2026 Ian Bailey (Team Vision)
Bailey has been a player we have highlighted countless times before, but the show he put on here at the Phenom Challenge continues to prove that he is an under-the-radar prospect for D1 programs. Bailey flourishes as a playmaker, showing tremendous control, court awareness, and leadership. He clearly has gotten bigger and stronger and has developed more of his overall feel. Bailey was strong in getting downhill and finishing through contact or finishing at the rim, while flourishing as a true point guard and facilitator. He is one that I believe should garner way more attention with his overall feel, as he proved once again to be a strong D1 prospect.
2027 Thomas Vickery (Upward Stars)
Vickery could be considered a breakout player for April, but he had another really strong showing down in South Carolina, proving what we first saw wasn’t a fluke. Vickery has intriguing size, athleticism, body control, and scoring ability when he is on the court. He excels in getting downhill and finishing at the rim or showing body control to finish around defenders when attacking. However, he has proven to be a three-level scorer inside and out, as I believe more eyes should be looking his way.
2026 Justus Bell (Upward Stars Gold)
Bell is one we have highlighted before, but I believe he should earn more attention from college programs. He had a strong showing overall down in Spartanburg, really giving everyone a glimpse of what he can provide on several levels. Bell does a great job in using his 6’6 size to his advantage, and he has added muscle to his frame. He can create for himself, breaking down defenders and getting to the basket, or even flourishing again with his shot-making from mid-range or beyond. Bell can be used in several areas of the floor with his overall skillset, size, and frame, which college coaches should find appealing at the next level.
2029 Babar Johnson (Team Unleashed)
Johnson is one of the younger prospects that we saw throughout the weekend, but he is one who had our scouts raving about what he could ultimately be in the coming years. But you could say this was a bit of a breakout and learning session for us at Phenom Hoops about this young man. Our own Khalil Shaki summed it up well, saying, “He has the physical tools and overall skillset that far exceed what you typically see at his age. Offensively, he can score it from all levels, showing touch around the rim, confidence from the perimeter, and the ability to take advantage of mismatches. He rebounds the ball with both effort and instincts, often starting the break himself after securing the glass. With his blend of size, skill, and versatility, Johnson has a real chance to become one of the more well-known names in South Carolina’s 2029 class.”
2026 Jim Gatehouse (Top Shot)
I had a chance to watch Gatehouse on multiple occasions, and I really do believe he showed you something about his impact and what he can provide. He was consistent with his overall presence on the court, as he excelled in showing his ability to be a threat from outside. Gatehouse was a consistent and confident shooter from behind the arc, excelling in catch-and-shoot situations and displaying a fluid release from deep. He was able to fit right into the offense and be a true weapon, also showing flashes of his ability to use his 6’5 frame to attack off the bounce and attack. Gatehouse really grabbed my attention with his overall play and comfort level, really showing what kind of role or impact he could bring at the next level in my opinion.