This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the CP3 Memorial Day Classic. The event was loaded with some of the most notable shoe-circuit programs throughout the country, including teams like Boo Williams, Team Takeover, Team Melo, Team CP3, and MoKan Elite among various others. Additionally, less nationally recognized squads, like Team Marsh, Sheed Wallace Select, and Big Shots Winston-Salem also put forth strong showings over the weekend. Although there were countless standouts and storylines, this article will take a closer look at some personal favorites from the event…
5’9 ’22 Dug McDaniel (Team Takeover)
There are certain players who simply possess that “it” factor, and arguably no one in attendance embodied this trait more than Dug McDaniel. Having previously seen him on the MADE circuit as an eighth-grader, it’s clear that McDaniel has really embraced his identity and continually expounded on his foundation as an electric, dynamic floor general. Opposing coaches are signing a death wish upon only sending one defender to contain him, as he’s going to sharply and aggressively get wherever he wants on the floor. His combination of IQ, quickness, and vision is truly incredible and in a class of its own. McDaniel is easily among the most explosive open-floor players in the country, and will consistently amp up the tempo to breakneck speeds—which only continues to make him a nightmare for opponents. No angle is inaccessible for him. McDaniel’s ability to touch the paint at will and locate the best possible shot makes him the perfect floor general for a talent-laden roster like Team Takeover. That being said, he also led and carried the scoring load for numerous stretches. McDaniel can get to the rim and finish, but also hits perimeter jumpers at a high percentage. He possesses great defensive instincts and actually utilizes his lack of size to his advantage to mirror opposing ball-handlers. It’s understandable as to why so many high-level programs are involved, as McDaniel is special.
6’3 ’22 Skyy Clark (MoKan Elite)
After announcing his commitment to Kentucky, few players in the country can match the buzz or reputation surrounding Skyy Clark. Certain prospects have a specific presence upon entering the gym, and Clark is definitely one of them. On the court, he’s the clear leader and primary decision-maker for this group. Clark possesses a smooth, crafty offensive game with the ability to apply downhill pressure as a penetrator or generate clean looks for himself and others off the bounce. He’s a useful playmaker and capable of running the team, but is at his best when dictating the action and asserting himself as a scorer from all levels. Clark is an excellent finisher around the basket, able to finish with poise and finesse through varying amounts of contact. He utilizes his body well, offers a rugged/chippy defensive presence, and seems to make a nonstop flurry of plays in transition. Clark showcased the makings of an offensive machine during the weekend, which should have BBN fans excited for his pending arrival.
6’6 ’22 Justin Taylor (Team Takeover)
Given his incredibly polished, fundamentally sound all-around abilities, it’s makes sense as to why Justin Taylor is one of the most coveted prospects across the high school landscape. For starters, he possesses no glaring weaknesses and genuinely understands how to affect all facets of the action on a game-to-game basis. Whether as a creator, defender, or general offensive force, Taylor welcomes the challenge and tends to deliver in an effortless manner. There’s also something to be said about his calm, methodical demeanor, as he doesn’t allow the flow of the game to dictate his focus. Taylor scores frequently and efficiently from all three levels, highlighting a combination of IQ, ball-handling, and footwork to basically generate (and convert) clean looks from anywhere on the floor. He’s equally as reliable creating for himself as finding opportunities as an off-ball threat. Taylor moves extremely well off of screening actions to find holes within the defense and knock down shots on the move. He displays beautiful shooting mechanics with great elevation, but also has the necessary athleticism to meet opponents at the rim and finish through copious amounts of contact. Taylor defends his position very well and does a quality job of making his presence felt on the glass. His reliable all-around identity makes him a problem in transition and the half-court, and with or without the ball in his hands. Whatever program secures Taylor will be extremely fortunate.
6’10 ’23 Tichyque Musaka (Sheed Wallace Select)
Although we’ve watched him closely throughout the recent months, it would be impossible to walk away from this event feeling anything other than impressed with Tichyque Musaka. From a physical standpoint, the appeal should be pretty apparent. However, Musaka has continually proven he’s more than just a long, enticing athlete. High-major programs should already covet the big man for his terrific abilities as a rim-protector and rebounder. Upon adding in his blossoming offensive skillset, all types of programs should be in pursuit. As previously stated, Musaka is an exceptional defensive anchor with the blend of motor, athleticism, toughness, and defensive instincts to legitimately overwhelm the opposition. He’s clearly a game-changing presence inside the paint. Though Musaka consistently shows touch, capabilities as a perimeter shooter, and the ability to attack the basket within two or three dribbles, he doesn’t even necessarily require offensive touches to make a lasting impact. He runs the floor fluidly and properly in transition, and generally positions himself for success on both ends of the floor. Musaka would’ve still been an obvious high-major prospect prior to reclassifying, but the change in class should only make him more appealing for coaches.
6’8 ’23 Greg Jackson (Team CP3)
Given their consistent overabundance of talent, it should come as no surprise to see Greg Jackson shining for Team CP3. While the guard play receives a ton of attention for this group (and rightfully so), Jackson has a real chance to be as successful as anyone on the roster. Although his production and progression has been noticeable throughout the years, one can make a legitimate argument that the versatile forward still has plenty of upside remaining. Jackson moves very well for his size, which pairs comfortably with his terrific defensive instincts and allows him to consistently affect the action on that end of the floor. He’s a strong finisher with touch, athleticism, and the ability to space the floor at a reliable rate from midrange or beyond the arc. Jackson is somewhat of a matchup problem for most opposing forwards, usually too fluid and skilled for bigger guys or just physically overwhelming for smaller assignments. He’s a great rebounder with the necessary skill to push the break in transition and make intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. Though still young, Jackson should certainly be a desirable commodity across the country.