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 Trent McIntyre of Piedmont Classical and New Light Disciples.
There are many perplexing situations in North Carolina but few more intriguing than the one surrounding McIntyre's questionable lack of recruitment. Perhaps because his leadership doesn't require trying to hunt for thirty points on a nightly basis, but rather to do what is necessary to propel his team into a winning position. McIntyre is a tone-setter and intelligent player on both ends of the floor, communicating with his teammates, making anticipation plays, and outworking opponents in every possible way. He has the all-around game to really control the action and knows how to take his foot on or off the gas pedal. Although three-point shooting isn't deadly, McIntyre has gotten his consistency to a point where opponents are forced to respect him'making him even more difficult to contain. He's smart, strong, athletic, aggressive, versatile, finishes through contact, makes quality passes, rebounds at a high level, and overwhelms others with his defensive intensity.
We've seen McIntyre in every possible setting, including recently at our Gate City Classic, where we stated: 'At some point, it becomes frustrating to watch players exude productivity in every setting and against every level of competition but lack the proper recruitment, which seems to be exactly the case with Trent McIntyre. Few players in North Carolina possess the IQ, all-around skillset, and dog-like mentality that he brings to the table on a nightly basis. McIntyre quickly establishes the tone with motor and toughness, especially on defense, and just knows how to bother the opposition with his sheer presence. He's able to reliably switch across four (and sometimes even five) positions at the high school level while forcing turnovers and rebounding the ball incredibly well for a guard. McIntyre is a problem in transition and the half-court because of his unselfishness, sharp passing, and intelligent decision-making. He's crafty but also very fundamentally-sound, which allows him to frequently touch the paint and finish or set up others with ease. McIntyre checks all the boxes as a prospect and really embraces his identity on both ends of the floor. He's a winner, simply put. McIntyre remains criminally underrated but should collect at least another five to ten scholarship offers over the current season.'
Everything written above should explain why McIntyre is a player that college coaches should be fighting to have within their locker room. It's very difficult to understand his overall recruitment at this point, which is currently between a trio of Division II programs in UVA-Wise, Mount Olive, and Lander. If nothing else, McIntyre should hold a dozen D2 offers. He actually has the ability to succeed at various low-major programs at the Division I level but will have to continue putting the hardhat on and proving doubters wrong each time he takes the floor.
