Team 9
Coach: Ryan Bernardi
#50: 5’8 ’22 Malik Wensman (Cary, NC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that showcased an intriguing array of skills and solid basketball foundation, Malik Wensman. He’s a young guard prospect with a great feel for the game and the ability to score or make plays for others. Wensman handles the ball well and was able to penetrate past defenders fairly often. The mechanics of his jumper were also nice and it’s likely that he’ll continue to get tougher as he physically matures. Next in his development process is working to improve his quickness, as it would make him a more dynamic threat off the bounce. Coach Bernardi on Wensman: “Malik is an undersized and somewhat weaker player that needs to get stronger in order to make a true impact. He was forced into turnovers due to a lack of strength. Malik has skill when playing with space and going against his age group. He made some nice floaters and moves around the basket.” Wensman has ample time to tap into his long-term potential and we’ll be monitoring his progress along the way.
#79:5’9 ’21 Brian Thompson (Fayetteville, NC)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a lot of translatable skills during his time at camp, Brian Thompson. He’s a strong-bodied point guard prospect with vision and excellent ball-handling skills. Thompson embraces the team concept extremely well and should possibly be more selfish, as he possesses the necessary ability to score from all three levels. He plays very hard and has a quality feel for the game on both sides of the ball, which allows him to be an impact defender against opposing guards. Next in his development process is working to get more involved as a rebounder, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Bernardi on Thompson: “Brian is an undersized guy that shoots it very well. I would like him to be more aggressive and look to create more for himself and his teammates. He needs to play harder to make a more consistent impact.” Thompson has a lot of useful skills and is capable of becoming a great leader, so it’ll be interesting to watch his continued progression.
#97:5’11 ’21 Jason Gruber (Mooresville, NC)
Moving onto a player that has the necessary tools to become an impact performer sooner than later, Jason Gruber. He’s a wiry guard prospect that is capable of scoring from all levels, but typically spots-up along the perimeter. Gruber has quality upside as a defender, given the way he defended the ball at times and was able to force a few turnovers. He rebounded the ball well and made most of his contributions in transition. Next in his development process is working on his shooting mechanics, as it would likely improve his consistency from three-point territory. Coach Bernardi on Gruber: “Jason played on the peripheral for much of the day. He was not involved very much offensively or defensively. He did make a few midrange shots, which shows his ability to shoot. He is a great team player that was a pleasure to coach.” Gruber is a solid prospect that should be even better once he gets more involved in the action.
#107:6’0 ’20 Tucker Watson (Huntersville, NC)
Continuing onto a player that brought an incredible attitude to camp and was able to impact the game quite well, Tucker Watson. He’s a smart guard prospect that embraces his role extremely well on both sides of the ball, never forcing the action and always looking to make the right play. Watson proved to be a useful spot-up threat from the perimeter and showed the ability to penetrate inside and finish strong. He’s a well-rounded defender and solid rebounder that works very hard on both ends of the floor. Watson moves purposefully without the ball and does a great job of setting himself up for success through proper positioning. Next in his development process is working on his passing ability, as he has the necessary vision to become a quality playmaker. Coach Bernardi on Watson: “Tucker is a good shooter and solid playmaker. He needs to be more aggressive, but when he got his opportunities—he knocked them down. He has an incredible attitude and team spirit.” Watson is already a solid player, but he has the ability to get even better with continued work.
#126: 6’2 ’20 Parker Watson (Dunn, NC)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most dangerous spot-up threat on this team, Parker Watson. He’s a long, wiry wing prospect that can really shoot it from beyond the arc, especially off the catch. Watson moves extremely well without the ball and seems to always be in the right place at the right time, which forces defenses to watch him closely at all times. He’s a smart player that doesn’t force the action and plays well within the team concept. Next in his development process is working on his ability to penetrate past the point of attack, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Bernardi on Watson: “Parker is a knockdown shooter. He has incredible confidence and range. He is also a great team-first guy that cares about winning and takes coaching very well. I was impressed with how he drove it after team’s adjusted to his game.” Watson played a nice role for this team and has a skillset that will allow him to coexist with any group of teammates.
#136:6’3 ’22 Aaron Murphy (Greenville, NC)
Moving onto a player that easily stood out as the most intriguing prospect on this team, Aaron Murphy. He’s a big, strong wing/forward prospect with an excellent feel foe the game and a versatile two-way skillset. Murphy is quite young, but already sees the game in such a mature way and effortlessly leads on both sides of the ball. He handles the ball with care and sees the floor very well, which allowed him to create for himself or others whenever he desired. Murphy showcased an efficient stroke from the perimeter and was a constant matchup problem for opponents. Next in his development process is working on moving without the ball, as it would likely help his spot-up ability around the perimeter. Coach Bernardi on Murphy: “Aaron is a natural leader. He talked and encouraged his team throughout the entire day. He is very talented from all three levels. Aaron is somewhat trigger-happy, but also a gifted passer when he wants to be. He has good physical tools and was a great leader.” Murphy has a strong chance to become a high-level prospect, especially if he continues putting in the necessary work.
#137: 6’3 ’20 Bailey Gentile (Charlotte, NC)
Continuing onto a player that might’ve been the best all-around shooter on this team, Bailey Gentile. He’s a wing prospect with solid IQ, size, and a fantastic understanding for his role on both sides of the ball. Gentile is unstoppable when catching and shooting from midrange or beyond, but is also capable of putting the ball on the floor and making plays for himself and others. He proved to be more than just a shooter throughout the day, given the way he accumulated assists and rebounded the ball. Gentile also has beautiful shot mechanics and moves very well without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to tighten his handle, as it’ll make him a more reliable creator—both for himself and others. Coach Bernardi on Gentile: “Bailey is a knockdown shooter. He drove it well with purpose and knew when to kick it. He is sneakily athletic and plays very hard. He was a pleasure to coach.” Gentile had a great two-way showing at camp and should be expected to emerge as a strong contributor during his upcoming senior season.
#158:6’5 ’20 Aidan Glynn (Matthews, NC)
Finishing up, we look at a player that proved to be a true workhorse with a blue-collar work ethic, Aidan Glynn. He’s a big, sturdy post prospect that will catch opponents by surprise with his skill level and ability to score and pass from the perimeter. Glynn runs the floor well and plays with phenomenal two-way energy, which appeared to overwhelm all types of assignments. He handles the ball well and is capable of securing second-chance opportunities and finishing around the basket. Next in his development process is working to become a more impactful rebounder, given his size and strength from the interior. Coach Bernardi on Glynn: “Aidan has incredible skill for a kid of his size. He can handle and pass the ball very well. His greatest strength may be his ability to protect the rim without fouling. He needs to get quicker and more athletic to take his game to the next level.” Glynn brought an excellent presence to this team and is the type of hard worker that every coach would love to have on their roster.