This weekend at Phenom's G3 Showcase in Greensboro, NC there was a large talent pool. All age groups were stacked as the event had 50+ teams with each having a variety of guys with different skillsets and intrigue. Enough talking, let’s get right into it!
Chase Mebane 6'7 2020 F (Mid-State Magic Sports 17U)
Mebane is exactly what you look for from the forward position. Explosive athlete who gets to the rim at will and has no problem elevating and finishing over defenders. He makes very quick decisions when he catches the ball and often times catches the defense on their heels. Mebane is also a defense catalyst as he rebounds very well for his size and blocks a ton of shots. He averaged 22-10 and four blocks per game in his junior season at River Mill Academy and his stock will continue to rise this summer throughout his senior season as he continues to develop.
Trey Cousin 6'4 2019 G (Mid-State Magic Sports 17U)
Cousin is coming off of an ACL injury and still getting into playing shape but man, did he impress this weekend. Trey is the type of guy who can get you a bucket whenever needed. Bona fide three level scorer and shoots it really well from distance as he finished the weekend with two games where he made 6 three-pointers. Very heady player who plays the right way and stays within the flow of the game. As he continues getting back into playing shape, this unsigned senior is sure to generate some buzz around him.
Jake Brockmann 6'5 2020 G (PSB Elite ' Brim 17U)
Brockmann had a breakout performance this weekend helping his team win a championship while being awarded game MVP two out of four games his team played. Jake is a do it all guard who uses his length and offensive prowess to be effective and efficient. His size allows him to shoot and rebound over the top of smaller defenders but possesses enough quickness to blow by bigger defenders. He also proved that he has some clutch gene in him as he knocked down a huge three in the championship game that ultimately gave his team the win. I like Brockmann's game and it definitely translates well to the next level as he is a coachable and smart player.
Nishawn Hodge 6'2 2020 G (PSB Elite ' Brim 17U)
Hodge was very impressive throughout the weekend and can do so many things for his PSB Elite team. He is a strong guard who is an aggressive driver and can finish through contact and also possesses a tight handle and is good in traffic. Made a few highlights plays including a baseline lob that he threw down one handed so the athleticism is there too. Nishawn is a fierce competitor on both ends of the floor and had no problem locking up opposing teams best guard over the weekend. Coaches need to be all over this dude moving forward.
Thomas Hailey 6'6 2020 W (Defenders ' Davis 17U)
Hailey very well could have been the most intriguing prospect at the entire event. Incredibly long and an effortless athlete. Defenders definitely don't want to jump with Hailey as he gets his head near the rim. He can handle the ball and showed dribble moves as well as a good looking shooting stroke especially while watching him shoot free throws. Would love to see him play with a little more fire as he has the ability to really dominate games. As he continues to develop, next level guys should be at every one of his games.
James Freeman 6'3 2020 G (Foothills Legacy 17U)
The first step and quickness that Freeman has is nothing short of elite. He was driving to the rim all weekend and has a plethora of dribble moves including a hesitation dribble that freezes defenders. Would love to see him demand the ball more as he is an efficient scorer. A vocal leader on this Legacy team as well as it is evident he has good leadership qualities. Freeman is no slack on the defensive end either as he uses his quickness and long arms to poke balls loose and get into passing lanes.
Jamarien Dalton 6'3 2021 G (Team FLY ' Black 16U)
Had the pleasure of watching Dalton play two games this weekend and he did not disappoint. Dominant guard who was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. It seemed like any time he wanted a bucket, he would get one. Handles it well, flashed three-level scoring ability and has great touch on floaters and free throws. Jamarien dominated this weekend and I can't stress that enough. To go along with his excellent play, Dalton is a really good kid and a high academic. Buy stock now as a next level coach and I assure you, he won't disappoint.
Drake Downs 6'6 2022 F (WNC Warriors 15U)
It is hard not to like the game that Downs possesses. Extremely soft touch around the rim and he pairs that with a number of post moves. On the defensive end, he blocks or alters nearly every shot in the paint and finished the game I saw him in with 5 blocks. His frame is another thing that is impressive as he sports broad shoulders and has immense length. Plays really hard and as he continues to get older and stronger in his development he has a chance to really blow up.
Jaden Watkins 6'2 2022 G (WNC Warriors 15U)
Watkins is physically gifted and has a great frame for someone his age. Mature body and it translates to his game. Really strong on dribble drives and showed he was an able and willing passer if he drew double teams. His game really excels in transition as he can shed smaller defenders and has enough quickness and strength to absorb contact from larger opponents. Great at getting to the charity stripe where he can sink free throws. Moving forward, as he continues to work on his game and get even stronger, he is a name to watch, no doubt.
Cal Riehl 6'3 2021 G (Carolina Warriors 16U)
Riehl is one of the driving forces on this Carolina Warriors team as they fairly handily won the 16U Gold championship. Absolute knock down three-point shooter and the lefty is a crafty finisher at the cup. An incredibly heady player with a high basketball IQ. Never gets sped up on the floor and showcased a variety of dribble moves including a baseline spin move that worked very well for him. High motor player who is a great teammate and is willing to make the extra pass to get the best shot. Contributor on both ends of the floor and will continue to be an impact player as he continues to work.