It is an easy statement to make but one that you can say almost every year… Team Charlotte 17u is absolutely LOADED with talent that will have college coaches flocking their way. Phenom Hoops got a chance to watch them start the travel ball season at the Queen City Showcase. This is a team coached by Derius McInnis, who has done an outstanding job with this group over the years.
When diving into this group, you can find Division I talent everywhere you look, whether it is the guard play, versatile forwards, defenders, and more. So, let's get into the roster a little more, as these players will be hot names for college coaches.
Let's start with the guard play. 2023 Trey Green is one to really watch this season, coming off a tremendous season at Lake Norman Christian and is now one of the leaders on the floor for Team Charlotte 17u this season. Green is quickly becoming a national name with his play, as he is a strong leader. His blend of pace, vision, scoring ability, IQ, and understanding of the game is BIG-TIME and high-major programs should be coming his way quickly.
2022 Jordan Crawford is also quickly becoming a hot name with programs with his athletic ability and his shot-making from multiple levels, including from three. Crawford has quickly risen up the rankings with his play at North Meck and is only going to continue his play this summer. 2022 Dylan Williams is another extremely quick guard on the floor, showing that he can be incredibly shifty and crafty with the ball, and use his speed to get by defenders consistently.
2022 AJ Smith grabbed some recent news, adding more high-major offers but that shouldn't be a surprise. We are talking about an absolute bull on the court with his strength and ability to body up defenders easily. He does a tremendous job in attacking defenses and getting in the lane, as well as finishing. He also consistently has improved his overall offensive game from outside to make him a complete guard.
2022 Bryce Alfino is one that plays an important role for this team; a consistent 3-and-D type guy. He gets to his spots from the wing, knocks down shots, and is one of the best defenders on this team. 2022 Chance Morrow is a dual-sport athlete that could play Division I basketball or football. He is long at 6'6, athletic, and versatile, especially with his ability to score from all levels, finishes well over defenders, and gets on the boards. He is also excellent in transition.
Continuing down the list, you look at 2022 Graham Worland, a new name to the program but one that brings a 6'5, sturdy body, a high IQ player, and one that is an effective scorer from multiple areas. He makes tough shots and is a tremendous piece that fits right into his role.
Then you have to look at some of the forwards, starting with a true difference-maker on both ends in 2022 Omarion Bodrick, who is absolutely electric and an energizer on the court. He makes ridiculous plays defensively, blocking shots and bring a rim protector, but also a high-flyer on the offensive end. To put it simply, he is a game-changer with the energy he brings. 2022 DJ Nix is another special talent, especially with his growing game of being able to operate from inside and out. He is a true threat of scoring from three but also using his size to battle down low and on the boards.
Lastly, you look at two staples for Team Charlotte from last year in 2022 Jeremy Gregory and 2022 Daniel Sanford. Gregory has some of the best hands in the state with great touch, a tremendous motor, and is incredibly effective down in the post on both ends. Sanford is a monster on the court, excelling in running the floor, bodying up defenders, and physically overpowering his opponents, while also being able to step out and be a threat.
Coach McInnis has done a tremendous job with this group, as he brings the same energy that his team brings to the court. But there is no doubt about it, Team Charlotte 17u is going to be looked at as one of the top teams around the region and is welcoming all challenges as well.
They are who they… and one thing is for sure, this is an incredibly talented group once again this summer.