This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Rock Hill, South Carolina for our annual G3 Showcase. The three-day event featured over 250 teams with highly competitive games and tons of talented prospects on display. There were countless subplots worth noting, but this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites from the last few days…
6’7 ’26 Trey Thompson (Tennessee Impact)
Given how uncommon it is for big men to be highly developed at an early stage, Trey Thompson was arguably the most impressive performer on display (regardless of age group). He’s an incredibly smart, skilled post prospect with the ability to dominate a game in a variety of different ways. Unlike the vast majority of young bigs, Thompson already possesses the full arsenal. At 6-foot-7, he comfortably asserted himself on the block, spaced the floor at an elite level, and showcased guard-like playmaking instincts. In the post, Thompson finished with either hand or above the rim while displaying exceptional footwork, counters, and an impressive array of moves. The only way to slow his production on the block is through constant doubles or swarming by committee, as he’s simply too polished for single coverage. That being said, Thompson is certainly not bound to the paint. He’s a phenomenal shooting threat, both from midrange and beyond the arc, who can space the floor off the catch or make plays off the dribble. His understanding of how to exploit mismatches and opposing defenses is truly incredible. Thompson would routinely post-up around the wing and either back opponents into oblivion or face up and attack the basket, set up others or knock down jumpers off the bounce. He’s a fluid athlete with a strong, sturdy frame, which allows him to physically overwhelm opponents with relative ease—particularly as a rebounder and interior defender. Thompson does a great job of controlling the glass and pushing the break or running the floor in transition. It’s genuinely impossible to find any negatives in his game. He’s clearly a special player who should already have Division I schools in heavy pursuit.
6’5 ’24 Desmond Kent Jr. (BSA Supreme)
We’ve become so accustomed to watching BSA Supreme absolutely destroy opponents that it’s easy to overlook how much Desmond Kent Jr. has blossomed over the recent months. Sure, he really started to burst onto the scene about a year ago, but his progression since then has been absolutely astonishing. Kent possesses terrific length, athleticism, and toughness, but his IQ might be as impressive as any of his physical traits. He’s a capable creator and post-up option but seems at his most comfortable when cutting and exploiting holes within the opposing defense. Kent finishes well around the basket, knocks down jumpers from beyond the arc, and seemingly doesn’t miss in the midrange—whether from a floater, pull-up, or off the catch. Like the rest of his teammates with this group, he’s a quality passer with a real understanding of how to locate the best available shot and keep the ball constantly moving. Kent utilizes his long arms, high motor, and sheer nose for the ball to consistently wreak havoc on defense. He’s a reliable rebounder with the necessary skill to push the break as needed. Kent is the type of guy who does so much that he can’t necessarily be given a “traditional” label. He’s simply a gamer. Even though he’s shown so much growth, it seems like he still has considerable upside remaining. Expect Kent’s recruitment to increase over the coming months.
6’8 ’26 Will Stevens (Carolina Riptide)
Although the Carolina Riptide organization always has a slew of talented prospects, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Will Stevens is emerging as their next notable star. He’s a long, fluid big man with soft touch, sharp vision, and reliable floor-spacing ability. Stevens has played up for the entirety of the spring, yet arguably stands out as the most productive piece on this roster. He continues to get stronger and more athletic, as evidenced by his physicality around the basket and ability to play above the rim at an increased rate. Stevens moves very well for his size, both in tight spaces and when running the floor in transition. He utilizes his length and timing extremely well to alter/block shots and secure rebounds on both ends of the floor. Overall, Stevens possesses a very straightforward, low-maintenance identity. He’s already versatile enough to take whatever the defense gives him, and will only become more difficult to stop with additional strength. Though slightly different players, don’t be surprised if his trajectory looks somewhat similar to the last noteworthy big man to emerge from this program (who is currently stockpiling Division I offers).
6’9 ’26 Tyson Thompson (Team Shack)
It’s always exciting to watch a prospect gradually start tapping into their long-term potential, and the progression that Tyson Thompson has shown over the recent months is truly amazing. Big men naturally develop slower than others, but the 6-foot-9 post player has already turned himself into a very impactful piece on both ends of the floor. Thompson is playing up an age group, yet has no issue controlling the glass, anchoring the paint defensively, and highlighting a steady offensive presence. He utilizes his strong frame and excellent length to block shots, secure rebounds, and make life generally difficult for opponents. Thompson is already a great athlete with timing, toughness, and a willingness to play hard. The big man also showed flashes of perimeter shooting and the ability to attack off the bounce, which is quietly a pretty big deal. He clearly stands out as a leader and tone-setter for this group, yet doesn’t require a ton of touches to make a lasting impact. Thompson was already in a position to eventually separate himself as one of the top big men in North Carolina’s Class of 2026, but it looks like that process has already begun. Expect him to become a priority for Division I coaches over the foreseeable future.
6’3 ’26 Dane Cassada (Big Shots Elite)
Despite some narrow losses as a team, it was so easy to be impressed with everything Dane Cassada did for this group. For starters, they only had five players. However, it didn’t seem to negatively impact Cassada or the overall cohesion of this group. He’s an extremely skilled, intelligent guard prospect with the ability to be featured in numerous different roles. Though he’s always received a lot of attention for his three-point shooting and general scoring prowess, Cassada was undeniably impressive as a playmaker and primary creator. Without sounding insulting, it’s actually incredible how effortlessly he’s able to pick his spots, break down opponents, and get wherever he wants given his lack of explosion. It merely speaks to his level of IQ, reliability, and understanding of how to unselfishly dictate the action with the ball in his hands. That being said, Cassada still showcased his usual amount of volume and efficiency as a polished three-level scorer. He also made a ton of plays defensively, rebounded his position well, and posed a lethal spot-up threat. Cassada looks like a surefire guarantee to have a breakout high school season and capture the attention of scholarship-level coaches.