After many years of working in grassroots basketball, one begins to realize just how many players you ultimately see playing in the NBA, G-League, or professionally overseas. Just last week, we took a closer look at the participants who were selected for the All-Star contest—and five of the 24 previously played in Phenom Hoops events. While there is no correlation between the two, it’s just a cool exercise to see the number of guys who elevated from being a young high-school player to someone who impacts the game at its highest possible level. This isn’t just applicable to our events, as we watched many future NBA guys at shoe-circuit sessions or at nationally recognized events. We won’t go into great detail on every player, but rather just look at some of the names from Phenom Hoops over the last six or so years. (There are plenty of names that could likely be added from before the six/seven-year period stated above)
Grant Williams
Nic Claxton
Cam Thomas
Day’Ron Sharpe
Dennis Smith
Mark Williams
Bryce McGowens
Coby White
Patrick Williams
Josh Green
Jaren Jackson
Ja Morant
Cole Anthony
TyTy Washington
Aaron Nesmith
Thomas Bryant
Desmond Bane
Wendell Moore
Trey Murphy
Dereon Seabron
Zion Williamson
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Lu Dort
Aaron Wiggins
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Wendell Carter
Jaden Springer
Josh Okogie
Keon Johnson
John Butler
Keldon Johnson
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Isaiah Todd
Expand the list to NBA guys personally seen since 2016:
Anthony Edwards
Jordan Poole
James Wiseman
Moses Moody
Cade Cunningham
Jonathan Kuminga
KJ Martin
Bol Bol
Moses Brown
Moussa Diabate
BJ Boston
Dalen Terry
Jalen Duren
Max Christie
Cole Swider
Naji Marshall
EJ Liddell
Kira Lewis
Immanuel Quickley
RJ Barrett
Cam Reddish
Darius Bazley
Franz Wagner
Caleb Houstan
Chuma Okeke
Tyrese Maxey
Precious Achiuwa
Walker Kessler
Collin Sexton
Monte Morris
Vernon Carey
JD Davidson
