This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Stay Positive Showcase in Kernersville, North Carolina. Although we only had games on Friday and Saturday, there was still an abundance of overall talent in the gym. We caught all the action on Friday, including a closer look at Rising Pros Training—a program that has consistently trended up since its beginning. Although we will be diving deeper on this entire team over the coming weeks, this article will specifically highlight their guard duo of Grant Jacques and Tyler Gee…
So much of their success comes from everything Jacques brings to the team. Although he provides a very well-rounded identity and the ability to do basically everything on the floor, so much of his leadership is derived from his infectious energy and nonstop motor. Nobody plays consistently harder and shows a greater willingness to sacrifice their body on a possession-to-possession basis. Jacques displays a full-throttle approach at all times. He knocks down jumpers at a high percentage, applies pressure as a penetrating threat, and plays through tons of contact. Jacques is a very willing passer who locates cutters and open shooters with timing and precision. On the other end, he provides a very tough, scrappy defensive presence. Jacques is more than willing to make hustle plays and fight for extra possessions. He also rebounds well for his size/position.
His backcourt mate, Gee, is an absolute gamer. Unassuming at first glance, it doesn’t take long to recognize that he’s a real player. Gee is a wiry, crafty guard who can fill it up in a variety of different ways. He knocked down perimeter jumpers at a high rate, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and displayed a heady change of pace when attacking off the bounce. Gee created for himself and others, and found success without the ball in his hands. He also finished well through contact and did a quality job of initiating the offense as needed. Add in his scrappy defense and activity on the glass, and it’s easy to appreciate all the ways he’s able to make his presence felt.