To say the Grassroots Tip Off Classic was a success would be an understatement. We had 120 total teams come to utilize the Phenom Hoops platform. While on that platform, they were able to perform in front of countless media members and over 70 college coaches at all levels.
This platform is great for kids that hold offers, but it is also great for kids to make a name for themselves. Unsigned Seniors are on their last leg, so it is of the utmost importance for them to get exposure. There were around 75 unsigned seniors that showed up, and many showed they belonged on a college roster (at some level). Here are some of the high profile Unsigned Seniors and how their weekend faired.
Unsigned Seniors That Showed Out
Malik Moore 6’5”
Team Vision Red (Erwin HS)
While Moore has picked up 8 offers along the way, each of the offers have filled up or been fired so he came into the Grassroots Tip Off Classic looking. And during the event, he certainly found. Moore picked up offers from both Campbell and USC-Upstate during the event, and the day his team finished (Saturday) winded up committing to USC-Upstate, of the Atlantic Sun conference.
Andrien White 6’2”
River City Reign – Wright (Quality Education)
White came into the event with 6 offers, and quite frankly many spoke of him being the best player in the entire event. White had Charlotte at every one of his games, picked up Hofstra and Winthrop offers, and even saw Clemson in the gym to watch him. White is an elite defender, possessing a strong and very explosive frame. For the event, White knocked down 16 3s in the event. He will be taking visits to Charlotte and Western Kentucky in the coming weeks.
Andrew Evans 6’
WCBA (Millbrook HS)
Evans continues to produce each time out, but for whatever reason D2 schools continue to overlook him. He is a great on ball defender and is a very confident scorer at multiple levels. At this point, Guilford College and Hampden Sydney are tracking his every move, but Lenoir Rhyne, Lees McRae, and UNC Pembroke are looking for ways to open up some money for him. It would be money well spent.
Tyrell Johnson 6’8”
River City Reign – Wright (Stephenson HS)
Johnson was an eye opening player this weekend. He played, last year, on the EYBL with Southern Stampede and intrigued. Johnson showed skills from the mid and high post. He made multiple jump shots in this area and attacked the rim as well. With some added weight, Johnson could wind up being a steal for someone. Coming into the event he carried offers from Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and Austin Peay. During this event he picked up interest from the likes of Appalachian State, Charlotte, and Bowling Green. Prep is also a possibility.
Austin Burnette 6’7”
Garner Road (Broughton HS)
It has been an odd road for Burnette. Coming through his sophomore year, he carried around 10 offers ranging from MM to MM+ and his star was really rising. Burnette then committed to Rutgers where he remained committed for over a year. Toward the beginning of this high school year, Rutgers and Burnette parted ways, but so did all of his previous suitors. It was a quiet parting of ways. Fast forward to the Grassroots Tip Off Classic, and Burnette doesn’t have much going on. Burnette has great touch from 18 feet and in. He can put the ball on the floor and is a great passer. He will need to find a system to work in, but Burnette is a skilled forward that will help a lot of teams at the next level.
Bamba Jaye 6’8”
River City Reign – Wright (Quality Education)
Jaye is a hard-working, tough minded post player. He loves contact and defends the post well with positioning and footwork. He also relishes working on the boards, as he has a good motor and reads the ball off the rim. Without much going on currently, Jaye is a player that will help someone immediately. He has a great frame and touch out to the arc.
Derek McKnight 6’1”
Charlotte Royals (Gaston Day)
Through the first two days of the event, there may not have been a more productive player than McKnight. Eventually his Charlotte Royals won the 17U division of the event, and McKnight played a huge part. Foremost, McKnight was a leader by example. He defended the ball and was vocal, uplifting, to his team mates on the other end. McKnight got to the rim, with his head high, and consistently found players for easy buckets. McKnight will look to take and official visit to NJIT soon. Southern Conference type teams that are looking for a PG late should take a look to the 4.0 GPA student. He is playing his best ball right now.