NC Phenom 150 Session 2
Team 11 Evaluations
Coach: DeEarnest McLemore
#11: 5'7 ’21 Jordan Nelson (Mint Hill, NC)
First, we look at a player that consistently brings passion and intensity on both ends of the floor, Jordan Nelson. He's a guard with the ability to make others better, always looking to make the smart/extra pass whenever necessary. Offensively, Nelson shot the ball well (especially from three) and showed his ability to move non-stop, allowing him to play off-ball. He displays a solid IQ and high motor, and will try to outwork his opponent on every possession. Next in his development process is improving his rebounding ability, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach McLemore on Nelson: 'Jordan has a nice-looking shot with range; he passes the ball very well. He showed toughness and played hard throughout camp. Jordan needs to develop a stronger midrange game, but was very coachable and plays within himself.' Nelson has a strong foundation already, and he will be one to watch as he continues to develop.
#30: 5'9 '21 Bryson Kittrell (Chester, VA)
Next, we look at a player that elevated his team's play throughout camp with his IQ and two-way presence, Bryson Kittrell. He's a guard with a high motor and the ability to play with or without the ball quite well. With the ball, Kittrell showed that he has solid vision and ball distribution skills, allowing him to run a team whenever needed. Without the ball, he is able to spot-up and use his quality shooting to keep pressure on opposing defenses. Defensively, Kittrell does a nice job on-ball; he possesses quick hands, which he frequently used to force turnovers and get deflections on passes. Next in his development process is improving his rebounding ability, as it would make him an even more complete player. Coach McLemore on Kittrell: 'Bryson improved each game that he played. He played with more confidence each time on the floor; he is crafty with the ball and can get to the rim effectively. Bryson can shoot with range and is a very unselfish player. He is a good defender, too.' Kittrell worked incredibly hard during camp and should keep that same mindset going into the upcoming season.
#44: 5'10 '20 Donavon Lambert (Hartsville, SC)
Moving onto a player that excelled on the defensive end of the floor throughout camp, Donavon Lambert. He's a fairly athletic and versatile guard, allowing him to defend both guard positions and even some wings in the right circumstances. Offensively, Lambert is at his best off-ball, where he's able to receive the ball on the wing and pull up from midrange or penetrate into the lane, both of which he does quite effectively. On the other end, he does a great job sticking to his man like glue and eliminates any possible airspace for his opponent to work with. Next in his development process is improving his consistency from three-point distance, as it would make him a very interesting offensive threat. Coach McLemore on Lambert: 'Donavon plays very hard on both ends of the floor and always pursues the ball in transition. He's very fast in the open court with the ball and is a great on-ball defender. Donavon needs to improve his jumper and decision-making; he's unselfish, but just needs to work on hitting teammates at the right time.' Lambert put his full arsenal on display during camp and should have no issue making contributions this upcoming season.
#51: 5'10 '18 Antonio Stovall Jr. (Toano, VA)
Continuing onto a player that showed he can score the ball efficiently in nearly any setting, Antonio Stovall Jr. He's a wing with a great attitude and overall demeanor for the game, always looking to lift up his teammates on and off the floor. Offensively, Stovall is a solid three-level scorer with a nice jumper and quickness off the dribble. He creates fairly well for others and displays a tremendous feel for the game on that end of the floor. Stovall has the tools to be a successful defender, but needs to commit more to his play on that side of the ball. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open up a variety of off-ball opportunities leading to easy jumpers. Coach McLemore on Stovall: 'Antonio has good scoring ability and can score from three-point territory with deep range. He is crafty with the ball; he can get to the rim and finish really well. Antonio makes some nice passes to his teammates, but has the ability to improve on defense.' Stovall made an impression with his offensive play during camp and should continue working to become a destructive two-way presence.
#91: 6'1 '21Taylor Bell (Raleigh, NC)
Next, we look at a player who faced adversity and still displayed real toughness on both sides of the ball, Taylor Bell. He's a strong-bodied wing that takes great pride in his two-way presence. Offensively, Bell is capable of a vast array of things; he can handle the ball, create for himself or others, and shoot quite well from all three levels. He takes opponents off the dribble often and showed the ability to finish through contact at the rim. Defensively, Bell frequently harassed his assignment and applied nonstop pressure to the opposing team throughout camp. Next in his development process is learning how to move better without the ball, as it would open up a ton of spot-up looks that he could punish opponents with. Coach McLemore on Bell: 'Taylor's overall skillset was limited due to an ankle injury, but he has a nice-looking shot with quality range. He's crafty with the ball and can get to the rim whenever he needs to. Taylor has the quickness and length to be a great defender.' Bell worked hard and fought despite dealing with an injury; he should be able to fit with a wide variety of players and thrive.
#110: 6'1 '20 Tyler McKinney (Arden, NC)
Moving onto a player that displayed a strong all-around presence throughout camp, Tyler McKinney. He's a wing with the mindset to affect as many facets of the game as possible, always looking to make the smartest play to put his team in a winning position. McKinney shot the ball exceptionally well all day, and especially well from three-point territory, where he emerged as one of his team's strongest spot-up options. He forced numerous turnovers and seemed to always be in the right place at the right time on defense. Next in his development process is working on his overall quickness, as it would allow him to become a better on-ball defender. Coach McLemore on McKinney: 'Tyler can shoot the ball really well and with range; he's very crafty with the ball and shows the ability to get to the basket and finis. He is very unselfish and played good defense throughout camp.' McKinney should have a nice upcoming season, where he has a chance to set the nets ablaze as a knockdown three-point shooter.
#131: 6'2 ’20 Miles Merriweather (Chapel Hill, NC)
Continuing onto a player that displayed a high motor throughout camp and applied constant pressure to opponents, Miles Merriweather. He's a wing who plays with heart and passion on both sides of the ball, always looking to cause havoc and disrupt opponents in any possible way. Offensively, Merriweather plays with IQ and shot the ball quite well on all three levels, but is at his best when catching the ball, getting to the elbows, and pulling up from midrange. He penetrates and finishes at the rim pretty well, which usually come from his opportunities in transition. On the other end, Merriweather did a great job defending the ball by using positioning and angles appropriately. Next in his development process is continuing to work on the consistency of his three-point shot, as it would make him more difficult to contain on offense. Coach McLemore on Merriweather: 'Miles is a workhorse; he plays hard on both ends and has a knack for getting his hands on the ball. He finishes well at the basket and uses his body very well. Miles has a nice-looking shot from midrange and three; he rebounds well for his size and has the potential to be a very good player.' Merriweather enjoyed a great showing at camp and should look to play the same way this upcoming season.
#150: 6'4 Saiyd Burnside
Next, we look at a player who showcased his athleticism on both sides of the ball throughout camp, Saiyd Burnside. He's a wing that goes out and competes exceptionally hard from start to finish; he wants to dominate his opponent and shows no quit when pursing that goal. Offensively, Burnside gets most of his points in transition and from off-ball cutting, which he does at a terrific rate. He gets to the basket quite well and finishes most of his opportunities at the rim. His athleticism is apparent on defense, but can be somewhat out of control at times, and he could become a better defender with improved positioning. Next in his development process is working on the consistency of his three-point shot, as it would allow him to demand more offensive attention. Coach McLemore on Burnside: 'Saiyd is very long and athletic; he's very active on both ends of the floor. He rebounds quite well and keeps the ball high. Saiyd has nice touch around the rim and midrange. He has a lot of potential and can be really good if he works hard.' Burnside will continue rounding out his game and should be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#171: 6'5 '19 Dillon Butler (Raleigh, NC)
Moving onto a player that consistently got it done on both ends of the floor with his great motor and leadership, Dillon Butler. He's a forward who plays his best basketball when slotted in the high post, where he's able to post-up opponents or blow by them for a one or two dribble penetration. Butler showcased a nice jumper during camp with range out beyond the three-point arc. He did terrific with the ball in his hands, showing constant unselfishness and desire to make his teammates better. Defensively, Butler did whatever he could to cause his matchup problems and was above average at closing out. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him a more dangerous player on both ends of the floor. Coach McLemore on Butler: 'Dillon has a nice feel for the game; he can score in all ways and frequently does so. He has a nice turn-around jumper from the midpost and he has a quality jumper with range. Dillon is very unselfish and loves to get his teammates involved.' Butler should continue to build of his strong camp performance as he heads into the upcoming season.
#190: 6'7 ’19 Jake Krawczyk (Fort Mill, SC)
Finishing up with a player that understands how to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor, Jake Krawczyk. He's a big man with a solid understanding of the game, only looking to make the smartest play possible or whatever will help put his team in a winning position. Offensively, Krawcyzk is at his best around the basket, where he's able to post-up on the block or step out and knock down midrange shots. His defense is above average and he can typically control what his opponent does on the offensive end of the floor. Next in his development process is continuing to connect his physical presence with his skill level, as it will make him a dangerous two-way player. Coach McLemore on Krawczyk: 'Jake is a very active player on both ends of the floor. He's very aggressive and has nice touch around the basket. He shows quality range on his shot out to the elbows and was consistently a great passer out of the post. Jake was a great team player throughout camp.' Krawczyk proved that harnessing the 'little things' can go a long way.