The state of North Carolina is blessed with an overabundance of talent. In the North Carolina 2018 class, 60 plus players signed with D1 schools and another 40 plus signed to play at the D2, D3, NAIA or Juco level. Quite impressive numbers! This year, the 2019 class is on the same course to have 100 plus players continue to play at the collegiate level. In our unsigned senior spotlight, we want to take a closer look at 6'5 Deante Petree of Liberty Heights in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is someone that we strongly feel is a scholarship-worthy player.

There's a growing amount of college-level prospects within the Carolinas, yet Petree remains unsigned despite continually taking his game to the next level throughout the last few years. He possesses great size for a backcourt player and is capable of toggling between multiple positions whenever necessary. Petree handles the ball and creates quite well for others, which causes plenty of matchup issues for opponents. He has a strong understanding of his skillset on both ends of the floor and rarely seems bothered by his defensive assignment. Petree has a clearly defined role with any group of teammates.

It’s truly a shame to watch a talented, scholarship-level prospect go overlooked and under the radar for this long, especially considering the major role he played for Liberty Heights last season. Petree is more of a guard, but doesn’t necessarily have a clearly-defined position, as he’s typically a guy that coaches simply want on the court. He’s a productive, unselfish player that makes smart, winning plays at a pretty strong level. Petree possesses enough tools and skills to operate as the glue-guy within any lineup, but also showcases enough defensive versatility to check the best opposing perimeter player whenever necessary.

Prior to the regular season, our own Miles Masercola went to Liberty Heights' open gym and stated, 'Petree is the kind of kid you hate to play against, but love to have on your team.' He brings a level of intensity, toughness, and leadership unlike most prospects his age are capable of to go with incredible versatility at both ends of the court.' He competes at a super high level defensively to go with incredible vision at the offensive end.' He's the kind of kid that can lead you in any statistical category on any given night.' If he goes to the right program at the next level, he has the potential to become a fan favorite and team leader from day one.'That's all held true throughout the current season, but somehow his recruitment hasn't fallen in line. Programs of every level should be pursuing Petree, as he's continued to prove himself against quality competition on a rather frequent basis.

 

Be sure to check out our entire list of unsigned seniors'https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/news-photos/unsigned-seniors