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.
Jude Akubuze – #219/ 6’8 – Prominence Academy (2018)
“Athletic big man who has the potential to be a Division I post player. If he catches the ball around the rim, he is hard to stop. He needs to improve condition and fundamentals like running rim to rim, going straight up to build a wall on defense. He has a positive, infectious attitude which helps his teammates and shows his willingness to be coached. He must learn how to defend and move without the ball in the post. Also must work to not bring ball down on rebounds.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, acceptance of criticism, ability to finish, ball handling for a big, team play
Areas of Work: catch and shoot, shooting off the dribble, vision and court sense, defense, moving without the ball
Gray Cheers – #182/ 6’4 – West Brunswick (2015)
“The ultimate hustle player. He does all the small things that a coach loves. Gives max effort throughout the game and showed that at the camp. When he has his feet set and left open, he can be a knockdown shooter from both inside the arc and behind the arc.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Effort, Team play, range of shot both inside and out when feet are set, rebounding
Areas of Work: release time, shooting mechanics, use of off hand, penetration ability, ball handling, quickness
Ricky Council III – #81/ 5’11 – Northern Durham (2018)
“Ricky was a solid floor general for the tam with the ability to handle the ball and runs the team very well. He can get to the rim off the dribble also very well. If he develops a more consistent perimeter game, he could be a very tough guard to stop down the road. He needs to continue to improve defensively though. He has the ability be a very good defender.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Effort, Team play, mid range shot, floor general, catch and shoot, use of off hand, penetration ability, ability to finish, quickness and footwork
Areas of Work: shooting mechanics, passing skills, defense on and off the ball, rebounding, moving without the ball.
Ben Craig – #131/ 6’1 – Owen (2019)
“Ben was a solid player all day long and gave effort all over the floor as a player. When he was playing with confidence, he has the ability to be a solid role player for his team. He accepted what the coaches told him well and is always looking to improve his game.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Effort, Acceptance of criticism, range of shot, shooting mechanics, ball handling, defense
Areas of Work: Shooting off the dribble, penetration ability, moving without the ball
BJ Covington – #89/ 6’0 – River Mill Academy (2018)
“BJ plays hard and works well with his teammates, but needs to improve in both the offensive and defensive side of the floor if he wants to reach his full potential. He needs to improve on his shooting mechanics and his shot selection, but he showed a nice ability to catch and shoot the ball along with his ability to use his off hand. He must develop the fundamental skills to go along with his effort. If he does, this kid can be a very intriguing prospect to keep an eye on.” — Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Acceptance of criticism, team play, quickness, footwork, moving without the ball
Areas of Work: Range of shot, shooting off the dribble, shooting mechanics, ability to finish
Brent Davis – #179/ 6’3 – Victory Christian (2015)
“It was unfortunate Brent couldn’t play more due to injury, as he only got to play in one game at the camp. But in the short time he was at the camp, he had a decent outside shot, but needs to work on playing without the ball and moving to find open areas. He also could improve in his shot selection. But in the limited time he played, he showed promise as a player.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: acceptance of criticism, Basketball IQ, range of shot, penetration ability, ball handling, quickness
Areas of Work: shooting off the dribble, use of off hand, passing skills, defense on and off the ball, vision and court sense
Josh Igwe – #147/ 6’2 – South Mecklenburg (2016)
“Igwe was a tremendous outside shooter, especially when he had his feet set on the floor. He showed a nice ability to create off the dribble and finish at the rim, but needs to work on his consistency. He is a solid team player who understands and work well with his teammates and plays with max effort on when he is on the floor.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, range of shot both inside and outside, shooting mechanics, release time, effort, team play
Areas of Work: back to basket moves, use of off hand, consistency, defense on and off the ball, rebounding
Ryan Mobley – #132/ 6’1 – Cuthbertson (2016)
Ryan was an interesting prospect to watch and he was a multitalented guard who can score off the dribble and on the perimeter. He showed a nice ability to be a lockdown defender but he must develop consistency on the defensive end of the floor. If he continues to improve in areas such as shooting mechanics and decision making, Ryan could certainly be successful down the road.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Quickness, basketball IQ, Range of shot, penetration ability, passing skills, score off the dribble
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, use of off hand, defense off the ball, transition defense, rebounding, moving without the ball