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 Aaron Oates of Northside High School.
We've seen Oates multiple times, including at our Phenom 150 camp, where we stated, 'Finishing up, we look at a player that finds a way to make a quality impact, regardless of his surrounding teammates, Aaron Oates. He's a long, wiry forward prospect that rebounds the ball exceptionally well and possesses excellent touch with either hand. Oates is a great finisher around the basket, but can also reliably score from anywhere inside the arc. He utilizes his length extremely well on both ends of the floor and does a great job of positioning himself around the basket to alter shots and secure rebounds. Oates can push the break himself decently well or make the pass ahead in transition. Next in his development process is working to become a more reliable three-point shooter, as it would make him much more difficult to contain on offense. Coach Smith on Oates: 'Aaron brings a ton of toughness, rebounding, and interior strength on the defensive end of the floor. He scores well in the post, rebounds effectively, and really runs the floor. Aaron is a sneaky athlete with a positive attitude and the ability to be coached.' Oates enjoyed another strong showing at camp and should emerge as a leader during the upcoming season for Northside.'
Since then, Oates has been a staple of consistency for Northside and was just named first team All-District for District 2. This past season, he posted nightly impressive averages of 13.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.1 SPG, and 3.8 BPG. Oates does a phenomenal job of utilizing his length around the basket, particularly for his size, and understands how to outwork bigger/stronger opponents for rebounds. He's smart, tough, and shows a willingness to lead on both ends of the floor. Oates can expand his production as needed, able to produce within a role or carry the team for stretches. There's already a lot to like about the forward as a next-level prospect, but he could become even better upon stepping onto a college campus.
