The Fall Session of the NC Phenom 150 Exposure Camp is like a mixed bag of candy, you never know what you will get, but you know it will be good. Session 1 of 2018 was no different, in fact there were countless Division 1 and Division 2 prospects who showed up. Not only that, the size of this came was unrivaled.
Showcased in this article are two unsigned senior big men who really showcased themselves as prospects who should have multiple Division 1 offers. 6’9″ Brandon Franklin of Northwood Temple in Fayetteville, North Carolina and 6’11” David Elien of Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Franklin is a unique prospect, with a unique story. What a difference a year can make in the life of a basketball prospect. From his sophomore to junior high school seasons, Franklin grew from 6’2″ to 6’7″. A brand new 6’7″ player with guard skills, Franklin was finding himself as a bigger player with the same guard skill set. Now Franklin is entering his senior season at 6’9″ with a 7’1″ wing span. Yes, in only two years, Franklin has grown 7 inches. He is walking around with an entirely new body and frame.
Franklin came out in this camp show casing a wing skill set. He had deep range off the catch and a quick release. His release point was high as well, which proved tough for players to block. If the opponent put a player his size on him, he was able to use his ball skills to get by him. Franklin knocked down 4 threes per game, on average he showcased multiple dunks in each game and showed nice timing and rebounding abilities. Division 1 programs should be looking hard at Franklin. Immediately he stretches the floor for you and pulls gravity out of the lane. Long term, he is a lengthy, upside defender who can handle the ball and block shots at 6’9″.
6’11” David Elien just has all the natural tools possible. He grew up very much into sciences and school and only within the past couple of years did he start playing basketball seriously. Now, with serious college prospects, Elien is still very much into academics. He has almost graduated high school, early, and has already begun taking college courses. In fact, he missed a couple of games this July due to taking Calculus exams at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (very impressive stuff). Needless to say, Elien is the highest of high academics.
However, on the basketball floor, he has undeniable skills. Blessed with incredible length on his 6’11” frame, Elien is also very fluid and athletic. He runs the floor well and moves extremely well laterally. He is a natural shot blocker, with both hands, which leads to the prospects of being a very high caliber (All-League D1 type) defender at the next level.
Elien has very passer friendly hands at 6’11” and good strength in his ability to hold on to the ball tight. He rebounds the ball, in his area, very high and strong. Most importantly, Elien showed an offensive arsenal in this setting. He has pick and pop range out to the 3-point line. He finished one dunk in transition where he took off a step inside the free throw line and finished two handed. he knocked down multiple 18 foot jump shots and snatched 12-plus rebounds and 6-plus blocks in all three of his games.
The day after his event, Elien picked up a Winthrop offer and throughout the week had the likes of Radford and Appalachian State come through his gym.
Needless to say, each of these players should have coaches sitting baseline of every practice and game each of these guys are playing in. They can help programs win at the Division 1 level, there is no question about that. Let’s see who jumps on board.
