Team 9
Coach: Dre Simmons
#9: 5’11 ’21 Gavin Gillikin (West Carteret)
Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out as the hardest worker on this team, Gavin Gillikin. He’s a well-rounded point guard prospect that displayed the ability to operate with or without the ball and find quality success. Gillikin plays with a high motor and did an excellent job of creating havoc on the defensive end. He contained his on-ball assignment well, forced turnovers at a decent rate, and pushed the ball ahead to teammates in transition whenever possible. Gillikin also knocked down shots along the perimeter, both off the catch and dribble, and emphasized his team-first approach throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a finisher, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Simmons on Gillikan: “Gavin is a tough rebounder at his size. He’s very scrappy and not afraid to mix it up. He’s a really good on-ball defender that was our hustle man and dove for loose balls throughout every game. Gavin is a coach’s dream.” Gillikin competed hard and showed his ability to contribute with any group of teammates. He’s still quite young, so it’ll be interesting to watch his progression going forward.
#14: 6’8 ’21 Robert Wright (Trinity Christian)
Next, we look at a player that appears to just be scratching the surface of his long-term abilities, Robert Wright. He’s a big, strong post prospect that operates well inside the paint and runs the floor purposefully. Wright is a solid athlete that moves very well for his size. He displayed solid touch with both hands and is capable of playing above the rim at times. Wright pursues rebounds with force and strength on both ends of the floor, which allows him to pile up nice totals on the glass. He proved to be a quality teammate that played with a great energy level throughout the day. Next in his development process is working to establish a go-to scoring avenue, as it would make him a more useful offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Wright: “Robert is an absolute force to be reckoned with. He’s a horse that rebounds and can finish with ease. He’s a dominant presence down low and can not be stopped on the block.” Wright has an abundance of appealing tools, so it’ll be interesting to see his productivity over the next few seasons.
#19:6’0 ’20 Isaac Sinclair (Chapel Hill)
Moving onto a player that truly understands how to operate with intelligence and play the right way, Isaac Sinclair. He’s an extremely smart point guard prospect with an excellent blend of scoring and playmaking. Sinclair possesses great vision and a willingness to set his teammates up in prime scoring situations, but can also create for himself in a pinch. He scores the ball reliably from all three levels and is capable of expanding his role based on what the team needs. Sinclair sets the tone on defense with his communication and quality on-ball positioning. He rebounds well for his size and stacks up assists in transition. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would likely improve his consistency as a finisher. Coach Simmons on Sinclair: “Isaac has good court vision and was a good facilitator for our team. He has a high motor and is very coachable. Isaac looks to get others involved but can knock down shots from beyond the three-point line.” Sinclair has proven time and again that he’s a pure point guard with the ability to elevate his surrounding cast, which is a big part of what should appeal to college coaches throughout the upcoming summer season.
#24:6’0 ’20 Shakeel Moore (Piedmont Classical)
Continuing onto a player with a loaded arsenal of physical gifts to pair with his extremely exciting two-way presence, Shakeel Moore. He’s a smart, incredibly athletic point guard prospect that can overwhelm opponents in a variety of different ways. Moore can get downhill and attack the rim literally whenever he wants, but also has a consistent perimeter jumper and is capable of mixing up his approach from one possession to the next. He’s very crafty and understands how to get his teammates involved at a strong rate. Moore possesses great instincts, especially as a defender, given his ability to mirror his assignment and force turnovers. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more impactful player when slotted alongside another primary ball-handler. Coach Simmons on Moore: “Shakeel is a freakish athlete that can jump out of the gym. He’s a good ball-handler that can get to the rack with ease. He has a good pace to his game. He knows when to go fast or when to slow it down.” Moore is poised for a breakout summer season, especially if he continues to showcase such an excellent all-around skillset.
#37:6’2 ’21 Glynn Hubbard (Northside Christian)
Next, we look at a player that arguably showcased the most well-rounded skillset of any backcourt prospect on this team, Glynn Hubbard. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect that can simply adapt to his surroundings and impact every facet of the game. Hubbard handles the ball and makes plays for others quite effectively, which allows him to operate as the primary creator with relative ease. He scores the ball with consistency from all levels, but typically doesn’t force the action and takes advantage of open opportunities. Hubbard is a true glue-guy that contains his assignment and can operate within various different roles. Next in his development process is working to become stronger, as it would help his two-way rebounding presence. Coach Simmons on Hubbard: “Glynn has great footwork and a quick first step. He can get to the rack with ease. He’s a lefty that can get hot from three and light it up. He’s a nice ball-handler with deceptive quickness.” Hubbard is like a coach on the court that naturally affects both sides of the ball, so it’ll be interesting to see how his recruitment picks up going forward.
#46: 6’3 ’22 Chase Lowe (Weddington)
Moving onto a player that looks likely to steadily progressing throughout the next few years, Chase Lowe. He’s a strong, athletic wing prospect with nice size, IQ, and an active two-way motor, which allows him to make constant contributions. Lowe doesn’t necessarily need the ball to make an impact, as he’s proven to be a quality rebounder, passer, and off-ball cutter. He scored fairly well from all levels, but was the most effective when attacking the basket and finishing through contact. Lowe displayed solid instincts on defense and did a nice job of utilizing his anticipation skills to jump into passing lanes. Next in his development process Next in his development process is working to become craftier with the ball in his hands, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Simmons on Lowe: “Chase is a great outlet passer that does a great job of looking up the floor. He’s athletic with a decent shot from the perimeter. He can get to the rack with ease and is very coachable.” Lowe was the youngest player on this team but looked quite comfortable at impacting the game and making his presence felt on both sides of the ball.
#70: 6’4 ’20 Kurtis Taylor III (Neuse Christian)
Continuing onto a player that possesses a pretty intriguing skillset and identity on both sides of the ball, Kurtis Taylor III. He’s a strong-bodied forward/post prospect that understands how to utilize his body and underrated athleticism to take advantage of the opposition. Taylor is somewhat undersized for an average big man, but did a great job of rebounding and protecting the rim during camp. He drew slower opponents out to the perimeter and was able to seemingly blow by them with regularity. Taylor scored the ball fairly well from all levels and has a nice amount of two-way versatility for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on his ball-handling, as it would give him some more positional flexibility. Coach Simmons on Taylor: “Kurtis is a good team player. He’s a block party inside the paint. He’s a very athletic rim-protector that gets to the rack with ease. Kurtis is good off the bounce and has a great first step.” Taylor looks poised to become the most productive player for Neuse Christian next season, especially if he continues to progress.
#77: 6’5 ’20 Linwood Grandy (Wayne Country Day)
Next, we look at a player that continues to trend upward and looks likely to solidify himself as a scholarship-level prospect within the coming months, Linwood Grandy. He’s a big, strong, athletic wing prospect that offers quality versatility for his size. Grandy plays hard and shows no fear of any opponent, willing to get downhill and aggressively punish the rim at every possible opportunity. He’s a solid perimeter shooter that can knock down open looks, but typically prefers to get inside the paint and make plays for himself or others. Grandy is a pretty unselfish player that will make hustle plays in order to give his team an edge. Next in his development process is on his consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him basically unstoppable on the offensive end of the floor. Coach Simmons on Grandy: “Linwood is a good passer and very strong at attacking the rim. He can isolate and get to the rack at will. He can beat opponents off the dribble or pull-up and knock down shots with ease.” Grandy is still tapping into his long-term potential, but has a strong chance to become a breakout prospect over the next calendar year.
#97: 6’7 ’20 Jefferson Boaz (East Surry)
Moving onto a player that truly possesses as much versatility and intriguing qualities as anyone from camp, Jefferson Boaz. He’s a smart, skilled, fairly athletic post prospect with the ability to do virtually everything on the floor at a high level. Boaz handles the ball, makes plays for himself and others, and can toggle between numerous different roles on offense, which is pretty uncommon for a player at his position. He’s a true three-level scorer that can face-up or work with his back to the basket, both with relative ease. Boaz rebounds the ball extremely well and is able to push transition play himself. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him a much more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Simmons on Boaz: “Jefferson is a great shooter that can dunk off of a vertical. He is an all-around player that can go down low or beyond the arc. He is fundamentally-sound in every facet of the game.” Boaz is criminally underrated in the current scheme of things, but will make a college program very happy upon his commitment, as he has all the necessary tools to be extremely successful at the next level.
#112:6’9 ’20 Garrett Hein (Concord First Assembly)
Finishing up, we look at a player that should begin quickly emerging as one of the most desirable prospects in the state, Garrett Hein. He’s a long, wiry forward prospect with an excellent blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism, which allows him to subtly overwhelm opponents with relative ease. Hein has guard skills with the ball in his hands and creates quite well for himself and others. He scores the ball reliably from all three levels and is surprisingly crafty for a player of his size. Hein is somewhat lean, but has an incredible understanding of space and positioning, which allows him to contain his assignment while being among the top rebounders on the floor. He possesses a strong amount of versatility on both ends of the floor, but also knows how to operate within himself and the team concept. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it has helped him tremendously throughout the last year. Coach Simmons on Hein: “Garrett has the potential to be a great player. He’s a long, freakish athlete that can shoot, drive, beat opponents off the dribble, and make great passes for a big man. He is a really good-looking prospect.” Hein is arguably the most unique player in the state and should inevitably see an uptick in his recruitment sooner than later.