After two long months of travel basketball, June is finally here. This period basically marks as the halfway point of the summer season, providing us with the perfect opportunity to review some of the breakout performers and ultimately make predictions going forward. Obviously, there have been more than just a handful breakout performers in North Carolina’s Class of 2023, but this article will take a closer look at five specific names. While each of these guys should already be on the list of various programs, they could all see respective blow-ups over the coming months. Let’s take a look…
6’3 Derin Saran (Asheville School)
At this point, folks should be familiar with Saran. After a noteworthy junior season, he has been easily among the most impressive point guards across North Carolina. Saran is heady, intelligent, and capable of dominating a game as a playmaker. He’s a brilliant passer with the blend of vision, creativity, unselfishness, and penetration ability to set up others at a seemingly nonstop rate. Saran is tough, physical, and finishes well through contact, but can also knock down perimeter jumpers at a respectable rate. He’s also a quality defender with sharp instincts. Expect him to warrant more attention from Division I schools going forward.
6’10 Domas Kauzonas (Rabun Gap)
While predicting a breakout for a skilled 6-foot-10 big man is far from a reach, Kauzonas still isn’t receiving enough attention from college coaches. He’s big, mobile, and extremely skilled for his size/position. Kauzonas can confidently finish with either hand, over either shoulder, or faceup with relative ease. He utilizes his body well to absorb contact, but can also finish with footwork and finesse around the basket. Kauzonas rebounds nicely, alters shots at a strong rate, and runs the floor properly in transition. Given all of his appealing attributes, it’s unclear why more programs aren’t involved.
6’8 Clash Peters (Jordan)
There have been some murmurings about Peters reclassifying, but he gets to remain classified as a rising senior for the sake of this article. He’s a skilled, fairly athletic post prospect with great touch, footwork, and overall mobility. Peters can be featured from the block, high post, or even as an initiator in some matchups. He scores the ball from all levels, and is too mobile/skilled for most interior defenders to contain along the perimeter. Peters rebounds the ball well, mixes up his offensive approach, and knows how to consistently capitalize on his opportunities within the team concept. Whatever happens, Peters is still a player worthy of more attention.
6’10 Anthony Robinson (Christ School)
Similar to the last two guys, it’s not necessarily difficult to predict a breakout campaign for a long, athletic 6-foot-10 post prospect like Robinson. He’s an active, steady two-way big man with solid touch, finishing ability, rebounding instincts, and defensive prowess. Robinson is a capable scoring option but really doesn’t require many touches to make a consistent impact. He excels at simply taking advantage of lobs, putbacks, drop-offs, and whatever else lurks around the basket. Robinson alters and blocks shots well, but could become even better in that area. Expect a ton of programs to start getting involved with the two-way big man.
6’4 Zion McDuffie (Butler)
Although he was arguably Butler’s most productive all-around piece last season, McDuffie returns to assume even more responsibility as their focal point. He posted positive averages and percentages across the board, but the departure of his running mate, Ty Black, should provide him with even more chances to earn scholarships. Roughly twelve shots per game will be unaccounted for, but McDuffie seems more than equipped to take on the extra load. He’s a strong, athletic, fairly skilled wing prospect who thrives in the open floor and naturally makes plays on either end of the floor. McDuffie handles the ball and hits jumpers at a respectable rate. He should appeal to various types of programs.