This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Rise Showcase at Rise Indoor Sports and the new Kernersville Sports Center. Between the two sites and various age groups, there was an abundance of talent on display. Although many organizations have been playing over the last month, several programs kicked off their season during this event. Either way, we will take a closer look at five personal favorites from the two-day stretch…
6’11 ’26 Rares Trandafir (AWigg Elite)
After losing the majority of his high school season due to injury, Rares Trandafir is someone who should be a prime target for Division I coaches over the coming months. Even in the current portal-heavy climate, it’s genuinely shocking that he currently holds no scholarship offers. Of all prospects to get overlooked, it feels like a mobile, skilled 6-foot-11 big man who can pass, post-up, and space the floor is pretty challenging to miss. Trandafir is an incredible shooter for his size. He consistently hits jumpers from beyond the arc, moves well without the ball, and properly trails the break or fills the lane in transition. Trandafir is comfortable attacking within a few dribbles off the bounce and sees the floor well as a passer. He possesses soft touch and an array of useful moves on the block. Tranadfir’s versatile offensive game make him a natural mismatch for opponents. Additionally, he stands out as a reliable rebounder and solid defensive anchor with timing and instincts. Though he’s entering the summer with nothing, don’t be surprised when he blows up over the coming months.
6’7 ’28 Julian Tweedy (SW15H Elite)
Now entering their third year as a program, it’s easy to say SW15H Elite has continued to establish itself among the top teams in North Carolina. That being said, Julian Tweedy has as much appeal and potential as anyone in the organization. He’s already an incredibly long, fluid athlete who sets the tone in a variety of ways. Tweedy is a real matchup problem that stands out as a focal point for this group. Offensively, he continues to make visible strides as a shooter, passer, and overall creator while still applying consistent pressure as a downhill threat and finisher. Tweedy is more than capable of filling it up as a scorer but doesn’t need a ton of shots to impact the game. His length, motor, and athleticism make him an impactful defender who can actively toggle across multiple positions. Tweedy’s size allows him to contain big men while his fluidity makes him a problem for perimeter opponents. He secures rebounds and blocks shots at a consistent rate, but still has considerable upside on that end of the floor. It’s scary to consider what Tweedy will become with continued work and development.
6’3 ’27 AJ Roberts (DB Elite)
Since entering high school, AJ Roberts has been clearly solidified himself as one of the best multi-sport athletes in North Carolina. He’s already earned several noteworthy offers in football while also being the focal point for Rolesville’s basketball team. Where most players would become content, Roberts has only gotten hungrier as he’s trended upward. Although Roberts has previously shined as a leader for DB Elite, it’s impossible to ignore his progression over the recent months. Roberts is even more explosive than before while still maintaining his rugged, physical approach to the game. He’s a smart, well-rounded offensive piece who consistently creates for himself and others. Roberts prefers to get downhill and finish, but highlights a smooth midrange pull-up and the ability to hit jumpers from beyond the arc. He plays extremely well through contact and will gleefully meet courageous opponents at the rim. Roberts is an overwhelming defender across multiple positions. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism allow him to defend up and down a lineup with relative ease. Add in his rebounding presence and it’s easy to see what makes him such an impactful all-around player. Expect Roberts to attract a lot of college coaches this travel ball season.
6’2 ’26 Aidan O’Gara (NC Spartans)
The NC Spartans program has so many guys who are likely overlooked and underappreciated by the masses, which certainly feels applicable to Aidan O’Gara. While he isn’t the biggest or most explosive guy, O’Gara is an incredibly impactful all-around player. He regularly dictates the action as a primary creator, showcasing an impressive blend of IQ, pace, fundamentals, and change of speed. O’Gara is a crafty, slippery ball-handler who opponents struggle to contain from attacking off the bounce and making plays within the paint. He’s a quality finisher who plays well through contact and off two feet. O’Gara is a sharp passer who consistently makes the right decision with the ball in his hands. He can knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip but looks to get downhill whenever available. O’Gara stands out as a positive defender who mirrors opposing guards and forces turnovers at a quality rate. He also rebounds well for his size/position and reliably pushes the break in transition. Clearly a next-level player, O’Gara should appeal to various types of college coaches.
6’2 ’27 Adam Horobey (Dub Salem)
Although the Dub Salem program is entering its first summer since forming, it’s unsurprising that they’ll be one of the most competitive teams across the state. They have a slew of quality pieces, and Adam Horobey was as productive as anyone. He naturally sets the tone as a leader through his IQ, motor, and general involvement on both ends of the floor. Horobey is comfortable dictating the offensive action as a main creator. He offers excellent balance between setting up others and asserting himself as a scorer from all levels. Horobey is very efficient and able to consistently produce within the flow of the offense. In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Horobey defends with energy, rebounds his position, and simply leads by example in all areas of the game. He’s adaptable enough to operate in several roles but certainly stands out as a focal point for this group. Though he still has multiple seasons of high school remaining, Horobey will be a player for coaches to monitor going forward.