Freshmen who didn't play like freshmen
The Phenom High School Jamboree provided teams and players to give us hoop junkies just a nice glimpse of the upcoming season. Naturally, it's the upperclassmen that have the opportunity to shine early on, especially in pre-season scrimmages. That being said, we're going to look into a handful of freshmen that played beyond their years and grade.
6'4 2023 Jaydon Young (Greensboro Day)
Last year, we got a chance to watch Jaydon Young with Wayne Christian on several occasions. He averaged approximately 30 points per game and then transferred to Greensboro Day. Still sporting a very 'youthful' face and body features, Young has the potential to be a top 100 national prospect in my opinion. We're talking about a young player that does has a nice feel to the game and scoring from all levels comes effortless. Playing with a very talented backcourt that features the ACC duo of Carson McCorkle (UVA) and Cam Hayes (NC State) along with highly talented Brock Williams, it's easy to see where Young is compared to his teammates. In the game against a very tough and talented NCHSAA 1A Henderson Collegiate, Young may have been the most talented player on the court in that particular game. Young has a very mature and poise approach to his game and showcased the potential to be one of Greensboro Day best players to play for Freddy Johnson. Strong words indeed, but Young is definitely going to be a star in the making. He has all the physical attributes, unlimited intangibles, skillset and basketball IQ.
5'11 2023 Jaylen Curry (Vance High School)
It was an exciting and productive day for the highly touted freshman scoring point guard. We're talking about an extremely athletic, quick, fast, and electric ball handler in the open court. He has tremendous court vision where he can make quick, precise and timely passes off the dribble. In addition, he has outstanding touch, range and blow by speed that makes him one of the state's top freshmen players in the state. At the Phenom High School Jamboree, he may have been Vance's most consistent scorer and player. He scored off the 'catch' and was able to score efficiently off the dribble, not to mention he is also a big-time competitor that plays with passion, purpose and effort.
5'10 2023 Trey Green (Vance High School)
Trey Green has been on the gridiron for the majority of the fall and has little to no time in the gym fine-tuning his basketball game. No worries, the super quick and lethal 3-point shooter wasted no time coming off the bench and proving his value and worth to this up and coming team. Green has a picturesque jump shot. He has a high release, excellent extension, follow through, proper back spin and rotation, and every shot looks like it is going in. He has touch, range and the ability to knock down 3-pointers off the catch as well as anyone in the state regardless of class. Green is a such a pure shooter, but also has the quickness, craftiness to get to the rim and finish with efficiency.
6'6 2023 Wesley Tubbs III (Northside Christian)
For Wesley Tubbs, it's a mixture of productivity and long-term upside that is his calling card and once again he produced at the Phenom High School Jamboree. The active and confident Tubbs just has that natural feel, whether it is scoring, rebounding, or making assists. He simply just does a little bit of everything well and does it with poise and maturity, especially allowing the game come to him on the offensive end of the court. He takes advantage of 'open' opportunities and takes good shots. In addition, he has tremendous length, athleticism and a matching skill set.