2028 6’4 Kiedis Smith (Upward Stars Columbia Red): A new name to check out in South Carolina for sure, as Smith was tremendous in his overall scoring ability and effectiveness for his team. Smith already presents great size, fluid feel, the ability to score from multiple areas on the court, and a tough matchup for any defense. He was able to knock down shots from behind the arc and in catch-and-shoot situations but also used his big frame to put on the deck and create, as well as finish in the paint. He is a name I think you will be hearing more about in the coming years.
2028 Roderick Davis (Carolina Rebels): Davis continues to be such an intriguing prospect with his diverse skillset to go along with his upside. He is a long, fluid, and versatile piece on the court that can impact the game in so many ways and areas. Showcases the ability to score the ball from several areas, play multiple positions, and again, has a lot of upside left in his game. He should be one to start tracking if you haven’t done so yet.
2028 Noah Smith (Upward Stars Columbia Gray): A familiar name certainly for us, as he came to the Phenom Camp and walked away with MVP honors. He backed it up well in Game 2 early on in the day, showcasing that same potential and presence that we saw in camp. Smith has a unique blend of size and touch from a variety of levels, moving well and operating from areas on the court. This is just the start for this young man, but there seems to be a lot of promise as he continues to develop.
2028 Darrien Smith (Team United): Smith is a new name that garnered our attention with his play. A young big man that you will want to have on your radar, Smith showcased a nice balance between his frame and size, his athleticism, and overall skillset. Was able to finish strong around the basket, get downhill, and even showed his ability to pop out and knock down shots from the perimeter.
2026 Trey Thompson (TN Impact): It was great to see Thompson back in action, and he didn’t disappoint either. Last year, he was the talk of the event, and he backed it up once again today on Day 1. As a forward, Thompson is incredibly skilled at his size. He has a great feel for the game down in the paint, tremendous footwork, relentless energy on the boards, and nice touch. But he can hurt you in so many areas, as he is one of the best stretch forwards we have seen so far this year. He knocked down several threes as well. Easily should be on several D1 radars.
2024 Christian Aukuso (Charlotte Dragons): Each time we watch Aukuso in action, we are impressed with his impact and competitive nature. He is a strong, physical forward that is comfortable in guarding multiple positions, brings tremendous energy, and competes. He uses his strong frame to battle and be active on the glass, embracing contact and finishing, but he also has a good skillset overall in handling, making plays off the bounce, and just being physical.
2027 Nate Jones (WCBA): Jones is such an electric point guard who has a bright future ahead of him. He makes the game so fun to watch, creating and dicing up the defense, finding open teammates, and showcasing tremendous handles with craft. He makes the game look effortless on the floor, can knock down shots, and creates well off the bounce. Jones is one to watch more as he leads his team and develops.
2024 Santana Lynch (NLPB Select): Lynch is an unsigned senior who can help a program tremendously. He had an incredible season in helping lead the charge at Lake Norman and continued to showcase his production here. He is a double-double type guy, active on the boards, can rebound and push in transition, strong in getting into the paint, and creating off the dribble but also shows his ability to knock down shots as well. He should be a late target for programs without a doubt.
2024 Jalen Dancy (Charlotte Dragons): Dancy had a strong showing on Day 1 here in Rock Hill. He has flourished before on the Phenom platform and did so again. He has a nice mixture of physicality, creativity, and he showcased he can be a shot-maker when his team needs him. Dancy hit multiple threes, including a game-winner on Day 1 but also made strong moves, embraced contact, and was assertive with his play throughout.
2025 Dermot Lowry (Team EAT): What else can be said that hasn’t already with Lowry?
