SC JUNIOR PHENOM EVENT RECAPS
Kevin’s Players to Know: 4.19.23
By: Kevin Moses Adel Amparo Twitter: @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...
read more
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 season,...
read more
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 should be...
read more
Updated Grades for the 2023 NBA Rookie Class
Original Grades and Breakdowns: https://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, he’s...
read more
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 playmaker with the...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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 dozens of articles,...
read more
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 the rim and well...
read more
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...
read more
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...
read more
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 like...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 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...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 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...
read more
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...
read more
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 than many...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 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...
read more
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 ’26 Aidan O’Gara Although each...
read more
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 strength,...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Gate City (Part One)
6’1 ’28 Nick Brooks (MAF Elite) The only underclassmen on this list, Brooks was undeniably impressive as a focal point for a dominant MAF Elite group. He possesses an excellent combination of length, skill, and athleticism with the necessary IQ and toughness to consistently overwhelm opponents. Brooks applied constant, yet efficient scoring pressure from all levels while still showing a...
read more
Strong Leadership Qualities: 2027 Kaelin Tate
By: Kevin Moses Kaelin Tate Twitter: @kaelintate Height: 5’11, 165Class of 2027School: PawPaw High School, MI Tate is an intense pass-first point guard with strong leadership qualities, high IQ, and awesome court vision. He is a natural at breaking down the defense off the bounce and creating shots for others off the drive or finishing at the rim himself, keeping the defense honest. He...
read more
Kevin’s Rising Stars to Learn (4.5.24)
By: Kevin Moses Sam Quebedeaux Twitter: @queb_hoops2026 Height: 6ft, 155Class of 2026School: The Burlington School, NC Quebedeaux is a dynamic young stud with crafty handles and blowby speed. Pick your poison as he has a silky smooth touch from downtown using that speed when you play him too tight to get to the rim. The best part is Sam is a team player and can drop some sweet dimes. With an...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’7 Donovan Rakotonanahary
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...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’7 Abrahm Driver
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...
read more
Scholarship-Worthy Unsigned Seniors in North Carolina (Part Two)
6’8 Richard Goods (Grimsley) Given the fact that his recruitment has steadily picked up, it remains clear that Richard Goods possesses the tools to be a quality piece at the next level. Although he’s always been a useful player, his game made noticeable strides under Coach Corbett. This season, Goods prioritized anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor. He rebounded, blocked shots, and...
read more
Scholarship-Worthy Unsigned Seniors in North Carolina (Part One)
6’6 Jayan Walker (Combine Academy) Between his time at Jordan, Millbrook, and Combine, everyone should be familiar with Walker and his overall growth as a player. He’s a long, athletic, well-rounded wing prospect with excellent size and the ability to impact the game in several different roles. Walker possesses great defensive prowess and regularly displays the tools to guard multiple positions....
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’1 Alik Lewis
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...
read more
Ranking Top Five Commitments by Value
As we enter the thick of the new travel ball season, it’s an ideal time to review the outgoing senior class (2024) and how things ironed out. While many prospects are still fielding offers or deciding where they’ll ultimately further their playing career, numerous guys have pledged commitments. This exercise is meant to look beyond the obvious difference-makers like (Drake Powell, Isaiah Evans,...
read more
Making the Transition: 1-on-1 with Miki Gacic
Over the recent years, it feels like North Carolina has been home for several noteworthy international prospects. Without listing every player, guys like Derin Saran, Ryan Soulis, Domas Kauzonas, and Christ Essandoko are merely a few of the applicable names we’ve seen in the last two classes. Now, Miki Gacic looks likely to keep the trend going. The Serbian point guard enjoyed a strong high...
read more