simply a phenomenal all-around player whose physical tools and general lack of weaknesses make him a real nightmare for opponents. It’s easy to envision him producing at virtually any college program in the country.
7’0 ’27 Theo Edema (Team New England)
In a building full of high-level talent, Theo Edema was arguably the most impressive prospect on display. If you were designing a big man’s physique in a lab, it would look like him. Edema is incredibly strong, mobile, athletic, and naturally overwhelms interior opponents on both ends of the floor. Rim protectors will always be extremely valuable (largely due to their rarity), which is a massive part of what makes him so appealing. Edema possesses amazing timing and instincts as a shot-blocker. While he does block a ton of shots, his ability to alter shots and visibly deter opponents from attacking the basket is genuinely unique. Additionally, Edema controls the glass as a rebounder and typically secures everything his hands touch. He clears out space exceptionally well to post up and set himself up for rebounding opportunities. Edema is so physically overpowering that no opponents seem to really faze him. To put it bluntly, he looks like a grown man playing against children. He understands how to secure position on the block and finish through contact or above the rim, but can also make solid passes when defenses double or collapse. Edema runs the floor properly in transition and makes himself available for lobs or dump-off passes. Although he still has considerable upside, it’s easy to see all the ways he impacts a game. Given everything he showcased, Edema should be viewed as a high-major talent throughout the country.
6’2 ’27 Anderson Diaz (Team Different NYC)
Talent is talent. However, it’s interesting to see the unique quirks or traits players possess that specifically resonate with their state (like kids from Florida being insanely explosive, for example). While this isn’t applicable to every player, Anderson Diaz fully encompasses the identity of a New York guard. The confidence, swagger, toughness, and dawg-like mentality were evident from the opening tip. He’s a smart, crafty, dynamic floor general whose blend of penetration, playmaking, and scoring prowess makes him an extremely difficult matchup for opponents. Diaz scores the ball in a variety of different ways. His quick first step allows him to touch the paint at a high volume, where he sees the floor well and utilizes his strength to consistently finish through contact. Whether attacking the basket, getting into the midrange, or hitting jumpers from beyond the arc, Diaz is a polished option from anywhere on the floor. He often takes what the defense gives him, but is aggressive enough to hunt for his preferred shot as desired. Additionally, Diaz is a rugged defender with sharp instincts and a very physical nature. He rebounds well for his size and displays tremendous pace with the ball in his hands. Given his production and all-around leadership, it would be impossible to say anything other than positives about his game. Diaz should continue turning heads as one of the top players in the country.
6’3 ’27 JLon Lyons (New World)
Like several of these organizations, our first viewing of New World certainly didn’t disappoint. There were countless intriguing prospects within their program, and JLon Lyons was arguably as noteworthy as anyone in attendance. He’s a smart, balanced point guard whose vision, pace, and overall craftiness make him a true offensive weapon. Although his team has a variety of meaningful contributors, it’s easy to see his leadership presence on both ends of the floor. Lyons completely controls the action with the ball in his hands, never hurried or even bothered by defensive pressure, and displays poise as a creator for himself and others. Lyons is an efficient all-around scorer who knows how to pick his spots at the right times. He mixes it up well as a penetrator, midrange threat, and shooter from beyond the arc. That being said, Lyons’ playmaking sense is a big part of what separates him from his peers. He sees the entire floor at all times and forces all defenders to be extremely aware of their surroundings. If a teammate even so much as identifies an open seam, it’s too late for opponents to recover when Lyons is at the helm. His timing and precision must be acknowledged, as every pass lands in the right spot and usually leads to an immediate score. Add in his length and anticipation defensively, and it’s easy to see why Lyons is such a highly regarded prospect.
6’3 ’29 King Bacot (Team Loaded Virginia)
Although countless highly touted players came before him, King Bacot continues to solidify himself as the next potentially special talent from Virginia. He has no shortage of popularity, particularly for a rising freshman. Bacot is among the few players his age who fans, coaches, and opponents expect to perform every time he takes the floor. He seemingly always delivers. For a guy who receives constant attention and a ton of buzz, Bacot is largely unfazed. He approaches the game with poise, intelligence, and a very calm demeanor. Bacot handles the ball with care and craftiness. He’s able to get legitimately anywhere he wants off the bounce and showcase his incredible vision or reliable scoring polish. Bacot possesses such an effortless game. Every movement is smooth and almost every decision leads to the best possible outcome. He genuinely sees the game ahead of others, and that’s evident in the way he runs a team. Bacot understands angles and timing as well as anyone. Defensively, he stays in front of opposing guards and forces turnovers at a quality rate. Despite not yet being in high school, Bacot is one of the rare players whose talent, intangibles, and physical tools are all so exceptional that he can ultimately determine how special he wants to be.