Team 10
Coach: Gerroid Doughty
#52: 5’7 Kevin Young Jr. (Riverside)
Starting things off, we look at a player who made a nice impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Kevin Young Jr. He’s a quick, unselfish point guard prospect with useful defensive instincts and the ability to score the ball from all levels. Young moves well without the ball and knows how to fill in the gaps offensively. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Doughty on Young: “Kevin has good potential. He worked extremely hard in the drill stations. Good ball-handler in the open court, but needs to get stronger with the ball when defenders are guarding him. The good news for him is he’s only a freshman, so he has a great opportunity to improve his game. I liked his shot-selection. He moved very well without the ball. It won’t take long for the word to get out, and that word is watch out for Kevin.” Young enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and will be one to monitor over the coming years at Riverside.
#61: 5’10 LJ Rush (1 of 1 Academy)
Next, we look at a player who already possesses an extremely impressive, productive identity, LJ Rush. He’s a smart, crafty point guard prospect with sharp vision, terrific pace, and a tight handle. Rush runs a team with poise, sets up others at a high volume, and scores effectively from all levels. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would allow him to absorb even more contact when attacking the basket. Coach Doughty on Rush: “Lybrant, better known to me as LJ, is not only a top basketball player—he’s a top athlete. If you watch him play, he showcases a ton of basketball IQ. He can pass, shoot, rebound, and finish at the rim with authority. For his size, he possesses incredible leaping ability. LJ can lead a team, too. I love to see him shut down his assignment on defense. He’s a three-level scorer and two-way player. By the time he’s a senior, every college in the country should know his name. Look out basketball world, here he comes.” Rush did a lot of things well at camp, and should be poised for a strong upcoming season at 1 of 1 Academy.
#64: 6’4 Taurean McKinnon (Lake Norman)
Moving onto a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Taurean McKinnon. He’s a long, athletic wing prospect with an excellent frame and the ability to impact a game with or without the ball in his hands. McKinnon understands how to fill in the gaps offensively while causing problems for his assignment as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him even more physically imposing for opponents. Coach Doughty on McKinnon: “Taurean had a great camp. He worked hard in the drills and throughout the games. I could easily see him logging major minutes as a freshman. I was impressed with his shooting and overall effort. Mr. McKinnon utilizes his size really well and plays up to his height. His vision and court sense are there, he could just use a little more work on passing. He’ll be on the radar of college coaches for sure.” McKinnon made a consistent impact at camp, and will be one to watch emerge for Lake Norman going forward.
#74: 6’0 Joseph Youakim (Providence Day)
Continuing onto a player who made a lasting impression through his motor and overall adaptability, Joseph Youakim. He’s a tough, scrappy guard prospect with a clear desire to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge. Youakim can run the team, apply scoring pressure, and reliably contain his assignment defensively. He displays great feel and consistently outworks opponents on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Doughty on Youakim: “Joseph is a strong player. He was wearing a brace, but it didn’t seem to bother his game. He was a scorer and a facilitator when we needed. He passed the ball very well and even passed teammates open at times. Joseph is a heady point guard who I’ll be keeping eyes on for sure.” Youakim made a steady impact during his time at camp, and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for Providence Day.
#76: 6’1 Caiden Jenkins (Word of God)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a pretty impressive all-around skillset and identity, Caiden Jenkins. He’s a long, wiry, high-motor guard prospect with exceptional quickness and the ability to touch the paint at a high volume. Jenkins finishes well, hits jumpers at a nice percentage, and outworks his assignment on the glass. He’s also a scrappy defender with great anticipation. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to more scoring opportunities. Coach Doughty on Jenkins: “Caiden was active all camp. He can play both guard spots, but seemed to prefer playing the off-guard position. Caiden has great speed and quickness. He needs to raise his feel by watching more game film. He can penetrate with ease but needs to make better team decisions when he does. The next step in his maturation process is to become more of a team leader. I have no doubt he’ll get there.” Jenkins highlighted a lot of ability at camp, and will be one to watch progress over the next few years at Word of God.
#127: 6’1 Aydin Wynn (Greensboro Day)
Moving onto a player who did an excellent job of capitalizing on his opportunities within the flow of the action, Aydin Wynn. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish mentality, and the ability to impact the game with or without the ball in his hands. Wynn is a reliable midrange shooter who mixes it up offensively. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Doughty on Wynn: “Aydin has long arms and a lanky frame. He covers a lot of ground quickly. He’s a true team player. He moves well without the ball, but needs to learn how to move to score without the ball. Aydin jumps high to grab rebounds on the defensive end, but I’d like to see more of that on the offensive glass as well. Aydin is a player. If he continues to work hard, he has a very high ceiling.” Wynn made his presence felt during his time at camp, and should be able to steadily emerge for Greensboro Day over the coming years.
#136: 6’3 William Galloway (Cannon)
Continuing onto a player who already knows how to impact the game through his unselfish nature, William Galloway. He’s a long, fairly sturdy wing/forward prospect with a nice rebounding sense and the ability to knock down jumpers at a respectable rate. Galloway moves well without the ball and shows a willingness to get back on defense in transition situations. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Doughty on Galloway: “William is a player to keep your eye on. With continued growth, he can be a special player. William needs to get in the weight room more to improve his strength. He’s a cool customer with poise. He has a high school basketball frame. He leaps for rebounds and secures the ball with two hands, which is rare for a player of his age. We will keep watching his maturation. William is a coachable, unselfish player who loves the game.” Galloway did a variety of things well at camp, and should be able to carve out a nice role sooner than later for Cannon.
#139: 6’3 Josiah Johnson-Freeman (Northside Christian)
Next, we look at a player who has steadily earned a reputation as one of the more intriguing names in his class, Josiah Johnson-Freeman. He’s a tough, skilled, well-rounded wing prospect with great size, a high motor, and the ability to naturally do everything on the court. Johnson-Freeman touches the paint at a high volume, where he’s able to finish or create opportunities for others, but also knocks down jumpers with consistency. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Doughty on Johnson-Freeman: “If this is your first time hearing Josiah’s name, go ahead and lock it into your memory. This guy is a Christmas gift for any coach. Watch him play and you’ll see why. His versatility is limitless. He could use a little more effort rebounding. The next step in his maturation is continuing to raise his basketball IQ. Fun player to watch.” Johnson-Freeman enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and will be a prospect to monitor closely over the coming years with Northside Christian.
#149: 6’5 Lee Podger (Cary)
Moving onto a player who stood out through his willingness to adapt to whatever the team needed, Lee Podger. He’s a big, sturdy, well-rounded forward prospect with the ability to finish, space the floor, and secure rebounds on either side of the ball. Podger understands how to make hustle plays and do the dirty work whenever available. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Doughty on Podger: “If you watch our games from this camp, you probably heard me call the name ‘Lee’ a lot, but it wasn’t for many mistakes. Most of the comments were complimentary. He did many things well today and had a very good showing at camp. The best thing he did all day was being coachable. He shot the ball and played defense well. He’s a great addition to any high school program. I can’t wait to see him continue to develop over the next twelve months.” Podger made a strong impact during his time at camp, and should be poised for a productive upcoming season at Cary.
#182: 6’7 Justin Caldwell (Trinity Christian)
Finishing up, we look at a player who already showcases flashes of dominance on both ends of the floor, Justin Caldwell. He’s a smart, strong, well-rounded forward/post prospect with toughness, footwork, and impressive scoring prowess. Caldwell finishes at a high volume, shoots the ball with consistency, and possesses a terrific array of moves out of the post. He’s also a quality athlete with length, motor, and an unselfish approach. Next in his development process is working on his passing ability out of the post, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Doughty on Caldwell: “Mr. Caldwell is an outstanding post player. He surprised me with his ability to take people off the dribble from the perimeter. He goes up strong for basket and rebounds. Justin is quick off his feet for first and second shot opportunities. He has the ability to take over games. Justin’s best asset is his basketball IQ, which is very high for a freshman. I’d expect him to be a Top 80 kid over the coming years.” Caldwell showcased a lot of ability at camp, and will be one to monitor closely going forward.