Although North Carolina is regularly advertised as the “Hoopstate”, South Carolina is notorious for putting some of the best athletes (across all sports) into the professional ranks on a yearly basis. The state doesn’t generally receive as much attention as it probably should, and players often soar below the radar as a direct result. Even prior to all the covid restrictions, college coaches have always seemed to treat the Palmetto State as a secondary priority. Aside from guys like Zion Williamson and Julian Phillips, it’s rare to see these prospects receive appropriate recruitment until much later in the overall process. Let’s take a closer look at some names worthy of attention from college coaches…
6’4 Julian Kiett (Irmo)
It should be somewhat obvious to see Kiett’s name appear on this list, especially given everything he’s done over the course of his high school career. The whole situation feels strange, since he possesses the size, athleticism, low-maintenance identity to be an impact player in every type of setting. While his physical tools tend to get the most attention, Kiett also displays skill and sharp instincts on either end of the floor. His combination of motor, toughness, and unselfishness make him the exact type of player that more coaches should covet, as he simply knows how to win. It shouldn’t be this difficult for someone like Kiett to collect offers from all types of scholarship-level programs throughout the region, so hopefully his recruitment properly takes off in the coming months.
6’1 Xzavier Thaggard (Trinity Byrnes)
In terms of production, it’s very perplexing as to why Thaggard has not already collected a slew of opportunities to take his game to the collegiate ranks. For starters, his explosiveness and lethal scoring prowess make him a consistent problem for opposing guards. Thaggard is typically among the best athletes in any gym he enters, but also showcases a well-rounded skillset and the necessary defensive intensity to dominate his assignment. He’s a capable creator for himself and others, yet understands how to effectively operate alongside another primary ball-handler (like he did with LeBron Thomas throughout the summer). Thaggard utilizes his blinding first step, decisive moves, and craftiness as a creator to apply constant scoring pressure from all levels. He will be a great addition at the next level.
5’10 Kory Davis (York Prep)
By now, most folks should be well-aware of the Davis twins, but it’s also worth acknowledging each prospect separately. Kory primarily operates as the point guard, displaying a natural understanding of how to get downhill and touch the paint with regularity—where he’s able to finish or set up others. He plays bigger than his size would imply, especially defensively and on the glass. Although Davis is a capable scorer and playmaker, his value as a defender at the point of attack is arguably his most appealing quality. His strength, quickness, and sheer instincts truly allow him to mirror opposing guards and force an abundance of turnovers. Folks will continually direct focus to their overall size, but it’s difficult to overlook their understanding of strengths versus weaknesses.
6’7 Jimeion Brown (York Prep)
Although it feels like Brown’s recruitment isn’t where it should be, this is really through no fault of his own. While he obviously needs to continue adding strength at the next level, folks seem to forget how long Brown has stood out as a quality player. He’s a long, wiry post prospect with excellent feel inside the paint on both ends of the floor. Brown understands how to position himself for success while operating in a low-maintenance role at all times. He rebounds, block shots, finishes around the basket, and runs the floor hard in transition. While Brown isn’t necessarily going to jump off the page, he is a valuable prospect and someone that various programs should pursue.
5’10 Kendall Davis (York Prep)
Similar to his brother listed above, Kendall is a tough, heady guard prospect with the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Although he regularly operates as an off-guard, Davis is more than capable of assuming some creation duties as needed. He’s a quick, downhill force with great end-to-end speed and the ability to apply constant scoring pressure in transition. Davis does a nice job of turning defense into offense, utilizing his ability to suffocate opposing ball-handlers to parlaying turnovers into easy fast-break opportunities. He moves well without the ball, rebounds well for his size/position, and offers a useful balance between scoring and playmaking (while shining defensively). Only time will tell, but Davis should be another guy worthy of attention from college coaches.