NC Jr. Phenom 150
Team 12 Evaluations
Coach: Jeff Bendel
#54:'5'3 '23 Marko Pandilowski (Mississauga)
Starting things off, we look at a player that worked extremely hard throughout camp on both ends of the floor, Marko Pandilowski. He's a guard that does a great job playing off of others and picking his spots on the offensive end. Pandilowski displayed a quality attitude and was willing to do whatever was asked of him to help his team win. He was crafty inside the arc and knocked down a few floaters during camp. Next in his development process is working on his shot setup, so that he can just catch and shoot the ball, instead of waiting and assessing. Coach Bendel on Pandilowski: 'Marko is a really hard worker with many tools to become a successful player. He is a quality scorer when given time, but can be overly timid at times. Marko will shoot the ball better when he doesn't hesitate quite as much; he displayed a great team-first approach to the game.' 'Pandilowski can certainly develop into an intriguing prospect, it'll all be determined by how much work he is willing to put in.
#82:'5'5 '23 Tomir Moore (Kinston)
Moving onto a player that has incredible potential as a scorer and ball handler at the high school level, Tomir Moore. Right now, he's a combo guard that can score on all three levels efficiently, including breaking his man down off the dribble and taking it strong to the basket. Moore isn't selfish or an overdribbler, but he is able to create shots much easier with more time/dribbles. Defensively, he did a great job accounting for his man and making his assignment a non-factor from start to finish. Next in his development process is becoming a more vocal leader on the floor, as it will benefit him on both sides of the ball. Coach Bendel on Moore: 'Tomir is a star in the making. I'm not sure the camp setting fully showcases his abilities, but he is really well rounded and still managed to help our team. When he is aggressive, confident, and making decisions with the ball, few players are better. He has a great pull-up jumper and floater in the lane. Tomir's IQ and skillset are ready for the next level, he just needs to be more vocal and confident.' Moore could easily be next up from Kinston, but only time and his amount of work can determine how good he'll be.
#97:'5'6 '23 William Otto (Raleigh)
Continuing onto a player who was probably the most underrated kid on the floor from each game, William Otto. He's a guard that has an incredible understanding of how to play, and then how to adjust based on his teammates on the floor. Otto plays with a great IQ and it is especially evident on defense, where his positioning is pristine. He scores on all three levels efficiently and is more than just a shooter, as he consistently showed the ability to drive hard and finish through contact or make the easy pass for an assist. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would allow him to become an even better defender. Coach Bendel on Otto: 'William is a player! He showed that he can thrive with or without the ball, given his fantastic scoring ability; he shot the ball exceptionally well from all three levels. His IQ and vision were great, as he made the smart play every single time. Will is chippy and gritty on defense; he's a great teammate on and off the floor. He should have a bright future if he continues playing smart basketball.' Otto made the top scorers list, averaging 10.7, and was named to the All-Camp Fifth Team.
#115:'5'7 '23 Jayden Michael (Raleigh)
Next, we look at a player that was able to affect all facets of the game on both ends of the floor, Jayden Michael. He's a wing with a strong frame and the ability to properly use it to shut down his opponent. Offensively, Michael shot the ball fairly well off the catch from all three levels and drove the ball whenever possible, where he finished strong at the basket. He worked hard on defense and displayed a great attitude throughout camp. Next in his development process is working on his two-handed rebounding ability, as it would be a great utilization of his strength and size. Coach Bendel on Michael: 'Jayden is a solid all-around player with quality IQ and untapped potential. He did great in catch-and-shoot opportunities and made smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Jayden is a nice overall defender; he displays a sound understanding of the game and does great fighting on the glass. He made multiple plays in transition.' Michael is a tough player that has room to develop into a great prospect.
#119:'5'8 '23 Amare Bethel (Fayetteville)
Moving onto a player that has impressive upside, especially on the offensive end with his shooting ability, Amare Bethel. He's a wiry guard with natural scoring instincts and has a terrific feel for the game. Offensively, Bethel is a fairly consistent three-level scorer that is able to spot-up or effectively create looks for others. He's an intriguing defender, always looking to get involved in the action and force turnovers. Next in his development process is to add strength and hit the glass harder, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Bendel on Bethel: 'Amare is a high IQ presence that can handle the ball or spot-up on the perimeter. He is a quality scorer on three levels and moved the ball within the teams' offense. Once he grows into his body, he will be able to score even better; we are expecting huge things from Amare.' Bethel already has the understanding and tools necessary to become a really strong player at the next level. Only time will tell if Bethel can reach his ceiling.
#134:'5'9 '22 Julian 'Juice' Kiett (Hopkins, SC)
Continuing onto a player that was easily the most electric presence at camp, for a variety of reasons, Julian 'Juice' Kiett. First and foremost, it must be recognized that Kiett was among the very top defenders, on and off-ball. He did a phenomenal job of moving his feet, shuffling, and keeping active hands on the defensive end, which forced numerous turnovers. Kiett is a leader and his energy rubs off on each one of his teammates; opponents began showing fear and nervousness with every ensuing possession where he'd play a prominent role. He has an endless motor and gets to the rim'and finishes'with ease. Next in his development process is sharpening his three-point consistency, as it would make him virtually unstoppable on both ends of the floor. Coach Bendel on Kiett: 'Juice! My guy was an absolute hound throughout camp and set the tone on defense. He was our vocal leader and plays with an incredible motor. Juice gets to the rim at will and finishes everything (and plays through contact). He is a solid shooter on all levels but could give his three-point shot some more work. Juice always makes the right play in transition and can easily emerge as a D1 guard once he tightens his handle.' Kiett was clearly one of the top overall performers at camp, which warranted his All-Camp Fourth Team selection.
#152:'5'10 '23 Peyton Scott (Charlotte)
Next, we look at a player that possesses the all-around game necessary to develop into an intriguing glue-guy down the road, Peyton Scott. He has good size and thrives playing on the wing, where he provides a fair amount of everything. Scott is a hard worker that understands how to get after the ball and make plays without just scoring. He frequently hits the glass, secures the rebound, makes the outlet, and fills the lane, which are all incredibly basic (but valuable) skills. Scott scored well inside the arc and especially strong around the rim, but needs to improve his three-point shot going forward, as it'll open up a variety of opportunities for him. Coach Bendel on Scott: 'Peyton is a tough two-way player that'll do anything to elevate the teams' performance. He has a well-rounded game and understands how to make plays in transition. Peyton is a solid ball handler and passer; his shot is fairly consistent from all three levels, but best around the cup.' Scott has all the tools necessary to become a very nice player in high school.
#162:'6'0 '22 Drew Bean (Lincolnton)
Moving onto a player that was willing to do anything to put his team in a winning position, Drew Bean. He's a big man with a great understanding of what to do and how to involve himself in the action. Offensively, he stays active and never stops moving, which leads to easy drop-off passes in the lane. Bean was one of our top two rebounders, hitting the glass with regularity and intensity every single possession. It's refreshing to see a player like Bean, who is willing to harness his strengths and avoid his weaknesses, as he maximizes his abilities on the court. Next in his development process is improving his jumper, as the midrange and three-point looks will continue to be open opportunities until he starts knocking them down. Coach Bendel on Bean: 'Drew has all the tools and intangibles to be a really solid two-way player. He projects to continue growing and has looked increasingly comfortable around the basket. He is a quality hustle/glue-guy and will develop into a nice forward with time and body maturation. Drew is a hard worker with a great attitude.' Bean showed that understanding your game and playing hard from start to finish will go an extremely long way.
#176:'6'2 '22 BJ Morris (Kernersville)
Finishing up with a player that was truly dominant on both sides of the ball throughout camp, BJ Morris. He's a big man with terrific size and strength, which allows him to demand constant double-teams down low and still finish the play. Offensively, Morris gobbles up anything in his vicinity and flushes it through the basket. If there's a miss, expect him to find and pursue the ball until he turns it into points. He showed the ability to even score from all three levels, knocking down a few three-pointers and midrange shots along the way. However, his defensive presence is already elite given his understanding of instincts, timing, and tendency to alter every shot in his area. Next in his development process is becoming a more vocal leader and looking to create shots for others, as it would make his job far easier. Coach Bendel on Morris: 'BJ has off-the-charts potential; he already dominates the interior and awards his team with many second-chance opportunities. He scores almost anything within five feet and has a tough spin move through traffic. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities are phenomenal; BJ should become uncontainable on both ends of the floor given his size and length.' Morris was far and away the leading scorer at camp (with 28 PPG), easily making the All-Camp First Team.