Team 9
Coach: Michael Norris
#36: 5’10 ’21 Trey Kennedy (Newton, NC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that has a very useful skillset and a quality two-way presence, Trey Kennedy. He’s a pretty well-rounded point guard, especially on offense, and possesses a strong feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Kennedy has excellent quickness and gets downhill with relative ease, where he’s able to make plays for himself and others within the paint. Kennedy is a three-level scorer that fought for extra possessions at a quality rate. Next in his development process is working to become a better defender in the half-court set, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Norris on Kennedy: “Trey is overall a really solid all-around player. He sometimes can take plays off on the defensive end. I would really like to see him pick up his man full court. He has a really good jumper that he gets off quickly. Overall, Trey is very coachable.” Kennedy had a quality showing at camp and could emerge as a college-level prospect sooner than later, especially if he continues to work.
#42: 5’11 ’21 Chad Wilson (Franklin, NC)
Next, we look at a player that stood out with his quickness and ability to attack the basket, Chad Wilson. He’s a pretty smart guard prospect that typically operates without the ball and makes plays within the flow of the offense. Wilson plays with solid effort and did an excellent job defensively of containing his on-ball assignment. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more useful offensive threat. Coach Norris on Wilson: “Chad is a very coachable kid that wants to learn. He really needs to work on his jumper and his overall mechanics. He has a slow release, which hurts him. On the defensive end, he’s a very up-beat player that will sit down and guard. Overall, Chad is a team player that will do whatever it takes to win.” Wilson showed some solid tools at camp, but should continue working to maximize his potential on both ends of the floor.
#59: 6’1 ’22 Preston Sams (Kingsport, TN)
Moving onto a player that highlighted a solid skillset and was able to make nice contributions at camp, Preston Sams. He’s a young guard prospect that handles the ball well and is capable of attacking the basket. Sams displayed the ability to make plays for himself and others while also hustling hard for rebounds and loose balls. He scored effectively from inside the arc and made multiple plays in transition. Next in his development process is working on his focus when defending away from the ball, as it would help him force more turnovers. Coach Norris on Sams: “Preston is a very good teammate that will try and pick his team up in any way possible. Sometimes, this hurts him because he passes up shots that he needs to take. Preston can work on his catch-and-shoot ability. Overall, he is a very coachable kid.” Sams worked hard during his time at camp and could become a solid contributor, especially with continued repetitions.
#62: 6’1 ’20 Andrew Shull (Chapmanville, WV)
Continuing onto a player that consistently stood out with his poise and polish on both ends of the floor, Andrew Shull. He’s a smart, team-first point guard prospect that plays with tremendous energy while offering an excellent balance between scoring and playmaking. Shull scores the ball efficiently from all three levels and attacks the basket strong, but also shows craftiness when making plays for others. He displayed a tight handle and was able to get by the point of attack with relative ease. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him an even better scorer. Coach Norris on Shull: “Andrew is an all-around point guard/shooting guard that can do anything you ask him to. He plays very hard and rarely takes a play off. He can sometimes get stuck watching the ball. Overall, he is very coachable and is a hard worker.” Shull was among the more polished floor generals at camp and looks increasingly poised to have an extremely productive senior campaign.
#72: 6’2 ’22 Jacob Estrada (Bedford, VA)
Next, we look at a player that displayed a solid foundation and looks likely to continue improving, Jacob Estrada. He’s a young, strong-bodied wing prospect that did an excellent job of operating without the ball and knocking down shots off the catch. Estrada knows how to play within the team concept and makes the hustle plays at a strong rate on both ends of the floor. He rebounds the ball effectively for his position and works hard on defense. Next in his development process is working to tighten his handle, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Norris on Estrada: “Jacob is a very quiet player. When he turns it on, he is the best player on the court. He needs to work on his ball handling and shooting off the dribble. Overall, he is very coachable and a hard worker.” Estrada provided his team with exceptional effort throughout his time at camp and could become a solid prospect over the next few years.
#76: 6’2 ’20 Philip Mullins (Chapmanville, WV)
Moving onto a player that showcased a lot of two-way versatility during his time at camp, Philip Mullins. He’s a smart, wiry wing/forward prospect that scores the ball efficiently from all three levels while attacking closeouts and showing the ability to create for himself or others. Mullins plays with an exceptional motor and knows how to cause havoc on both ends of the floor, especially defensively. He rebounds the ball at a quality rate and can do a variety of things in transition with or without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Norris on Mullins: “Philip is an all-around player that can play all five positions on the court. He has a really nice jumper. Sometimes, he gets going too quick and puts his head down when attacking the rim. Overall, he is a great leader and team player.” Mullins showed his ability to thrive alongside any group of teammates throughout camp and should have a productive upcoming senior campaign.
#86: 6’4 ’22 Trey Penland (Franklin, NC)
Continuing onto a player that is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, Trey Penland. He’s a wiry forward prospect with solid athleticism and an unselfish, team-first approach to the game. Penland is a decent scorer but makes the most impact with his defensive prowess and ability to force turnovers, which led to easy transition baskets. Next in his development process is working on extending his range out to the three-point arc, as it would make him a more useful offensive threat. Coach Norris on Penland: “Trey is a kid that every coach wants to have. He will guard anyone on the court and will outwork them in every possible way. Trey sometimes is slow to shoot the ball when open. He can jump with anyone, which helps him on defense. Overall, Trey is a great team player.” Penland was among the most intriguing players on his camp team and could be a prospect worth keeping an eye on going forward.
#88: 6’5 ’20 Nate Vance (Scott Depot, WV)
Finishing up, we look at a player that displayed a lot of intriguing qualities, especially for his size, Nate Vance. He’s a strong-bodied post prospect that is capable of operating from inside or outside the arc and making his presence consistently felt. Vance displayed solid touch and footwork when working around the basket, but mainly scored on midrange attempts and finishes on offensive rebounds. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as he has all the tools necessary to shut down the opposing fast break with improved effort. Coach Norris on Vance: “Nate could be a really be problem for opponents when he plays with effort. He doesn’t really like to put his back to the basket. I would like to see him post up more versus shooting three-pointers. Overall, Nate is a good kid with a great attitude.” Vance did a nice job of playing physical and outworking his assignment on the glass during camp, so it’ll be interesting to see his productivity throughout the upcoming summer season.