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INTERVIEW: 2022 AJ Smith with a Recruitment Update + AAU LIVE Period Coming Up + This Upcoming SZN!

Patrick O'Brien with Phenom Hoops sits down with 2022 AJ Smith from Combine Academy and Team Charlotte to discuss all he has learned and developed in his game, his excitement around the LIVE Period, and an update on his recruitment. Which schools have been coming on strong, recent offers, and new interests.

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Built for the next level: 2023 6’7 Matai Baptiste (Vaughan/ Ridley)

It can be funny how scouts can come across a player sometimes.  One of the more recent players that I came across and is relatively unknown on the court was 2023 6’7 Matai Baptiste.  Just roaming around and checking out some of the action, I happened to stumble across Vaughan Panthers Basketball 16u, a team full of talent from Canada. While walking by, it was then when I saw Baptiste...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Champion Showcase (Part 1)

By; DeAjai Dawkins 6’7 2023 Matai Baptiste (Vaughn Panthers Basketball 16U)  Arguably my most memorable prospect from this weekend, Baptiste and his Vaughn Panthers Basketball Club made the trip from Canada on a clear mission. The 6’7 faceup forward is built for the college game with a frame that will only continue to stack on muscle. Baptiste is fluid and handles the ball fairly well for his...

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Player Standouts from Phenom Champion Showcase

by: Ethan Reece 2023 Tracy Stephens (Carolina Pressure)Tracy made his presence felt big time Friday night in a win, and made it look easy with his mature frame. Standing at 6’4 and absolutely built, he bullied defenders down low by just clearing out so much space on both the post up and boards. Also ran the court really well which gave him easy looks for his guards to dish off 2023 Preston Smith...

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Standouts from Day 2 at the Champion Showcase

By: Heath Gulledge 2022 5’8 Elliot Reed (Better Basketball University 16u) Reed is a shorter guy but he doesn’t play like that at all. He came out today and played harder than everybody on both ends of the court. He has a knack for stealing the ball, whether it be running through the passing lanes or picking somebody’s pocket. He showed a really advanced ability to get to the rim and finish...

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POB’s Standouts from Champion Showcase (Day 2) (Part 2)

2021 Stephon Richards (EA Prep): Richards has been incredibly consistent all throughout the weekend for EA Prep. He was aggressive with his ability to score the ball, knock down shots from multiple levels, and finished strong.  Did much of his damage inside the arc this weekend and not many could slow him down. 2022 Zavian Bianchini (Combine Academy): He is an intriguing prospect to look at with...

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POB’s Standouts from Champion Showcase (Day 2) (Part 1)

2022 Shaedon Simpson (Vaughan 17u): Simpson catches your eyes pretty quickly for Vaughan with his 6’6 frame and versatility and the more you watch him operate on the court, the more you like.  Simpson really impacted the floor in all areas, whether it was stepping out to score, finishing around the rim, running in transition, getting on the boards, and being a defensive impact, he checks off a...

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POB’s Standouts from Champion Showcase (Day 1)

2022 Bryce Alfino (Team Charlotte): On a team that is loaded with next-level talent, Alfino grabbed our attention with his impact on both sides of the court.  Defensively, he gets after it and creates a lot of havoc for opponents.  Alfino is in your face, scrappy, and has tremendous timing in creating steals.  Offensively, he showcased a smooth, confident shot from behind the arc as well.  2022...

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Player Standouts at Phenom Champion Showcase

6’7 ’22 Aidan Hadaway (Atlanta Timberwolves) It’s easy to see why Hadaway is so highly regarded amongst college coaches, given how much ability he showcased. He’s very skilled for his size, displaying a combination of IQ, vision, and inside-out scoring ability. Hadaway attacks well from the wing and finishes with craftiness around the basket—utilizing both hands effectively. He’s also a useful...

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Phenom Champion Showcase: A few games with some storylines

Phenom Hoops is headed back to Rock Hill this weekend for the #PhenomChampionShowcase, where the talent on the courts will be fun to watch. There are several big-time matchups to watch all throughout the event, but here are just a few that should create some storylines heading into the event on Friday and Saturday. Again, these are just a few games that consist of older players that should attract some eyes and brings some storylines with them.

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“This Game Will Always Be About Getting Buckets!” Trevon Williams IS Most Underrated Player in NC!!

his has gone on for long enough, Trevon Williams is officially the most underrated player in the Hoop State. The 6'2" combo guard has all the tools, all the skills, all the physical attributes to have already received 10+ offers, yet here we are.

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Nation Ford court 2 Standouts Sunday #PhenomChampionShowcase

Jalen Mattocks 6’6” Forward (Charlotte Supreme) class of 2022 Long athletic forward. Uses his length in a variety of ways. From making easy plays around the basket or elevating for nice mid-range jumpers. To be a force in the rebounding department and a defensive presence. A sneakily skilled player, highly competitive and fundamentally sound. Just gets it done. Being a 2022 prospect he...

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TMP Claims 17U Big East Gold Championship at Phenom Champion Showcase

Few 17U programs have been better at developing and maximizing their talent than TMP, and that was quite evident throughout their run to the title game. Jordan Jones is a quality floor general with quickness and a reliable two-way presence. Cohen Gaskins operated nicely as an offensive leader and showcased his ability to be a primary scorer and secondary ball-handler. That being said, Nick...

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Brandon’s Big Time Ballers Part III

It’s July which means travel ball is back and in action, the Phenom Crew has invaded the other Carolina for a weekend full of hoops and storylines!Fort Mill, South Carolina- The action didn’t waste any time picking up here at Comenius School, we had the pleasure of getting a jump on the new wave of talent 13U-15U, at this stage a lot of these underclassmen are relatively unknown and...

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Team CP3 Claims 15U ACC Championship at Phenom Champion Showcase

The 14U Team CP3 group played up a level this past weekend and, unsurprisingly, yielded phenomenal results. It all starts with their electric backcourt duo of Aden Holloway and Jaylen Curry, who complement each other undeniably well and are capable of dominating opposing guards. However, guys like Xavier Matthews, Tyler Bailey, Kyre Bishop are all very capable high-level guards, which simply...

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CC Elite Claims 16U Big East Gold Championship at Phenom Champion Showcase

In all honesty, CC Elite is a team that more folks should be buzzing about, as they have been tough and competitive while strutting out a variety of college-level prospects. They entered the title game with great confidence and controlled the tempo from start to finish. This group has been led by the unwavering all-around consistency of Christian Cornish, Marvin Bost, and Tucker Johnson....

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Team Charlotte Claims 16U ACC Championship at Phenom Champion Showcase

The battle of Team Charlotte took place on Sunday, as the 16U and 15U (playing up) teams met in the title game. It was an intense game from start to finish, although the 16U group certainly proved to be the better team in this head-to-head matchup. In all honesty, this team was incredibly balanced throughout the weekend and saw quality contributions from everyone on the roster. Between Nate...

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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Champion Showcase

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to Rock Hill, South Carolina for an absolutely loaded event. We featured some of the biggest teams in the region, from Upward Stars to Team Charlotte to TMP and PSB, which made for some high-level competition across the two days. This article will take a closer look at the five players that stood out the most…   6’0 ’20 Myles Tate (Upward Stars)...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Champion Showcase

6’6 ’22 Elijah Gray (Team Synergy) In many ways, Gray was among the most impressive players from day two of Phenom Champion Showcase. He showcased a newfound aggression and actually played his best two-way game while nearly angry. Gray handles the ball quite well, especially for his size, and scored the ball in a variety of different ways. He worked from the block, displayed footwork, finished...

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