NC Phenom 150 Session 1:

Team 17 Evaluations

Coach: Derek Hodge

#17:'5'9 '20 Tyler Cox (Durham, NC)

Starting things off, we look at a player who is already beginning to grasp the nuances of being a point guard, Tyler Cox. He's smart and typically makes the right decision with the ball in his hands. Cox displays a strong handle and quality vision, which allows him to continually create for others on the offensive end. He is capable of knocking down open looks from midrange and three, but doesn't tend to force much. Next in his development process is working on moving without the ball, as it would open up a lot of off-ball scoring opportunities. Coach Hodge on Cox: 'Tyler is a nice guard with a good looking shot form. He could be more assertive on both ends of the floor, but he does a solid job of including everyone on the offensive end. He understands the game and plays with passion from start to finish. Tyler was very coachable throughout camp.' Cox has started laying his foundation as a player, now it's up to him to continue working.

#20:'5'9 '21 Jesse'Taylor (Charlotte, NC)

Next, we look at a player who elevated his team with a consistently unselfish approach, Jesse Taylor. He's a guard that will do anything to win or put his team in a winning position. Taylor listens and carries out any orders from coach; he already shows a solid understanding for the game and has a ton of potential on both sides of the ball. Taylor works exceptionally hard on the floor and showed the ability to force multiple turnovers when pursuing the ball. He shot the ball fairly well from all three levels and played through contact at the rim. Next in his development process is working on his footwork, as it would make him a tougher player to handle on both ends of the floor. Coach Hodge on Taylor: 'Jesse'is a guard that knows what he wants to do on the floor. He gets his shot off and can get some buckets. Jesse'likes to score off the dribble; he showed nice vision and handles during camp. He pressures the ball quite well on defense.' Taylor has considerable upside that he can easily tap into with a continued work on and off the court.

#53:'6'0 '19 Phillip Martin Jr. (Sanford, NC)

Moving onto a player that showed off his incredibly well rounded game throughout camp, Phillip Martin Jr. He's a guard that can typically be found away from the ball, where he's able to make opposing defenses uncomfortable given his solid all-around shooting ability. Martin shot the ball quite well from midrange and knocked down open looks from distance. When put at the lead guard, Martin did an adequate job of creating for others while rarely turning the ball over. On the defensive end, he showed grittiness and took pride in harassing his opponent. Next in his development process is working on moving without the ball, in order to better utilize his catch-and-shoot ability. Coach Hodge on Martin: 'Phillip is a coachable player that wanted to do anything to win. He has a nice shot on all three levels and does a pretty good job handling the ball as well. Phillip needs to work further on his defense, closing out and rebounding in order to maximize his potential.' Martin had a nice showing at camp and should bring that same approach into the upcoming season.

#56:'6'0 '19 Michael Savarino (Durham, NC)

Moving onto a player who knows how to pick and choose his spots on the offensive end, Michael Savarino. He's an off-guard that will shoot the cover off of the ball from all three levels, but especially three-point territory. Savarino frequently knocked down looks off the catch and dribble, which really put opponents on their heels, since he could do both so well. He doesn't take shots he's incapable of making, and will happily defer to open teammates. Savarino has a solid motor on defense and shows his willingness to compete. Next in his development process is continuing to work on finishing at the rim, as it would make him a downright lethal scorer. Coach Hodge on Savarino: 'Michael moves really well without the ball and has a nice shot from three-point range. He does a great job with catch and shoot chances, always knocking down open looks. Michael is a decent secondary ball handler and he isn't afraid to get after it on defense. He has a nice basketball IQ!' Savarino has been shooting the ball well for a while now, we are eager to see if he continues playing with this level of intensity during the season at Durham Academy.

#90:'6'1 '20 Jordan Lynch (Rocky Mount, NC)

Continuing onto a player that showcased a very well rounded game throughout camp, Jordan Lynch. He's a guard with the ability to go into the game and simply gets things done, always eager and looking to make winning plays on both ends. Lynch knocks down open shots from all three levels and plays unselfishly in transition. He understands how to properly use his high motor and creates havoc for opponents on the defensive end. Lynch has a positive attitude while displaying a team-first approach on and off the floor. Next in his development process is continuing to become more consistent on all three levels, as it would make him a much more dangerous offensive player. Coach Hodge on Lynch: 'Jordan is a tough player with quickness and court vision. He needs to work on being consistent with shooting and scoring. He did a decent job on defense but needs to work on closing out and stopping penetration. Jordan was a pleasure to coach and has potential.' Lynch left it all on the floor during camp and everyone took notice.

#93:'6'1 '21 Walter Ghaffar (Lumberton, NC)

Next, we look at a player that made considerable contributions to his team on both ends of the floor, Walter Ghaffar. He's a guard with the ability to spot-up or play as the secondary ball handler if necessary. Ghaffar moves well without the ball and showed that he is capable of knocking down open looks in transition. He works hard on both ends, always closing out strong and showing discipline to not leave his feet on ball fakes. Ghaffar won't gamble and leave the team in disarray, but instead provides conservative defense on and off-ball. Next in his development process is working on penetrating and finishing consistently at the rim, as it would bring his offensive game to new heights. Coach Hodge on Ghaffar: 'Walter was great for our team; he hustled on both ends of the court and wasn't afraid to dive on the floor if necessary. He made nice shots off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot opportunities. Walter needs to work on stopping penetration on defense.' Ghaffer made great strides during camp and should be one to watch heading into his freshman season.

#126:'6'2 '21 Jared Gibble (Winston-Salem, NC)

Moving onto a player that looked to create havoc on the defensive end whenever possible, Jared Gibble. He's a wing with a high motor and nose for the ball, always in pursuit and looking to force a turnover in any way possible. Gibble isn't overly aggressive and it plays to his advantage when in transition, where he sees the entire floor and looks to make the right play. He knocked down open shots on the offensive end, but saw most of his points in transition. Gibble will do anything to put his team in a winning situation and has the intangibles to do so. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from three-point territory, as it would elevate his game to a new level. Coach Hodge on Gibble: 'Jared is the kind of hard worker every coach wants on his team, as he continually worked hard on both ends of the floor. He bangs inside and works to get defensive position. Jared hit the offensive boards with force and had some nice putbacks on second-chance opportunities.' Gibble put on a solid outing at camp and should look to build off his performance going into his freshman season.

#129:'6'2 '21 Justin'Taylor (Charlotte, NC)

Continuing onto a prospect that plays with a visible passion for the game on both ends of the floor, Justin Taylor. He's a forward with an undeniable motor that makes him a component in every single piece of action. Offensively, Taylor entered the lane frequently and looked to make plays for others spotting-up. He is an unselfish player and proved to be a great off-ball cutter in half-court sets. Taylor is fairly quick off the dribble, but doesn't force the penetration, and shows great patience with the ball. Next in his development process is working on the overall consistency of his shot from three-point territory, as it would make him a much more dangerous offensive threat. Coach Hodge on Taylor: 'Justin is a hard worker and hustler on both ends of the floor. He runs the floor well but needs to work on finishing inside. Justin did anything to put our team in a winning position. He needs to work on his shot mechanics to improve his overall consistency.' Taylor worked hard throughout camp and stood out because of his approach to the game.

#162:'6'5 '19 Calvin Church (North Wilkesboro, NC)

Next, we look at a player blessed with a terrific frame and skillset on both sides of the ball, Calvin Church. He's a long-bodied forward that oozes with potential given his intriguing ability to score in various ways. Offensively, Church takes smart shots and is capable of netting points from all three levels; he is solid at penetrating inside and finishing strong. On the other end, he does a fantastic job staying in front of his man and using his quickness to force turnovers, which he easily turns into fast break points. Next in his development process is working on moving without the ball, as it would open up a wide variety of scoring opportunities for him. Coach Hodge on Church: 'Calvin is long and rangy. He's bouncy and frequently works on the glass, but could get stronger, which would make him a terror in that department. Calvin didn't work inside much and looked for jumpers throughout camp. He had a few good looks from three-point territory. Calvin showed strong intensity on defense and got back quickly in transition.' Church played quite well during camp and should bring the same approach into the upcoming season.

#165:'6'6 '18 Andrew Dalton (Reidsville, NC)

Finishing up, we look at a player that has size and the ability to efficiently score on all three levels, Andrew Dalton. He's a power forward who isn't afraid of taking opponents inside or pulling opposing big men away from the basket, as he spots up from behind the arc. Dalton has nice size and is willing to play through contact; he runs the floor well and doesn't force shots. He's a team-first player and does a great job keeping his head up in transition. Next in his development process is working on his defensive ability, as it would make him a more dangerous two-way presence. Coach Hodge on Dalton: 'Andrew did a lot for the team; he is a good catch-and-shoot option from three and stretches the floor nicely. He can make shots within one to two dribbles and has the ability to post up on the low block. Andrew should work on defense and rebounding going forward.' Dalton was able to make contributions and winning plays on both ends of the floor throughout camp. He should look to continue playing this way as he enters his senior season.