NC Phenom 150 Session 2
Team 12 Evaluations
Coach: Shawn Robinson
#12:'5'7 '18 Matthew White (Danville, VA)
Starting things off, we look at a player that knew his role and made every effort to help his team on both sides of the ball, Matthew White. He's a true point guard that is always looking to create for others, whether in the half-court or transition. White is unselfish and frequently passed up good shots for great ones, a valuable skill that shows his overall feel for the game. He showed the makings of a strong pull-up jumper, but still needs to work on his overall shot consistency from outside the paint. Defensively, White did a solid job of controlling his matchup and made a concerted effort to be the first man back in transition. Next in his development process is continuing to polish his scoring ability, as it will make him a multi-threat player on the offensive end. Coach Robinson on White: 'Matthew has a great attitude and sees the floor well, however, he needs to get a better understanding of the game to properly utilize his passing ability. He can handle the ball and is a great passer, but needs to keep better security of the ball when setting the offense.' White has upside and ample time to reach his ceiling; it'll be interesting to see how much he expands his game going forward.
#52:'5'10 '18 Evan Svirk (Chapel Hill, NC)
Next, we look at a player that consistently brought intensity and a nice motor on both ends of the floor, Evan Svirk. He's a guard that plays unselfishly and looks to get his teammates involved on every possession. Offensively, Svirk is capable of knocking down shots on all three levels while mixing in penetration fairly often. On the other end, he will do anything possible to put his team in a winning position and even forced a few turnovers, which led to fast break chances. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his ability to move without the ball, as it would give him numerous more catch-and-shoot chances. Coach Robinson on Svirk: 'Evan brought a positive attitude all day and encouraged teammates on and off the floor. He gave great effort but needs to work on using less dribbles to get to his spots. Evan should also continue working on the consistency of his jumper to maximize his skillset.' Svirk has a chance to elevate his game to a new level with continued work and development.
#69:'5'11 '19 Edward Wedlington III (Charlotte, NC)
Continuing onto a player that understood his role and performed within the flow of his team, Edward Wedlington. He's a guard that can play with or without the ball effectively, given his solid ability to shoot the ball on spot-up opportunities and ability to create for others. Offensively, Wedlington didn't force the action and could often be found moving without the ball to find necessary space; he shot the ball well in the provided opportunities. On the other end, he worked incredibly hard to bottle up his assignment and eliminate all airspace. Next in his development process is improving his ability to penetrate and finish at the basket, as it would make him a much more difficult player to contain. Coach Robinson on Wedlington: 'Edward worked hard on both ends of the floor throughout camp; he displayed a good attitude and solid understanding for the game. Edward knew how to find open space without the ball, but should continue working on the use of his off-hand, as it would allow him to play with the ball more frequently.' Wedlington had a solid showing at camp and should look to improve off the foundation he's laid, as he heads into a big upcoming season.
#92:'6'1 '19 Lemuel Black (Jamestown, NC)
Moving onto a player that displayed flashes of becoming a premier defender and terrific athlete, Lemuel Black. He's a wing who loves to get out in transition and finish fast breaks at the cup. Offensively, Black does a nice job playing off-ball and getting his teammates involved; he has the quickness necessary to blow by opponents from the wing or high post. On the other end, he can typically be found pursuing the ball and doing the little things; he's a solid overall defender but has the tools to be even better. Next in his development process is working on the overall consistency of his three-point shot, as it would open up new dimensions to his game. Coach Robinson on Black: 'Lemuel is a very athletic wing and has great potential on both sides of the ball. He needs to improve his off-hand and jumper, but showed flashes of being able to do so. If he continues to play organized basketball, I see huge upside for Lemuel, especially on the defensive side.' Black showed his ability to coexist and flow with a random collection of players, and should continue working to maximize his potential.
#109:'6'1 '18 Justin Lucas (Gastonia, NC)
Continuing onto a player that did an exceptional job as a slasher and secondary creator throughout camp, Justin Lucas. He's a wing with great intangibles, given his quality frame and athleticism. Offensively, Lucas is a nice three-level scorer who can shoot the ball at a very high clip from catch-and-shoot chances. However, he's at his best when penetrating strong to the basket, where he's proven capable of finishing strong over the defense. On the defensive end, Lucas did a proficient job of locking his assignment up and giving them no airspace to operate. Next in his development process is working on the consistency of his form on jumpers, as it would help him shoot an even better percentage when repeating the same mechanics. Coach Robinson on Lucas: 'Justin has a great attitude and was our true leader on the court. He gets into the lane well and is able to make the correct pass at the correct time. He will be a very strong two-way player, especially if he continues working on his jumper.' Lucas had a quality showing at camp and could have a breakout year if he continues playing with that same level of passion and intensity.
#132:'6'2 '19 Walyn Napper (Columbia, SC)
Next, we look at a player that brought a quality attitude and discipline to the team during camp, Walyn Napper. He's a wing with great potential on both sides of the ball, given his intriguing athleticism and skillset. Offensively, Napper looks to mix it up as much as possible, shooting from all three levels and driving into the lane whenever possible. He's unselfish and showed the ability to assist for others. Napper pursued everything in transition and netted himself a few scoring opportunities from his hustle. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from midrange and three-point territory, as it would make him a far more dangerous offensive player. Coach Robinson on Napper: 'Wayln is a coachable kid that displayed a great attitude throughout camp. He made the most of his chances but needs to continue to play organized basketball. Though he knocked down shots throughout camp, Wayln needs to work on his off-hand and jumper in order to maximize his abilities.' Napper is only beginning to scratch the surface and should have eyes on him, as he heads into a critical upcoming season.
#149:'6'3 '19 Antonio Dupree (Hope Mills, NC)
Moving onto a player that frequently made plays on both sides of the ball while also living above the rim, Antonio Dupree. He's a forward with a high motor, always looking to apply pressure to opponents and force turnovers, which he was often successful in doing. Offensively, Dupree is a solid three-level scorer, but is at his best when getting downhill and driving to the cup, where he finished a high majority of his looks. His ability to get by defenders is terrific and it allows him to get into the paint with relative ease; he showed nice vision and instincts on kick-out opportunities. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would really make him a difficult player to contain on offense. Coach Robinson on Dupree: 'Antonio is a very athletic player that sets the tone on both ends of the floor. He finishes above the rim whenever possible and doesn't shy away from contact. His jumper is decent, but continually improving. If he improves his shooting off the dribble, Antonio will be a very nice prospect.' Dupree showcased what he's capable of doing throughout camp and should try to play the same exact way this upcoming season.
#172:'6'5 '19 Deuce Franklin (Charlotte, NC)
Continuing onto a player that was impressive on both sides of the ball throughout camp, Deuce Franklin. He's somewhat of a tweener, but it doesn't really matter, as Franklin is undeniably productive and consistently makes his team better. Offensively, he's at his best when slotted in the post (regardless of low or high), where he's able to effectively use his size and strength to finish over and through defenders. Franklin is an efficient scorer within fifteen feet and often uses that area as his avenue for points. He plays with a high motor and it shows on the defensive end, as he's almost always making a play on the ball or forcing a turnover. Franklin rebounded the ball quite well on both ends of the floor and showed that he is quicker than most matchups. Next in his development process is working on his ability to stretch the floor and knock down the occasional jumper beyond the elbows, as it would make him a headache for opponents to deal with. Coach Robinson on Franklin: 'Deuce plays very hard and understands post positioning, two incredibly valuable skills. He attacks the rim hard and finishes strong. He needs to develop his post game as well as passing out of the post, but they are current works in progress. Deuce should continue working on his jumper, too, as it would raise his offensive ceiling.' Franklin played quality basketball during camp and earned his All-Camp First Team honors.
#189:'6'7 '19 Max Chambers (Knightdale, NC)
Finishing up with a player that set the nets ablaze during camp from midrange and three-point territory, Max Chambers. He's a tough two-way big man that can operate inside or outside the arc, both with great success. Offensively, Chambers can do whatever the team needs, whether it is setting up down low or spotting-up on the perimeter, he's shown the ability. However, Chambers does prefer to hang out around the elbows, where he is the most efficient. He competes for rebounds on both ends of the floor and plays with a high motor at all times. Next in his development process is improving his ability to score with his back to the basket, as it would make him a dual threat on the offensive end. Coach Robinson on Chambers: 'Max can really shoot the ball! He needs to be more aggressive and physical. He can run the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop exceptionally well. Max needs more confidence, but should develop it with appropriate time. He should continue to work on his ball handling and passing to maximize his potential.' Chambers played quite well during camp and could have a breakout season at Knightdale.