Over the last few years, the uptick in player movement and general uncertainty has led to a lot of notable prospects entering and exiting North Carolina. Surely, some folks will claim that this practice has always been an issue, but a quick glance says otherwise. Take the Class of 2018, for example. Coby White, Devon Dotson, and Jaylen Hoard (though from France) were clearly the top prospects in the state, yet the idea that these guys would head for greener pastures wasn’t even a rumor in circulation. Forget about leaving the state itself, these guys didn’t even transfer away from their original, respective high schools. So, why is this information relevant' Well, it’s not often we actually see a player come back to their hometown—but Tyler “Tybo” Bailey has returned, and he’s better than ever.
It doesn’t seem that long ago when we came across a seventh-grade Bailey, who was already quietly standing out as a leader for Team CP3. His quiet, humble, well-mannered demeanor off the court definitely contradicted the tough, aggressive, killer-mentality he showcased when competing. Regardless, it was easy to see the appeal. Bailey already possessed great size and instincts, especially for his age, and the all-around skillset to blossom in various potential directions. However, the path to stardom had only just begun.
Shortly thereafter, Bailey came to (and dominated) multiple Phenom 150 Camps. The notion of something special brewing within the two-way guard prospect was slowly becoming the expectation rather than a hot take. Upon discussions with his family, the eighth-grader would opt to join the prestigious Oak Hill Academy. Given the Warriors’ structure and seemingly infinite pool of talent, few people could’ve foreseen such a young player receiving meaningful minutes for this powerhouse program. Instead of focusing on the general perception, Bailey put his head down, continued to work, and ultimately played his way into a useful role.
Although his nearly two seasons at Oak Hill helped to advance his progression, it felt like the right time for a change. Just last month, Bailey joined Coach Muse and Mount Tabor High School. The program has seen a ton of success while also sending an abundance of players to the next level. That being said, Bailey has an odds-on chance to be the Spartans’ most highly touted recruit of the last five to ten years. Given everything we’ve seen up to this point (including his most recent summer season with Team Loaded Virginia), folks should be comfortable betting on Bailey’s upside. He’s a long, skilled 6-foot-3 guard prospect with great size, feel, and the understanding of how to effectively play with or without the ball in his hands. Bailey attacks well and displays some craftiness when looking to navigate through traffic or evade double-teams. He’s also a reliable shooter from midrange and beyond the arc, and highlights definite instincts as a playmaker. Combine the tools and skillset with his athleticism and continued upside, and the appeal is self-explanatory. There’s a reason he already holds eight Division I offers, so expect Bailey to keep turning heads throughout his homecoming tour.