The NC Phenom 150 Spring Evaluation Camp took place Saturday, March 14th and the talent level was strong from top to bottom. Today, we will take a look at some of the players from each individual team. Each camp coach was to fill out a detailed individual player evaluation. While we try to focus on upside and potential, we also look carefully at intangibles such as attitude, cooperation, work ethic and team play. We hope to capture a thorough detailed resume for each player in attendance.
Justin Lucas – #123/ 6’1 – Ashbrook (2018)
“Lucas was probably the team’s best defender on the court and never pressed. He shot the ball solid all day, played some point guard also for us. Also, he played some forward with no complaints. Needs to play more at point guard due to lack of wing size and athleticism.”
If he continues to work on his skills at the point guard position, he could certainly be a player that runs the team and be a key defender on the court for his team. Becoming more consistent with his range on his shot and ability to finish, but he has the tools to be a very solid player.
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Basketball IQ, release time, use of off hand, defense on and off the ball, solid shot
Areas of Work: Range of his shots, playing consistently at the PG position, ability to finish
Corey Stowe – #26/ 5’7 – Stuart Cramer (2017)
“He was a solid and competitive point guard for Team 12 and it took him a little while to get the right feeling on his shot. He started to knock down shots better in Game 2. He also made very smart decision and listened to his coach and applied that on the court.”
Corey was a competitor on the court and a solid point guard on the court. The one thing that stood out was his ability to listen and apply what he had learned from his coaches on the floor, something scouts always look for. For his size, he will have to become stronger and ability to fight with bigger guards though.
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Effort, Listening and learning, Range of shot, shooting off the dribble, penetration ability, defense
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, use of off hand, ability to finish, ball handling, rebounding
Erick Hodge – #205/ 6’5 – Lee County (2017)
“Erick is a big man that tended to float to the perimeter on offense for much of the camp. Made a couple of shots but was not the productive player he certainly should be today. Great size and strength at a sophomore. Plays a lot bigger in space, so he is going to be a very good player down the road.”
For his size, we hoped to see him develop his post moves and use his size and strength to his advantage. If he can develop those unique post moves and develop into his body, scouts and coaches could be taking notice of this young man.
Areas of Excellence: Acceptance of criticism, team play, back to the basket moves, defense, footwork, vision
Areas of Work: Range of shot, Catch and shoot, post moves, ball handling, moving without the ball
Mitch Portman – #73/ 6’1 – Orange (2018)
“Likely the one young player on the team that gave it all on both ends. He made a good volume of his open shots and grabbed a decent amount of rebounds. He is a very good shooting guard with a desire to compete on both ends.”
As he coach said, a competitor on both ends and full of energy, Portman knocked down open shots when they were available, while also playing outstanding defense for much of the event. As a guard though, would like to see him become stronger when going to the lane and finishing.
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, effort, range of shot, shooting mechanics, defense, footwork, vision
Areas of Work: Use of off hand, shooting off the dribble, penetration ability and finishing, quickness
Micah Smith – #143/ 6’3 – Eastern Wayne (2015)
“Smith was our best player on the team for what he did at the NC Phenom 150. He is a supreme athlete with ability to just make and continue to make plays. He isn’t afraid of the big scene. 40 inch vertical, plays way beyond being 6’2, 195 pounds. Unstoppable when going north and south. He is a big time player.”
Smith was certainly impressive and if his coach was impressed, the scouts were also impressed with this young man. With his very and quickness, he was able to penetrate and finish at the rim. There isn’t to much left for this kid but to better develop those skills to be the best player he can be.
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, effort, team play, back to the basket moves, penetration ability, ability to finish, quickness and footwork, rebounding
Areas of Work: Use of off hand, ball handling skills, passing skills, moving without the ball
Deshawn Patterson – #74/ 5’9 – Victory Christian (2016)
“Deshawn Patterson has excellent quickness. Handles very well but shot selection is suspect. Gets into the paint at will and has good hops. Patterson is also strong on the defensive end of the ball and there isn’t a doubt that this is a Division II point guard.”
Our guys at PHR are well aware of Patterson and nothing that we saw surprised us. He is quick getting up court and we want to see that killer instinct, something we know he has inside of him. Becoming more consistent with his shot is something also to work on.
Areas of Excellence: Pure point guard, attitude, shooting off the dribble, release time, quickness, rebounding
Areas of Work: Three point shot, shooting mechanics, defense off the ball, killer instinct
Camden Ferguson – #124/ 6’2 – South Granville (2016)
“Ferguson may have been our most reliable shooter on the court, especially either open or off the dribble. He is a very coachable player and has a winning attitude. He also made many perimeter shots of the catch and shoot on the court.”
This young man was nice and was a reliable knock down shooter, something you can tell he has concentrated on. He has no issue with that and can certainly become stronger in that area. Would like to see his game develop more in off the dribble and penetrating into the lane though.
Areas of Excellence: Range of mid-range shot, three point shot, shooting mechanics, transition defense, vision, moving without the ball
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, penetration ability and finishing at the rim, ball handling skills, rebounding his position.
DaShawn Walker – #234/ 6’1 – Oxford Prep (2017)
“He is a very young prospect that is wired to score the ball. Scored several of times but also failed to see or look for open teammates. Needs to have his head up and look for his teammates.”
He showed that he can score the ball but what will take him to the next level is how he can get his teammates involved, his passing skills, ball handling, and vision on the court.
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, acceptance of criticism, penetration ability, shooting off the dribble, ability to finish, quickness, rebounding
Areas of Work: Team play, basketball IQ, back to the basket moves, use of off hand, passing skills, defense, footwork