This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had another opportunity to get a close look at this young Team CP3 squad and their array of noteworthy pieces. Expectations should continue to rise as these guys transition from freshmen to sophomores over these next few months. That being said, there’s no shortage of appeal within this roster. Let’s highlight their prospects…
Everything really starts and ends with Grant Duggins. The team is simply not the same without him on the floor. He’s an incredibly skilled post player with an impressive combination of touch, footwork, and inside-out polish. Duggins is at his best when attacking teams from the block or high post, but can also knock down jumpers and attack closeouts as needed. He moves extremely well for his size and possesses sharp instincts on both ends of the floor. Duggins rebounds his position, displays timing as a shot-blocker, and fills the lane well in transition. He’s shown increased toughness and aggressiveness, and continues to showcase the makings of a high-level player.
It’s easy to see that Damari Smith has already proven to be a massive addition for this group. He’s an incredibly smooth creator, shooter, and overall scorer who comfortably dictates the action as a focal point. Smith displays deep range with the ability to hit shots off the catch or bounce and heat up in a hurry. He highlights terrific pace and feel when attacking, unable to get sped up and very unbothered by most defenders. Smith is a solid defender, especially for his size, and anticipates well to force turnovers at the point of attack. Comfortable with or without the ball, he brings an extremely valuable dynamic to this group.
Guys like Jeremiah Thomas and Nick Cannon each have a ton of appeal, both as current players and long-term prospects. Thomas already has a very mature game with advanced polish and physical tools. He’s already a more powerful, developed athlete than the majority of his peers, and that’s clearly evident when watching him play. Thomas is a quality shot-creator and scoring threat from everywhere on the floor. If he sees a shot he likes, he’s going to take it. However, he does have flashes of playmaking ability and the tools to operate in various types of roles. Thomas is a strong two-way rebounder with clear upside as a switchable, destructive defensive piece. Meanwhile, Cannon is showing improvement seemingly every time he takes the court. Not only is his skillset constantly progressing, but he’s also physically developing as well. Cannon is a well-rounded player with great feel, positional size, and the ability to impact the game with or without the ball in his hands. When he’s knocking down jumpers at a consistent rate, Cannon becomes a real problem for opponents. He’s capable of making plays off the bounce, setting up others, and applying pressure towards the rim. Though already very useful, Cannon’s upside is tremendous.
Although he likely won’t receive as much attention as other players on this team, Joey Giant is undeniably critical to the success of this group. He’s a phenomenal glue-guy who plays bigger than his size, outworks opponents on both ends of the floor, and actively fills in the gaps wherever necessary. Giant is comfortable initiating the offense, creating for others, or playing without the ball. He rebounds extremely well for his size/position and is capable of pushing the break in transition as needed. Giant excels at doing the dirty work and altering his approach to fulfill team needs, but can also expand his offensive production as needed.
Guards like Ant Gray and DJ Brown will assume a lot of ball-handling duties for this squad. Gray is currently sidelined with an injury but provides an excellent blend of IQ, pace, poise, and balance between scoring and playmaking. He’s a reliable shooter who is comfortable operating without the ball in his hands. Gray still has obvious upside as he continues to grow into his body. On the other hand, Brown is a quick, heady lead guard who can break down opponents, touch the paint, and set up others at a quality rate. He’s a crafty ball-handler and capable scorer from multiple levels. Brown provides a pesky, energetic defensive presence at the point of attack.
It’s easy to see the long-term appeal with guys like Trace Adcock and JT Tuck, two players that are truly just beginning to physically develop and harness their unique frames, respectively. Adcock is a long, wiry guard with nice size and perimeter shooting ability. He didn’t knock down shots at his expected rate, but consistently got to his spots, took advantage of any open space, and shot the ball with confidence. Adcock is a willing passer and active defender. Similarly, Tuck possesses a very intriguing build with length, fluidity, and explosiveness around the basket. He moves well for his size and runs the floor effectively in transition. Tuck utilizes his length well to block shots, secure rebounds, and finish above the rim. Both guys has considerable potential remaining.