Head coach Glenn Bynum Sr. and the Mint Hill Lakers have been making a ton of noise this summer, now winning two straight championships at the Phenom Challenge and the Phenom Stay Positive. But when you look at the group that they have, you can easily see why they continue to rack up the W’s; they are an unselfish, gritty, and battle-tested group with players that simply give it their all which is led by their coach.
When you look at the roster though, there simply is talent that can be found all over the place. You could start with 2021 Khalil Brantley, who is a tough, scoring machine that plays with a competitive nature. He goes day in and day out showing what he can do offensively and there haven’t been many that can slow him down. Then you look at 2021 Glenn Bynum Jr., who has really elevated his game and is a great two-way play that continues to elevate his offensive game; a great snag for Coker.
Outside those two leaders, you then look at 2022 Joel Baucom who can absolutely knock down shots from deep but is continuing to develop his overall feel offensively and defensively. 2022 6’8 Luke Krawczyk is a rising big that should continue to see his recruitment increase with his touch, his mobility on both ends, and his presence down in the paint.
Then you have to look at players that play big key roles and bring a unique aspect of their game to the floor that helps the team rack up wins. 2021 6’2 Travon Jones, 2022 Julian Arias, 2022 Santana Smith, 2023 Tyron Hardy Jr., and others all step up when called upon and play critical roles for this team, whether it is being a leader, another ball-handler, a scorer, or a defensive impact on the floor.
This is a program that has shown a lot over the last two Phenom Hoops events. They can play multiple ways, they are a team that believes in each other, and it is a team that leaves it all out on the court. Whether you want to play an offensive game and have a scoring battle, or really grind it out on the defensive end; the Mint Hill Lakers just understand one thing… to win at whatever cost.
The unselfishness that this team plays with is fun to watch and this is a program that not only should be one to watch this summer more but also, college coaches need to be checking out more.