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.
Luigi Piccione – #158/ 6’2 – Christian Academy (2018)
“Luigi is a great kid with a very good personality but the game just seemed a little to fast for him at times at the camp. A huge part of his game is to work on getting his shot off faster. But his overall effort both on and off the court really stood, while also being a great teammate. Continue to work harder on your game and it will come to you.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Acceptance of criticism, effort, team play, transition defense, footwork, range of shot
Areas of Work: Shooting mechanics, back to the basket moves, use of off hand, ball handling and passing skills, rebounding
Qua’sean Bryant – #107/ 6’0 – West Craven (2016)
“Qua’sean was a very athletic player at the camp but he just needs more court time and his game will come to him. He has a ton of potential and is aggressive on both ends of the court. He really attacked the rim very well also at the camp. He has a great frame to build around.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, use of off hand, penetration ability and ability to finish, rebounding his position
Areas of Work: range of three point shot, catch and shoot, release time, passing skills, transition defense, footwork
Shannon Mebane – #157/ 6’2 – River Mill Academy (2017)
“Shannon has a great range on his shot, being able to hit the mid-range jumper along with the three point shot. He showed at times that he has the ability to penetrate the paint with his quickness, but needs to show the ability to finish at the rim. He also did very well in rebounding for his size and position. At times, he got caught watching the game instead of just playing. Needs to develop more and move without the ball and not just a spot up shooter. But he has a great attitude.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, acceptance of criticism, range of shot, penetration ability, quickness, rebounding his position
Areas of Work: Catch and shoot, moving without the ball, release time, shooting mechanics, ability to finish, ball handling and passing skills
John Rush – #58/ 5’10 – Uwharrie Charter Academy (2017)
“John really worked hard at the cam and I can tell he wants to improve in every part of his game. He was a true leader on the floor for our team, possessing a great attitude and teammate at the camp. He had a nice shot from all over the floor, while also showing he was able to penetrate and finish at the rim. He had great handles with a nice pull-up. Could be an excellence on the ball defender if he continues to work hard.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, team play, range of shot, penetration ability, quickness, footwork, shooting mechanics, use of off hand, ball handling, vision and court sense
Areas of Work: Back to basket moves, defense on and off the ball
Elijah Rose – #57/ 5’10 – Lee County (2017)
“Even for his size, Elijah wasn’t afraid to attack the rim and he is a good, strong finisher around the rim. But he also displayed that he can simply stroke the ball with his shot. Sometimes, he lost confidence fast and it hurt him, but he needs to continue to believe in himself and the rest will come. He has the tools to be a very good player and he develops.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, effort, rebounding, range of mid-range, penetration and finishing ability, defense on and off the ball, quickness
Areas of Work: range of three point shot, shooting mechanics, back to the basket moves, release time, catch and shoot
Hunter Butler – #85/ 5’11 – Patton (2018)
“Hunter is a solid and smart player that makes great decision while on the court. He had a nice jumper inside the arc, while showing that he can do the same behind the three point arc. His shooting mechanics really stood out well at the camp. He could be more aggressive at times on the court and start trusting his ability to drive and attack the rim. If he does, this kid could be a special talent.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Effort, Team play, Range of shot, shooting mechanics, vision and court sense, moving without the ball
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, penetration and finishing ability
Brandon Sturdivant – #196/ 6’4 – West Stanly (2017)
“Brandon has a great frame being at 6’4, which really helped him at times and can see his potential. I think he just needs time to grow and adjust into his body and the game will come much easier for him. He also needs to learn use his size to his advantage. He has a great wing span but needs to focus more on defense. If he continues to work and develop into his game, this kid could be a nightmare matchup down the road.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, range of shot, penetration and finishing ability, defense off the ball, quickness, rebounding his position, moving without the ball
Areas of Work: shooting mechanics, catch and shoot, shooting off the dribble, ball handling, passing skills, defense on the ball, footwork
Noah Taylor – #106/ 6’0 – Porter Ridge (2017)
“Noah was a very intelligent player and seemed to make the right play at the right time for himself and for his team. He always seemed to have a knack to be around the ball at all times throughout the camp. He showed that he really has worked hard on his shot selection and it showed, while also having solid footwork and vision on the court. He is a player you can really trust in a big game situation.”
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Basketball IQ, Range of shot, shooting mechanics, catch and shoot, footwork and vision on the court
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, use of off hand, penetration ability, finishing ability, ball handling, rebounding his position