The Phenom Challenge was a great event that provided us several new names to the scene, especially some young big’s that will be ones to watch in the coming years. Here though are five players that captured our eyes in how they were able to make their presence known on the court down low.
2023 6'7 Jamarcus Wilkins (Upstate Select): Wilkins was a player that we got to watch firsthand during an open gym at Dorman. Now, going up against the likes of Noah Clowney and all, it seems to have helped his development as he showed flashes of potential back then and has only improved his feel for the game on both ends when we saw him in Spartanburg. Wilkins has the size and length that coaches like, moves well and gets on the boards, and also is agile enough to defend. At the Phenom Challenge though, you saw the improvement in his offensive game and feel, scoring better with touch around the rim but also stepping out with his jumper, something he seems more comfortable in doing. Wilkins though is showing that he is one to start monitoring more.
2024 6'6 Richard Goods (Carolina Clutch): Here is another big man coming up in North Carolina that we have a pretty good feeling will be on the radar for college coaches of multiple levels. Already standing at 6'6 and built like a football player, Goods does an excellent job in several areas of the court. He runs the floor well and gets to his spot down in the paint, while also displaying really nice touch and feel around the basket. And you can't deny the hustle and rebounding ability he provides, as he consistently was getting second-chance opportunities throughout the entire event. He is a new name to watch but we think he is going to be a name many will soon know in North Carolina for the 2024 class.
2024 6'5 Amari Latham (East Carolina Elite): You really wouldn't consider Latham as a big but with his 6'5 athletic frame, we are going to put him on the list because he is going to be one that many will soon know if you don't already. Latham is a long, athletic prospect that already has the physical tools that many desire. He scores well around the rim, finishes at the rim with his bounce, and plays extremely hard on the court. It will just be interesting to see how much more he may grow because he brings a lot of versatility to the court at a young age.
2023 6'7 Lamonte Cousar (Team BOND): Cousar has really become a popular name with Phenom Hoops over the last month or so. He showcased his game with us at the Phenom 150, where he was one of the more dominant scorers at the camp and then continued that play this weekend at the Phenom Challenge. He has a terrific inside-out game, using his strong frame to gain advantage down low in the post but also displays good touch on his jumper and stretch the floor. He is quickly becoming a name to remember in the 2023 class and he could be in for a big summer if he continues to produce like he has.
2024 6'9 Reece Ketron (VA Havoc): You can't miss Ketron when he steps on the court, especially with being 6'9 and only a freshman. Now, he still has a ton of room to develop his game as well as grow into his body, but the young big is one you have to put on the list to see how he may develop down the road. He is super long and gets on the boards well, as well as displaying good early touch around the basket. Again, he still has to continue to get strong and develop his body, that comes with time but there is upside to his game and it will just depend on how much more he grows into his game.