'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 Stephen Minor of Winston-Salem Prep and Team Winston.
It's easy to see the appeal with Minor, who encompasses winning and team-first leadership incredibly well as a floor general. He's smart, poised, and offers a terrific balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Minor handles the ball well and creates at a reliable rate for himself and others, allowing him to showcase his quality vision and silky-smooth jumper quite regularly. He's a phenomenal on-ball defender with quickness, sharp instincts, and the ability to convert turnovers into fast-break opportunities. Minor really has everything that one should want out of their tone-setter, especially given the way he communicates on both ends of the floor. Additionally, he continues to embody leadership with his off-court demeanor and overall spirit.
Prior to the season, our Rick Lewis went out to an open gym at Winston-Salem Prep, stating: 'We have covered dozens of open gyms for the month of September and one thing is for certain, The play of 6'0 senior point guard Stephen Minor was as good of performances we have observed thus far in open gym. To put it mildly, Minor was absolutely dialed in and was completely in the 'zone.' He was knocking down 3-pointers one after another and his left hand dribble into the step back 3-pointer was a thing of beauty and a 'big time' college ready move. That being said, it is hard to fathom that Minor currently has zero offers. We're talking about a strong, athletic and super quick guard that has excellent court vision, the ability to score quickly and often, sports terrific vocal and court leadership though-out the scrimmage. And to top it all off, Minor has an impressive 3.7 GPA and has made a score of 18 on his ACT. Last year, Minor averaged 10.2 PPG and don't be surprised if he doubles that that production for his senior season. Make no mistake about it, Minor is a definite scholarship level prospect and someone at the collegiate level is going to find a hidden gem in this talented and productive scoring point guard.'
Minor has largely flown under the radar despite being the heart and soul for each of his teams, only securing a Lenior-Rhyne offer thus far. He's being recruited by various Division II programs and will ultimately be an excellent player at that level, but it's still surprising that he's only collected one scholarship. Minor has been the undisputed leader for Winston-Salem Prep all season long and possesses all the characteristics that college coaches should want in their point guard.