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D1 Coaches Making Them a Priority: North Carolina (Class of 2026)
The Class of 2026 here in North Carolina is shaping up nicely and it won’t be long until college coaches will be looking to contact prospects in June. There will be plenty of players who will be hearing from D1 programs, but I have five players who have gone a bit under the radar and should be high priorities for colleges. 2026 Michael Phillips (Grace Christian) Phillips is a player I have gone...
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Lady Standouts at Phenom Hoop State Finale
5’10 ’25 Justice Zimmerman (Carolina All-Stars) There are several different ways to earn recognition on the basketball court, and Zimmerman does so through her incredible motor, unselfishness, and low-maintenance approach. She’s a strong, physical player who simply battles on both ends of the floor. Zimmerman possesses a nice IQ and overall knack for making plays within the flow of the action....
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Player Standouts at Phenom Hoop State Finale
6’1 ’26 Darius Whitner (SW15H Elite) It’s easy to see the strides SW15H Elite has made throughout the spring season, and that certainly includes Whitner. Clearly their most productive guy, he shines as a focal point in seemingly every contest. Whitner is a dynamic guard with scoring polish, sharp vision, and a tight handle. He has the right balance between scoring and playmaking, and comfortably...
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Coming Home: Cade Tyson Commits to UNC
On Sunday, Cade Tyson sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball landscape after announcing his commitment to the University of North Carolina. The former Carmel Christian star just concluded his second season at Belmont, where he averaged 16.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG while posting 49/47/86 splits and earning All-MVC second team honors. It doesn’t take long to notice that...
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Rising Star: 2027 Brody Little
By: Kevin Moses Brody Little Twitter: @Brodylittle2027 Height: 6’1 , 170Class of 2027School: Pikeville High School, KY Little is a physical and crafty combo guard who loves to be creative while using his athleticism and strength to get any shot he wants at will. Brody is a versatile triple-threat scoring option with a silky smooth touch, effective off the bounce or the catch-and-shoot....
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Five Young Prospects from Phenom Hoop State Challenge
6’8 ’27 Niko Bratton (Team United) After getting our first viewing of Bratton, it’s easy to see his path towards being a noteworthy prospect. At 6-foot-8, he’s already strong, fluid, and athletic with the necessary motor and nose for the ball to cause constant problems for opponents. Bratton possesses an excellent frame and moves like a perimeter player on the court. That...
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Destined for Stardom: 1-on-1 with CJ Rosser
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Hoop State Challenge in Bermuda Run, North Carolina. The event proved to be loaded with talent from all ages and highlighted several of the top teams/players in the state. Among those players, CJ Rosser was as appealing as anyone on display. Yesterday, we wrote, “Although there were a lot of enticing young players, CJ Rosser the most impressive...
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Name to Know: Bentley Lusakueno (Alabama Fusion/Pace Academy)
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had the opportunity to watch some young, up-and-coming stars from the Jr. EYBL. Despite only a few game slots, there were a ton of notable prospects on display. It’s arguable that evaluating these kids prior to the start of their respective high school careers is the most important time to project potential growth. We could create a long list of prospects we...
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Unsigned Senior Standouts from Phenom Hoop State Challenge
6’6 Jeff Clark (NC Spartans) Given his continued production into the travel ball season, it’s shocking Clark hasn’t captured the attention of more college coaches. He’s a long, mobile wing/forward who simply finds ways to impact a game. Clark finishes, rebounds at a constant rate, and defends multiple positions. He’s a useful shooter and threat off the bounce. Clark...
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Bendel’s Best: Hoop State Challenge
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Bermuda Run (and Spartanburg) to host another event loaded with next-level talent. Between the prospects, competition, and college coaches in the building, there was a lot of notable takeaways. We were able to get our first look at several programs while getting more familiar with those who have already played over the last month. The three-day stretch...
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Kevin’s Players to Know: 4.19.23
By: Kevin Moses Adel AmparoTwitter: @adelamparo0Height: 6ft, 158Class of 2028 School: Hayward High School, WI Amparo is an eclectic young baller and all-around shooter with a beautiful touch from downtown. Lethal when he is open. And loves the catch-and-shoot off outlets from rebounds from outside. But quick off the bounce and a fierce finisher. at the rim, even through contact. And a baseline...
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Phenom Player Spotlight: 2025 Jack Kaley
By: Kevin Moses Jack Kaley Twitter: @jackkaleyHeight: 6’3, 180Class of 2025School: Lake Howell High School, FL Kaley takes a lot of pride in his ability to score at all three levels and has one of the nastiest mid-range games in the country. A knockdown shooter from 3 at a high-level, and electric getting to the basket. Jack is a DOG on defense and a pest causing havoc to guards. Last...
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Is GG Jackson the Biggest Steal from the 2023 NBA Draft'
Each year, the NBA Draft is one of the biggest events in sports—especially from a non-competition standpoint. Teams researching, hosting workouts, and eventually expending valuable draft picks in hopes of netting a franchise cornerstone. It’s no secret that the upcoming draft is widely seen as the weakest talent pool in over 20 years (likely since 2000), which is why every lottery team...
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Updated Grades for the 2023 NBA Rookie Class
Original Grades and Breakdowns: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/post-summer-league-nba-draft-grades/ (#1) San Antonio Spurs Selection: Victor Wembanyama Original Grade: A+ Updated Grade: A+ After concluding one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history, it’s quite clear that Wembanyama is already becoming a dominant force in the league. At 7-foot-4 with unbelievable length and fluidity,...
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2024 6’3 Sam Wolff (DME) can be that late steal for a program
Player: Sam WolffClass: 2024Position: Combo GuardHeight: 6’3School: DME Academy Wolff is a player who can bring a lot to the table and would be a tremendous addition to a school. He is a 6’3 combo guard, has a certain flare and flash to his game but also plays with a toughness that you have to love to see. He plays hard on the defensive end, scores well off the bounce, is a...
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Kevin’s Players to Know: 4.17.24
By: Kevin Moses William Dillon Twitter: @Will_Dillon35Height: 6’4, 185 Class of 2025 School: Huntley High School, IL Dillon is a solid triple-threat scoring option. He can knock down the three but his greatest strength is attacking off the bounce and finishing at the rim. Crafty and athletic gems can dazzle with some jaw-dropping moves. He has a little spring in his bounce that helps him...
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Walking His Own Path: 1-on-1 with Prince Nwokemodo
Last weekend at our Phenom Gate City Showcase, we had the opportunity to get an updated viewing of Prince Nwokemodo. The 6-foot-11 sophomore big man continues to showcase the makings of a noteworthy prospect. His combination of length, fluidity, athleticism, and interior ability on both ends of the floor makes him a real problem for opponents. Right now, Nokemodo finds a ton of success through...
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Team Takeover 2030 Dominates at Phenom 757 Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops made the trip up to Virginia Beach for our third annual 757 Showcase. The event featured a ton of notable teams, players, and offered several takeaways from the two-day stretch. Among those storylines, arguably none stood out more than Team Takeover 2030 (yes, sixth grade) and their pure annihilation of every opponent in their path. For those who have followed our...
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Bendel’s Best: 757 Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops made the journey up to Virginia Beach to host our third annual 757 Showcase. The event featured a ton of new faces and noteworthy talent across all age groups. Several guys stood out across the two-day stretch, and this article will take a closer look at a few personal favorites… 5’10 ’25 Derek Ross Jr. (Wildcats Elite) Between social media and...
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Player Standouts at Phenom 757 Showcase
6’7 ’25 Jeremiah Morris (Virginia Havoc) It doesn’t take long to be enticed by Morris, as he’s a long, strong, athletic forward who offers versatility on both ends of the floor. At 6-foot-7, he possesses IQ, skill, and a terrific build. Offensively, Morris is comfortable posting up around the basket, moving without the ball, or attacking off the dribble. He finishes above...
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Phenom Player Profile: 2026 Will McCrary
By: Kevin Moses Will McCrary Twitter: @willmccrary_22Height: 6’5 with a 6’10 wingspan, 200Class of 2026School: Jackson Co. High School, TN McCrary is a dynamic big who is fast, crafty, and athletic. A dominating force with his back to the basket or off the bounce. He can destroy a defense with his size, length, and ability to score with either hand. Will is an explosive finisher...
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Kevin’s Rising Star: 2027 John Gaines
By: Kevin Moses John Gaines Twitter: @john_ggg11, Instagram- Johng_11Height: 6ft, 150Class of 2027 School: Sayre School, KY Gaines is a proficient playmaker with a high IQ and sick handles that allow him to shake free of the defense to create shots for himself or his teammates. John is a strong triple-threat scoring option with a smooth touch from outside but is explosive off the bounce and can...
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Dominating in the Low Post: 2025 Chase Honarvar
By: Kevin Moses Chase Honarvar Twitter: @BigChase_33Height: 6’7 , 215Class of 2025School: Bishop Seabury Academy, KS Honarvar is that blue-collar stud every coach loves and another classic big with a secret weapon. Chase has incredible footwork and a low post-dominator. Not flashy or jaw-dropping athleticism but that tough gritty gem that thrives doing that dirty work. When it looks...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight:Â 6’7 Bo Hurns
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight:Â 6’7 Kayleb Coles
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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All Eyes On: 2026 6’8 Trey Thompson and 2026 6’6 Alex Leeth (Tennessee Impact)
The Tennessee Impact program is one that I believe college coaches should be looking at hard. Throughout, they offer prospects that can help future programs of all levels and we had a chance to see that this weekend. The Tennessee Impact 2026 is one that we are eager to see, and though this is a team that has plenty of talent, 2026 6’8 Trey Thompson and 202 6’6 Alex Leeth are two...
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D1 Priorities: Class of 2025 in South Carolina
2025 Jordan Watford (Lancaster) It was nearly two years ago when we said 2025 Jordan Watford was one to monitor. That hasn’t changed and we are more on the train now that he is a player D1 programs should prioritize. The thing with Watford’s game is that you know what you are going to get when he steps on the court. Watford has a unique blend of size, length, and versatility, more...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight:Â 6’2 ’24 KJ Burke
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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NC Spartans Neisler Continues to Roll
This past weekend, NC Spartans Neisler claimed the 16U Championship at our annual Gate City Showcase. They’ve been nothing short of impressive to start the summer season, and that only continued here. Beyond the phenomenal coaching and chemistry, it’s worth noting that they found success despite only having six players available. Let’s take a look at their six… 6’2...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Gate City (Part Two)
6’2 ’25 CJ Jackson (Truth Elite) Although the entire Truth Elite roster is worthy of attention from college coaches, Jackson clearly stands out as their leader. At 6-foot-2, he’s almost a completely positionless player. Jackson is legitimately capable of running the offense while controlling the glass and defending any opponent on the court. He possesses an impressive blend of...
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