It is finally here.' The AAU season kicks off in style with Phenom Hoops, as we head to Greensboro to open the season with the Phenom Opening. Players of all ages will come to North Carolina in hopes to compete and start the season off.
This will be a CAN’T MISS EVENT, as we may have never started off the season with this much talent on so many levels.' That is why we are hoping to get everyone excited as much as we are.' Get to the event early, as we expect this event to be a packed house.
To start the buzz around the Phenom Opening, Phenom Hoops is providing a small preview of players to watch for at the event.' Check out the names below.
Team: Wilmington Excel 14u
Coach: Will Keistler
Stan Ballard – (2023, Guard, 6’1″, Leland Middle School)
Coaches Talk: Stan Ballard is a physically gifted player at 13 years old. He uses his blend of size, strength, and skill to consistently get downhill to the rim or into the paint to create opportunities for his teammates. He is a wide body that is tough to stop once he gets his shoulder by. Very efficient lane game. He is a gamer that loves to put work in on his craft. He is not afraid to guard the other team's best player and does whatever it takes to help his team win. Bright future
Shane Hawkins – (2023, 5'11', Guard, Rolen Grise Middle School)
Coaches Talks: Shane Hawkins is a skilled guard who is able to score it at all 3 levels. A natural 3-Point shooter that has become really good at attacking closeouts off the catch. A high IQ player that understands the game and consistently makes good basketball decisions with the ball. Shane also has become a steady on and off the ball defender over the years. As he continues to grow into his body, his game will continue to develop. An important piece to our team!
Caedmon Hobgood – (2023, 6’4″, Forward, Noble Middle School)
Coaches Talk: Caedmon Hobgood is a guy who rebounds both ends of the floor extremely hard, finishes consistently inside, and has shown the ability to extend his range to 15-17′. He plays with a high motor and does a lot of the dirty work for our team that does not show up on a stat sheet. He is a great screen setter and uses his body/length well on the defensive side floor to contest shots. As he continues to grow into his self his role will expand more. While he may not stuff a stat sheet, his value to the team is extremely important.
Samiir Gibbs – (2023, 5’8″, PG, Noble Middle School)
Coaches Talk: Samiir Gibbs is a pass-first point guard that possesses great quickness and vision with the basketball. He does a good job of probing defenses, getting paint touches, and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Excels in transition and pushing the tempo. A big piece to our team when he is “on”.