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 Christian Bailey of Greensboro Day School.
With the amount of blurred positions or 'position-less' in today's basketball, it seems like there's a growing amount of players are either specialists of some sort or all-around threats. Bailey tends to fit the latter more than the former, never wavering from his team-first, do-it-all type of identity. He started making a name for himself at Statesville Christian, where he had the ability to go for a triple-double on a regular basis. He possesses the IQ and two-way versatility to cause matchup problems for the opposition, as he was typically too big and strong for opposing guards while too quick and skilled for bigger opponents. Bailey's name was in constant circulation, which led to his eventual transfer to Greensboro Day School'where things would become even more challenging.
Just prior to joining the Bengals of Greensboro Day, we featured Bailey on Class of 2020 Prospects on the Rise in North Carolina, where we stated: 'The staff at Greensboro Day is among the best in the country, and it feels like they'll be able to put Christian Bailey in the perfect position to have a breakout year. Bailey has been a quality all-around player for years, but his game is ready to make that next leap. He's a solid creator and penetrator on offense, able to make plays within the arc and finish strong around the basket. Bailey applies a lot of pressure as an off-ball cutter and second-chance scorer, given his high motor and relentless approach on the glass. He's a glue-guy in the truest sense and thrives in that role, consistently filling all categories on the stat sheet'regardless of what team he's playing for. The wing prospect has a strong, athletic frame and understands how to affect various facets of the game, without necessarily needing to score. It'll be interesting to see how Bailey's upcoming season unfolds, but he's a surefire bet to outwork other prospects while continuing to elevate his own game.'
Despite not having much (if any) of an injury history prior to his transfer, Bailey would become saddled throughout his first season at the new school. He didn't rush back but rather decided to properly rehab for the following season. After going through a very trying time, Bailey was ready to return to the court and remind folks of what he came to do. As soon as he began logging minutes, it became clear that Bailey was going to have an impact. He showcased flashes throughout the season and appeared to have a new sense of exuberance when on the floor. Though our sample size has been relatively small over the last two years, Bailey is a prospect that still possesses the traits and characteristics to have success at the next level.
