Back in April at the Phenom Rise Showcase, Phenom Hoops was able to watch Team USC EYCL in action, a team that brought some intriguing talent to learn about. One player that we hadn’t had a chance to watch a lot of was 2025 Abijah Franklin but he QUICKLY made it noticeable that he was a college-level prospect. And shortly after that, his recruitment started to take off. At the event, we had this to say:
“Franklin was a newer name to learn personally for me but after this weekend, I walked away extremely impressed with what I saw and believe he is firmly a prospect that should be on D1 programs’ radar. He was an efficient scorer all weekend long, doing so from all three levels and with a ton of confidence. Franklin was able to knock down shots from outside with ease, scoring off the bounce or in catch-and-shoot situations and showing his range. He knocked down shots with a smooth release but was one that could attack the defense, get downhill, and display tremendous athleticism in finishing at the rim. Franklin was incredibly effective throughout the event, scoring, creating for others, and being a dynamic weapon on the court.”
Phenom was able to speak to Franklin about the latest, more about his summer and development, and what has been going on in his recruitment. Check out what he had to say.
Phenom: How did everything go this summer for you'
Franklin: Overall, everything has been going great. Basketball-wise, I have gotten better at my weaknesses and continue to build on my strengths. AAU went well, it was a lot of fun playing in front of college coaches at all levels. Now it’s about time to start visiting the schools I’m interested in; I plan on taking an official visit soon.
Phenom: What have you been wanting to show more with your game'
Franklin: I wanted to show coaches that I can be a leader while also showing my ability to create steals and turnovers on the defensive side. But, most of all, I can play on any level. Having the ability to score on all three levels of the floor. I feel like another thing I excelled at this summer was my pick-and-roll game; that is something I wanted to get familiar with when I got to college.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game'
Franklin: High flying above the rim, court general and leader, a 3-level scorer, and lockdown defender. Unselfish team player.
Phenom: What all has been going on in your recruitment these days'
Franklin: Well, I was offered by Appalachian State, Jacksonville, UNC-Asheville, Presbyterian, South Carolina State, Norfolk State, Eastern Kentucky, Furman, and Francis Marion. I have received interest from Morehead State, FIU, Wofford, Boston College, William & Mary, James Madison, UNCG, USC-Upstate, Charleston, and Stetson.
Phenom: What schools have you been able to visit or plan to'
Franklin: Presbyterian, Jacksonville, UNC-Asheville, Furman, Eastern Kentucky, and SC State right now but more to come.
Phenom: What have the schools been saying they like about your game and what you can provide'
Franklin: They love my ability to shoot long range and the fact that I play multiple positions because of my athleticism and my IQ for the game. They like how I create not only for myself but for other players to get easy baskets. They talk about how I dribble the ball to make the pass or to get to the basket.