Given the context of everything happening with recruiting and college athletics as a whole over the last year, the travel ball scene is littered with as many unsigned seniors as ever. More kids are competing for less opportunities than ever before. It's an absolute bloodbath for everyone involved, as fairness has largely been thrown out the window. The additional year of eligibility awarded to current college players was a nice concept, but will ultimately be an obstacle and hinderance to a lot of prospects in the Classes of 2021 and 2022. Take the three unsigned players on NC Spartans Haidinger: 6'7 Shad Thomas (Salem Baptist), 6'0 Owen Griffith (Northern Guilford), and 5'10 Nate Fuller (Bishop McGuinness). Each of these prospects should already be committed to college rosters, yet still have to prove themselves to coaches on a weekly basis. Let's take a closer look at each player'

6'7 Shad Thomas

Let's be clear, the only reason Thomas is even still available is due to non-basketball-related circumstances. He's a phenomenal kid and humble person with the combination of intangibles and on-court ability to be a legitimate priority for various types of scholarship-level programs. Thomas is a long, fluid, powerful athlete with a strong list of enticing physical attributes and quality skill for his size and position. He's tough, smart, and fairly well-rounded, which allows him to showcase constant flashes of versatility on both ends of the floor. Thomas shoots, passes, and handles the ball well, but also regularly overwhelms opponents with his downhill ability and transition presence. Add in his defensive prowess, quality motor, and consistent rebounding instincts, and Thomas will be a clear asset at the next level. 

6'0 Owen Griffith

Similar to Thomas, my personal liking for Griffith is pretty well-documented over the last calendar year. However, it still seems like not enough folks are showing appreciation for everything he brings to a team. Griffith is the definition of an elite teammate, regardless of surrounding cast. He's a tough, heady, high-motor point guard who truly doesn't need to tally a single point in order to shine. Griffith can score in a variety of ways, but simply doesn't look to place emphasis in that area unless needed. He defends with aggression, fights for every extra possession, and stands out as a phenomenal rebounder for his size. Griffith also displays IQ and a strong playmaking sense. He can breakdown opposing guards and set up others or finish through contact. Griffith should have opportunities at the next level. 

5'10 Nate Fuller

Like Griffith, Fuller is a player that just doesn't receive enough love or attention for his role and overall identity. He's a smart, sturdy, adaptable guard prospect with a high motor and sheer nose for the ball. Fuller is ready and willing to make hustle plays, but can also run the offense, create for others, or find scoring opportunities from all levels. He always plays within the flow of the team and never forces the action. Fuller is a reliable defender with toughness, quickness, and nice anticipation for intercepting passing lanes. He hits shots, fills the wings in transition, and truly maximizes his presence on both ends of the floor. In addition to Thomas and Griffith, Fuller is a winner that would be an asset to various college programs.