This past weekend, Team CP3 made an appearance at our Phenom March Madness. The brief showing allowed us to preview their roster and see a variety of enticing pieces. Not only will this group likely be one of the more talented EYBL teams in the region, but they should have a chance to be among the top teams in the country. Let’s take a closer look at their makeup…
Everything starts with meaningful guard play, and this group has no shortage of valuable point guards in Sherod McCormick and DJ Lindsey. McCormick is a very polished floor general who understands how to completely control the game while constantly getting others involved and asserting his scoring presence as needed. His tight, crafty handle combined with excellent pace and a sharp playmaking sense makes him a real problem for opponents. McCormick is also a pesky defender with quality instincts for forcing turnovers. Meanwhile, Lindsey offers many of the same qualities. He’s a bigger guard with explosive burst and strong balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Both guys are capable of playing together or running the team as the lone ball-handler.
Although their guard duo dictates a lot of the action, Mason Collins is arguably the leader of this group. He possesses an incredibly mature identity and approach to the game with an undeniably appealing blend of IQ, skill, and physical tools. Collins is comfortable creating for himself and others, and understands exactly how and when to assert himself. He’s a smooth shooter who forces opponents to respect his jumper at all times. Collins attacks closeouts, reads the floor well, and finishes or makes the appropriate pass to an open teammate. Add in his quality midrange game, defensive prowess, and rebounding presence, and it’s easy to see what makes him such a high-level player.
In terms of overall appeal, Bentley Lusakueno continues to trend as one of the highest-ceiling prospects in the country. Already an extremely long, fluid 6-foot-9 athlete with unique athleticism and versatility, there simply aren’t many players like him. We wrote about him last April (read here) and it’s easy to see the strides he’s made since then. Lusakueno is clearly on an upward trajectory, yet already creates matchup problems every time he steps on the court. He shows the ability to handle the ball, knock down shots along the perimeter, and set up others pretty well. Considering his current ability, it might seem shocking to say that Lusakueno is only “scratching the surface,” but it’s true. Only time will tell if he’s able to harness his otherworldly upside—but the tools are certainly in place for something special.
Every young team has guys who are physically more refined than their peers, and that definitely rings true for Brayden Ragland and Andrew Juergens. Both guys excel as complementary, low-maintenance pieces who consistently produce within the flow of the action. Ragland is a strong, physical big man with touch, rebounding instincts, and a willingness to do the dirty work. Meanwhile, Juergens is a long, explosive forward who can space the floor or apply constant pressure at the rim. He’s also a reliable rebounder and transition threat who has shown enticing flashes of versatility and creation skills. Both players stand out as x-factors for this group.
Rounding out this insanely loaded group, RJ Davis and Chris Paul Jr. are two of the more intriguing players on the roster. Davis is at a quality crossroads between production and long-term upside. He’s already a terrific athlete with size, toughness, and the ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Davis finishes through contact and above the rim, but can also attack off the bounce or knock down jumpers as needed. He’s a solid rebounder and impactful defensive piece. Different from the other pieces, Paul stands out as a natural glue-guy. He’s smart, unselfish, and plays with terrific energy on both ends of the floor. Paul is comfortable initiating the offense, setting up others, or asserting his scoring presence within the flow of the action. His activity, toughness, and general nose for the ball allow him to be disruptive while consistently outworking others.