Team 7
Coach: Yusef English
#4: 5'9 '22 Edward 'Brice' Cohen (Blythewood)
Starting things off, we look at a player that proved to be an excellent two-way floor general throughout camp, Edward 'Brice' Cohen. He's an extremely smart, unselfish point guard prospect with a very well-rounded approach on both ends of the floor. Cohen is a knockdown perimeter shooter, both from midrange and three-point territory, but also regularly takes opponents off the dribble and to the basket. He has sharp vision and displays nice craftiness with the ball in his hands. Cohen plays bigger than his size would imply, especially on defense'where he's able to eliminate operating space and force turnovers at a strong rate. 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 English on Cohen: 'Edward does a good job of playing in space. He penetrates well and does a good job of making the open shot. He can score on all three levels. He needs to work on seeing the floor better. Edward plays hard and does a good job with on-ball defense.' Cohen embraced the 'heart over height' notion during camp and should have a productive upcoming season at Blythewood.
#20: 5'11 '21 Alexei Iturbe (Riverside)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a clear willingness and desire to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge, Alexei Iturbe. He's a team-first guard prospect with a high motor and nice defensive abilities. Iturbe offered a strong complementary skillset throughout camp, able to initiate offense, knock down open jumpers, and contain his assignment on the other end. He understands how to play within himself on both ends of the floor and is always looking to make the best play possible. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach English on Iturbe: 'Alexei plays hard. He's a hustle player that moves well without the ball. He can shoot the midrange and finishes well on the break. He needs to work on his ball-handling and three-point shooting. Alexei has great court awareness.' Iturbe enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should emerge as a nice contributor for Riverside during the upcoming season.
#30: 6'0 '21 Malachi Williams (Goose Creek)
Moving onto a player that was arguably the most well-rounded prospect on this team, Malachi Williams. He's a smart guard prospect with no real weaknesses and the ability to make an excellent impact in a variety of different roles. Williams utilizes his length and motor to disrupt defensive action on a consistent basis, but also possesses a quality amount of skill. He handles the ball, makes nice passes, and scores the ball efficiently from all three levels. Williams is an even-handed finisher that can power through contact effectively. He pursues rebounds and loose balls at a consistent rate, and knows how to properly fill the lane in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability as a rebounder, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach English on Williams: 'Malachi has a great feel for the game. He played hard and competed on each possession. He shoots the ball well from beyond the arc. Malachi does a great job of getting into the teeth of the defense. He plays on and off-ball defense quite effectively.' Williams has a lot of translatable tools and should have a productive upcoming season at Goose Creek.
#45: 6'1 '20 CharMar Martin (Brookland Cayce)
Continuing onto a player that really stood out with his nonstop motor during his time at camp, CharMar Martin. He's a smart, high-motor guard prospect with excellent defensive instincts and the ability to make a strong offensive impact with or without the ball in his hands. Martin is a useful ball-handler with great quickness and the ability to get downhill to attack the rim. He's also a very useful shooting threat from midrange and beyond the arc, both off the dribble and when spotting up. Martin is a strong two-way rebounder that knows how to force turnovers and push the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach English on Martin: 'CharMar plays extremely hard and hustles a lot. He seems to never run out of energy. He can hit the three-pointer with consistency and can finish at the rim. He needs to do a better job in transition defense but offered sound defense in the half-court.' Martin proved to be a clear asset during camp and should emerge as a two-way leader this season for Brookland Cayce.
#72: 6'3 '21 Cohen Gaskins (Pinewood Prep)
Next, we look at a player that made a lasting impression with his phenomenal all-around skillset and approach, Cohen Gaskins. He's a smart, somewhat unassuming, team-first guard prospect with a fairly complete offensive arsenal and strong leadership qualities. Gaskins is a terrific creator, both for himself and others, and seems to apply nonstop three-level scoring pressure every time he takes the court. He's very crafty and makes consistently sharp decisions with the ball in his hands. Gaskins is also an elite spot-up threat with the ability to make a two-way impact without necessarily requiring offensive touches. Next in his development process is working to become a more explosive leaper, as it would simply vault him into new territory as a prospect. Coach English on Gaskins: 'Cohen is a very well-rounded player. He can do it all. Cohen can shoot, rebound, pass, and has heart. He was the hardest-working player on the team and is an amazing passer with truly great court vision. He did a great job of playing team basketball. Cohen has a high basketball IQ.' Gaskins was quietly among the most impressive performers at camp and should start garnering more attention from college coaches throughout the upcoming season at Pinewood Prep.
#86: 6'4 '22 Christian Ferguson (Brookland-Cayce)
Moving onto a player that currently possesses an excellent crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Christian Ferguson. He's a long, wiry forward prospect with a very well-rounded skillset and nice defensive versatility. Ferguson handles the ball well, especially for his size, and looks comfortable creating off the bounce. He's a useful interior scorer and rebounder with the ability to step out and knock down perimeter jumpers at an effective clip. Ferguson plays with a high motor, looks to setup others whenever possible, and possesses a pretty nice two-way feel for the game. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would allow him to become a more physical defender and rebounder. Coach English on Ferguson: 'Christian is the ultimate team guy. He plays hard and does a good job of communicating on the floor. He shoots the three-pointer and runs well on the break. He's a good rebounder that plays good on-ball defense. Christian can continue to work on his help defense.' Ferguson possesses an abundance of appealing tools and is only going to get better over time, which should certainly make him a prospect for college coaches to monitor.
#87: 6'4 '20 Nick Ford (Trinity Byrnes)
Continuing onto a player that is arguably one of the most underrated prospects in South Carolina, Nick Ford. He's a smart, unselfish wing/forward prospect with a well-rounded skillset and the ability to overwhelm the opposition with his nonstop motor. Ford stood out as one of the top rebounders, especially for his size, and simply knows how to outwork his assignment in every facet. He's able to initiate offense, set up others, or work as a cutter and spot-up threat, which all led to terrific team success. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him even tougher to contain. Coach English on Ford: 'Nick was arguably the best rebounder here. He does a good job in transition. He has great positioning in the post and can play with his back to the basket or facing. Nick can shoot the three-pointer and knocks down the midrange jumper with consistency.' Ford is able to do so many different things on the court and could be poised for a breakout senior campaign at Trinity Byrnes, which definitely makes him a prospect for college coaches to watch going forward.
#108: 6'6 '21 Keyan Mims (Fort Mill)
Next, we look at a player that simply knows how to naturally affect all facets of the game, regardless of surrounding teammates, Keyan Mims. He's a long, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect with excellent versatility and the ability to cause matchup problems in a variety of different roles. Mims is an efficient three-level scorer with creation skills, athleticism, and a very well-rounded skillset. He is a willing rebounder with the ability to contain three positions comfortably on defense. Mims understands how to provide a calm, steady presence on both ends of the floor but is capable of expanding his productivity as needed. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to seize even more easy scoring opportunities as a cutter. Coach English on Mims: 'Keyan can score the ball on all three levels. He rebounds well and does well in help defense situations. He can finish well in transition and above the rim. He's a good ball-handler and decent passer.' Mims has all the tools to be successful at the Division I level and should see a major uptick in his recruitment going forward.
#114: 6'7 '23 Gregory Jackson (Ridge View)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was easily among the most enticing long-term prospects in attendance, Gregory Jackson. He's a long, smart forward/post prospect with tremendous physical tools and strong two-way versatility. Jackson can do just about everything on the court, from protecting the rim to creating for himself and others, and does it all at a high level. He's a reliable three-level scorer with craftiness, unselfishness, and an advanced all-around feel for the game. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll only help prepare him for the physicality of the high school game. Coach English on Jackson: 'Gregory moves well without the ball and is always looking to get a teammate open. He rebounds the ball well and runs the floor effectively in transition. Gregory can protect the rim, shoot the midrange with consistency, and does a good job of taking smart shots at all times. He plays well when facing the basket or when posting-up and can knock down the three-pointer. Although he was fatigued at times, he always played hard.' Jackson was nothing short of incredible during camp, securing the 2023 MVP with relative ease, and should be a prospect for college coaches to monitor over the foreseeable future.
