On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville, North Carolina for the NC Spartans’ workout. The practice featured three of their 16U squads in addition to a collection of guys from the 17U team. We’ve seen this program put kids in college on a yearly basis, but this might honestly be their most talented non-17U group in recent memory. Although most college coaches aren’t focused on recruiting rising juniors, there’s still a variety of prospects worth knowing within these rosters. Let’s take a look at each, moving on to Coach Kerry Graves’ group…
Although this squad is quite balanced, everything seems to start and end with 6’2 Patrick Graves and 6’2 Nicholas Graves. They typically get placed together because of their identical look, but their respective abilities allow them to reliably set the tone for this group. The twins are interchangeable ball-handlers and playmakers for this group, yet also possess the necessary scoring prowess to apply pressure in a variety of ways. Both guys have made visible strides within their individual progression, primarily evidenced by their confidence, athleticism, and general leadership. In this setting, each brother displayed poise with the ball, activity as a cutter, defensive prowess, and a willingness to make hustle plays. They each provide this group with IQ, unselfishness, and a smooth skillset. Expect them to attract college coaches this summer while they prepare to take another step forward as focal points for Bishop McGuinness next season.
Beyond the pairing listed above, guys like 5’10 Aiden Martin and 5’10 Cayden Long offer meaningful minutes from the point guard position. Martin is quick, scrappy, and willing to make the right play whenever possible. He touches the paint at a solid rate, knocks down open jumpers, and operates well within the team structure on both ends. Martin battles well defensively and on the glass, particularly for his lack of strength, and sets up others on a consistent basis. Meanwhile, Long provides a steady presence on both ends of the floor. He does a quality job of getting into sets and initiating the action, but can also break down opponents, create off the bounce, and put others in scoring positions. He’s a quality passer and perimeter shooter with an active defensive presence at the point of attack.
In terms of wing/forward depth, 6’3 Alex Waterfield and 6’2 Miller Aho were the main pieces on display. Waterfield is a long, wiry forward with touch, perimeter shooting, and an active motor on both ends of the floor. He’s a capable passer and rebounder with an understanding of how to reliably fill in the gaps. Waterfield does a nice job of impacting the game with or without the ball in his hands. On the other hand, Aho arguably serves as the main utility guy for this group. Listed at 6-foot-2, he plays much bigger than his height would imply. His motor and toughness allow him to outwork opponents with relative ease. Aho frequently does the dirty work and secures extra opportunities for his team. He can also finish and rebound well for his size.
Rounding out the roster, 6’4 Caleb Foster and 6’6 Connor Nix provide this group with some useful size. Foster is long, athletic, and capable of doing the little things to provide this team with an edge. He finishes well, rebounds at a solid rate, and contains his assignment effectively on defense. Foster also runs the floor well in transition and can finish through contact or above the rim. Given his status as the biggest player on the roster, Nix is a guy who brings clear value to this squad. He’s big, sturdy, and can reliably operate from the block or midrange area. Nix can finish with either hand, rebound his position, and make his presence felt defensively. Given how steadily he’s progressed over the years, he seems likely to continue trending upward.
DNP:
6’2 Jack Ritzel
6’3 Thomas Thompson