Team 12
Coach: Antonio Lowe
#13: 6’0 ’20 Arrington Jones (Atkins)
Starting things off, we look at a player that knows how to run a successful team on both ends of the floor, Arrington Jones. He’s a quick, smart point guard prospect that offers a strong balance between scoring and playmaking. Jones is vocal and does a great job of setting his teammates up on offense, always getting the team into sets and looking to pass to the open man whenever possible. He sees the floor well and is capable of scoring efficiently from all three levels, through he prefers to shoot as opposed to penetrate. He works hard on defense and was able to force a few turnovers on the day. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to play alongside another primary ball-handler with relative ease. Coach Lowe on Jones: “Arrington was the best verbal leader on this team. He needs to improve his shot-making off the dribble. He maintained a positive attitude and proved to be a quality teammate.” Jones is a great leader that understands how to play the game the right way and get his teammates involved, which was a massive part of his productive showing at camp.
#40: 6’2 ’21 Joel Baucom (Davidson Day)
Next, we look at a player that stood out with his ability to consistently make plays without needing to force the action or assert his presence, Joel Baucom. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect that doesn’t necessarily require the ball to make an impact. Baucom has an exceptional feel for the game and is truly capable of operating within a variety of different roles, given his blend of shooting, playmaking, and ability to fill in the gaps. He is simply a player that every coach would like to have on the floor, as he simply adds a useful presence and makes the right play with regularity. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would add an entirely new dimension to his game. Coach Lowe on Baucom: “Joel shot the ball really well in our second game of the day, but can continue to work on setting his feet quicker when spotting-up. He maintained a positive attitude and unselfish approach throughout camp.” Baucom is very unassuming, but truly knows the game and consistently outworked his assignment, which should certainly make him a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
#41: 6’4 ’22 Michael Zanoni (Providence Day)
Moving onto a player that currently sits at an intriguing crossroads between productivity and long-term potential, Michael Zanoni. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect that showcases a quality feel for the game and a firm understanding of how to operate within the team concept. Zanoni is a phenomenal three-point shooter, especially off the catch, and can really get going from the perimeter. He plays within himself but also knows how to take advantage of open opportunities. Zanoni showed a little bit of creation skills and made the right play whenever possible, but can continue to expand that area of his game. He’s very poised and mature for his age, which is certainly encouraging for his growth going forward. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would help make him a better penetrator and finisher through contact. Coach Lowe on Zanoni: “Michael took a while to gain confidence but proved to be a good shooter from the perimeter. He displayed a good attitude and was able to work as a strong spot-up option.” Zanoni has the mentality and all the necessary tools to become an exceptional prospect sooner than later, so it’ll be exciting to watch his continued progression.
#42: 6’2 ’20 Max Rogers (Tuscola)
Continuing onto a player that simply knows how to make his presence consistently felt on both sides of the ball, Max Rogers. He’s a fairly well-rounded guard prospect that scores the ball effortlessly from all three levels. Rogers is a really polished scorer that can create for himself or operate without the ball and apply pressure. He’s a threat to shoot it upon crossing half-court, but rarely forces the action and does an excellent job of operating within the team concept. Rogers does a nice job of working hard for rebounds while containing his assignment on defense. Next in his development process is working on the overall use of his off-hand when looking to finish around the basket, as it would open up additional scoring opportunities. Coach Lowe on Rogers: “Max has a great passion for the game. He makes the right plays at a nice rate and displayed a good-looking three-point shot. Max had a positive attitude and was a good teammate throughout the day.” Rogers is a great complementary player that can truly thrive with any group of teammates, given his unselfishness and shot-making ability, which should make him an excellent fit with Team Winston this summer.
#63: 6’4 ’20 Ford Cooper (United Faith)
Next, we look at a player that already possesses a very well-rounded skillset but looks likely to continue improving, Ford Cooper. He’s a smart, strong-bodied guard prospect with great size and the ability to overwhelm his assignment quite regularly on offense. Cooper has terrific range on his jumper and isn’t afraid to let it fly from anywhere beyond the arc, which he knocks down at a pretty reliable clip. That being said, he mixes it up quite regularly and penetrates well, which allows him to make plays for himself and others at a strong rate from within the paint. Next in his development process is working to become more explosive, as it would unlock an entirely new realm of possibilities for him on both ends of the floor. Coach Lowe on Cooper: “Ford is a good competitor that knows the game. He made some really tough shots off the dribble and maintained a positive attitude throughout the day.” Cooper is a really intriguing floor general that knows how to effectively go about his business and simply get things done on both sides of the ball, so it’ll be interesting to see what other Division I programs will get involved going forward.
#73: 6’5 ’20 Jalen King Joiner (Piedmont Classical)
Moving onto a player that was able to have a pretty productive showing during his time at camp, Jalen King Joiner. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect that stands out with his ability to set the tone on defense. That being said, Joiner is also capable of scoring on offense and does a great job of filling in the gaps with his motor and off-ball cutting. His jumper has looked more consistent over the last few months, but his ability to attack the basket and play above the rim is still probably his most reliable scoring avenue. He rebounds the ball well, thrives in transition, and does a great job of operating within the team concept. Next in his development process is working on his shooting consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him a nightmare matchup for most opponents. Coach Lowe on Joiner: “Jalen played hard and showed that he’s really good at going to the basket, especially in transition. He made some shots but settled too often. Jalen maintained a positive attitude throughout camp.” Joiner is blessed with a lot of physical tools and does a particularly great job of outworking his assignment, which should allow him to stand out with his Team Wall Southeast squad.
#74: 6’5 ’20 Josh Banks (Olympic)
Continuing onto a player that stood out with his downright dominant two-way showing at camp, Josh Banks. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect with a tremendous skillset and the ability to make his presence consistently felt on both ends of the floor. Banks scored the ball extremely well from all three levels and did so with phenomenal efficiency, but also showed a willingness to get others involved whenever possible. He rebounded, set the tone defensively, and simply led by example in every facet of the game. Banks was exceptional in transition and overwhelmed his assignment from start to finish. Next in his development process is continuing to sharpen his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him virtually unstoppable on offense. Coach Lowe on Banks: “Josh is a really good player that stood out as the only player on our team to take a change. He played team ball and maintained a positive attitude throughout the day.” Banks was easily one of the most impressive all-around performers on display and actually secured the Mr. Defense award with relative ease. He should be a likely breakout candidate over the next calendar year with Team United and Olympic High School.
#78: 6’5 ’20 Ricky Council IV (Southern Durham)
Next, we look at a player that has all the necessary tools to find great success at the next level, Ricky Council IV. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect with unbelievable three-level scoring chops and the ability to apply pressure whenever and wherever he desires. Council generates clean looks with relative ease and shows no fear of defensive pressure when rising up. He is a powerful athlete that welcomes all challengers at the rim, but also displays quality quickness and end-to-end speed. Council possesses quality vision and is a capable playmaker when he looks to create for others. He’s a well-rounded defender that does a quality job of containing his assignment, forcing turnovers, and pushing transition play. Next in his development process is working on playing with a consistent motor, as it would allow him to truly dominate his assignment on both sides of the ball. Coach Lowe on Council: “Ricky is an explosive scorer and athlete with an excellent array of skills. He has a lot of talent and should continue to grow.” Council was among the most exciting performers at camp and looks increasingly poised to enjoy an extremely productive upcoming season.
#100: 6’7 ’22 Shane Fernald (Mount Pleasant)
Moving onto a player that has a useful skillset to pair with his clear long-term potential, Shane Fernald. He’s a long, wiry forward prospect that has a glue-guy type of skillset and shows the ability to affect various facets of the game. Fernald highlighted his scoring ability decently well throughout camp and was able to score from all three levels. He was at his best when operating in the paint and looking to finish strong around the basket. Fernald didn’t necessarily look like his typical self at camp, but certainly has the necessary tools to become a very productive player. Next in his development process is working on his craftiness as a ball-handler, as it would likely help him be a more impactful penetrator and creator. Coach Lowe on Fernald: “Shane didn’t have a very good day on the court, but maintained a solid attitude and showed flashes of being a good player. He has clear skills, it’s just about him learning how to put it all together.” Fernald is already very intriguing and should still be viewed as a quality two-way prospect going forward, as he’s only going to get better.
#119: 6’11 ’20 Francesco Borra (Tri-City Christian)
Finishing up, we look at a player that currently sits at an intriguing crossroads between productivity and long-term potential, Francesco Borra. He’s a big, strong-bodied center prospect with a special blend of throwback and modern day qualities. Borra is capable of stepping out to the perimeter and applying pressure as a spot-up threat from midrange or beyond, but typically looks to set up near the basket and work out of the low post. He possesses excellent touch with either hand and can effectively work over either shoulder with relative ease. Borra utilizes his body well to clear out space for rebounds and absorb contact when looking to finish at the basket. Next in his development process is continuing to work on getting in basketball condition, as it will likely improve his ability to run the floor. Coach Lowe on Borra: “Francesco is a great spot-up shooter with good footwork in the post. He’s somewhat slow and can work on becoming quicker, as it will help him be more decisive when making his move.” Borra is only going to continue trending upward, given his physical tools, wide array of skills, and constantly improving physique. He’ll be a fun prospect to watch progress, especially during the upcoming summer season with Team CP3.