n each year of its existence the Top 80 has been a platform that spring boarded success and recruitment of numerous players. The likes of Desmond Bane (TCU), Jethro Tshisumpa (Arizona State), Rayjon Tucker (FGCU), Chris Clemons (Campbell), Ja Morant (Murray State) and many others had no recruitment when they stepped foot in the Top 80 and each have gone on to have great careers and be named recruits with numerous offers.
This year’s North Carolina Top 80 was no different. There were numerous players who will now receive offers at a level they were no previously viewed. When you get a group of prospects who are considered the best in their state and put them on a platform that the national media and college coaches watch like a hawk this is what happens.
Who Took the High Major Jump
**Others took a similar leap, or area already being recruited at the high major level.
6’8” 2018 Hunter Tyson
Piedmont (Monroe)
Tyson has taken a step to become a Top 100 type of player. At the Top 80 he showcased the full gamut of skills that will allow him to be a big time wing at the next level. Standing at a lengthy 6’8” Tyson has a great handle and pace on the ball allowing him to be a very good secondary ball handler.
His range extends out well beyond the 3-point arc and he is able to create space off the bounce or catch at shoot with movement off the ball. Tyson is also an explosive athlete, showing off a number and variety of dunks.
The scary part of Tyson’s game is he still has upside to go. He has grown 3 inches over the last year and a half and may not be done.
6’8” 2018 Kris Monroe
St David’s (Raleigh)
Kris Monroe is an incredibly talented player and one of the bigger mis matches the North Carolina Top 80 camp offered. He has a sturdy frame with good length and strength. Many players his size play on the blocks. However, Monroe has the skill set of a guard.
He handles the ball with a great pace and vision. He shoot the ball with consistency and range. Monroe got into the lane routinely and finished or distributed the ball very well. He is an enigma as not many people have seen him, however his skill set against the best in the state is undeniable.
At Phenom Hoops we like unique and standing at a developed 6’8” with guard skills Monroe is unique. Mark Gottfried personally offered Monroe while at NC State, we feel that will be more the norm moving forward.