6’4 ’18 Coby White is committed to play for Roy Williams of the University of North Carolina while 6’2 ’18 Devon Dotson is being heavily recruited by ACC schools and defending NCAA National Champion Villanova along with tradition rich Kansas. While White and Dotson are considered the two best prospects in the North Carolina 2018 class along being among the top prospects nationally, both of them attended the 4th Annual NC Top 80 camp Sunday, March 12th at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. Why is this important' Simply, because either player had to be there!
6’4 Coby White has the reputation as one of the nation’s elite scoring guards. Standing a lengthy 6’4, White has all the offensive tools that make him one of the more difficult players to defend. First of all, White can score from all three levels, but is terrific at attacking the rim where he demonstrates his unbelievable body control and ability to score in traffic especially in transition. Without question, White will go down as one of the most prolific scorers in North Carolina high school basketball history. While White came into the camp with lofty credentials and reputation, one would not have gathered that after watching him go through drills and stations. As a matter of fact, White was one of the hardest working players in the stations and could have easily won Mr. Station and Mr. Hustle along with the coveted Mr. Top 80, which he won.
At the NC Top 80 camp, we have instituted the three-dribble rule. In the closing minutes, White had 39 points and scored his 41st point, which was disallowed due to dribbling more than three times. After the game, we went over and said, “sorry about that,” and his response was genuine and worth remembering. White humbly stated, “Coach, rules are rules.” This statement along spoke volume of who he is as a player and a person. For the day, White led the camp in scoring with a 28.7 PPG average. While that is important, White impressed all the coaches in attendance with his hard work ethic and infectious smile and tremendous attitude.
6’2 Devon Dotson lives in south Charlotte and was hit with bad weather due to the snowfall in the area. Due to road conditions, Dotson was unable to make camp earlier in the day. For most players with his reputation, it would have been easy just to say, “We are unable to make the trip.” However, Dotson didn’t get to be a top-level prospect by not showing up. Being ranked no. 1 in the state for the 2018 class, Dotson expressed a desire and obligation to representing his home state. Over the years, we have always been impressed with his competitive spirit and winning attitude. The bigger the game, the bigger the performance! We have not met a more competitive two-way player since we have been hosting the NC Top 80 camp. As we were sitting with Dotson in between one of his games, another player came over and asked him why he was there. This player had a great point. “Devon, why are you here, you don’t have to be here.” With a confidence smile and grin, Dotson knew he had a point, but what a lot of people don’t realize is simple. Young prospects look up to players like Devon and he understands the responsibilities that come along with being a high level prospect.
For Coby White and Devon Dotson, they didn’t need the NC Top 80. They are high-level national prospects and should be heavy favorites to be in the conversation for the 2018 McDonald’s All American game. With both players, what you see is more than what you get! Simply put, these young men understand their role as leaders in the state as basketball players. You see, they both have set the standard.