This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for our Rise Showcase. Between the two days, there were a ton of standout performers and teams worth noting for the months ahead. Circuit teams utilized this period to start planning for the upcoming session(s) while independent programs are working out the kinks in preparation for their own Live periods. Regardless, it made for an exciting, entertaining event. Plenty of prospects made a lasting impression, and here were some personal favorites'

6'3 '23 Derin Saran (1 of 1 Elite)

It's impossible to ignore the general decline of the 'true' point guard over these last few decades, but someone like Derin Saran comes along and reaffirms its value. Although this has already been his identity, more folks were buzzing about the smart, heady floor general than ever before. Calling Saran an incredible passer is almost an understatement. He makes ridiculously difficult passes look effortless, yet always seems to make the best possible decision. His instincts are clearly on another level from most players. Saran sees the entire floor at all times; literally able to pinpoint teammates without actually looking in their direction. He's easily among the best few playmakers across North Carolina, and truly might be the top choice. Furthermore, Saran shines as a two-way leader who can lock up defensively and score the ball in a variety of ways. He attacks the basket with poise and relentlessness, able to finish, play through contact, and set up others whenever possible. Saran is extremely tough, and it's consistently evident on both ends of the floor. He's a nice perimeter shooter, strong rebounder, and excellent defender with the ability to force turnovers at a high volume. College coaches should start extending scholarships to Saran before it becomes a bidding war. 

6'8 '25 Zymicah Wilkins (Team United)

We've seen a lot of special big men over the years, and Zymicah Wilkins continues to reassert his noteworthy status each time he takes the court. While most people are shying away from the discussion, Wilkins is (personally) the top prospect in North Carolina's Class of 2025. His combination of feel, skill, and size is simply rare'especially for a freshman. Wilkins' interior presence is extremely difficult to contain, as he consistently abuses opponents with touch, vision, footwork, and sheer power. He displays great poise and patience around the basket. Though Wilkins is already largely unstoppable from scoring around the basket, his perimeter ability makes him a legitimate matchup nightmare. He can pass, dribble, and shoot at a very high level for a post prospect. Wilkins possesses a strong, sturdy frame with great hands, strength, and overall mobility. He's a solid athlete who dominates the glass through positioning and utilization of his body. Defensively, he understands how to effectively anchor the paint. Wilkins can also secure rebounds and immediately push the break. We are definitely seeing the blossoming of a special player, so it'll be fun to monitor his progression going forward. 

6'6 '25 Treyvon Maddox (Team Slay)

There were a lot of enticing young prospects on display, and Treyvon Maddox was basically as appealing as anyone. In all honesty, he's eerily reminiscent of a current national prospect'but better. As a long, fluid, explosive 6-foot-6 forward prospect, Maddox essentially has all the tools to be a noteworthy name. Though his physical presence regularly stands out, his skill level is also quite high for his age and size. Maddox's power when finishing, rebounding, and blocking shots is astounding. He utilizes his length extremely well, highlights great body control, and moves very well for his size. That being said, Maddox is certainly more than just a physical specimen. He handles the ball, creates for himself and others, and makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands. Maddox showed the ability to score from all three levels, set up open teammates, and use his versatility to consistently overwhelm opponents. Given his trajectory and general timeline, folks should expect to hear Maddox's name a lot over the coming years.  

6'8 '23 Matai Baptiste (Team Charlotte)

Between his time with Combine Academy and Team Charlotte, it feels like not enough people are giving appropriate attention to Matai Baptiste. As a skilled, athletic 6-foot-8 wing/forward, it's difficult to understand why more college coaches aren't in pursuit. Again, the transfer portal. However, it's not like we are talking about a common entity. Baptiste is an actual walking mismatch with the adaptability and all-around skillset to really cause problems for opponents. He's a reliable passer, shooter, and creator'especially against guys of his size. Baptiste scores the ball at an efficient rate from all levels, attacks the basket whenever possible, and generally knows how to make plays with the ball in his hands. Additionally, he's already gone through the Jeff McInnis School of Defense, so his abilities on that end of the floor don't even need to be reiterated. Baptiste is simply too fluid/skilled for most bigger defenders and too strong/athletic for perimeter opponents. He's another guy who should start seeing increased action within his recruitment sooner than later. 

5'10 '24 Will Googins (Carolina Riptide)

The Carolina Riptide organization is full of great players, and Will Googins was definitely among their top players from the weekend. He's smart, tough, balanced, and simply knows how to run a team on both ends of the floor. Googins shines as a leader, both by example and through his production, and consistently steps up as 'the guy' when things turn grim. He's a very well-rounded floor general with the ability to set up others and establish himself as a scorer from all levels. Googins applies great pressure off the bounce, and looks to attack the basket and finish or draw fouls whenever possible. He's great at playing through contact on both ends of the floor. Googins is also a reliable perimeter shooter, but mixes it up enough to keep the opposition on their toes. He's a strong playmaker, scrappy defender, and terrific in the open floor. It's difficult to find any negatives in his showing from the weekend. Expect Googins to be a major piece for this group throughout the summer season.