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 Charles Kiah of Henderson Collegiate.
We've seen Kiah with Henderson Collegiate and at various camps, including at one of our most recent, where we stated: 'Moving onto a player that was arguably the main hustle worker for this team during camp, Charles Kiah. He's a strong, big-bodied forward prospect with a high motor with nice vision and penetration ability. Kiah handles and shoots the ball effectively for his size, but also knows how to secure rebounds and force turnovers at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable finisher around the basket. Coach Bernardi on Kiah: 'Charles is a high-level athlete that played above the rim offensively and in the trenches defensively. He is physical with a low base, which allows him to really guard the ball and protect the rim. Charles can really get downhill and finish at the rim with physicality. He also made nice passes and read the floor pretty well. Charles must shoot it more consistently to take the next steps in his game. His mechanics and confidence in his mechanics will take his game forward. His motor and moving without the ball can improve.' Kiah worked hard throughout camp and should carve out a nice role during the upcoming season at Henderson Collegiate.'
His coach, George Marshall, also had some very enlightening quotes on his forward, 'It would be hard to imagine a player who plays as relentlessly as Charles Kiah. He is still a raw prospect, who is refining his skills, but in terms of athleticism and effort he 100% fits the bill. When I think about players who value their specific role on the team, he is right there at the top of the list because of his willingness to do whatever it takes for his team to be successful. Whether that is knocking down free throws, out hustling people for rebounds, and sprinting back on defense to get stops, his impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet, but it WILL help your team win games. Upon entering the game I know for certain that I am going to see consistent box outs, extra passes, being the first person to the ball, and supporting teammates throughout successes and errors. While on the bench I know that I am going to hear the support he is giving his teammates, and that everytime a player is down on themselves after a mistake he is going to uplift them and help them see the best in themselves. The bottom line regarding his prospects at the next level is that he isn’t going to be someone who will come in and score 30 points or have crazy offensive statistics. But he will FULLY own his role, and by the time he is a junior or senior, after consistent nutrition and weight training, he is going to come into a game and shine in the biggest moment by outworking everyone else around him because that’s all he knows how to do. He is coachable, relentless, and supportive. I love him to death and think he would be an absolute steal for a college program.”
The passion, desire, and sheer willingness to win that Kiah possesses is what sets him apart from other similar players. He's still just truly beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term potential but already understands how to affect the game without needing to be an offensive focal point. Kiah's combination of motor, intensity, and defensive prowess could ultimately be a useful asset at the next level. Beyond his attributes, Kiah has received quality coaching from Marshall throughout the last few years'which only continues to boost his stock.
