Despite being the first year of operation, there’s an abundance of highly talented teams across all age groups in our Phenom Hoops League. College coaches will likely prioritize 17U prospects while taking some glances at the 16U and 15U divisions throughout the summer. That being said, the Carolina Bulldogs 15U (2028) is already shaping up as one of the top teams in North Carolina. In addition to having a slew of enticing pieces, they are a smart, rugged, unselfish, and incredibly entertaining group. What makes this group so special? Beyond their collective mentality and general chemistry, they have a roster that can truly compete with anyone in the state. Let’s take a closer look at some of their top guys…
It’s impossible to accurately break down this team without immediately looking at Donnie Fairley. At 6-foot-3 with powerful athleticism, an all-around skillset, and nonstop motor, he’s a legitimate nightmare for opponents. Fairley sets the tone with his IQ, toughness, and physicality. He’s comfortable dictating the offense as a primary creator, displaying the necessary instincts to generate clean looks for himself and others at a consistent rate. Fairley is extremely strong, which is visible through his ability to finish through contact and overwhelm opponents defensively or on the glass. He scores from all levels, toggles across multiple positions defensively, and always seems to be involved for rebounds, loose balls, and transition play. Fairley legitimately does everything to assert himself as a leader.
Between his current ability and long-term trajectory, Mason Murphy clearly has the tools to be a special player. He’s already a smooth shooter with excellent size, feel, and instincts on both ends of the floor. Murphy scores at an efficient rate from all levels and is comfortable operating with or without the ball in his hands. Murphy utilizes his length and athleticism well to outwork opponents defensively. He’s a quality rebounder who can push the break or launch precise outlet passes in transition. Murphy can initiate the offense, set up others, and fill it up as a scorer from all levels. Although he’s already very impactful, Murphy possesses an incredible amount of attainable long-term upside.
Guard play will always be extremely important in travel ball due to their ability to control the game and its tempo. Between guys like Jamari Shepherd, JT Williams, and Jaden Norfleet, this squad has various enticing options. Shepherd is a terrific athlete with size, length, and fluidity. He excels at getting downhill and applying pressure as a penetrating threat, but can also set up others or knock down jumpers as needed. He’s a physical defender and quality rebounder with a lot of potential. Williams has continued to blossom over the recent months. He’s a heady, dynamic guard with a crafty handle, useful scoring chops, and a nice playmaking sense. Williams also makes plays as a defender at the point of attack. Rounding out the trio, Norfleet is probably one of the more underrated pieces on the team. He’s an elite on-ball defender with the quickness, toughness, and physicality to cause a ton of problems for opponents. Norfleet is an absolute pest who knows how to fill in the gaps offensively.
Although this group has a lot of size across the board, it’s easy to see the impact Azhir Waddell brings to the table. He’s a strong, rugged, physically overwhelming big man with a sturdy frame and the ability to anchor the paint on both ends of the floor. Waddell is exceptional at controlling the glass and finishing around the basket. He possesses a great blend of touch, footwork, and understanding of how to utilize his body to create advantages for himself. Waddell doesn’t shy away from contact and makes opponents think twice before recklessly attacking the basket. It appears he plays football. That makes sense. Waddell also shines as a clear difference-maker on the basketball court. Expect him to remain an x-factor for this group.