North Carolina Jr. Phenom Camp Evaluations

 

Team 3

Coach Reid

 

#4: 4'8 '26 Jacob Mills (Salisbury, NC)

Starting things off, we look at a player that effortlessly scored the ball while displaying a quality IQ on both ends of the court, Jacob Mills. He's a young guard prospect with great overall feel for the game. Mills scored efficiently from all three levels and highlighted his ability to take defenders off the dribble and finish around the basket. He was able to consistently generate scoring opportunities for himself and others throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his movement without the ball, as he could apply more pressure as a spot-up shooter and off-ball cutter. Coach Reid on Mills: 'Jacob showed flashes of being a good scorer today. He must work on finishing at the rim with either hand. Jacob can gain confidence in his shooting ability off the dribble. He can also improve as a ball-handler and utilize his off-hand more often.' There's a lot to like with Mills, who is clearly just beginning to realize and harness his two-way potential.

 

#5:4'8 '25 Michael Lee (Windsor, NC)

Next, we look at a player that made an excellent impression with his sharp playmaking skills, Michael Lee. He's a guard prospect that showcased the ability to run a team on both ends of the floor when his number was called. Lee did a great job of initiating offense or operating the two-man game and piling up the assist totals. He made quality decisions with the ball in his hands and willingly hunted opportunities to create offense for his teammates. Lee worked hard on defense and should continue improving with added strength. Next in his development process is working to become a more polished scorer, as it would allow him to manipulate defenses in a variety of different ways. Coach Reid on Lee: 'Michael shows the skills to become a good playmaker. He sees the floor very well and looks for the open player consistently. Michael needs to continue working on his ball-handling and the utilization of his off-hand. He must play hard at all times.' Lee made strong contributions during camp and should be a prospect to monitor in the future.

 

#15:5'0 '25 LJ Smith (Lincolnton, NC)

Moving onto a player that really shredded opposing defenses apart with his ability to consistently generate offense, LJ Smith. He's a guard prospect with a very mature approach to the game, intelligently manipulating opposing defenses and utilizing angles that most players simply cannot. Smith scores frequently and efficiently from all three levels while applying constant pressure as a penetrating playmaker. He can still improve as a defender, but showed nice instincts and forced multiple turnovers on the day. Next in his development process is working on his movement without the ball, as it would allow him to toggle between guard positions. Coach Reid on Smith: 'LJ has the skill to be an unstoppable scorer. He shoots the ball with range and he possesses the ability to put the ball on the floor. He can get to the rim with ease. LJ must be able to finish at the rim with either hand going forward. He'll need to continue improving his ball-handling and utilization of his off-hand going forward.' Smith was among the top two-way performers at camp and certainly deserves some recognition for his output.

 

#19:5'2 '24 Jonah Drye (Mount Pleasant, NC)

Continuing onto a player that was able to overwhelm and outwork opponents on both ends of the floor, Jonah Drye. He's a guard prospect with a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach to the game. Offensively, Drye was able to effectively set up the offense and relocate without the ball; he picked his spots and knocked down open shots from beyond the arc. He was able to make plays of others and make a nice impact as a spot-up option. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would certainly help improve his defensive presence, both on and off-ball. Coach Reid on Drye: 'Jonah has good court vision. He plays with a lot of effort and sets the tone well with his motor. Jonah needs to continue developing his ball-handling and utilization of his off-hand. He's a solid player and can still improve his ability to penetrate and finish at the rim.' Drye had a nice showing at camp and should continue working to maximize his two-way abilities.

 

#20:4'11 '25 Jamari Williams (Knightdale, NC

Next, we look at a player that consistently outworked opponents through using his motor, Jamari Williams. He's a quick guard prospect that brings a positive attitude and an abundance of energy to a team. Williams is unselfish and willingly looks to create offensive opportunities for teammates while integrating his own shot fairly often. He rebounds extremely well for his position and does a great job of passing the ball ahead for easy fast-break buckets. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his off-ball movement, as he could become a stronger cutter and spot-up threat. Coach Reid on Williams: 'Jamari plays hard and gives great effort on both ends of the court. He has very good court vision. Jamari needs to continue developing his off-hand and ball-handling skills. He has a very good basketball IQ. Jamari did a nice job of impacting various facets of the game.' Williams is just beginning to harness his long-term potential and should continue developing over the next few years.

 

#26:5'2 '24 Thomas Davidson (Simpsonville, NC)

Moving onto a player that took genuine pride in his two-way role throughout his time at camp, Thomas Davidson. He's a guard prospect that exerts a lot of effort on the court, through constantly pursuing rebounds, loose balls, or hustling in transition. Davidson knocked down open shots and ran the floor nicely. He displayed pretty solid footwork, quickness, and willingness to defend. Davidson brought a motivating presence to the bench and floor, encouraging teammates whenever possible. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his consistency as a finisher, as it would allow him to attack opponents in more ways. Coach Reid on Davidson: 'Thomas plays with great effort. He hustles on both ends of the floor and will sacrifice his body for extra possessions. Thomas needs to continue developing his ball-handling and off-hand utilization in order to maximize his abilities. He brought a great attitude to the team.' Davidson has nice tools and should continue sharpening the various facets of his game.

 

#28:5'3 '24 Joey Peterson (Burlington, NC)

Continuing onto a player that provided his team with a pretty reliable presence on both ends of the floor, Joey Peterson. He's a wing prospect with the ability to knock down open shots and apply pressure as a penetrator. Peterson brings an infectious energy to the court and looks to create havoc in any possible way. He does a great job of outworking his assignment on defense and even forced a few turnovers during the day. Peterson ran the floor well, showcased his high motor, and was able to disrupt opponents in transition. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to apply more pressure as a spot-up shooter and off-ball cutter. Coach Reid on Peterson: 'Joey works very hard. He has a high motor and is a willing two-way rebounder. Joey must continue to develop his ball-handling and off-hand utilization. Joey has a great attitude and was an excellent teammate throughout the day.' Peterson could be a prospect worth keeping an eye on, especially if he continues to work.

 

#32:5'4 '23 Bryce Jackson (Winston-Salem, NC)

Next, we look at a player that was able to show flashes of dominant two-way play, Bryce Jackson. He's a wing prospect with an excellent scoring arsenal and the ability to consistently generate scoring opportunities. Offensively, Jackson typically focuses on using his quickness to effortlessly get by opponents and finish around the rim. That being said, he's also a capable shot-maker with three-level scoring ability. Jackson made a strong impression as a rebounder, especially for his size and position. He defended the point of attack well and should continue improving on that end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as it would allow him to set the tone in transition. Coach Reid on Jackson: 'Bryce is a hard worker. He has a great motor and can score at will. He possesses nice shooting range. He can finish at the rim through contact. Bryce must continue to develop his ball-handling and off-hand. Bryce plays hard on both ends of the floor.' Jackson was terrific at camp and should continue working to build his two-way skillset, as his foundation is already quite strong.

 

#39:5'4 '24 Tre Henry (Fayetteville, NC)

Moving onto a player that was arguably the most valuable two-way presence on this team, Tre Henry. He's a point guard prospect with innate playmaking instincts and an excellent feel for the game. Henry is capable of scoring efficiently from all over the floor and possesses the natural ability to create space against most matchups. He seizes penetration opportunities whenever possible and finishes nicely around the basket. Henry consistently took defenders off the dribble and tallied assists on smooth passes. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to play off-ball and apply pressure as a spot-up shooter. Coach Reid on Henry: 'Tre has excellent court vision. He is a true point guard that passes first and shoots second. His ball-handling skills are outstanding. He is as comfortable going to his off-hand as he is with his strong hand. Tre can finish at the rim with both hands. He needs to develop more strength to play through contact. Tre can continue tightening his handle and improving his consistency.' Henry was a menace throughout camp and should continue outworking his matchup on both sides of the ball.

 

#40:5'4 '25 Arrington Kee (Fayetteville, NC)

Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased a lot of long-term potential during his time at camp, Arrington Kee. He's a young prospect with nice size and the ability to operate from inside the arc. Kee brought an excellent attitude to his team and, in many ways, was their main dirty worker on both sides of the ball. He fought for every possible rebound and showed a willingness to push transition play. Kee finished most of his attempts around the basket and displayed nice touch as a finisher. He plays with a great motor, which tends to overwhelm his on-ball assignment on defense. Next in his development process is continuing to define his identity as an offensive player, as it would allow him to start applying damage to most opponents. Coach Reid on Kee: 'Arrington works and plays extremely hard. He must stay consistent with his shooting ability. He needs to improve his ball-handling and the development of his off-hand. Arrington could become a shut-down defender if he stays with the basics (body and foot positioning).' Kee should be able to grow into a quality two-way prospect, especially if he continues working on both sides of the ball.