South Carolina Phenom 150 Evaluations

 

Team 8

Coach: Tyler McHone

 

#64: 5'8 '21 Jamauri Day (Columbia, SC)

Starting things off, we look at a player that displayed an impressive array of guard skills at camp, Jamauri Day. He's a point guard with strong vision and the craftiness to consistently create scoring opportunities off the bounce, both for himself and others. Day showcased quality quickness and was able to get by defenders with relative ease, followed by a finish or assist in the paint. Defensively, Day was memorable and forced turnovers at a fairly high frequency, which simply led to more transition play. Next in his development process is working on the consistency of his three-point shot, as it would make him virtually unstoppable on offense. Coach McHone on Day: 'Jamauri is already a nice two-way guard prospect, given his great defensive presence and excellent court vision. He competes and has a strong feel for the game. Jamauri has a chance to be one of the top players in South Carolina by his senior season.' Day is quite intriguing and should be worth keeping an eye on during these next few years.

 

#66: 5'8 '19 Jarrod Woodland (Florence, SC)

Next, we look at a player that possesses an advanced physical frame and isn't afraid to use it, Jarrod Woodland. He's a strong-bodied guard with nice athleticism and the ability to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Woodland provided effective three-level scoring throughout the day, especially in transition, and was terrific at absorbing contact around the basket. He passes the ball well and has an unselfish approach to the game. Woodland is willing to make the hustle plays and sacrifice his body for extra possessions. Next in his development process is to fine-tune his shot mechanics, as it will help improve his accuracy from beyond the arc. Coach McHone on Woodland: 'Jarrod is an ultimate floor leader with a phenomenal presence on both sides of the ball. He's a high-level defender with blazing speed and strength to match. Jarrod will be a great floor general at the college level.' Woodland should have a big upcoming year, especially if he maintains his play from camp.

 

#85: 5'11 '21 Avery Armstrong (Rock Hill, SC)

Moving onto a player that provides a pretty well-rounded approach to the game, Avery Armstrong. He's a guard prospect with nice length and the ability to utilize his frame on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Armstrong was able to consistently fill in the gaps, both as a cutter and spot-up option, and never forced the action. He made a stronger impact as a shooter than penetrator, but also displayed quality flashes of finishing around the rim. Armstrong played hard throughout camp and showcased a high motor throughout. Next in his development process is continuing to define his offensive skillset and determine his identity as a player, as it would allow him to attack with more success. Coach McHone on Armstrong: 'Avery puts forth a great effort on the hardwood. He has a solid IQ for the game and was very coachable throughout camp. Avery has a quality frame and should continue developing into a solid player.' Armstrong enjoyed a nice showing at camp and we'll be keeping a close eye on his progression going forward.

 

#88:5'11 '21 Jalen Williams (Simpsonville, SC)

Continuing onto a player that showcased a lot of intrigue and two-way potential to camp, Jalen Williams. He's an athletic wing prospect with a nice, strong frame. Throughout the day, Williams filled the lane, made hustle plays, and looked to contribute however he could. Offensively, he knocked down shots, cut without the ball, and finished a strong majority of his opportunities around the basket. Williams brought an incredibly unselfish approach to the team and looked to make the extra pass whenever possible. It was clear that Williams' only interest was in winning and that he'd do whatever necessary to achieve that. Next in his development process is continuing to sharpen his mind for the game, as it would allow him to control the action and see the floor with more intelligence. Coach McHone on Williams: 'Jalen is a strong wing with nice size. He has an athletic frame and displayed soft touch. With continued development, Jalen should turn into a quality player.' Williams' team-first concept paid off and provided him with some exposure along the way.

 

#104: 6'1 '22 Jackson Hawkins (Olin, NC)

Next, we look at a player that provided his team with an excellent motor and nonstop effort, Jackson Hawkins. He's a wing prospect that really focuses on filling in the gaps and making plays however possible. As one of the younger players in attendance, Hawkins approached this camp with the right mentality and simply looked to outwork everyone in his path. He didn't dominate on offense, but he certainly showcased numerous flashes of his potential at the high school level. Hawkins fought hard on the glass, on both ends of the floor, and secured multiple second-chance opportunities. Next in his development process is to work on his accuracy from beyond the arc, as it would make him a much more useful spot-up threat, though he already moves exceptionally well without the ball. Coach McHone on Hawkins: 'Jackson has nice size and plays really hard on both ends of the floor. He was coachable throughout camp and could become the ultimate glue-guy with continued development.' It'll be interesting to see how Hawkins progresses over these next few months, given his high work ethic.

 

#107: 6'1 '22 Zach Villegas (Charlotte, NC)

Moving onto a player that displayed a lot of potential and two-way production at camp, Zach Villegas. He's a wing prospect that looked to contribute however possible, through hitting midrange pull-ups, spotting-up beyond the arc, or causing havoc in transition. Villegas moved well without the ball and looked to make the smart play whenever it was in his hands. He drove strong to the basket throughout the day, but is far more polished as a shooter right now. Next in his development process is improving as a ball-handler and creator, as it would make him quite problematic for opponents. Coach McHone on Villegas: 'Zach is a heady player with a nice motor and great attitude. He was coachable throughout our time at camp and looked to carry out any orders on the court. He has some leadership qualities and looks likely to keep growing and improving. With continued development, Zach can be a solid combo guard.' Villegas was one of the hardest workers on his team, so we'll be expecting him to make noise during his first high school season.

 

#123: 6'3 '20 Tre Henderson (Greenville, SC)

Continuing onto a player that was arguably the most valuable performer on this roster, Tre Henderson. He's a guard prospect with the ability to constantly keep defenses honest, through his quickness and sharp scoring ability. Offensively, Henderson displays a strong IQ and overall feel for the game, which allows him to easily navigate the floor while creating for others. He scored efficiently from all three levels during camp and drove the ball quite effectively to the rim, where he showcased his ability to draw fouls and finish through contact. Henderson was an excellent all-around defender and was able to generate an abundance of turnovers, especially when attempting to jump in the passing lanes. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his movement without the ball, as it would make him an even more dynamic offensive player with the added ability to play as the off-guard. Coach McHone on Henderson: 'Tre is a reliable combo guard with solid two-way ability. He can shoot and handle the ball quite well, and has the ability to lead an offense. Tre was able to defend four positions during our time at camp.' Henderson could be a strong candidate to enjoy a breakout junior season, especially if he continues playing like he showcased at camp.

 

#126: 6'4 '19 Jasaun Pryor (Ridgeville, SC)

Next, we look at a player that highlighted his two-way skillset with constant flashes of dominance, Jasaun Pryor. He's a wing prospect that understands how to impact the game at all times. Offensively, Pryor was among the top scorers on this team, but also showed the clear willingness to create for others and make his teammates better. He was able to consistently get by opponents and make plays within the arc while also knocking down efficient looks from all three levels. Pryor was a pest defensively and utilized his length really well when defending around the basket, as it allowed him to block and alter an abundance of shots. He rebounded the ball well and, in many ways, was the glue-guy of this squad. Next in his development process is improving his movement without the ball, as it would allow him to play off-ball more often and still apply offensive pressure. Coach McHone on Pryor: 'Jasaun is an athletic and skilled wing/forward prospect. He plays with a high motor and knows how to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball. Jasaun scored really well from all three levels throughout the day.' Pryor is entering his senior year, where he could easily emerge as a college-level prospect.

 

#142: 6'6 '20 Lucas Heckaman

Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased a lot of two-way potential during his time at camp, Lucas Heckaman. He's a long-bodied big man with a wiry frame and quality mentality on both ends of the floor. Heckaman plays with an excellent motor, constantly in pursuit of rebounds and loose balls, and shows a clear willingness to make the hustle plays. Offensively, he sets up well on the low block and has decent touch around the basket, but also displayed a formidable midrange shot throughout the day. He competes on defense and has solid timing on his attempts to alter shots around the basket. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, in order to make a better impact inside the paint on both ends of the floor. Coach McHone on Heckaman: 'Lucas was our lone big man at camp today, but he played extremely hard and showed a willingness to do whatever was asked of him. He got big on defense and moves with purpose in transition. He has potential and it'll be fun to watch him harness his abilities.' Heckaman will be one to watch grow, as he could develop into an intrigu