In January Phenom Hoops has had the privilege to host two major regional events. The Carmel Christian MLK Showcase and Phenom’s Low Country Showcase was visited by thousands of fans and brought in dozens of coaches to watch this high level of talent. it provided a great platform for unsigned seniors to really show out.
Schools from across college basketball’s robust landscape attended, from the likes of the Big 10, ACC, A10, CAA, Big South, Peach Belt, SoCon, Conference Carolinas, Sun Belt and more. To say the platform was rubust would be an understatement. In running these events it is always great to see the players take advantage of this type of platform provided…
THE LIST
The Unsigned Seniors (Part 1)
Here is a look at some of the unsigned seniors who stepped onto the stage and put forth their best performances…Their recruitment should start to take off a little as well…
5’11 Maurice Wilcox
Hargrave Military (Chatham, VA)
We have known Wilcox for a while, he has been to numerous events of our throughout the years and one thing is for certain, he can flat shoot the rubber off the basketball. However, he has moved up to Chatham, Va and something clicked as his game progressed. Wilcox is a true bon a fide point guard. Not only that, but he is playing the position brilliantly. Wilcox is a fiery competitor that really bleeds throughout his team. He has quick hands on defense and is able to get into the teeth of the defense and make plays for himself and others. Here he finished with 7 assists and 3 steals, D1 schools in need for a play making PG who can shoot it, need to take a serious look here. He is a winner.
6’10” Elochukwu Eze
Asheville Christian (Swannanoa, NC)
What a story with Eze, a year and a half ago he had a benign brain tumor removed. Now he finally getting his sea legs back, and boy is he making his mark. Prior to the surgery he was getting heavily recruited by the likes of Louisville, Florida and other powers. This particularly surgery is supposed to take two years before you are able to get back to normal, so Eze is ahead of schedule. He is a true paint and rim protector. He has great length to go with natural timing and athleticism as a true intimidating presence. He has nice touch and is getting better by the day. There is a clear upside here and the school who goes in on him may be getting someone who is a stall wart on all league teams for the years to come.
6’7 Antonio Bussey
Aiken HS (Aiken, SC)
Great size, great hands, great length and he goes out and plays his assigned role. A dream of a big man for schools. However, Bussey doesn’t have any recruitment right now. That should change after his MVP performance at Phenom’s Low Country Invitational. He finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots, showcasing the ability to move his feet and his ability to finish both in traffic and from the free throw line. Lower D1s should look in and he should instantly become a priority for good D2s.
6’ Grant Singleton
Lakewood HS (Sumter, SC)
Singleton is a gamer, there is no doubting that. When the lights are the brightest, that is when he shows his best. In this barn burner, Singleton flat went off in the second half that gave Lakewood a 1-point victory. Overall he finished with 16 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, but it was filled with all kinds of heart and leadership. He carries offers from Coker and St Thomas Aquinas and he should continue to be looked at as a full scholarship player in a good program.
6’ Chris Martin
Liberty Heights (Charlotte, NC)
Martin is tough, everything about his game just screams aggressive. The way he gets downhill, the way he takes over when the game is on the line, the in your face defense he plays for the full length of the floor. Martin is a scoring type of lead guard, who straps on defense. In this game he finished with 27 points, 3-4 3P and 4 steals. He was impossible to stay in front of as he got where he wanted off the bounce. Right now Martin has no offers, but he is already qualified both in the classroom and on the court. D1s should get in and watch, they will love the way he competes.