5’10 ’22 Christopher Wilson (Charlotte Hoyas)
This Charlotte Hoyas group is deep and consistently balanced with their approach, which led to Wilson shining on both sides of the ball. He’s a smart, tough, fundamentally sound floor general with a game-changing defensive presence. Wilson does an excellent job of disrupting action at the point of attack, forcing turnovers, and making plays in transition. He finishes well around the basket and makes the right pass with regularity.
5’11 ’22 Chastin Gatewood (Charlotte Supreme)
Few teams embrace their identity as well as Charlotte Supreme, and Gatewood is as consistent as anyone with his approach. He’s a reliable three-level scorer with the ability to create for himself or others, or operate effectively without the ball in his hands. Gatewood handles the ball well and shows a willingness to make the right play, but also understands how to take advantage of available opportunities. He also defends with quickness and intensity.
5’11 ’23 Kobe Parker (Carolina Stars Elite)
Despite being the youngest player on this roster, it was easy to find Parker being effective throughout this showing. He’s a fairly smooth guard with the ability to create for himself or find scoring opportunities as an off-ball threat. Parker defended well, made smart passes, and consistently stood out as one of their more productive contributors.
6’6 ’22 Demetris McKelvey (RockNation Impact)
In terms of intrigue, it’s easy to see the appeal with someone like McKelvey. He’s long, strong, athletic, and plays with a pretty high motor. McKelvey naturally secures rebounds and alters a ton of shots around the basket, but also made an impact as an offensive presence. He runs the floor hard in transition and is capable of finishing through contact or above the rim.
5’10 ’22 Jordan Wall (NC Gaters)
The NC Gaters seem to improve every week, and Wall stood out with his terrific performance in this showing. He’s capable of running a team in the half-court, great at getting downhill in the open floor, and makes quality reads when attacking the basket. Wall finishes and sees the floor well, and shows a willingness to make the right play. He also defends effectively at the point of attack.
5’10 ’23 Tia Cates (TNT Fury)
There’s certainly a lot to like with the TNT Fury roster, and Cates is arguably as appealing as anyone. He has a very high IQ and playmaking sense, which is especially impressive as the youngest player on the team. Cates is big and strong but moves with fluidity, which makes him menacing to contain in the open floor. He utilizes his body well when attacking the basket to absorb contact on finishes.
6’0 ’22 Chad Kinch (NLPB)
NLPB has been on a tear over the last month, and Kinch has quietly been among their most consistent players. He’s a tough, rugged, well-rounded guard with the ability to fill in the gaps or expand his production based on need. Kinch is great defensively and seems to finish every possible fast-break opportunity.
6’5 ’23 Collin Murray-Boyles (Upward Stars Columbia)
There are numerous high-upside prospects in attendance, but Murray-Boyles has to be atop the list. He’s long, skilled, and quite versatile on both sides of the ball, which already makes him a matchup problem for majority of opponents. Murray-Boyles establishes his interior presence early and continually works his way outward. He’s smart, doesn’t force the action, and already affects the game in numerous different ways.
6’1 ’21 Josh McClary (Charlotte Nets McClary)
It should come as no surprise to see McClary leading the Nets again, as that’s what he’s done all summer long. He’s has consistently rose to the occasion, regardless of matchup, and seems to go toe-to-toe with every guard in his path. McClary is an efficient all-around scorer with craftiness and great change of pace off the dribble, which allows him to effortlessly create for himself and others.
6’3 ’21 Glenn Bynum Jr. (Mint Hill Lakers)
The Mint Hill Lakers seem to find success regardless of roster composition, but Bynum has been a consistent part of their identity throughout the last month. He’s tough, heady and still embraces doing the dirty work. However, Bynum has also added polish to his game and is shooting the ball as well as ever. He battles for rebounds, defends multiple positions, and makes the extra pass whenever possible.
6’3 ’21 Jaden Lingo (TSF)
The Skill Factory was easily one of the most balanced squads on display, and Lingo offers a quality two-way presence. He’s an exceptional shooting threat, both off the catch and dribble, and understands how to find his opportunities within the flow of the offense. Lingo is a tough defender with great IQ and positioning. He moves well without the ball and simply stands out as a well-rounded presence for this group.
6’0 ’21 Jaylon Jeter (Upward Stars Columbia)
Despite some ups and downs as a team, Jeter was certainly one of the steadier players in this contest. He understands how to effectively create within the half-court setting, specially showing the ability to get downhill and attack the basket. Jeter is a capable passer and displays quality toughness on both ends of the floor.