Team 2
Coach: Stan Carpenter
#2: 5'5 '20 Tyrik Becton of North Lenior (Kinston)
Starting things off, we look at a player that displayed a high level attitude along with the strong ability to get to the rim, Tyrik Becton. He's a natural lead guard that shows off a tight handle and uses it to maneuver in the lane, creating open looks for himself and others. Defensively, he's solid, but has the potential to be better. Next in his development process is just continuing to refine all facets of his game; he is such a young player that both his offensive and defensive games can use as much work as possible. Coach Carpenter on Becton: 'Tyrik handles the ball very well and gets his teammates involved often. He's very explosive and knows how to attack the basketball when it's up for grabs. He must work on his upper body strength and develop a more consistent jump shot for the next level.' It was clear that Becton has upside; he has the potential to be a really nice guard, it's all based on the work he's willing to put in. Becton should look to build off his strong camp performance heading into summer play.
#36: 5'10 '20 Marley Gordon of Gaston Christian (Charlotte)
Next, we look at a player whose poise and overall feel for the game made a huge impression, Marley Gordon. He's a young lead guard with a high IQ and a knack for involving all of his teammates on offense. Gordon has good length and doesn't appear to be done growing. Throughout camp, he showed the ability to be a solid three-level scorer and should be a complete offensive player sooner than later. Next in his development process is improving overall defense, since his offense is definitely stronger right now. Coach Carpenter on Gordon: 'Marley plays with a high 'motor' and quality on-ball defense. He attacks the rim well and sees the entire floor. Though he needs to improve the consistency on his jumper, Marley has the chance to be a very good ball player.' Gordon was certainly an attractive prospect for the next level, especially when you consider how far along he is for a freshman. Like Coach Carpenter said, he has a chance to be really intriguing one day.
#39: 5'10 '17 Kaleb Hewitt of Hickory (Hickory)
Continuing onto an unsigned senior that could really be an interesting look for some D3 programs, Kaleb Hewitt. His defensive prowess was easily noticeable from the opening warm-ups at camp, going 300% at all times and with precise footwork. Offensively, he's solid when slashing and able to manipulate defenses with his off-ball cutting. Hewitt has shown all the tools to being a successful player. Next in his development process is to refine his jumpshot, as this would make him a complete two-way player that would benefit any collection of teammates. Coach Carpenter on Hewitt: 'Kaleb Hewitt is the best on-ball defender on this team. His quickness and footwork causes trouble for opposing players. Kaleb shoots the ball well and rushes at the rim. He needs to develop a more consistent three-point shot, but is overall a quality player.' Hewitt was among the best all-around defenders at camp and proved to be a huge asset to his team. He should look to build off his strong camp performance heading into his final summer season.
#73: 6'0 '20 Griffin Albright of Grimsley (Greensboro)
Moving onto a player whose best basketball is ahead of him, but the blueprint is nicely in place, Griffin Albright. He's a hard worker with a good attitude. Offensively, Albright prefers shooting the ball over taking it off the bounce, and he's shown flashes of being a plus shooter. His team-first approach was noticeable in majority of actions he displayed on the court. Next in Albright's development process is working on his defensive and penetration abilities, as this would allow him to begin tapping into his potential. Coach Carpenter on Albright: 'Griffin plays very hard and has a great attitude. He also shoots the ball pretty well but needs to look to score more. Griffin must also work on his ball handling and overall floor leadership. He can be a very good player with more work.' Albright is an intriguing prospect with the ability to be dangerous on both ends of the floor; it's all about how much time he's willing to put in. He's on our radar now, so we will keep eyes on him as he enters summer play.
#77: 6'0 '20 Kohl Crump of Carolina International School (Charlotte)
Continuing onto a player that solidified himself as the motor of the team throughout camp, Kaleb Crump. He's a guard that loves to get out and make the hustle plays, all while being a solid team player. Crump looked to move the ball in the open court and showed off a nice feel for the game. Next in his development process is continuing to polish his jumper, both from inside and outside the arc, as this would expand his game tremendously. Coach Carpenter on Crump: 'Kohl plays hard and has a very good motor; he needs to work on his scoring and ball handling abilities. He passes the ball quite well and has a nice feel for the game.' Crump is very young and showcased some quality skills at camp, how he builds off his performance going forward will determine his future. This summer will be interesting and Crump could very well be part of the intrigue.
#111: 6'1 '18 Abba Wague of Rabun Gap (Rabun Gap)
Moving onto a player whose intangibles and hard-nosed approach paid huge dividends for his team, Abba Wague. He has solid energy and exerts great effort on the floor, especially on the defensive end. Wague plays with a team-first mentality, hustling for loose balls and making the right play whenever possible. He's got a solid frame for a guard and could impose his will on opponents. There are tools available, he just has to harness what is in front of him. Next in his development process is refining his offensive game, as some more scoring juice would certainly make him a more dangerous player. Coach Carpenter on Wague: 'Abba plays very hard and has a good motor, but needs to work on his shot selection. He plays good transition defense and can be a quality player with some work.' He made a solid impression on his coach and teammates; they all got along and he was right in the middle of it. Wague has potential and plenty of time to expand his ceiling as he enters a critical summer for recruiting.
#147: 6'4 '20 Tavis Bridges of Starmount (Booneville)
Next, we have a player that has as much two-way upside as anyone on display at camp, Tavis Bridges. He's long and will absolutely continue to grow, especially when you consider he has an uncle that stands at 7'. There is a reason for this being relevant; his game is about length, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots, two things he already does at a high level. If his game stayed the exact same and he grew four or so inches, we are talking about one of the top prospects in the freshman class potentially. Next in his development process is continuing to refine his skill game, things like free throws and touch around the elbows, as these would make him a really talented all-around threat. Coach Carpenter on Bridges: 'Tavis is a great rim protector; he also rebounds the ball very well. His footwork could use some tuning, as could his low post moves, but he has the potential to be a very good college player with more work.' There should be little to no doubt about Bridges upside, as there are limitless possibilities. He is already an interesting player, but he will develop into a two-way force in due time.
#150: 6'4 '17 Andrew Freeman of Riverside (Durham)
Continuing on with a player whose two-way versatility proved to be his most valuable weapon, Andrew Freeman. He's a big-bodied forward with really strong three-level scoring ability, as he averaged 15.7 PPG during camp. The ability he showed when playing with his frontcourt mate was highly intriguing; Freeman moved the ball quite well and found his way into the lane whenever he desired. His ability to create shots for the team cannot be overstated, as it was a huge factor in their offensive success. Next in his development process is improving his defensive motor, as he would be a fantastic two-way player with this addition. Coach Carpenter on Freeman: 'Andrew is a phenomenal scorer! He can get to the basket at will and has a great touch both inside and outside the arc. He uses his strength to help rebound and gain position in the middle. Andrew could be a really good college-level player.' We agree with his coach, as Freeman has plenty of untapped potential and it's so close to his reach. He has all the tools to make it, and have success, at the next level.
#183: 6'7 '17 Amiri Waddell of Concord First Assembly (Gastonia)
Finally, we finish with a player that was utterly dominant, averaging 30 PPG through camp, Amiri Waddell. He is a big, strong forward with such an incredible array of moves offensively; he can simply do anything with the ball in his hands. Waddell is a three-level scorer with underrated vision, able to create shots for himself and others with such ease. He's a fantastic two-way rebounder and that is likely his best attribute. Next in his development process is improving his overall motor, as this quality would certainly have made him the top player at camp. Coach Carpenter on Waddell: 'Amiri was the best scorer on this team; his range is insane and he shoots it with no conscience. He attacks the rim relentlessly and rebounds the ball extremely well. Amiri has the ability to be an outstanding college player.' There is no doubting Waddell's talent level. It's been documented and people should be well aware that, given some adjustments, he is a definite Division 1 player.