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 Davis Grooms of Lincolnton High School and Charlotte Royals.
There's something unique about a prospect quietly soaring under the radar and then seeing their recruitment blow up, which is something that occurs for all levels of prospects. Grooms certainly fit that mold, going from a relative unknown to somewhat of a priority for Division II and Division III programs in less than a twelve-month span. He's built his foundation on simply being a smart, crafty, well-rounded guard prospect with a strong balance between scoring and playmaking. With combo-guards becoming more of a hot commodity, Grooms has all the makings of a player that can truly succeed from either backcourt position. He knows how to run a team and get everyone involved but also scores at an efficient clip from all levels and can easily operate alongside another primary ball-handler. Defensively, Grooms is tougher and more instinctual than opponents tend to think, able to force turnovers and consistently mix it up as a rebounder. He's continued to prove himself on every stage, in every setting, and whenever surrounded by college coaches.
We recently saw Grooms at Session I of our North Carolina Phenom 150 Camp, where we stated: 'Continuing onto a player that was easily among the most impressive guards on display, Davis Grooms. He's a wiry, high-IQ guard prospect with an incredible balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Grooms is crafty and looks extremely comfortable operating as the primary ball-handler, able to run an effective half-court offense, two-man game, or up-tempo threat in transition. His passing was undeniably sharp throughout camp and was quietly a major part of this team's championship run. Grooms is a quality perimeter shooter with great anticipation and instincts off the dribble. He's also a useful rebounder and overall defender that knows how to position himself for success. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it'll make him an even tougher finisher through contact. Coach Lindell on Grooms: 'Davis is an all-around player. He's good in transition and takes no plays off. This kid is a bucket. He is much faster than he looks and has big-play capability. Davis has good footwork, court vision, and moves very well without the ball. He makes plays on both ends of the floor.' Grooms was one of the most productive players at camp, securing the Mr. Playmaker award with relative ease, and could be a quality late addition for a lot of college programs.'
Though Grooms has been trending upward for much of the last year, his showing at camp was arguably his most impressive string of performances in recent memory. On the season, he averaged 16 PPG, 6 RPG, 5 APG, 2.5 SPG. He's received offers from Erskine, Montreat, Brevard, and Mary Baldwin with strong interest from Francis Marion, Milligan, North Greenville, Ferrum, Toccoa Falls, CVCC, Ottawa University, Eastern Nazarene, NC Wesleyan, and University of Pennsylvania. Whichever program nets Grooms will get a very well-equipped, team-oriented player for the coming years.''