On Tuesday night, Phenom Hoops went out in the Charlotte area to check in with the Charlotte Royals once again, this time looking at the 2023 team. This is a group that has quite a few new names but also plays that are learning the game and could certainly be prospects to watch down the road. All part of the 2023 class, here is our breakdown of the team as we attended their media day.
2023 Thomas White
- Long guard that helps provide this team another ball-handler but also does a good job in moving without the ball and finding the open spots on the floor. Really looks for his outside shot and stretches the floor.
2023 RJ Milliken
- The leader and point guard for this team, Milliken is a player that is shifty with the basketball, creates well for himself and for others, and is a scrappy defender as well. He is a real coach on the floor with good ball-handling skills.
2023 Bayliss Williams
- Williams is one that has continued to grow with his game and his size. Standing at 6'5 now, he can operate in several areas and create a mismatch, whether he stretches it from outside and knocks down shots from the perimeter but also shows nice footwork around the rim.
2023 EJ Davis
- Quick guard that can be effective on both ends of the floor. Quick defender, really getting into his opponent but also gets to his spots and can be a threat from outside. Shifty, quick ball-handler as well.
2023 Cole Perodeau
- The 5'11 guard is fundamentally sound in several areas of the floor. You can see he has a nice understanding and feel for the game on both sides, plays with a good IQ, is patient with the ball in his hands and can also create for himself off the dribble or knock down shots. Terrific in penetrating the lane and scoring.
2023 Cameron Glass
- Cameron is a new name to monitor. He quickly captures your eyes with his physicality and strength at 6'5 but he is still raw in his game, being more consistent in finishing. But with his size, body, and frame, along with his skillset of playing inside and out, Glass brings intrigue as he continues to learn the game.
2023 Kendarion Thomas
- Thomas is a versatile 6'2 combo guard that can be placed in multiple areas and creates positives minutes. Like his vocal leadership and patience on the floor, sees the floor well, and makes good decisions on the court.
2023 Jace Ramirez
- Ramirez brings more size to the table at 6'6. Displays nice footwork and the ability to get defenders in the air, while also finishing with nice touch in the paint. Has terrific hands as a young big.
2023 Russell Hawkins
- Russell may be one of the smoothest players on the team and plays with a terrific eye/IQ on the court. He plays well off the ball, moving to find openings in the defense but also is terrific in creating for himself and for others with the ball in his hands. Three-level scorer and consistent.
2023 Nolan Maske
- Maske could be a sleeper as he learns the game. He already has the 6'6, long frame but also brings the most bounce to the court. A high-riser at the rim that can finish strong and runs the floor, he could be one that starts making a little more noise this summer. This is his first year playing basketball and there is potential in flashes with his game.
2023 Nazir Williams-Stanfill
- Nazir brings the size and meat down low, really being able to carve out space with his frame, body up defenders, and bring a force down low. He showcases big hands and is continuing to develop his overall feel offensively.
Even though they weren't available for practice, 2023 Luke Brigman and 2023 Brock McCoy will also be two nice pieces that will help provide depth for this team.
