Head coach Drew Richards and UNC-Pembroke have done a tremendous job on the recruiting trail for their 2020 class. Securing multiple guards, a key transfer, and forwards that can impact the floor on multiple levels, UNC-Pembroke certainly has some dudes coming in.
Malik Sanders – 6’1 Guard
Sanders, a D2 transfer from Western New Mexico, brings in scoring factor to the programs as he averaged 11.9 points. This past season, he was second on the team in 3-pointers made, knocking down 43 and shooting 41 percent from behind the arc. With the ability to score, he also can impact the game in sharing the ball (4.2 assists), getting on the boards (4.1 rebounds), and creating turnovers (39 steals).
Trent McIntyre – 6’5 Guard
What a get for UNCP as McIntyre continued to prove his game every time we saw him on the court. As Rick Lewis said, he is a player that you have to trust your eyes with. He is a multi-talented wing and is a proven winner. McIntyre has an outstanding all-around game, along with good size, athleticism, and skill set that allowed him to impact the game in multiple ways. He always steps up to any challenge and continues to bring it, making winning plays on both ends.
Nate Dunlop – 6’7 Forward
Dunlop is a 6’7 forward that certainly can provide some firepower on the floor. Before coming to Hargrave Military Academy, Dunlop was an absolute scorer, averaging nearly 24 points per game and also using his size to rebound the ball well. He is a tweener forward that has the ability to create mismatches and showcase his range, something he showed regularly early on. Dunlop showed that he could play with anyone on the court and find a role in any offense.
Jaylon Brown – 6’2 Guard
Brown is a long, athletic guard that can score at all three levels but also like to get his teammates involved. Simply a playmaker and scorer that averaged 17 points per game, including having a 43-point outing in a game this year. But he also averaged 6.0 assists and he is going to defend his tail off on the court.
DeMarcus McLaurin – 6’4 Forward
This past season, McLaurin led the charge for E.A. Laney high school, averaging 13.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Phenom got a good glimpse of McLaurin as well back at the NC Top 80, where we had this to say.
“He’s a strong guard that has the ability to play with or without the ball, a valuable skill (especially for a young player). Offensively, McLaurin wants to take opponents off the dribble and get downhill, towards the rim and finish; he has the ability to take a bigger scoring load or play in a role. He has proved to be a quality defender and has great off-ball anticipation, where he can pick up countless steals. McLaurin’s intangibles, athletic ability, and motor already make him a productive player.”
Ty Hurst – 6’3 Guard
Hurst is a long, wiry prospect that has a great approach to the game. He has the ability to score on multiple levels and is a reliable shot-creator, showing that he can go off at any time and put points on the board. He showed that in a 51-point explosion last summer at the Phenom Summer Havoc. Hurst also rebounds the ball well on both ends and can initiate the offense. He plays with a team-first mentality on the floor and brings leadership to the floor.
Jordan McNeil – 6’0 Guard
McNeil comes from a town in North Carolina, not too far away from UNC-P, and is one that recently committed. He has an incredibly productive year, averaging 20 points per game. He will be able to provide scoring power at the guard but also really play a role in providing what the team needs, on both ends of the floor. An underrated prospect but one that can really carve out some minutes on the court and a guard that is willing to put in the hard work.