Team 5
Coach: Rod Williams
#6: 5'0 '25 Alexander Brodie (Wendell)
Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out with his sharp passing and quality defensive instincts, Alexander Brodie. He's a smart, wiry guard prospect that plays with tremendous energy on both ends of the floor. Brodie looks to setup others whenever possible but also displayed a reliable midrange jumper quite often. He contained his assignment well and forced numerous turnovers on the day. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a craftier finisher around the basket. Coach Williams on Brodie: 'Alexander is a really good passer. He possesses very solid playmaking ability. He is a pass-first point guard that plays hard on both sides of the ball. He proves the 'heart over height' notion every time he takes the floor. Alexander maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day' Brodie enjoyed a solid showing at camp and should emerge as a nice contributor during the upcoming season.
#7: 5'0 '26 Titus Oates (Fayetteville)
Next, we look at a player that arguably possesses the most impressive motor on this team, Titus Oates. He's a young, wiry, team-first guard prospect that plays within himself and the team concept but looks to create havoc however possible. Oates shows a clear willingness to make hustle plays and outwork bigger opponents for rebounds on both ends of the floor. He also moved effectively without the ball and find open seams within the defense as a cutter. Next in his development process is working on his quickness, as it would make him a better on-ball defender. Coach Williams on Oates: 'Titus works hard. Where he lacks talent, he makes up with heart and hard work. Titus is a team player. He had a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Oates competed hard from start to finish and could be a player to keep an eye on, especially if he's willing to work.
#18: 5'3 '25 Dawson Esbrandt (Greensboro)
Moving onto a player that was easily among the most reliable two-way performers on this team, Dawson Esbrandt. He's a crafty, well-rounded guard prospect with phenomenal shooting capabilities, a high motor, and the ability to truly overwhelm his assignment on both ends of the floor. Esbrandt can create for himself and others very well, but also makes a major impact without the ball, given his terrific cutting and spot-up prowess. He's also a deceptively quick and sharp defender that knows how to force turnovers and secure rebounds at a high rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Coach Williams on Esbrandt: 'Dawson plays both sides of the ball. He plays with a lot of energy. Dawson is a solid catch and shoot player. He maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Esbrandt did a ton of things well during camp and should have a very productive upcoming season.
#19: 5'3 '25 Jayden Davis (High Point)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably the most electric floor general in attendance, Jayden Davis. He's a sharp, quick, extremely smart point guard prospect with an exceptional balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Davis does everything on offense at a high level, from creating to scoring to even working without the ball. He's a great defender with heady instincts and the ability to make scrappy plays quite often, which often led to a slew of transition buckets. Next in his development process is working on his awareness as an off-ball defender, as it would allow him to force even more turnovers by jumping into passing lanes. Coach Williams on Davis: 'Jayden was the best point guard in camp. He's a camp MVP candidate, in my opinion. He makes his teammates better. He plays with an electric sense given his ball-handling, scoring and passing ability. Jayden maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Davis was phenomenal throughout camp and will be a prospect to monitor closely going forward.
#31: 5'6 '25 Carson Clendenin (Lexington)
Next, we look at a player that was quite possibly the most dangerous spot-up threat on this team, Carson Clendenin. He's a young, wiry guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish approach, and silky-smooth shooting ability from the perimeter. Clendenin is also a very useful penetrator, but seems to cause the most damage when moving without the ball and knocking down jumpers. He's a solid all-around defender with a nice two-way feel for the game. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would likely make him a better finisher through traffic. Coach Williams on Clendenin: 'Carson is a shooter. His strengths are catch and shooting. He has a very smooth shooting release. He also rebounds well for his position. Carson maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Clendenin made his presence felt during camp, especially on offense, and should be a useful contributor during the upcoming season.
#32: 5'6 '25 Nikayle Hodge (Charlotte)
Moving onto a player that made a pretty strong impression as the main glue-guy of this team, Nikayle Hodge. He's a smart, well-rounded wing prospect with the ability to operate and make his presence felt in a variety of different roles on both ends of the floor. Hodge can create for others and score efficiently from all three levels while constantly pursuing rebounds and locking up his assignment on the other end. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll only make him a more physical presence on both ends of the floor. Coach Williams on Hodge: 'Nikayle was a smooth wing player. He plays a high-tempo game and makes good decisions in transition. He has a solid handle and good release on his jumper. Nikayle maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Hodge enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a prospect to keep an eye on over the coming years.
#43: 5'8 '25 Tristan Thompson (Florence)
Continuing onto a player that offered this team with a steady, reliable two-way presence, Tristan Thompson. He's a big, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect with excellent shooting ability from midrange and beyond the arc. Thompson can create effectively off the dribble, spot-up, or move without the ball to find scoring opportunities. He gives phenomenal effort, especially on defense, and secures rebounds at a strong rate. Thompson is also a quality teammate that looks to make the extra pass whenever available. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better on-ball defender. Coach Williams on Thompson: 'Tristan has a good shot selection. He took smart shots throughout camp. He has a smooth jumper and can score the ball from all three levels. Tristan maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Thompson highlighted a ton of tools during camp and should emerge as a strong contributor during the upcoming season.
#45: 5'8 '25 Chris Ray (Fayetteville)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his ability to rebound the ball on both ends, Chris Ray. He's a big, strong-bodied post prospect that does a tremendous job of clearing out space around the basket. Ray plays hard and unselfish, always looking to set strong screens and maximize his touches on offense. He displayed decent touch around the basket and a pretty solid midrange jumper. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a tougher matchup problems for opposing big men. Coach Williams on Ray: 'Chris played in the post at camp. He rebounded at a high level and worked hard. Chris is a very coachable player. He maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.' Ray competed well on both ends of the floor and could be a prospect to keep an eye on, especially if he continues to work.
#54: 6'4 '24 Kaden Hammond (Burlington)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was easily among the most impressive two-way performers at camp, Kaden Hammond. He's a big, smart, physical forward/post prospect that was able to consistently affect all facets of the game on both ends of the floor. Hammond displays great touch and seems to finish anything he attempts around the basket, regardless of contact or defensive pressure. He's a great defender that rebounds extremely well on either side of the ball and has the ability to push transition play with relative ease. Hammond can also knock down midrange shots and the occasional three-pointer while frequently taking his assignment off the dribble. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him even tougher to contain off the bounce. Coach Williams on Hammond: 'Kaden is a future Division I prospect. He scores really well, especially from inside the arc. He was one of the best post players. He plays well with his back to the basket and runs the floor. He is a camp MVP candidate. After getting hurt in camp, Kaden was still talking and helping his teammates from the sideline.' Hammond showed flashes of pure dominance during camp and should be monitored closely going forward, as he could be a special type of prospect.