Team 2
Coach: Smith
#11: 5'6 '23 Nick Cuaresma (Homeschooled)
Starting things off, we look at a player that worked extremely hard and looked to make an impact however possible, Nick Cuaresma. He's a young guard prospect with a strong motor, showing a consistent willingness to do the dirty work and make hustle plays on both ends of the floor. Cuaresma knocked down multiple perimeter jumpers and looked to make the extra pass whenever available. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will make him a more reliable finisher around the basket. Coach Smith on Cuaresma: 'Nick is a younger prospect that needs to continue to gain confidence going into his high school career. He has a great attitude and wants to compete at a high level to improve his game. He must prioritize defensive intensity and ball-handling. Once that happens, he will grow into a nice player.' Cuaresma gave great effort during his time at camp and should continue working to maximize his long-term potential.
#24: 5'11 '23 David Tator (Panther Creek)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a solid skillset and amount of polish for his age, David Tator. He's a young, well-rounded guard prospect with an unselfish approach and a nice two-way feel for the game. Tator can handle the ball and create for himself or others but also works well without the ball as a cutter and spot-up threat. He displayed an active motor on both sides of the ball throughout camp, able to force turnovers/secure extra possessions and push the ball ahead to open teammates. Next in his development process is working to become a better rebounder, as he has the necessary size and instincts to make an impact on the glass. Coach Smith on Tator: 'I absolutely loved David's intensity and effort during the event. He had a few great catch and shoot moment that led to big momentum shifts in favor of our team. IQ is the key. If he becomes a player that consistently talks on defense and finds the open man then he will be fun to watch going forward.' Tator is very young and has a lot of tools to work with, which should allow for steady growth over the coming years.
#27: 5'11 '21 Tyler Gill (Trinity Academy of Raleigh)
Moving onto a player that stood out as one of the most impressive all-around defenders in attendance, Tyler Gill. He's a long, wiry lead guard prospect with IQ, quickness and an unselfish two-way mentality. Gill does a lot of things well on offense, handling the ball, setting up others, and attacking the basket, but his defensive presence is simply game-changing. His ability to remove operating space, force turnovers, and anchor the defense as a leader/communicator was noticeable and provided his team with momentum throughout camp. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a perimeter shooter, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Smith on Gill: 'Tyler's defensive intensity was awesome! Multiple times during the event, he locked down his man, forced a turnover, and finished aggressively at the rim. With the addition of a consistent jumper, he has a chance to be an awesome player that can compete at a high level.' Gill certainly has the tools and intangibles necessary to alter a game and will be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#42: 6'1 '21 Benjamin Hines (Garner)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably the most reliable perimeter shooter in attendance at camp, Benjamin Hines. He's a wiry guard prospect that really knows how to apply pressure as a shooter, particularly as a spot-up threat. Hines typically works without the ball to find open space and knock down jumpers, but also has solid ball-handling and creation skills. He's able to attack closeouts and make plays off the bounce, but knows and embraces his role quite well on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it will make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Smith on Hines: 'Burner! I loved coaching Ben! He's a great kid that is emotionally constant and can score off the bounce or catch. To take the next step in his game, he needs to be a lock down defender and consistent ball-handler. Expect big things from him down the line.' Hines is known for his shooting but showcased a little bit of everything at camp and should have a productive upcoming season at Garner.
#45: 6'1 '21 Luke Williams (Davie)
Next, we look at a player that was quietly willing to do whatever possible to give his team an edge, Luke Williams. He's a wiry guard prospect that simply knows how to play hard and make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Williams doesn't force the action, plays within the team concept, and takes advantage of his offensive touches quite well. He has a strong motor that he utilizes well, especially in transition and on defense. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would make him a more physical rebounder and overall defender. Coach Smith on Williams: 'Luke has one of the best attitudes you could have at camp. He took feedback very well and had two impressive finishes with his left hand. The next step for him is to be more aggressive at attacking the basket and confident when going up for rebounds. He has an exciting future for sure.' Williams had a nice showing at camp and should emerge as a solid contributor, especially with continued work.
#58: 6'4 '21 Reese Evans (Green Hope)
Moving onto a player that offered his team with a very intriguing skillset and two-way approach, Reese Evans. He's a long-bodied forward with solid versatility and the ability to contribute nicely on both ends of the floor. Evans penetrates well and finishes strong around the basket but can also knock down the midrange jumper on occasion. He's a menace defensively with his ability to jump into passing lanes and force turnovers while constantly fighting for rebounds. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Smith on Evans: 'I could coach a player like Reese any day of the week! His attitude and motor are ridiculous and literally impacted the game at all times. The next step for him is to develop a reliable jumper. That, in combo with his ability to attack, will be almost unstoppable.' Evans proved to be quite effective during camp and has the tools to be a nice contributor during the upcoming season.
#61: 6'2 '22 Timothy Randolph (James Kenan)
Continuing onto a player that made an incredibly lasting impression with his motor and two-way rebounding ability, Timothy Randolph. He's a long, athletic wing/forward prospect that impacts the game nicely from inside the arc. Randolph has a solid jumper but typically scores most of his points from off-ball cutting and second-chance buckets on rebounds. He has a solid handle and is capable of attacking the basket effectively from the wing. However, Randolph's motor was what separated him from other players, as he was able to reliably outwork the opposition for eight to ten rebounds a game. Next in his development process is working to add a reliable three-point jumper to his arsenal, as it would make him a more useful offensive threat. Coach Smith on Randolph: 'Timothy has an incredible motor! He made multiple game-saving plays based on his athleticism and work ethic alone. Boxing out was consistently a priority for him as well. He needs to develop a consistent jumper to take his game to the next level.' Randolph made his impact felt throughout camp and could be a player to watch progress going forward.
#75: 6'4 '20 Vernon Fraley (Wakefield)
Next, we look at a player that arguably stood out as the main glue-guy of his team during camp, Vernon Fraley. He's a strong-bodied wing/forward prospect with IQ, size, strength, and nice two-way versatility. Fraley utilizes his sturdy frame extremely well to absorb contact as a rebounder and finisher through contact. He handles the ball well, especially for his size, and does a great job of grabbing rebounds and then immediately pushing the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Smith on Fraley: 'I loved the passion that Vernon played with throughout the day. He took feedback really well and put his opponents in tough spots all game long. He was at his best when he was attacking the basket and mixing in a smooth midrange jumper. To take a step, he will need to extend his range beyond the three-point arc and guard smaller, quicker players.' Fraley went about his business throughout the day and could be poised for a big-time senior season at Wakefield.
#78: 6'5 '20 Colin Radcliffe (Living Water)
Moving onto a player that continues to attend and showcase a full arsenal of tools at camp, Colin Radcliffe. He's an extremely well-rounded wing prospect with the ability to play in a variety of different roles. Radcliffe has IQ, size, athleticism, and efficient three-level scoring ability, making him an absolute mismatch for most opponents at the high school level. He has no real weaknesses and does a terrific job of leading by example on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Coach Smith on Radcliffe: 'I loved coaching Colin during this event! He was at his best when he was attacking the basekt and pushing the ball up the court. He did a great job of finishing through contact. Once he becomes quick enough to guard smaller players, he will be tough going forward.' Radcliffe already has all the necessary tools to have a lot of success at the collegiate level, so it'll be interesting to see what programs get involved over the next calendar year.
#85: 6'7 '20 Nick Farrar (Apex Friendship)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses an impressive crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Nick Farrar. He's a big, strong-bodied forward with the versatility to play inside or out with relative ease. Farrar has a strong motor and knows how to utilize it to dominate his assignment on both ends of the floor. He's a capable three-level scorer with IQ and athleticism, making him a matchup problem on both ends of the floor. Farrar rebounds the ball well and will only get more explosive with time and body maturation. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him even tougher for opponents to contain along the perimeter. Coach Smith on Farrar: 'Nick is a very coachable player. He's dominant when driving to the rim and has the range to make him a very tough assignment. Two areas to work on would be having a business-like approach to every possession and guarding smaller players when necessary. It will be so much fun to watch Nick at NC State.' It's easy to see the appeal with Farrar, who is still just beginning to harness his talent and will be one to keep an eye on at the next level.
