It’s that time of the year and July is here once again, it’s the busiest time In the Travel Ball scene, the Live Period!
Fort Mill, South Carolina– With Summer Havoc wrapped up, we officially have one travel ball showcase remaining on the Phenom Hoops schedule.
Summer Havoc was four days of non stop hardwood action, dozens of offers were earned, and a number of prospects drove their stocks up tremendously. Coaches at basically all levels came in search of their next program changing gem. After recollecting over the last few days, I’ve garnered some final thoughts on the event.
Final thoughts from Summer Havoc
D1 Dynasty Lions brought the noise from Delaware.
The Lions made the trip from up North, and they were absolutely worth the watch. They were minus some players and still had a roster full of prospects for college programs at various levels, from mid majors to division three schools. They battled some scrappy competition throughout the weekend, the Lions absolutely got everyone's best shot!
Backcourt- This group featured a nice collection of versatile guards.
5'10 2021 Jaquan Fletcher– A very saucey ball handler m, Fletcher has the rock on a string and he's cat quick in space. Fletcher is an extremely tough finisher, he's crafty around the cup, and for his size Fletcher is an exceptional rebounder.
6'3 2021 De'Andre Gourdine– Gourdine is an absolute bully at the cup, he can go around or through his man if the defense is playing soft. Gourdine initiates the contact, he's a strong finisher around the cup, he can finish with either hand and Gourdine can absolutely stroke it from deep.
6'2 2022 Dymear Yelverton– Yelverton is a zone breaker, he shoots the corner three better than just about anyone I saw, if the feet are set and Yelverton has space more than likely he's going to drill it. Yelverton was in constant movement off ball, and defensively he made plays for this group as well.
Wings- 6'5 2021 Kaheim Kimbrough- Roach- Arguably the top prospect I saw on the day, there are a lot of things Roach does well. Roach has a nice, polished midrange game, he can create space off the dribble, and shoot over smaller defenders. Roach has a fluid looking jumper, he's a natural slasher, and his innate passing ability really stood out.
6'4 2021 Jaelin Joyner- There is nice upside here with Joyner, he was listed at 6'4 but viewing him next to other players, he looked taller. Joyner is a long athlete, he showed promise from three point land, and nice athleticism around the paint. Joyner is raw and just scratching the surface, but he can do a lot of things to impact the game right now.
NC Go Hard earned a lot of respect this weekend.
As a program both their 16U and 17U squads performed exceptionally well over the weekend against some top level competition. I had the chance to see their 16U squad up close and personal, this group is led by a passionate coach, and this group feeds off that energy.
Key Players
6'2 2022 Christian Johnson- Johnson is a tough hard nosed lead guard for this group, he can create for himself and initiate the offense comfortably. Johnson was battle tested this weekend and he didn't back down from anyone, he's fearless attacking the cup, Johnson continues to shoot it well from deep also.
6'0 2021 Omar Caraballio– This young man found his groove and built more confidence with every rep. Caraballio scored in bunches when he was in attack mode, he's a streaky shooter from deep, Caraballio made some tough off the pick N roll and a few contested shots, the pressure didn't shake him. Caraballio is a solid finisher at the cup as well, he was able to beat defenders off the dribble when they overplayed.
6'2 2021 Quaevon Anderson- Anderson was one of the bigger guards on this roster, he converted some tough looks in the lane, Anderson also carved out space and filled running lanes. Anderson is a creative finisher, he provided help on the boards, and Anderson's versatility defensively was valuable.
Upward Stars Pee Dee has some guys
6'3 2021 Christian Taylor– Taylor displayed an impressive offensive arsenal, he made shot after shot from all over the perimeter. When teams went some, Taylor was efficient in the middle knocking down jumpers around the free throw line, he was strong with the rock and made some impressive passes through the zone as well.
6'3 2021 Mac Washington – Another versatile wing prospect on this roster, Washington lines up all over the floor. On the perimeter Washington shoots the three ball consistent as well as mid range, he can create off the dribble and his frame is built to take on contact. Washington can finish plays through contact and won't shy away from it. Defensively Washington can guard multiple positions on the perimeter and he can matchup down low.
6'4 2021 Ayden Hickman– Hickman can really stroke the leather from deep, his release is quick, Hickman has a fluid motion and he has next level range. At 6'4 Hickman didn't have much trouble getting his shot off, he can shoot over smaller guards or create separation off the dribble. Hickman heat up in a hurry. Hickman has the size and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions.
5'11 2021 Bryce McIntosh– McIntosh provided a nice scoring punch in the backcourt, somewhat of a combo guard at this point, McIntosh is more of a scorer but can also serve as the primary ball handler when needed. McIntosh made the most of spot up opportunities from three, he's quick with the basketball and can get to the bucket in transition.
Quick Hitters–
6'0 2020 Arrington Jones (PSB Winston)- Jones was one of the more polished floor generals on display, he can create for himself off the dribble and make shots from all over the floor. Jones is at a point where he emphasizes getting teammates involved. Jones is a natural leader, he sees the entire floor and looks to make things easier for the guys around him, Jones is active on the defensive side as well. Jones is constantly communicating on the court, calling out screens and switches.
6'2 2020 Myles Adams (Team Hickory)- Adams- A smooth lefty point guard, Adams is a high intangibles lead guard that rarely turned the ball over during the event, he's crafty with the rock and it's hard to keep Adams off his left. Adams three point shooting makes him a potential zone breaker, he's a marksmen from deep with big range. Adams can spot up off ball or create looks for himself off the bounce, he flashed a vibrant pull up game from mid range.
5'8 2020 Zaire Lucky ( SharpShooters)- Lucky had one of the best halves of basketball I saw all weekend, he scored 25 points in the second half of the contest I saw featuring the Sharp Shooters. Lucky has next level range from three point land, he gets nice arc on and can shoot over extended hands unbothered at times. Lucky can fill it up in spurts, he has a quick first step off the dribble and it left defenders stagnant. Lucky was one of the quickest guards with the basketball end to end on display, Lucky attacked the rim with no regard and also took on contact at the finish. Lucky showed a nice running floater and he
5'11 2019 Trevez Caldwell (Playground Elite)- Caldwell is another silky smooth lefty guard that played well for his side. Caldwell has a good midrange game, an area that is overlooked he can stop and pop on a dime. Caldwell gets nice rotation, he can create separation and make shots off the dribble, Caldwell is at his best downhill in space. Caldwell can provided some spark to D2-D3's looking to add offense off the bench, Caldwell will commit on the defensive side of the ball as well.
6'4 2020 Elan Muniz (NC Spartans) Muniz absolutely shout the lights out for the NC Spartans, he's got nice size as an off guard and it's paired with a lethal jump shot. Muniz shot the ball well from all over the floor, and he doesn't have to dominate the rock to score it. If the defense overplays and runs him off the three, Muniz can attack off the dribble and get in the lane as well. Muniz is a High I.Q. Kid who finds shots within the offense, his size and zone breaking ability should be valued at the next level, Muniz is also a lengthy and scrappy defender, who will play hard on ball and make his man work.