Team 5

Coach: David Kaplan

 

#14:'5'8 '22 Justin Monden (Heritage)

Starting things off, we look at a player showcased a fairly well-rounded skillset and unselfish approach to the game, Justin Monden. He's a young, smart wiry point guard prospect that offers a nice balance between scoring and playmaking. Monden handles the ball well and proved to be an effective penetrator with the ability to make plays for himself and others. He positions himself properly on defense and already understands how to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as he has all the tools to become an excellent two-way player. Coach Kaplan on Monden: 'Justin is a nice playmaker who has the tools to be an effective distributor. He talked on defense, but can work on sliding his feet and putting on muscle. He showed flashes of making college level plays throughout the day and will be a nice prospect to follow for the next couple years.' Monden showed some exceptional flashes during camp and could be one for college coaches to start monitoring sooner than later.

 

#21:'5'10 '23 William Otto (Broughton)

Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most impressive performer in attendance, William Otto. He's a young, incredibly poised/polished guard prospect with a high-level skillset and the ability to dominate the opposition with his savvy offensive repertoire. Otto scores the ball with efficiency from all three levels while reliably creating for himself and others with craftiness and intelligence. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it will allow him to become a more physical defensive presence. Coach Kaplan on Otto: 'Wow, for a kid who hasn’t even received a syllabus for high school classes yet, he’s light-years ahead of most kids his age as far as basketball IQ. He finds a way to get his primary defender to bite on his fakes and get to the foul line with ease. Will's ability to impact the game in many ways is great. He doesn’t display much emotion, never gets too high and never looks low. He's a total gamer and was a pleasure to coach!' Otto was undeniably effective throughout camp, securing the Mr. Station award while being one of the top scorers, certainly making him one to watch going forward.

 

#30:'6'0 '21 Griffin Hines (Garner)

Moving onto a player that stood out quite regularly with his perimeter shooting, Griffin Hines. He's a high-motor guard prospect that typically works as an off-guard but is capable of operating from either backcourt position. Hines is decently quick and utilizes it well defensively to stay in front of his man. He doesn't force the action on offense and understands how to make the pass to open teammates. Next in his development process is working on his penetration game, as it would complement his shooting/spot-up ability nicely. Coach Kaplan on Hines: 'Griffin has high-level D3 written all over him. When he’s hot, he’s hot from anywhere inside the volleyball line. Griffin is very coachable and can be a 3-and-D guy at the next level if he can take his defense up a level or so. He can also work on having confidence without the ball in his hands.' Hines proved to be a particularly nice threat from beyond the arc during camp and will be one to keep an eye on throughout the next calendar year.

 

#39:'6'1 '22 Mike Best Jr. (Wayne Country Day)

Continuing onto a player that showcased flashes of dominance throughout camp, Mike Best Jr. He's a smart, quick-twitch guard prospect with excellent tone-setting abilities on both ends of the floor. Best controls the tempo well and does a particularly nice job in the open floor, both as a scorer and playmaker. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find even more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Kaplan on Best: 'Mike enjoys playing basketball, it’s not a job for him–it’s his opportunity to do what he loves! He's athletic and can get to the rack at will. His court vision is unreal, as was his between the legs alley-oop that he threw off the backboard in transition! If he develops a consistent jump shot, he’s a mid major D1 player. Currently, he’s already a full scholarship player at a variety of levels. He has a very nice mother/support system. Mike was a joy to coach, I don’t think he needed to re-class, but it sure won’t hurt his recruitment.' Best was one of the most dynamic players on display, securing the co-MVP award, and putting on a show all day long'which should only continue during the upcoming season.

 

#48:'6'1 '21 Savaughn George (Havelock)

Next, we look at a player that was quite productive on both ends of the floor during his time at camp, Savaughn George. He's a long, wiry wing prospect that showed the ability to make hustle plays while consistently asserting his will as a rebounder and slasher. George was great in the open floor, but also scored effectively in the half court and showed the tendency to move without the ball. He proved to be a reliable defender with the ability to switch across multiple positions. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it will allow him to be even more physical on defense. Coach Kaplan on George: 'Savaughn is a solid player that surely does not hurt a team when he’s on the floor. He made some plays and showed glimpses of impressive play. When he becomes more consistent, he’ll have a fair amount of mismatches. If he lives in the weight room, he will be able to play 1-3 and even defend some fours.' George enjoyed a very nice showing at camp and could emerge as a primary option during the upcoming season at Havelock.

 

#55:'6'1 '21 Andre Glover II (SE Raleigh)

Moving onto a player that is just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, Andre Glover II. He's a strong-bodied wing/forward prospect that plays with a strong motor and understands how to operate within the team concept. Glover knocked down some open jumpers during camp while showing the ability to make plays to open teammates. He has solid vision and was able to set up others quite well. Next in his development process is working on his ability to get by defenders and penetrate to the basket, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Kaplan on Glover: 'Andre developed more and more confidence each game, he found the hot hand and did not force any poor shots or turn the ball over many times that I recall. He was also a very good teammate and polite young man.' Glover displayed some nice skills during camp and will be one to keep an eye on throughout his continued progression.

 

#72:'6'4 '21 Nate Willis (Southside Christian)

Continuing onto a player that really stood out with his unselfishness and two-way motor, Nate Willis. He's a long-bodied forward prospect that showed the ability to score in a variety of different ways, both with the ball in his hands and as a spot-up threat along the perimeter. Willis pursues rebounds hard and knows how to find his point guard in transition. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it will likely improve his defensive presence. Coach Kaplan on Willis: 'Nate is a very coachable, nice young man who is an extension of the coach on the floor. He needs to have confidence every time he’s on the floor. You are what you can guard, I'm not sure what position he will play – but he must keep that in mind. He could be a productive player at the right level in the right system/program.' Willis enjoyed a nice showing at camp and could emerge as a productive piece for Southside Christian sooner than later.

 

#81:'6'6 '21 Nick Boone (Knightdale)

Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most impressive rim-protector on display, Nick Boone. He's a long, wiry, high-motor post prospect with tremendous instincts and underrated toughness. Boone possesses touch with either hand and understands how to run the floor effectively in transition. However, his timing and ability as a shot-blocker cannot be overstated. Boone simply knows how to locate the ball, position himself correctly, and swat away one shot attempt after another. He also showed some faceup skills on offense, knocking down multiple midrange and three-point attempts. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll only make him a more dominant defensive anchor. Coach Kaplan on Boone: 'Nick is an absolute shot-blocker! He never took a single play off and he was relentless at blocking shots. He might get in foul trouble at times, since he can often try to go for the homerun block instead of walling-up. Nick seems to still be growing. He's not afraid to step out and shoot straightaway three-pointers and has nice hands for a post player. When he rim-runs, he could easily be a double-double type of player that averages two-plus blocks per game.' Boone will be one to keep an eye on during the upcoming season, as he could put up some big-time numbers.

 

#88:'6'7 '20 Eric Henderson (Atlantic Shores Christian)

Moving onto a player that continues to bring a lot of intrigue with his wide array of tools, Eric Henderson. He's a long, high-motor forward prospect with a quality blend between size, skill, and athleticism. Henderson can operate inside or out and make a nice impact, but is likely more useful inside the paint as a scorer and rebounder. He moves well and displayed the ability to guard multiple positions on the court. Next in his development process is working on being a positive leader by example, as he has all the necessary tools to succeed at the next level. Coach Kaplan on Henderson: 'Eric is gaining interest from at least two college programs and could develop into a steal at the right level. He possesses a lot of skill for a player of his size and knows how to utilize them on both ends of the floor. He seemed like a high academic kid that was very mature and a pleasure to coach.' Henderson enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be one for college programs to keep an eye on, as he could be a great addition for a variety of schools.

 

#93:'6'5 '21 Akhiris Holden (Henderson Collegiate)

Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses an incredible crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Akhiris Holden. He's a long, wiry, athletic wing/forward prospect that plays with an absolutely relentless motor. Holden does a strong amount of everything on both ends of the floor, particularly as a smart, switchable defender with great rebounding/shot-blocking instincts. He moves well without the ball as a cutter, but also showed the ability to push in transition and initiate offense whenever necessary. Holden is a highlight-reel waiting to happen, but still plays within himself and the team concept at all times. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent perimeter shooter, as it would make him a no-brainer Division I prospect. Coach Kaplan on Holden: 'Akhiris has lots of bounce. He's a freaky athletic kid that is going to make his point guards look really, really good when they are on the floor together. He runs the floor hard and frequently plays way above the rim.' Holden was phenomenal throughout camp, securing the Mr. Hustle award in unanimous fashion and putting everyone on notice for what to expect during the upcoming season at Henderson Collegiate.