The NC Top 80 has had some incredible players come through and compete, and we are hoping the next wave of big-time talent will be showing up the Top 80 in the coming weeks. Rewinding some of the tape and a little blast in the past, we take a look back at one of the most impressive performances we have seen at the camp when Coby White walked through the door.
Ranked as a Top 25 prospect in the country and the No. 1 player in the state, it didn’t matter to White on that day. This man was on a mission to prove and solidify his game on the biggest stage, and he put on one of the most memorable performances at a Phenom Camp we have ever seen. Averaging nearly 30 points per game, there wasn’t anyone even slowing him down, as White displayed pro moves, big-time athleticism, and elite scoring ability. It was quite an impressive scene to see, as we had this to say from that camp:
“6’4 Coby White has the reputation as one of the nation’s elite scoring guards. Standing a lengthy 6’4, White has all the offensive tools that make him one of the more difficult players to defend. First of all, White can score from all three levels but is terrific at attacking the rim where he demonstrates his unbelievable body control and ability to score in traffic especially in transition. Without question, White will go down as one of the most prolific scorers in North Carolina high school basketball history. While White came into the camp with lofty credentials and reputation, one would not have gathered that after watching him go through drills and stations. As a matter of fact, White was one of the hardest working players in the stations and could have easily won Mr. Station and Mr. Hustle along with the coveted Mr. Top 80, which he won. At the NC Top 80 camp, we have instituted the three-dribble rule. In the closing minutes, White had 39 points and scored his 41st point, which was disallowed due to dribbling more than three times. After the game, we went over and said, “sorry about that,” and his response was genuine and worth remembering. White humbly stated, “Coach, rules are rules.” This statement along spoke volume of who he is as a player and a person. For the day, White led the camp in scoring with a 28.7 PPG average. While that is important, White impressed all the coaches in attendance with his hard work ethic and infectious smile and tremendous attitude.”
On that day, it didn’t matter that he was committed to North Carolina, it didn’t matter about his national ranking… White came to play and prove, and compete on one of the biggest and most prestigious camps in North Carolina; it was an honor to be invited. And he did just that, as he went on to an incredible season at North Carolina and is now proving to be an elite player for the Chicago Bulls.
The NC Top 80 has always been about more than just rankings or résumés—it’s about competing, proving yourself, and rising to the challenge against the best in the state. White embodied that standard during his unforgettable performance, and his journey since has only reinforced the value of what this camp represents. As we look ahead to the next wave of talent ready to make their mark, the stage is set for new stars to step forward and create lasting memories of their own. Who will be the next player to turn the NC Top 80 into their personal proving ground? We can’t wait to find out.