PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Player Standouts at Phenom Summer Grind
6’2 ’25 Jerron Blackwell (Charlotte Nation) Despite not playing with his usual group, Blackwell still found ways to stand out and operate as a leader for this squad. He’s smart, poised, and extremely mature, especially at this stage in his development. Blackwell is a reliable scorer with a well-rounded skillset, but doesn’t even need to chase point totals in order to make a consistent impact....
read more
NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 21-60)
(#21) Los Angeles Clippers Selection: Keon Johnson (Tennessee) Grade: D Although folks have been consistently bullish on Johnson since the start of the college season, it’s unclear as to why. He’s a quality athlete but simply has glaring deficiencies within his game to warrant such a lofty draft position. While there isn’t any who stands as an obvious pick here, it’ll be interesting to see if...
read more
NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 11-20)
(#11) Charlotte Hornets Selection: James Bouknight (UConn) Grade: B Like multiple others taken in the top ten, Bouknight steadily climbed draft boards throughout the last six months. The general public seems pretty excited about the dynamic pairing of Bouknight and Lamelo Ball, and rightfully so. Although he’s not a reliable shooter, the UConn product’s ability to hit jumpers in workouts left...
read more
NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 1-10)
(#1) Detroit Pistons Selection: Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State) Grade: A It’s unclear why Detroit showed any motivation to move this pick, as Cunningham is about as safe as anyone in this draft. His IQ, size, and complete skillset brings obvious appeal to any NBA franchise in hopes of quickly turning things around. While he certainly does have All-Star potential, there is value in knowing that,...
read more
Sleepers for the 2021 NBA Draft: Part Two
With the 2021 NBA Draft set to kick off in mere hours, we decided it would be advantageous to look at some potentially undervalued prospects set to start their journey in the League. There are players on this list currently climbing draft boards and projected to get drafted in the lottery—so technically not every prospect actually classifies as a “sleeper.” However, the bigger emphasis is on...
read more
Sleepers for the 2021 NBA Draft: Part One
With the 2021 NBA Draft set to kick off in mere hours, we decided it would be advantageous to look at some potentially undervalued prospects set to start their journey in the League. There are players on this list currently climbing draft boards and projected to get drafted in the lottery—so technically not every prospect actually classifies as a “sleeper.” However, the bigger emphasis...
read more
Getting to Know: 2022 Matthew Knafelz
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’2 2022 Jah Saigo
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
July Live Period Superlatives: Part Three
Best Defender: 6’0 ’22 Mustapha Shah 6’4 ’22 Elijah Burnett 6’3 ’22 Amari Pearson Although Burnett and Pearson are legitimately phenomenal defenders, Shah’s unique ability to mirror opponents through a combination of strength, quickness, and anticipation makes him an absolute terror defensively. He plays with a high motor and gets involved in the offensive action whenever necessary, but truly...
read more
July Live Period Superlatives: Part Two
Although there has been a ton of excitement swirling throughout the last few months, July is finally coming to an end. Between the NCHSAA/NCISAA events in June and the consecutive live periods across July, all levels of coaches have been traveling, evaluating, and establishing relationships with these prospects. Excluding the lone period in July, we will take a closer look at a slew of players...
read more
July Live Period Superlatives: Part One
Although there has been a ton of excitement swirling throughout the last few months, July is finally coming to an end. Between the NCHSAA/NCISAA events in June and the consecutive live periods across July, all levels of coaches have been traveling, evaluating, and establishing relationships with these prospects. Excluding the lone period in July, we will take a closer look at a slew of players...
read more
Dre’Shaun Brown Calls it for St. Augustine
On Sunday, Piedmont Classical and NC Gaters guard Dre’Shaun Brown committed to St. Augustine over various other Division II and III programs. After watching him closely and covering him extensively over the last few years, Phenom Hoops decided to sit down and ask about what ultimately went into his decision. Let’s take a closer look… PH: Talk about your journey and everything that went into this...
read more
Balance Continuing to Pay Dividends for Big Shots Winston
This past weekend, Big Shots Winston-Salem made the short trip out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Advance, North Carolina to wrap up their final live period and conclude the month of July. Regardless of opponent, this group has found ways to compete with anyone in their path over the last four months. Their talent, chemistry, unselfish approach, and ability to hurt opponents in a variety of...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Hardwood Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted two separate events (Advance and Rock Hill) to wrap up the final live period and begin concluding the busy month of July. Folks were constantly buzzing about the amount of sheer talent on display in Rock Hill, but there was still more than enough appeal for various college coaches to make the trip to Advance. Programs of all levels came through the Rise...
read more
Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Hardwood Classic
6’6 ’22 Max Bullard (New Light Disciples) Although the New Light Disciples continue to be extremely balanced, Bullard has already found a ton of opportunities as the newest addition to this roster. He’s long, skilled, and athletic with a fairly well-rounded identity on both ends of the floor. Bullard displays IQ, toughness, and regular flashes of versatility. He’s a quality defender, rebounder,...
read more
Player Standouts from Phenom Hardwood Classic (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2025 Andreas Kazanos (PSB Cassada)Andreas came to play in a high caliber matchup against a well coached SWV Hustle. He started the game out hot and never looked back, knocking down big shot after shot in a back and forth game. Finished with 25 off 7 threes but is ideally a crafty PG, as he ran the offense and controlled the pace of the game. Finished off with a...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’0 2022 Neeko Taylor
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’4 2022 Dontavious Pettaway
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’8 2024 Mason Hagedorn
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’2 2024 Santana Lynch
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2025 Savion Samlal (Norfolk Collegiate, VA)
Savion is an elite level athlete whose combination of speed and power on both ends of the floor makes for an intriguing prospect.
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’3 2024 Daidien Sutton
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
Is Isaiah Todd the Biggest Sleeper in the 2021-22 NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft is certainly amongst the most unique off-court events that takes place in any major sport. Between the kids getting draft, fanbases embracing new players, constant flux of player movement, and general unknown surrounding these prospects likelihood to pan out, it’s easy to see why. However, the evaluation process is still an imperfect system, as various players still tend to...
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2024 My’Kel Jenkins (Tarboro HS, NC)
My’kel Jenkins 6’5 165 2024 Tarboro HS (NC) / Team Loaded VA Length, strength, elite level athleticism, versatility on both ends of the floor, and a tenacious defender. That’s an abbreviated description of what My’kel Jenkins brings to the floor. An impact player for sure, a guy who can guard every position at the high school level and shut down whoever he is guarding! My’kel has fantastic...
read more
“Getting to Know” 6’2 2023 Evan Montanari
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
read more
Team Wall Duo Soaring Under the Radar
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled up to the Virginia Beach Sports Center in the heart of Virginia Beach for our 757 Showcase. While there were many exciting and talented squads on display, Team Wall was arguably the most impressive throughout the event. While we featured Davis Molnar and Amari Pearson in our “Bendel’s Best” from the weekend, there are still other notable players deserving...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Phenom 757 Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled up to the Virginia Beach Sports Center in the heart of Virginia Beach for our 757 Showcase. The event featured many teams from throughout the state, but still featured many returning squads from North Carolina. There were numerous standouts over the three-day stretch, and this article will take a closer look at some personal favorites… 6’7 ’22 Davis...
read more
Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom 757 Showcase
6’7 ’23 Ben Nicol (West Virginia Generals) Although the entire roster is loaded with reliable shooters, Nicol constantly found ways to stand out and shine. He’s smart and quite skilled for his size, which naturally leads to mismatches, but also produces very well inside the arc. Nicol shoots the ball with range, consistency, and repeatable mechanics. That being said, he actively looks to take...
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Rueben McEachern (Carmel School, VA)
Rueben is the kind of point guard players love to play with and coaches love to coach! A high IQ, pass-first playmaker with tremendous vision and passing skills who can also score when needed from anywhere on the floor.
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2023 6’5 Nicholas Dorn (JL Chambers)
It is always great to highlight players that should and will earn more attention in the near future and one player that I have my eye on is 20223 6’5 Nicholas Dorn from JL Chambers.
read more