Team 3
Coach: Jabarr Adams
#3: 5’11 ’24 Quay Watson (Hopewell)
Starting things off, we look at a player who possesses a really balanced skillset and approach, Quay Watson. He’s a smart, polished point guard prospect with the ability to run a team, get others involved, and apply efficient scoring pressure from all three levels. Watson handles the ball with poise, creates clean looks for himself and others, and mixes it up effectively as a scorer. He can also coexist alongside another lead ball-handler and find opportunities as a spot-up threat from beyond the arc. Watson utilizes his quickness well on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Adams on Watson: “Quay is capable of scoring the ball in bunches. He needs improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well.” Watson did a variety of things well at camp, and should continue standing out as the clear-cut leader of Hopewell over the next two seasons.
#13: 6’1 ’25 CJ Purdie (Combine Academy)
Next, we look at a player who possesses an intriguing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, CJ Purdie. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect who can fill it up as a scorer from all three levels. Purdie handles the ball well and can reliably create for himself off the bounce, which allows him to finish, pull-up from midrange, or assert his jumper from beyond the arc. That being said, he’s a great cutter and spot-up option who doesn’t necessarily require the ball in his hands in order to make an impact. He defends his position, rebounds at a solid rate, and fills in the gaps properly on offense. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Adams on Purdie: “CJ is a solid scorer. He needs to talk more defensively and play with more energy on that end of the floor. He displayed a positive attitude and accepted coaching well.” Purdie enjoyed a solid showing at camp, and should be a strong contributor for Combine over the coming years.
#14: 6’1 ’23 Jake Hart (Fuquay Varina)
Moving onto a player who simply stands out as an adaptable, unselfish cog in every possible setting, Jake Hart. He’s a smart, well-rounded point guard prospect who knows how to properly run the team and set the tone on both ends of the floor. Hart consistently accepts less for the betterment of the team, which is evidenced through his high-motor and sheer willingness to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge. He’s an excellent shooter and passer who looks to access the best available shot on every possession. Hart is an active defender and rebounder who simply outworks his assignment on either side of the ball. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it will make him a more complete player. Coach Adams on Hart: “Jake is a good team player. He needs to be ready in catch-and-shoot situations. He can work harder and communicate more defensively. Jake offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well.” Hart made a quality impact at camp, and should be a target for various programs during his upcoming senior season at Fuquay Varina.
#19: 6’2 ’25 Cam Flippen (The Burlington School)
Continuing onto a player who continues to trend upward as one of the top floor generals in his class, Cam Flippen. He’s a strong, tough, intelligent point guard prospect with a physical approach on both ends of the floor. Flippen displays nice pace with the ball in his hands, looking to patiently set the action, probe the paint, and make correct reads as a playmaker. He finishes well around the basket, sets up open teammates whenever possible, and can knock down jumpers at a solid clip. Flippen plays with a chip on his shoulder, and it’s visible on either side of the ball. He sees the floor effectively, makes quality passes, and pushes the break effectively in transition. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Adams on Flippen: “Cam is a strong guard with the capability of finishing at the rim. He offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Flippen made a lasting impression at camp, and should be a difference-maker over the coming years for The Burlington School.
#30: 6’3 ’23 Josiah Watkins (Piedmont Classical)
Next, we look at a player who possesses an adaptable approach and reliable two-way presence, Josiah Watkins. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with great IQ and overall understanding of how to run a team on both ends of the floor. Watkins displays terrific balance between playmaking and three-level scoring, and can adapt based on team need. He’s crafty enough to break down opposing guards, touch the paint, and make correct decisions with the ball in his hands. Watkins plays with pace, unselfishness, and does a quality job of getting others involved. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will only help prepare him for the increased physicality of the next level. Coach Adams on Watkins: “Josiah is an athletic guard who pushes the ball well in transition. He needs to be more vocal on the court. Offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Watkins proved to be a difference-maker during his time at camp, and should be a productive leader this season for Piedmont Classical.
#46: 6’5 ’25 Zacch Wiggins (Grimsley)
Moving onto a player who continues to look increasingly likely for a potential breakout season, Zacch Wiggins. He’s a long, skilled, athletic wing prospect with a blossoming identity on both ends of the floor. Wiggins is a great finisher and shooter who can create for himself and others or find opportunities without the ball in his hands. He’s a useful cutter and spot-up threat who attacks closeouts and can finish above the rim or through contact. Wiggins rebounds the ball well and contains his assignment effectively on defense. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it’ll only make him more physically imposing on both ends of the floor. Coach Adams on Wiggins: “Zacch is an athletic player. Highlighted a useful skillset and ability with the ball in his hands. Offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Wiggins stood out as an asset during his time at camp, and should be poised for a highly productive season as a leader for Grimsley.
#51: 6’6 ’24 Nick Hamrick (Westminster Catawba)
Continuing onto a player who possesses an obvious amount of tools and long-term potential, Nick Hamrick. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with a useful array of ball skills, especially for his size. Hamrick displays nice athleticism and can effectively operate with or without the ball in his hands. He’s arguably at his best in the open floor, but can reliably make plays within the half-court set. Hamrick can finish or knock down jumpers at a respectable rate. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would allow him to become a more physically imposing defensive player. Coach Adams on Hamrick: “Nick is a very athletic player. He needs to get stronger and work on his ability to finish through contact. Nick offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Hamrick did a lot of things well during his time at camp, and should be a useful piece for Westminster Catawba over these next two seasons.
#62: 6’8 ’23 Torey Alston (Winston-Salem Christian)
Next, we look at a player who easily stood out as one of the most dominant performers on display, Torey Alston. He’s a long, skilled, athletic forward prospect with the tools and ability to reliably produce on both ends of the floor. Alston is an excellent finisher with the necessary length and athleticism to consistently finish above the rim or through contact. He rebounds the ball at a high volume and possesses the necessary skill and feel to effectively push the break in transition. Alston shoots the ball at an impressive percentage, especially for his size/position, and is capable of attacking opponents off the bounce. He’s also great at blocking shots and running the floor in fast-break scenarios. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him even more appealing to college programs. Coach Adams on Alston: “Torey is athletic and plays with a high motor. He rebounds out of his area but needs to continue getting stronger. He offered a positive attitude and accepting coaching well throughout the day.” Alston proved to be an asset at camp, securing the Co-MVP award, and should be a target for various Division I programs over the coming months.
#67: 6’8 ’24 Draven Pilson (Forsyth Country Day)
Moving onto a player who continues to showcase a ton of appeal, both in the short and long-term, Draven Pilson. He’s a long, wiry, athletic forward prospect with toughness and the ability to finish above or below the rim or space the floor from the perimeter. Pilson is a great rebounder and shot-blocker who plays hard and fills the lane properly in transition. He handles the ball well for his size, and can capably attack off the bounce if necessary. Pilson battles for extra possessions and is willing to make hustle plays on either side of the ball. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Adams on Pilson: “Draven is an athletic big man that moves really well for his size. He offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Pilson made a lasting impression at camp, and should remain a major contributor during the upcoming season at Forsyth Country Day.
#78: 7’0 ’24 Daniel Mbaeteka (Northwood Temple)
Finishing up, we look at a player who definitely brought a ton of intrigue upon his arrival to the state, Daniel Mbaeteka. He’s a big, strong-bodied post prospect with a massive frame and the ability to physically overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Mbaeteka possesses solid touch around the basket, and highlights a useful scoring arsenal out of the post. He utilizes his body really well to clear out space on the block and secure rebounding position. Mbaeteka runs the floor hard in transition, and capitalizes on his finishing his opportunities around the basket. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it will only make him a better all-around defender. Coach Adams on Mbaeteka: “Daniel has the ability to dominate a game in the paint. He needs to work harder defensively and learn how to properly protect the rim. Daniel offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well.” Mbaeteka showed some positive flashes at camp, and will certainly be one to monitor over these next two seasons at Northwood Temple.