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Pure Dominance: PSB Larkin
Chemistry is such a significant part of basketball. It’s intangible and immeasurable but can often be the ultimate factor for a given team’s success or ceiling. Due to this, we’ve seen teams comprised of quality players overthrow “better” opponents countless times throughout all levels of the game. Obviously, talent is required, but this is why games are played instead of determined on paper....
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Upward Stars program brewing something special with the Class of 2025
The state of South Carolina has had plenty of talent come through and it seems that that trend should only continue with what we saw in Rock Hill at the Coach Rick’s TOC. Several of our scouts at Phenom Hoops got an updated viewing of the Upward Stars 3SSB 2025, as this team showed that they have something special brewing and have some big-time talent coming through the program. When watching...
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Start noticing more of: Coach Rick’s TOC (Class of 2024)
2024 Jayden Pretty (Carolina Pressure): Pretty was consistent all week long in Rock Hill, as the 6’6 prospect from Carolina Pressure really opened eyes in how big of a difference-maker he could be. It seemed like the forward had his hands in everything, finding ways to get his hands on the ball, always moving well without the ball, displaying a tremendous motor in the paint and on the boards,...
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Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC: Class of 2023 (Part 2)
2023 Jacob Tiller (Team Swish): Tiller was a consistent presence on the court and really showed that he can lead the charge offensively. But outside of his offensive capabilities, Tiller showed that he is a hard-nosed, tough, and a player that leaves it all out on the court. He plays with high energy, brings good athleticism, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Offensively though, he...
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Noteworthy Bigs to start eyeing more from Coach Rick’s TOC
2023 6’10 Tai Hamilton (ACE Elite): Hamilton has been a name popping up more and more this summer and deservingly so. At 6’10 and with his fluidity, there is certainly a place for him at the next level and he is one big that you can still work with and develop. But he utilizes his length well, whether it is being active on the boards or protecting the rim, but he also runs the floor well at...
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Big Performances from well-known players: Coach Rick TOC
2024 Jason Asemota (Run the Citi): Asemota came in as one of the premier headliners for the event, as the nationally ranked 5-star had all eyes on him and he performed extremely well. With this being our first viewing of the 6’9 prospect, one could see why he was so highly regarded in his class and could even rise up the ranks even more. Asemota though showed it all; whether it was...
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Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC: Class of 2023
2023 Cooper Marcum (Team HOPE): Marcum was a name that we heard popping up quite a bit throughout the week at the Coach Rick’s TOC, as the two-sport athlete really was able to put his game on the court on display. The physical guard made so many plays, being strong with the ball in his hands, making plays in transition, getting to the basket and finishing strong, but also getting everyone...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 5)
by: Ethan Reece 2026 Michael Jones (Elite 1)Michael created an emphatic presence with his persistent quick and crafty ball handling. He showed he can break down and get by defenders in 1v1 scenarios but was also great in the open floor with his dynamic explosiveness. He’s more than comfortable in a high speed game getting up and down the court making the calls, and to think that he’s only a...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 3)
2024 Reece Ketron (GATA): The 6’9 forward was a nice presence down in the paint for his team, using his length well to his advantage and staying engaged on the floor. The forward moves well, running the floor on both ends, getting to his spots in the post, showing a nice feel with his back to the basket, and being extremely active on the boards. He created multiple second-chance opportunities...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 4)
By: Ethan Reece 2024 Will Fowler (Upward Stars Upstate)The sooner teams figure who fulfills this role on their team like Will does, they will immediately see a boost in their offense and a level of balance across the scoresheet. He’s a tough minded, pass first point guard who consistently looks to share the wealth and get everyone involved. He makes quick quality reads off the bounce, and even...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 2, Part 2)
2025 Bryce Slay (Charlotte Royals Orange): The young man really stepped up for his team when they needed him, as he was absolutely feeling it from the perimeter especially in the second half. Slay is an intriguing prospect at his size; at 6’5, he really shows that he can be a big threat in getting to the corners, stretching the defense, and being a huge threat from the perimeter. On the day,...
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Player Standouts at Day Four of Coach Rick’s TOC
6’3 ’23 Jacob Tiller (Team Swish) There are numerous appealing prospects on Team Swish, and Tiller is arguably as appealing as anyone. He’s a bouncy, shot-making guard who plays with a constant chip on his shoulder. Tiller can score from all levels, work with or without the ball, and meet opponents at the rim on either end of the floor. He’s a solid rebounder with useful vision and overall...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 2, Part 1)
2026 Michael Jones (Elite 1 Gold): This is a young rising guard that you will want to start to jot down and watch in the near future. Jones though put on a show to help lead his team; whether it was showing off his speed in the open floor, his shiftiness and ability to create off the dribble, or finding ways to score whether it was knocking down shots from outside or finishing tough shots...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 3)
by: Ethan Reece 2025 Dashaun McKoy (Carolina Rockets)Dashaun plays with serious springs in his shoes, showing off legit hops with every opportunity. He was a full swat force by himself, flying in from out of nowhere for blocks. And he did it fearlessly too, going after every single one and typically coming away with clean rejections on guys who had proven they could hammer it. He’s got the...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 1, Part 2)
2024 Keenan Wilkins (Charlotte Royals): Wilkins certainly did turn it up a notch in the second half, as he scored 21 of his 24 points to lead his team to a victory. The quick guard made timely plays, especially off the dribble, and used his speed to get by defenders and finish with touch around the basket, but also continue to show his unlimited range with his jumper. A 2024 guard that really...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 1, Part 1)
2023 Jordon Nevill (Team HOPE 2023 Chris): Nevill came in with a reputation as a shooter and he showed that once again, really being one of the most consistent threats from outside at the event. He has an effortless shot from three and has the ultimate green light; but he also display good decision-making, found the open spots, got out in transition well, and scored in other areas of the floor....
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Player Standouts at Day Three of Coach Rick’s TOC
6’8 ’22 James Morrow (North Florida Elite) It’s somewhat perplexing to see Morrow still available in July, as he clearly possesses a scholarship-worthy identity. He’s a long, athletic post prospect with a muscular frame and active two-way motor. Morrow finishes, rebounds, alters shots, and moves well for his size. He also showed the ability to knock down jumpers as needed. 6’3 ’23 Joltin...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece 2024 Delani Hammonds (Team Synergy)Usually versatility is used when scouting on wings and forwards because you expect athletic playmaking, shooting and ball handling from your lead guards. But it makes sense with Delani, because he can play the point in two different ways or combine them together at the same time and provide an all around floor game. He can be a big time scorer,...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
2023 Cooper Marcum (Team HOPE Laney): Marcum is a very intriguing prospect, as the two-sport athlete has shown that he can be effective on the field and on the court. Fresh off a football offer, Marcum had a terrific Day 2 at the Coach Rick TOC, as he really showed his leadership on the court. Whether it was his ability to be a ballhandler, play with a physical presence, create and get inside,...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Coach Rick’s TOC
6’5 ’24 Cameron McKinney (CC Elite) Although each player has a clear role with this group, it’s easy to see the value that McKinney brings to the table. He excels as a tough, active, low-maintenance post prospect who prioritizes playing hard, pursuing rebounds, altering shots, and doing the little things whenever possible. McKinney finishes as needed, runs the floor properly in transition, and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
2023 Ryan Steger (GATA): Steger came out red hot to start his day, really lighting it up from deep. He dropped eight 3-pointers to lead his team to an early victory, really showing his confidence and smooth shot-making with range. A confident shooter that made several tough shots in rhythm. An impressive showing, as he finished with 26 points to start the day. 2025 Nikayle Hodge (Team EAT):...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 Micah Jones (Strong Center)Don’t let his size fool you, Micah is the toughest assignment to draw on both ends of the floor. As a point guard, he takes care of all his duties at a high level and then some. Offensively, he exposes any defensive liability whether isolated or as a team with his blistering speed, elite court vision and decision making, and knowledgeable prowess...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Coach Ricks TOC
2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite): Hamilton had an excellent first LIVE period and came out strong once again at the Coach Rick’s TOC, once again showing his impact in being a knockdown shooter with range. On several occasions, he was able to get to his spots behind the arc and make the opponents pay from three. Hamilton shoots the ball with tremendous confidence and can be a big threat...
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Player Standouts at Coach Rick’s TOC
6’6 ’24 Jayden Pretty (Carolina Pressure) Although there were numerous contributors for this squad, Pretty was arguably their biggest difference-maker. He’s a big, strong-bodied post prospect with a nice combination of skill, length, and toughness. Pretty showed the ability to score around the basket or space the floor, and made his presence felt as a rebounder on either side of the ball. He...
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Preview for Coach Rick’s TOC: CC Elite White 17U
Submitted by Coach Ryun Cook CC Elite has earned recognition as one of the top grassroot organizations in North Carolina. Players like Patrick Wessler, Chase Lowe, A.J. Cook, Kyle Frazier, Jacob Fisher-Davis, and Brandon Lavitt have all moved on to play at the next level. The 2024 group features four guys who have been playing together since winning the NTBA National...
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Coach Rick’s TOC Session 2 – Teams Attending
AgeTeamState14uTEAM HOPE 2026 NOCH (14U)NC14uTeam Loaded WV (WV MPACT) (14U)WV14uTeam LoyalNC14uTune SquadGA14uGeorgia Havoc (14U)GA14uNassau Ballerz Scarver (14U)FL14uPSB Charleston 2026SC14uTennesssee HavocTN15uBasketpoint – MHGNC15uTEAM HOPE 2025 GRIPPER (15U)NC15uUnderrated Athletes Select Team (15U)NC15uTeam CLT 15U (15U)NC15uUpward Stars Columbia 15U (15U)SC15uGATA Academy Basketball...
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Coach Rick’s TOC Session 1 – Teams Attending
AgeTeamState15uGATA Academy BasketballVA15uTeam HOPE 2025 GripperNC15uTeam HOPE 2025 PolleyNC15uDrill AcademyGA15uClt WolvesNC16uCarolina Riptide 2024 BlueNC16uCarolina Riptide 2024 WhiteNC16uEA Prep Adidas 2024NC16uGATA Academy EliteVA16uTeam EAT 2025NC16uTeam HOPE 2024NC16uTeam WildcatsWV16uHoop Dreams Training AcademyNC16uDrill AcademyGA16uNC JayhawksNC17uBSA SupremeNC17uCarolina Riptide 2023...
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Coach Rick TOC Team Listing as of 7-14-22
Team AgeTeam NameTeam State17UAnthony Morrow EliteNorth Carolina17UBasketpoint USA 11th CookNorth Carolina16UBFGNorth Carolina17UBounce 17UCanada17UBSA SUPREMENorth Carolina17UCapital City PacersNorth Carolina17UCarolina Pressure 2024South Carolina17UCarolina Riptide 2023 NCNorth Carolina16UCarolina Riptide 2024 BlueNorth Carolina16UCarolina Riptide 2024 WhiteNorth Carolina16UChapel Hill Blue...
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2024 6’8 Dirk Wyatt DeGraaf continues to grow and develop
You sometimes can’t help but get excited about the future for players, especially when you see the growth of a young but developing big. One player that I happened to stroll by at the Coach Rick’s TOC that grabbed my attention was 2024 6’8 Dirk Wyatt DeGraaf with Garner Road. He is a name that we saw earlier this summer but you can see that this young big man has been working hard in...
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Start Watching: 2024 6’10 Devin Brafford (Rabun Gap)
Photo: Rankings Report We haven’t seen too much of Devin Brafford’s game yet but that will soon come. But this past weekend in Rock Hill, we got a chance to sit down and view the young man’s game and there is no doubt, there was talk around what we saw. First off, Devin is going to get a lot of attention being the younger brother of scoring machine 2022 Nate Brafford and both have similar...
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