This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Raleigh Convention Center to host our annual G3 Live Showcase. The event featured over 280 teams across several age groups. College coaches of all levels were able to attend and extend scholarships to worthy prospects. There were a ton of notable teams and individuals on display, and this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites from the weekend…
6’3 ’26 Ian Bailey (Team Vision)
Utterly dominant. Ian Bailey was quite clearly the best performer at the event. Regardless of whether coaches want older transfers instead of high school players, it’s genuinely laughable that he only has three offers. Bailey is a natural leader by example who controls the game as a dynamic creator and polished scoring threat. His pace, craftiness, and first step allow him to get downhill and touch the paint seemingly whenever he wants. Bailey is an exceptional penetrator, finisher, and pull-up shooter in the midrange. He’ll take what the defense gives him but Bailey is more than capable of getting any shot he desires. He sees the floor well as a passer and offers terrific balance between setting up others and asserting himself. Bailey is a phenomenal athlete with a high IQ, strong frame, and terrific nose for the ball. He finished basically anything he attempted around the basket and collected multiple bodies when playing above the rim. Given everything he did, it’s difficult to point to any negatives in his game. Bailey scored at will while generating shots for others and making plays defensively. His recruitment does not align with his ability. Things should pick up very soon, as Bailey is a no-brainer Division I player.
6’2 ’26 Chaise Smith (Team Wall)
Nearly every college program is searching for guys like Chaise Smith, so it’s perplexing to try and make sense of his current recruitment. He’s a smooth, quick-twitch athlete who reliably operated from either guard spot. Smith is an effortless shot-creator with the ability to consistently generate clean looks for himself and others off the bounce. He’s able to fill it up from all levels and mixes it up at a strong rate to keep defenses guessing. Smith knocked down three-pointers, converted midrange pull-ups, and attacked the basket with ease. Opponents struggled to keep him in front throughout the weekend. Although Smith is capable of creating space and applying scoring pressure whenever he wants, he’s very unselfish and stands out as a sharp playmaker. Smith’s blend of IQ, craftiness, athleticism, and general all-around ability makes him a real problem for opponents. He’s a great transition threat who plays above the rim and locates open teammates for scoring chances. Add in his pesky defense prowess and useful rebounding ability, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Like the entry above, Smith should receive several more offers over these next few months.
6’0 ’26 Lincoln Raper (Carolina Riptide)
Some players are talented enough to naturally raise the floor and ceiling of a team, which perfectly describes Lincoln Raper as a floor general. Given the simple, straightforward nature of his game, folks might have a tendency to overlook the smooth floor general. However, Raper is a pure gamer and extremely reliable point guard who visibly sets the tone through his IQ, unselfishness, and incredibly calm demeanor. He controls the offense in a very poised manner. Raper displays a tight, crafty handle with the pace, vision, and quickness to consistently create for himself and others. Although he’s always looking to make the right play, Raper won’t hesitate to call his own number when given scoring opportunities. He hits jumpers at a high percentage, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and applies constant pressure as a penetrating threat. Raper understands how to properly read and react to defenses. He’s also a pesky defender who does a great job of keeping opponents in front and forcing turnovers. Raper plays such a clean, impactful game. This team is simply better with him on the floor. Expect him to continue attracting college coaches.
6’2 ’29 Gideon Anum (Harvest Development)
Although a lot of the attention was focused on rising seniors, it’s impossible to ignore what Gideon Anum showcased. Despite being the youngest player listed and playing up three age groups, there’s already a lot to like. Anum possesses obvious physical appeal. He already sports an excellent frame with long arms, muscular definition, and explosive pop. Anum highlighted the ability to hit shots off the catch, attack closeouts, and finish through contact or above the rim. He has developing ball skills but already appears comfortable operating within a few dribbles and making decisions off the bounce. Anum is a physical defender who consistently plays hard and outworks opponents for extra possessions. He also rebounds well for his position. Anum already highlights flashes of greatness and naturally finds ways to impact the game, but is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his abilities. It’ll be exciting to watch him harness his potential over these next few years. Anum has the tools to be a high-level talent.
6’5 ’28 TJay Brunson (1 of 1 Elite)
The 1 of 1 Elite program always seems to have a slew of noteworthy, highly appealing prospects within their program, and TJay Brunson has the tools to be next up. He’s a long, athletic, blossoming wing who already consistently impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Brunson plays with infectious energy and wreaks havoc across multiple positions defensively. He rebounds at a high level for his position and has the necessary skill to push the break in transition. His motor and nose for the ball lead to constant involvement in the action. Offensively, Brunson showed the ability to initiate, attack the basket, and knock down jumpers as needed. He already impacts the game in a variety of different ways, yet is still loaded with long-term potential. Brunson is trending as one of the top prospects in his class and will definitely be one to watch closely over the coming years.