Phenom Hoops recently released their rankings for the class of 2024 in North Carolina and it certainly is loaded. There are several names that you may recognize, as you can find the full rankings and watch list here (Click Here). There are quite a few forwards/bigs that jump off the list but we wanted to dive into a few more prospects that should be interesting to watch as they continue to develop. Each of these players really has a chance to make even more noise with what they provide and could see their recruitment take off even more.
Again, these are just a few names and many other names could easily find their way onto this list. But here are five players to really watch down the road as they continue to develop.
2024 Maurio Hanson (Ranked: #18 by Phenom Hoops)
Excited to see the future of Hanson. Not only has he continued to develop his overall game and understanding of his game, but he is showing to be an even stronger presence on the floor. At 6’6, Hanson has played a pivotal role for JL Chambers this year but has also had a chance to learn from one of the best ahead of him in 2022 Daniel Sanford. And when his time comes, it seems like he will be ready to showcase even more of what he is capable of providing. Right now though, Hanson shows a nice feel in the paint and a strong post presence and only getting stronger. But he also runs the floor well for his size, displays nice footwork, and crashes the glass. He holds a few offers already but more schools will certainly be looking his way.
2024 Michael Marcus Jr. (Ranked: #36 by Phenom Hoops)
From when we first watched him a few years ago to where he is today, you can see that Marcus has put in the work on the court. Not only has he gotten stronger with his body, but he is also understanding how impactful he can be with his frame, size, and presence. Marcus is becoming more demanding in the paint, being more active on both ends of the court, showing an improved touch offensively, and is more assertive on the glass. At 6’8, Marcus is one that could continue to rise up the ranks the more he develops and should garner more looks his way.
2024 Draven Pilson (Ranked: #32 by Phenom Hoops)
Pilson is an intriguing prospect when you watch his game. He has good size at 6’7 and the one factor in his game that stands out quickly is his ability to operate all over the court and mobility on both ends. He is a good athlete, impacts the game with his length, has a skill set that allows him to produce down low, maneuvers around the court, can step out and runs the floor. Pilson has made strong strides in his game and the future looks bright as he continues to develop and grow. That potential is what makes this young man very intriguing to watch.
2024 Richard Goods (Ranked #30 by Phenom Hoops)
Goods was a name that we didn’t quite know about until we saw him on several occasions this summer. He had several strong performances where he posted terrific numbers and he has played well into his sophomore season at Ben L. Smith. Goods brings a strong frame, is long, mobile, and impacts the game in an array of ways. He really can be all over the boards, getting on the offensive glass for second-chance points but also keeping opponents away on the defensive end. Goods can play physical and through opponents, as well as face up offensively. Where he takes his game from now will be interesting to watch for the 6’7 forward.
2024 Zion Gardner (Ranked #41 by Phenom Hoops)
We haven’t seen too much of Gardner this high school season as of yet but with what we saw at the NC Top 80 last year, Gardner is one to keep an eye on. He already stands at 6’9 at a young age and when you describe his game, this best describes what he can provide.
“He’s a big, mobile, strong-bodied post prospect with a natural understanding of how to make hustle plays and fill in the gaps as needed on both ends of the floor. Gardner is a capable finisher, both in the half-court and transition, but typically makes his biggest impact as a defender and rebounder. He works hard for extra opportunities, alters shots at a strong rate, and rebounds the ball very well at all times.” – NC Top 80 evaluation
He is flying a little under the radar as of right now but when more people/coaches start seeing him and his game, as well as what he provides, Gardner could see a rise in rankings and with his recruitment.