Each year, North Carolina reminds everyone just how much talent resides within the Hoopstate. New faces emerge, prospects transfer in to prove themselves, and dozens upon dozens of players earn opportunities to further their career at the next level. That being said, the consistent amount of young, upcoming talent is what continues to stand out across the entire state. Now, North Carolina's Class of 2024 have turned into freshmen–with many of them expected to lead or contribute immediately. Although there are countless names worth noting, this first article will take a closer look at five prospects…
6'3 Bishop Boswell (South Mecklenburg)
There should really be no explanation required for Boswell's mention on this list, seeing as how advanced and dominant he's been over the last few months. He's a smart, smooth floor general with incredible IQ, patience, and understanding of how to properly run a team. Boswell possesses a tight handle and effortlessly breaks down defenses, enters the paint, and makes plays for himself and others. He's such a willing passer and always looks to make the most intelligent decision with the ball in his hands. Boswell is also a great defender and rebounder with no glaring weaknesses at this point in his development. Banking on him to continue on his current trajectory feels like a safe bet.
6'5 Hampton Evans (Greenfield)
It would be downright shocking if Evans wasn't already regarded as one of the most talented, and productive, freshman in the state. For starters, he's the only player on any of these lists with a high amount of varsity playing experience'seeing as how he suited up and was a major contributor for Greenfield as an eighth-grader. Evans showcases a complete game and just naturally seems to overwhelm opponents with his presence on both ends of the floor. He's a prolific, yet efficient, three-level scorer with IQ, vision, and quality versatility on both ends of the floor. Given his added size, strength, and improved polish, Evans should only continue to impress.
6'9 Isaiah Sutherland (Northside Christian)
In terms of pure upside, Sutherland is arguably as enticing as any player throughout this list. However, his long-term potential shouldn't negate his current abilities and how much he's rapidly developed over the last few months. Sutherland is long, tough, and athletic with incredible physical attributes and excellent fluidity/coordination for his size. He possesses impressive timing as a rim-protector and blocks shots at a strong rate. Sutherland is also a reliable rebounder with the necessary skill to push the break in transition. Over the last month or so, he's become even more comfortable with creating off the dribble and highlighting his ability to shoot from the perimeter. Sutherland is already so impressive but will become even better, which is what makes him so tantalizing.
6'8 Brayden Crump (Winston-Salem Christian)
Probably the most unsurprising name on this list, Crump has gone from relative unknown to being widely considered the top prospect in this class within the last year or so. He's smart, smooth, and polished with an impressive inside-out skillset and the ability to cause a ton of matchup problems. Crump shoots the ball at a high clip, operates well off the bounce, and highlights a nice blend of vision, toughness, and rebounding. He has the ability to handle the ball in transition or when attacking opponents at his position as a penetrator. Crump already has a foundation that could seamlessly transition to the next level, so it'll be exciting to monitor his progression going forward.
6'6 Maurio Hanson (Vance)
Arguably no program in North Carolina lost more of their production from last season than Vance, but the emergence of Hanson should keep the ship afloat. Of any big man in this class, Hanson is far and away the most polished. He's big, strong, and sturdy but also extremely nimble, skilled, and fluid, especially for his size at such a young age. Hanson already possesses exceptional IQ, hands, and footwork with a dominant presence around the basket as a scorer and rebounder. However, he's more than comfortable at stepping out and asserting himself as a floor-spacer along the perimeter. It's difficult to envision a scenario where Hanson doesn't ultimately emerge as a major target for the next level.
