The inaugural Phenom All American camp came into the weekend as some what of an enigma.
Greensboro, North Carolina– The Triad played host to the first ever Phenom All American Camp, our brand and product are recognizable, but until Saturday we hadn’t conducted a true All American Camp.
This was another prime opportunity for prospects in the classes of 2020-2024, to get better and boost their profiles on the hardwood. There were some nationally known names in the building, along with some unheralded players looking to break onto the scene. National and local media slid in to catch all the action, the energy was high and competition was intense. Oh yea and did I mention there was a three dribble rule in effect!
#89 6’3 2022 Julius Reese Jr (Glenn HS)- Reese looked extremely comfortable running the show for one of the better teams in camp today, Reese Jr pushed the rock with pace, he showed a tight handle in the open floor and he continuously made timely deliveries.
Reese Jr heated up from mid range early in the day, he was knocking shots off the dribble from all over the floor, Reese Jr still made the hustle plays we’re accustom to seeing as well. Reese Jr was active on the boards, and put tremendous pressure on the ball.
#70 6’2 2021 Umar Lawson (Laurence Manning)- Lawson had one of the top offensive showings on the day towards the end of the afternoon. Lawson exploded for 30 points, majority of the damage was done in the lane around the cup.
In space Lawson is an absolute blur, Defenders didn’t stand a chance of staying in from of him. Lawson is one of the quickest guards with the basketball I saw, his first step is devastating, and at a long 6’2 his stride covers a good amount of ground. Lawson is a tenacious finisher at the cup, he welcomes contact and lives to play above the rim.
#107 6’6 2020 Eric Henderson (Atlantic Shores Christian)– Henderson looks ready for a big senior year, he was a breakout star at camp today. When Henderson got down hill he got to the cup at will, Henderson finished strong at the rim he’s athletic but also skilled.
Henderson showed a fluid three point stroke as well, overall Henderson plays with a non stop motor, he runs the floor hard, Henderson understands how to fill running lanes correctly and turn transition opportunities into easy points. Henderson also guards multiple positions on the defensive side, his length, skill set and athletic ability cause all types of disruptions.
#49 6’0 2020 Landon Sutton (High Point Christian)- Sutton came in today and made shots from the first tip, Sutton was mobile off ball constantly coming off screens and hitting defenders with back door cuts.
Sutton got hot from mid range, off the dribble Sutton lit defenses up, on catch and shoot opportunities Sutton scorched the nets. Sutton has also sharpened up on his playmaking skills, he can slide over and run the show as well. Sutton is a High I.Q. kid, a true extension of a coach on the floor, his shot making ability and leadership will be greatly counted on this season.
#116 6’10 Jonas Aidoo (Voyager)- Aidoo showed more and more each game I saw him in, the long term upside here is pretty scary. Aidoo does all the things you expect from an agile 6’10 forward. Aidoo runs the floor like a gazelle, he dunks the ball with some extra flare, and Aidoo has great timing as a natural shot blocker. When you think you’ve gotten Aidoo’s game figured out, he steps out and buries a few three balls from behind the arc. Aidoo shots the rock with fluid and with confidence, he’s got a slender frame but Aidoo can take on contact and he’s a reliable free throw shooter.
There is a lot to like, Aidoo is still raw and building a post repertoire at this stage, but based on his defensive prowess, and high motor alone, Aidoo should be able to see the floor almost immediately at the next level.
6’5 2020 Ricky Council IV (Northern)– Council IV looked high major on Saturday, his offensive arsenal was vastly advanced compared to majority of the guards present. Council IV was often in a class of his own athletically, when you couple that with a cerebral skillset, it makes an offensive weapon difficult to stop.
Council IV got everything he wanted at the rack, he put on a spectacle of rim rattling dunks, and showed one of the best mid range games of any prospect playing. On one possession Council IV went back to the basket and buried a turnaround fade-away over a willing defender. The entire sequence looked elite, Council IV also looked streaky deep, the jumper was falling from all over the floor, Council IV showed keen vision on several assists as well, his delivery was sharp and precise to open teammates.