North Carolina Phenom Session 2: Evaluation Team 13
Team 13
Coach: Needham Cheely
#14:5’9 ’21 Joshua McClary (Charlotte, NC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that provided his team with a calm two-way presence at camp, Joshua McClary. He’s a wiry point guard prospect that offers a solid mix between penetrating and shooting while constantly looking to get others involved. McClary is a decent defender, but possesses the tools to become great. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete threat on offense. Coach Cheely on McClary: “Joshua has a shot at being a good high school player with improved strength and skill work. He shoots it decently well, but just needs to be more aggressive. He’s still young and should continue working to become better and better.” McClary is just beginning to hit his stride as a prospect and should be able to continually improve over the coming years.
#17:5’9 ’21 Trace Forest (Mooresville, NC)
Next, we look at a player that knows how to disrupt opponents with his high motor and team-first approach, Trace Forest. He’s a point guard prospect with a pretty balanced two-way approach to the game. Offensively, Forest does a great job of handling the ball and making plays for others, but also showed the ability to effectively score on all three levels. He works extremely hard on defense and was able to force numerous turnovers through hustle plays. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a much craftier finisher around the basket. Coach Cheely on Forest: “Trace gives 100% the entire game. He can shoot the three-point and is deceptively quick with the ball in his hands. He’s a solid defender for his class and can shoot the ball efficiently. With more strength and improved on-ball defense, he can be a really good high school player. I like Trace’s upside and passing ability.” Forest simply plays the right way and seems to always find success, so it’ll be exciting to watch him progress going forward.
#48:6’0 ’20 Christian King (Raleigh, NC)
Moving onto a player that was able to consistently highlight his blindingly-quick first step, Christian King. He’s an undersized forward prospect with nice strength and the ability to defend either backcourt position. King does a nice job of taking opponents off the dribble and finishing strong around the basket. Next in his development process is working to become a more efficient three-point shooter, as it would make him an extremely useful offensive player. Coach Cheely on King: “Christian knows how to change gears in an instant and possesses another gear that most guys simply do not. He’s a decent shooter and causes havoc when getting into the lane. His defense is solid and should be a good high school player, especially if he’s able to turn his motor up to 100% consistently. He has potential and athleticism, he just needs to polish his skills, but is powerful and quick.” King did a lot of things effectively and contributed nicely at camp, so it’ll be interesting to see how his upcoming year unfolds.
#52:6’0 ’20 Jeremy Mull (High Point, NC)
Continuing onto a player that was able to make a decent amount of contributions during his time at camp, Jeremy Mull. He’s a wing prospect that offers a pretty well-rounded skillset on both ends of the floor. He showed the ability to shoot the ball from all levels and apply pressure as a penetrator when necessary. Mull worked hard on defense and contained his assignment fairly well. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Cheely on Mull: “Jeremy has a good motor and shoots the ball decently well. He needs to stay engaged more frequently. He shows flashes of energy but then disappears. If he can work on playing with consistent energy, he can become a good high school player.” Mull showed some solid skills at camp, but should continue working to maximize his abilities over the next few years.
#80:6’2 ’19 Trevon Bell (Fayetteville, NC)
Next, we look at a player that showed a college-worthy skillset during his time at camp, Trevon Bell. He’s a strong-bodied wing prospect that was able to provide his team with a steady, well-rounded presence on both ends of the floor. Bell was able to get by opponents and enter the paint whenever he desired, utilizing his length exceptionally well to finish over the outstretched arms of opponents. He’s a solid all-around defender that did an excellent job of forcing turnovers by intercepting passing lanes as an off-ball threat. Next in his development process is working on his ability to make his teammates better, as it would allow him to score a lot easier and within the team concept. Coach Cheely on Bell: “Trevon shows signs of being a nice prospect and shoots the outside shot well. He finishes well with both hands in traffic. Trevon needs to improve his overall defensive presence and rebounding. If he continues to improve, he can be a next-level player.” Bell showed a lot of translatable skills during camp and should continue working to make it to the collegiate ranks.
#84:6’2 ’20 Darien Long (Raleigh, NC)
Moving onto a player that was arguably the most valuable two-way performer on this team, Darien Long. He’s a strong, athletic wing prospect with the ability to impose his will against opponents whenever he desires. Long showed the ability to regularly beat defenders off the dribble and enter the paint, or create scoring chances from midrange and beyond the arc—for himself or others. He displayed an excellent feel for the game and played with an intense motor throughout the day. Long utilized his length and athleticism well to contain his assignment and force turnovers. He did everything for his team at an efficient rate. Next in his development process is working to become a more polished passer, as he possesses the necessary vision and it would allow him to score with less resistance. Coach Cheely on Long: “Darien was one of my biggest surprises at camp. He scored on three levels and has a knack for finding the ball. He finishes well through contact and could be a surprise player in the 2020 class.” Long was among his team’s most impactful two-way players and should be a prospect worth watching over these next two seasons.
#117:6’3 ’21 Jalen Walker (Durham, NC)
Continuing onto a player that is at a pretty intriguing crossroads between productivity and long-term production, Jalen Walker. He’s a long, wiry forward prospect that plays quite hard and operates nicely within the team concept. He showed signs of a worthwhile jumper, but scored the most effective when securing and converting offensive rebounds around the basket. Walker displayed great upside as a versatile defender, given his length and ability to move in space, but should look to continue adding strength. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot the ball from beyond the arc, as it would add a completely new dimension to his offensive approach. Coach Cheely on Walker: “Jalen has a great attitude and plays with a good motor. He’s long and runs the floor nicely. Jalen has soft hands, but needs to post more often. He could be a next level player if he continues to improve his IQ and ball-handling. Jalen has nice upside for his class.” Walker showed how to be a quality all-around teammate at camp and still has ample time to continue elevating his two-way skillset.
#121:6’3 ’21 Landon Efird (Greensboro, NC)
Next, we look at a player that was able to make quality two-way contributions during his time at camp, Landon Efrid. He’s a wing prospect that looked to create havoc with his motor and do whatever necessary to provide his team with an edge. Efrid has a lot of useful tools and showed a clear willingness to outwork opponents when on the court. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would allow him to finish through more contact around the basket. Coach Cheely on Efird: “Landon is a solid guard with IQ and has great leadership qualities. He worked hard in stations. Landon can get stronger on defense and shoot the ball with more consistency, but has a chance to play beyond the high school level.” Efrid showcased a quality amount of upside at camp and should work to reach his ceiling over the coming years.
#156:6’6 ’20 Chris Hartbarger (Sylva, NC)
Finishing up, we look at a player that is just beginning to scratch the surface of his two-way potential, Chris Hartbarger. He’s a big man prospect that focused on being a quality teammate and carrying out whatever orders his coach required. Hartbarger plays hard and runs the floor with purpose. He looks to alter shots around the basket and secure rebounds on every possession. Hartbarger displayed upside as a floor-stretching player throughout the day. Next in his development process is working to establish a go-to scoring avenue, as it would allow him to make a stronger impact on offense. Coach Cheely on Hartbarger: “Chris is somewhat of a beginner, but listens and wants to get better. He’s young and has upside, especially if he’s able to improve his footwork and improving his basketball IQ. Chris is a good kid, but could get stronger.” Hartbarger possesses a lot of intangibles and natural tools, so it’ll be exciting to watch him progress over the next few years.