Dallas Day 1: Phenom Wins Border Battle With Pulley
DALLAS — Session 1 of the Nike EYBL tipped off on Friday, marking the beginning of the spring live period. Making their EYBL debut, Phenom University edged Howard Pulley in 16U play…
Blaise Beauchamp – 2020 – SG – Howard Pulley
Beauchamp scored 14 points in 20 minutes in a loss to Boo Williams in 17U play. Beauchamp’s shooting helped keep Howard Pulley alive and he hit a couple shots in a row to draw them within striking distance in the second half. A quick trigger guard with unlimited range, Beauchamp was comfortable pulling up well past the 3-point line. Beauchamp went 4-of-6 from downtown and also added two assists in the loss.
Reece Beekman – 2020 – PG – Phenom University
Beekman picked up right where he left off earlier this spring — making plays and willing his team to victory. In crunch time, Beekman was sensational. Phenom University found themselves down six late and it was Beekman who created assist after assist to pull out an 80-78 win over Howard Pulley. Beekman scored 11 points, 10 of which came in the first half, but it was his facilitating that made the difference down the stretch. Beekman is the type of guard that probably wouldn’t test well in a combine situation, but he’s clearly basketball fast and possesses some nice hang time ability. Also a standout defender, Beekman racks up tips and steals with his excellent anticipation skills. A solid power-five floor general, there aren’t many better point guards at managing talent and dictating the game than Beekman.
Kendall Brown – 2021 – W/G – Howard Pulley
Brown did it all in a loss to Phenom University in 16U play. The way Brown was aggressive and relentless going to the rim, you couldn’t tell he was the one playing up a level. Brown finished with 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists on Friday. A good all-around athlete, Brown pulled people away from the rim and went to work. He was able to get to the rim with power and/or speed and finished well in traffic, often double-clutching and out-hanging defenders.
Trejuan Holloman – 2021 – PG – Howard Pulley
This youngster has a bright future. In a 16U loss to Phenom University, Holloman was fantastic as a floor general and a playmaker. Wise above his years, Holloman dictated the flow of the game like a seasoned veteran. He was especially impressive in late shot clock situations, creating offense going to the rim for himself and his teammates. Holloman had 15 points and eight assists in Friday’s loss.
David Roddy – 2019 – F – Howard Pulley
Howard Pulley had some stretches in their loss to Boo Williams, but Roddy played some impressive ball. Roddy had 11 points, but fell victim to some foul trouble, which slowed down what might have been a big performance. Also a standout on the gridiron, Roddy’s blend of strength, skill, and athleticism gave Boo Williams a lot of trouble. Roddy punished defenders on the interior, powering through contact, despite not getting some calls. He then mixed it up with a couple triples in the pick n’ pop game. North Dakota and Northern Iowa have both offered for basketball. He’s also got some FCS offers to play quarterback. Based on Friday’s performance in a high level matchup, Roddy should be pretty highly coveted at the mid-major level and could serve as a banger/tone setter.
Jamari Sibley – 2020 – F – Phenom University
Sibley had a team-high 15 points to help Phenom University get past Howard Pulley Friday night. A plus-length forward who’s excellent around the rim, Sibley has a knack for finding soft spots in the defense and making himself available for easy buckets. Also a glass cleaner, Sibley’s length was tough for Pulley to match up with. The 6-foot-8 sophomore kept numerous plays alive, particularly in the second half. Still working to expand his range, Sibley is pretty consistent from 12-15 feet. It’s beyond where he needs to continue to make strides as well creating off the dribble. Factoring in his upside, Sibley probably belongs at the power-five level.
Cameron Thomas – 2020 – G – Boo Williams
Thomas seemed to get just about anything he wanted during Friday’s win over Howard Pulley in 17U play. The sophomore guard poured in a game-high 20 points on an efficient 12 shots. It didn’t matter if it was in the half court or transition, Thomas scored at will. A smooth guard that knows how to create separation, Thomas made some off-balance shots look rather easy. He did more than score the basketball too. Thomas dished out six assists and added four rebounds in 29 minutes. Thomas already holds offers from Florida, Virginia Tech, Creighton, VCU, and more.