Just because the LIVE period is over in April, doesn't mean that Phenom Hoops is stopping their coverage, as we are bringing you a ton of post-event coverage as well throughout the coming weeks. Let's dive into a few players and teams that we saw at the event, as we shed light on players that performed well throughout.
Upward Stars Carolinas 17u
This is a team that I believe deserves more attention and think that college coaches need to be on now more than later. There are so many players that go under the radar with this team, but it is time to start recognizing the talent.
When you start with this group, I'm first looking at 2024 6'4 Jordan Patton; I believe he is one of the more underrated prospects in the state and I got a feeling he is only going to start his stock rise this summer as he heads into his senior season. Patton is a 6'4 prospect that brings a ton of versatility and does what is needed for his team. You need him to defend, he will do that; you need him to be more assertive as a scorer, he will get it done; you need him to be that energy and make other impact plays, not a problem… It is so easy to see when you watch him, and he should be on so many more radars after his play.
2024 Damani Day is a quality guard that can be that playmaker as well as a shot maker. Day displayed range, as well as his ability to mix it up offensively or seeing the floor. He plays a valuable role for whichever team he is on, and doesn't need the spotlight to be effective. 2024 Sincere Rasul is another guard that excels in making plays off the bounce, creating and getting into the defense, getting paint touches and finishing around the basket. He excels with the ball in his hands and is tough to slow down at times; crafty guard.
One guard that has really impressed and you can see his development continuing is 2025 Sean Dunn. Dunn is a high IQ point guard that handles the ball well, runs the show for his team, reads the floor and finds his teammates well, and plays at a great pace that allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities. He is a sneaky point guard to watch out for in North Carolina. 2025 Levon Jacobs is another prospect to keep an eye on; he has the frame that you like at 6'9 and can operate from multiple areas on the floor. This is a young man that is constantly in the gym and looks to get better and better. He can be a versatile forward, has the ability to step out, and is a utility-type guy.
These are just a few players that we wanted to spotlight but overall, the Upward Stars Carolinas program is one that you will want to get on and check out more all throughout the summer.
