At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of 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 Delani Hammonds of Ardrey Kell High School.
We’ve seen Hammonds throughout his high school journey, recently stating, “Given the structure of Ardrey Kell for the upcoming season, folks should expect Hammonds to have a highly productive year. He’s a smart, heady, well-rounded floor general with the ability to consistently outwork his assignment on both ends of the floor. Hammonds is quick enough to break down opponents and touch the paint at a high volume, where he consistently makes the right read to finish or set up others. He understands how to force defenses to collapse and locate the best available shot seemingly every time down the court. Hammonds is a blur in transition and excellent downhill threat, but has also shown improvements as a three-point shooter over the recent months. He’s also a very pesky defender with the ability to force turnovers at a healthy rate and convert on fast-break opportunities. Hammonds is a natural leader who sets the tone, both by example and through production, on both ends of the floor. Whatever program secures his commitment will be getting a valuable piece.”
Since then, Hammonds has only further solidified his case as an obvious college prospect. He’s currently averaging 12.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.8 SPG with 48/35/70 shooting splits. Hammonds is a true point guard with all the necessary attributes a coach should want in their floor general. He’s smart, unselfish, and applies constant pressure as a penetrator. Hammonds is a sharp ball-handler, excellent passer, and decisive creator overall. After a lot of emphasis on his three-point shooting, he has steadily improved in that area. However, Hammonds still maintains his approach as a playmaker above all else. He’s also a quality rebounder and terrific defender at the point of attack. Hammonds plays with tremendous pace and provides a high level of security with the ball in his hands. It’s difficult to say anything other than positives about Hammonds game, work ethic, and desire to stay loyal to the Ardrey Kell program. He should be a real priority for coaches over these next few months.
