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 Jonas Aidoo of Voyager Academy and NC Red Storm.
He might go to a small charter school and play for a non-shoe circuit travel program but everyone in North Carolina should know about Aidoo at this point. His archetype is almost non-existent because his blend of skill and physical tools is so unique. Already a comfortable seven-feet tall, Aidoo is really just beginning to add the proper strength to effectively carry out his game on a nightly basis. He works well out of the post and can easily space the floor for catch-and-shoot threes. Aidoo is a high-level rebounder and rim-protector with a skillset that is constantly improving. It's somewhat confusing as to why more Division I schools haven't gotten involved, as Aidoo could be a program-altering addition for numerous programs.
Aidoo and NC Red Storm attended our annual David Rose MDC in May, where we stated: 'Every year in North Carolina, it feels like at least one late-blooming big man prospect will emerge and start collecting a flurry of offers. Just in recent memory, guys like Justyn Hamilton, Immanuel Bates, and Nate Springs went from very intriguing to must-offer prospects in a matter of months. Fast-forward to now and Jonas Aidoo has a chance to be the next (and arguably best) name on that list. Since our Top 80 Camp in March, Aidoo has been on an absolute tear on both sides of the ball. He's been an elite rim-protector and rebounder against all levels of competition, but has also shown the ability to step out and switch onto guards with relative ease. Aidoo has phenomenal size, touch, and shoots the ball particularly well for his position, immediately making him a matchup problem for all types of opponents. He's very fluid, which allows him to attack closeouts, recover with impeccable timing, and alter shots with regularity. Aidoo plays within himself and possesses quality instincts on both ends of the floor. Buy now, because Aidoo is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his upside.'
Very little has changed since that was written. Aidoo is still trending upward and really learning to harness his balance between skill and athleticism. Although he holds offers from App State and High Point, the seven-footer is severely under-recruited. Guys with the ability to protect the rim and knock down three-pointers are of the highest rarity, and typically only emerge on the NBA level. That's what makes Aidoo such a tantalizing prospect, because so few people have been able to recognize the early stages of his greatness. His predecessor for NC Red Storm, Ody Oguama, is at Wake Forest, and Aidoo is much farther along (with more tools) at the same stage. Smart programs will only look smarter upon getting involved with the big man.
