Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Derin Saran
Class: 2023
Committed to: UC Irvine
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“Derin Saran already has a pretty healthy collection of offers and could commit at any point in time. However, that shouldn’t deter more programs from getting involved with the extremely heady, playmaking point guard. Saran is easily one of the best passers to come through North Carolina in recent memory. His blend of IQ, craftiness, and overall pace allows him to touch the paint at will, make excellent reads, and apply scoring pressure or set up his teammates at a seemingly nonstop rate. Watching him run a team is truly a thing of beauty, as he’s a natural leader who will adapt to whatever is needed of him.”
“Saran simply was just being Saran once again, as the point guard was dishing and scoring like he has been doing all season long. The unsigned senior point guard plays with a strong feel for the game and can light up the floor with his ability to dish passes and set up his teammates, but also get into a defense and find ways to score. Saran has been incredibly consistent all season long and did so once again with another strong showing at the Carmel MLK.”
“It was a slow start for Saran but that was mostly because Christ School was double-teaming and looking to get the ball out of his hands. But what is so intriguing about his game is that when he isn’t scoring, he is facilitating and setting up his teammates extremely well; on-target passes for easy buckets. But the second half, he started to show more of his playmaking and scoring ability, displaying terrific craft in making plays off the dribble, scoring strong, and putting pressure on the defense.”
“Given the rarity of true point guards nowadays, someone like Saran is simply that much easier to appreciate. He’s the best floor general in the state, offering craftiness and toughness to go with his unique feel and playmaking sense. Saran gets wherever he wants on the floor, takes care of the ball, and makes intelligent decisions on seemingly every possession. He attacks the basket and finishes, but can also knock down jumpers if needed. Saran is also a capable defender with great anticipation and the ability to push the break off of rebounding chances. He holds a collection of offers, so it’ll be exciting to see where he ultimately decides to further his playing career.”