At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of 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 Brayden Venable of Woodland Baptist and NC Spartans Patton.
We’ve seen Venable several times over the current travel ball season, stating, “Venable offers a steady interior presence. Doing a great job of rebounding, running the floor, and applying offensive pressure as needed. Good screener.” Later followed by, “Venable has all the tools to play at the next level. Long, mobile big man who hustles, rebounds, and works hard on both ends of the floor. Solid finisher. Knows how to produce within his role.”
Ultimately, Venable has proven himself as a prospect worthy of attention from college coaches. During his senior season, he averaged 13.3 PPG and 7.0 RPG while providing a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. Venable thrives as a low-maintenance big man who can finish, rebound, and alter shots defensively. He doesn’t necessarily require a ton of offensive touches to make an impact, yet does a great job of capitalizing on his opportunities. Venable can post up or knock down midrange jumpers at a solid clip. He moves well without the ball and doesn’t look to force the action offensively. Venable also runs the floor hard in transition and works to make hustle plays whenever possible. Between his size, ability, and mentality, Venable should have numerous next-level suitors.