On Tuesday afternoon, Phenom Hoops started our open gym tour with a stop in Wake Forest for a look at the Heritage Huskies. They’re coming off of coach Gibson Pyper’s first year at the helm, in which he improved the Huskies’ win total from four to 14.
6’2” 2025 Jon Mwanda
Mwanda will have a breakout year this winter after having a quietly productive summer with All Carolina. He’s always been athletic, physical, and good in the open floor and it seems as though he’s taken the next step as a shooter heading into this winter. He was lights out all workout, was virtually automatic when left open, and still created a healthy amount of paint touches. He’s grown as a decision maker over the past 12 months and should be in for a highly productive season. Mwanda currently holds an offer from Colby College.
6’6” 2025 Levi Beckwith
Beckwith was the clear vocal leader for this group all afternoon. He led the Huskies in scoring and rebounding last season. He’s taken great strides physically, improving his conditioning, speed, and overall motor. On top of that, he still provides great shooting and decision making from the hybrid forward spot. He has a natural feel for the game, is able to create mismatches in the post or on the perimeter, and can play a variety of roles at the next level.
6’5” 2026 Ryder Strand
Strand continues to be one of the triangle’s best kept secrets. He’s a legit 6’5” with real shooting chops (42% from 3 as a sophomore) and athletic pop. He’s a capable straight line driver who will finish above the rim if defenses aren’t careful. He has good instincts defensively and is constantly in passing lanes and making contests at the rim from the weak side. He seems to get more comfortable and confident with each viewing and is poised for a substantial uptick in production this year. Don’t be surprised if he warrants attention from a myriad of scholarship level coaches in the next 12 months.
6’1” 2026 Cam Jones
Jones plays an athletic, fast paced style and has steadily improved as a jump shooter from his freshman season to now. He’s an explosive playmaker, especially in the open court, and has the ability to be a vital two-way piece to this team this year. Given his improved shooting ability and his ability to get downhill, Jones should fit in nicely alongside the Huskies’ senior duo as someone who can attack closeouts and make plays consistently.
5’10” 2025 Gavin Montera
Montera will bring consistent energy, shooting prowess, and veteran leadership this winter. He was a key piece of their JV squad two years ago and, despite a limited role last year, appears ready to handle more responsibility. He shot 36% from three last year on 1.2 attempts per game and it seems likely that he’ll be able to keep up similar efficiency on (potentially) much higher usage this season.
6’2” 2026 Ben Heynen
Heynen will provide steady, low-maintenance minutes off the bench this year for the Huskies. He’s a quality shooter with a good IQ and a great understanding of how to impact winning within his role. He was one of the best players on their JV squad last year and should make a smooth transition into the rotation.
5’11” 2027 Liam Wilson
Wilson stood out arguably more than anyone in the workout simply thanks to his non-stop motor. The kid plays as hard as anyone you’ll find and it’s a big reason why the Husky coaching staff are as excited as they are about him, pointing him out to me as an underclassman who they think will have a breakout year. He understands the game, doesn’t do too much, and guards as well as anyone on the roster. Look for him to play important minutes this year and beyond.
6’3” 2028 Shawn Williams
Williams is a player full of upside as he has an array of impressive physical tools. He’s a legit 6’3” with big feet and a frame that should fill out nicely down the road. While his skillset is raw now, look out for him to be a productive piece for this program as early as next season.