Best Available from the Phenom Hoop Opening: Guards/Wings
The Phenom Hoop Report Opening had tons of talent to showcase. Here’s a look at some of the best available guards and wings that I got a chance to see. David Murphy – 6’2- 2019 – NC Empire 6-foot-2 guard…
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Continue ReadingThe Phenom Hoop Report Opening had tons of talent to showcase. Here’s a look at some of the best available guards and wings that I got a chance to see.
David Murphy – 6’2- 2019 – NC Empire
6-foot-2 guard David Murphy handled point guard duties for his NC Empire squad and he did it as their leading scorer. He poured in 27 points as his team’s scoring leader in an 81-62 loss to Team Loaded.
He showed off his ability to score in a variety of ways, even making a 3-pointer to pace the offense. With his wiry frame and athleticism, Murphy is a confident but unselfish scorer that can get to the rim and shoot it from the midrange. On defense, he’s a pest on the ball and plays the lane for steals. He’s an unsigned senior that deserves a look from some DII and DIII programs.
Rashod Smith – 5’8 – 2020 – WBC Elite
Point guard Rashod Smith is only listed at 5-foot-8, but he’s got a long wingspan and a strong build for his size. He didn’t start on WBC Elite , but off the bench, he’s a nice change of pace at point guard with the ability to finish at the rim and shoot the 3. Smith is adjusting to a new team but he’ll be a player to keep an eye on as the summer progresses.
Tristan Maxwell – 6’3 – 2020 – Team Charlotte
Tristan Maxwell is a big guard at 6-foot-3 and can get hot from 3-point land when focused. He can score at the rim and within the arc with relative ease. He scored 21 points in a battle against Team Loaded.
He’s on a stacked squad, so he’s still finding his way but he could emerge as his team’s best defender and best 3-point shooter by the end of summer. He already holds offers from NC State, Providence and South Florida.
Justin Wright – 6’2 – 2020 – Team Loaded NC
Point guard Justin Wright is one of those point guards that makes you pay at his expense. He plays at his own speed, showing solid command of his stacked Loaded squad. He didn’t show many signs of slowing down despite playing in the backcourt with Carter Whitt.
When needed, he showed off his 3-point shot as well as his strength off the dribble when getting to the rim. Wright is due for a big summer after winning a state title this past season at Farmville Central. High Point and Rice have already offered him.
Trayden Williams – 6’0 – 2020 – Team Charlotte
Trayden Williams is another member of that stacked Team Charlotte squad. As the floor general, he sets the tone on both ends with his quick guard play. On offense, he can score on all three levels as well as get his teammates involved.
He scored 13 points, 12 in the second half, in a solid comeback effort against the Greensboro Warriors. In a tough loss to Team Loaded, he put up a team-high 22 points with three made 3-pointers. He’s a gritty guard with a never back down mentality. Look for his stock to rise a bit this summer.
Carter Whitt – 6’3 – 2021 – Team Loaded NC
2021 point guard Carter Whitt is playing up a level but didn’t show any signs of backing down. Whitt is developing his shot from behind the arc but he’s a master at getting to the rim or dishing off a flashy pass for an assist. He’s got sneaky athleticism as well and won’t hesitate to dunk on opposing defenders.
There’s not much showboating in his game, but he’s a stud nonetheless. He’s got high major potential and already has offers from Virginia and NC State.
Ahmil Flowers – 6’5 – 2020 – Greensboro Warriors
Ahmil Flowers is a versatile player that can play the off-guard or opposite wing position, depending on matchups. Given his versatility, he’s a mismatch that can score off the dribble and from behind the arc.
He was his team’s main scoring option in a tough battle between a much bigger Team Charlotte squad, but he still held his own. Flowers has tons of upside as a mid-major/DII prospect.
Daniel Ransom – 6’5 – 2020 – Team Charlotte
Daniel Ransom has the build of a football player and he certainly uses it to his advantage on the basketball court. With his broad shoulders and strength, he’s a smart defender that is capable of guarding on the perimeter and down low. With his long arms and athleticism, he isn’t afraid to block shots or be physical in the post.
He scored 13 points, scoring from behind the arc and from the inside as one of the leaders on his team on both ends. When there was a big block or steal on defense, Ransom most likely had something to do with it. On offense, Ransom can score off the bounce and can shoot it from outside. He could emerge as a hot commodity on the Under Armour circuit.
Mekai Stanley – 6’3 – 2020 – WBC Elite
Mekai Stanley is a strong wing prospect at 6-foot-3. He’s got versatility with his brute strength and bully ball style of play and ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shot. He’s strong enough to play the forward position but also quick enough to play the guard position.
Stanley showed off his point-forward ability after rebounds by getting it up the floor quickly for an easy score on numerous occasions. He showed streaks of good basketball filled with big stops, 3-point shots and big finishes around the rim. He isn’t a DI prospect but, DII and DIII schools should certainly keep an eye on him.
Brock Williams – 6’0 – 2021 – Team Loaded NC
Brock Williams is a scrappy point guard that gets after it on both ends. He averaged over 30 points this past season at Burlington Christian and looks to do more damage on the AAU circuit.
Williams has limitless range but isn’t shy when it comes to scoring in the paint. His biggest trait is his on-ball defense though. He’s a player that’s liable to go get a steal after a missed shot. Look for him to start drawing interest from a lot of D1 programs.
M.J. Wilkerson – 6’4 – 2020 – NC Empire
2020 wing M.J. Wilkerson is a player with tons of upside. He’s a lefty slasher that worked well alongside teammate David Murphy on offense as their second option. With his athleticism, he rebounds the ball and gets down the floor with a quickness.
He’s an active and relentless defender who isn’t afraid to be physical. Walker is versatile enough to guard the 1-3 position and as a wing that wants to get to the rim, a solid threat on offense.
Darius Jewell – 5’9 – 2021 – Fayetteville Flash
Darius Jewell isn’t the biggest point guard on the floor but he makes up for that with his play on both ends of the floor. On defense, he’s the head of his team’s press. On offense, he can stroke it from 3 as well as get to the rim.
He’s got a fearless mentality that should get him some looks from scholarship schools. He’s got room to grow given his year as well.
A.J. Smith – 6’4 – 2021 – Team Charlotte
A.J. Smith is only in the Class of 2021, but he’s playing on Team Charlotte’s 17U squad this summer. That should do him some good as he’s learning his role on a deep and talented roster.
Smith is a big guard at 6-foot-4 and isn’t afraid to drive the basketball to the rim. He can shoot the 3-ball as well, but not at volume. On defense, he’s a physical stopper and one of his team’s best defenders. Despite his youth, he’s also a starter. Charlotte and Hampton have offered him already.
Jaden McDonald – 6’5 – 2021 – Team Loaded NC
Jaden McDonald is an athletic freak who is due for a big summer. With the ball in his hands, he wants to finish everything with authority at the rim. He scored 22 points in the team’s opening game against Manzer 17U, catching a number of alley-oops in a blowout victory.
McDonald is still figuring out his floor game, but with his athleticism, it’s hard to imagine him not finishing everything at the rim. Ole Miss, Norfolk State and Murray State have already offered.
Clay Hodges – 5’10 – 2021 – Carolina Riptide
Clay Hodges is one of those ideal DII/DIII point guards. He always knows when to find his teammates, Callahan Reed and Jacob Morgan, which makes for a solid trio on offense.
On defense, Hodges is a nightmare on-ball defender with a never back down attitude. He’s a name colleges should be aware of on another non-shoe team.