6’2 ’27 Jacob Mills (Carolina Riptide)
There are a lot of terrific shooters in the state, but Mills might truly be atop the list. Although he’s made strides to expand his game off the bounce, the 6-foot-2 guard is clearly at his best when knocking down jumpers. Mills moves extremely well without the ball, gets to his spots with consistency, and converts spot-up opportunities as an incredibly high percentage. He’s comfortable hitting shots off the bounce, yet also shows a willingness to attack off the bounce and set up others whenever possible. Mills displays a high motor defensively and battles on the glass for rebounds. He knows his identity, and that’s a massive part of what makes him such a meaningful player.
6’4 ’28 Julian Tweedy (Carolina Waves)
In terms of upside, few players in the building could match Tweedy and his appealing array of tools. Already a long, fluid athlete with solid feel and a developing skillset, it’s easy to see the intrigue. Tweedy rebounds the ball well and wreaks havoc with his defensive presence. He utilizes his length to routinely cause problems for opponents at this stage in his development. Given everything he showcased, it’ll be interesting to see Tweedy’s continued growth over the coming years.
6’0 ’28 Mack Jordan (Charlotte Royals)
The smooth, polished nature of Jordan immediately stands out when watching him run a team. His level of IQ, pace, and understanding of how to dictate the action is quite clearly ahead of his peers. Jordan offers a consistent flow of shot creation, both for himself and others, and displayed the ability to score the ball in a variety of different ways. He breaks down opponents well off the bounce and makes intelligent reads as a playmaker. Jordan finishes well for his size and contains his assignment effectively on defense.
6’3 ’28 JaBron McFadden (Palmetto Pride)
Given his size and strength at a young age, McFadden has the potential to blossom into a noteworthy player. He utilizes his body very well to secure position and power through opponents to finish around the basket. McFadden is a solid finisher with either hand and is capable of knocking down the occasional midrange jumper if necessary. He rebounds with ease and understands how to advance the ball in transition. It’ll be interesting to see how McFadden physically develops going forward, as he possesses the foundational tools to be a great player.
