At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today's edition will highlight Manny Alvarado of Freedom Christian and PSB.

Often times, true point guards are overlooked due to a lack of size'regardless if their game is translatable. That feels like exactly what has occurred with Alvarado, a prospect that genuinely knows how to run a team as well as any floor general in the state. He's slightly undersized but so incredibly quick and fast that opponents still struggle to contain him. Alvarado is smart, poised, and patient with the ball in his hands, able to effortlessly up the tempo or operate in the half-court. He's a decisive passer with craftiness and excellent vision, especially when penetrating. Alvarado can score effectively from all three levels but places a strong emphasis on getting others involved as much as possible. He's equally as lethal defensively, where he can mirror his assignment and utilize his quickness to force turnovers. Alvarado also rebounds quite well for his size/position and knows how to immediately push the break in transition. 

We've seen Alvarado progress nicely over the past three years, including in our breakdown of Freedom Christian, where we stated: 'When looking at their roster, the story becomes even more impressive. Only Manrique Alvarado and Aymeric Toussaint have true playing experience with each other, both playing for Freedom and summer ball for most of the last two years. Add in nearly a dozen newcomers, almost all from different areas and speaking different languages, and it's incredible how respectable they've already become. Jayden Doyle has been the biggest addition and led this team in convincing fashion through twelve games, making it nearly impossible for Clifford to take him off the floor. Alvarado has always been a gamer with the corresponding skillset to effectively run a team in high school and beyond.'

So, why isn't Alvarado being pursued more heavily' It's difficult to pinpoint since his game is so well-rounded and offers IQ, unselfishness, and steadiness. There are an abundance of programs that could easily utilize Alvarado's services right away. He posted nightly averages of 14.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 1.4 SPG while highlighting nice efficiency from all over the floor. Only time will schools decide to ultimately get involved with the next-level floor general.