This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for a variety of high-level basketball. Our Phenom Post-Grad Nationals began on Friday while the Hoopstate Championship and Spring Tip-Off Classic kicked-off on Saturday—making for an exciting weekend. While most of my coverage took place on the Spring Tip-Off Classic side, we still had extensive viewings of the Post-Grad Nationals on Friday. Let’s take a closer look at a few prospects who college coaches should be heavily prioritizing…
6’3 Jules Bikoy (Fork Union)
Though Fork Union showcased an interesting variety of next-level talent, Jules Bikoy arguably stood out as their most enticing prospect. Shockingly, the strong, skilled, athletic wing prospect only holds a lone Division I offer (Towson) at this point in time. Bikoy is tough, exudes confidence, and epitomizes leadership in all facets of the game. He communicates well, looks to make the smartest possible play as the offensive focal point, and consistently produces on both ends of the floor. Bikoy actively mixed up his approach, showing the ability to score with efficiency from all levels while setting up others at a quality rate. He possesses a high motor, muscular frame, and is capable of outworking his assignment on the glass with relative ease. Bikoy also defends multiple positions and regularly makes his presence felt in transition. All in all, he should hold at least a handful of offers at this point in time.
6’3 Lovell Smith (Winston-Salem Christian)
If production and/or leadership still hold merit amongst college coaches, then Lovell Smith should have way more action within his recruitment. From the immediate glance, he possesses a long, physical frame with IQ, skill, and obvious athleticism. Smith regularly stepped up as the undisputed all-around leader of this group, but also displayed the understanding and willingness to set up and defer to his teammates whenever necessary. He’s able to apply scoring pressure from all three levels, and typically looks to take advantage of what the opposition gives him as opposed to forcing the action. Smith is also capable of being a defensive menace, showing the tools to block shots and force turnovers against multiple positions. Between his production, body of work, and continued upside, Smith should have obvious appeal for a ton of different programs.
6’9 Chase McKey (The Skill Factory)
Of all the prospects to come through our doors multiple times over the last calendar year, arguably no one has improved as much as Chase McKey. The Skill Factory’s long, wiry forward prospect went from somewhat timid and unsure of himself to productive and able to truly excel within a low-maintenance role on both ends of the floor. McKey simply makes plays, and understands how to do so within the flow of the team structure. He’s quite skilled, especially for his size, and can pass, handle, and shoot the ball at an impressive level for his position. McKey looks to make the right play whenever possible and is equally as effective at finding opportunities with or without the ball in his hands. He’s also a useful athlete with the ability to control the glass while protecting the rim. McKey definitely has the makings of a Division I player, so it’ll be interesting to see what programs get involved going forward.