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.
Nick Edwards – #115/ 6’4 – Reidsville (2017)
Edwards has a very nice skill set for his size and really seemed to excel in several areas on the court. He showed his competitive nature on and off the court but still needs to focus on his overall effort on both ends of the court.
“Very good player with decent skill set. MUST IMPROVE EFFORT! Put more energy into rebounding, running the floor, and defending. Better motor will improve game tremendously.” -Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Team Play, Range of his shot, Back to the basket moves, Passing skills, Vision and court sense
Areas of work: Effort, Shooting off the dribble, Penetration and ability to finish, Quickness and footwork
Jacob Whitley – #66/ 5’11 – West Stanly (2017)
Whitley was a unique and young guard that had a great attitude and continued to play 100 percent on the court at all times. He still needs to work overall on his game in different areas and get more playing experience, which could further him along down the road as he continues to develop. With time and work, Whitley could be the player he wants to be in the future.
“More playing experience. Play the game more. Watch the game more. Learn the game and it will make you a better player in the long run.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Acceptance of Criticism, Effort, Team Play, Showed a nice shot with good mechanics
Areas of Work: Basketball IQ, Shooting off the dribble, Use of off hand, Penetration ability, Defense
Dominique Watkins – #238/ 6’1 – Reidsville (2017)
Watkins showed the ability to be a very good player on the offensive side of the ball, while also possessing the talent to be a tremendous defender, something college coaches are always looking for at the next level. He has to continue though giving it 100 percent on the court on both ends and really focus on his ball skills.
“Must improve game tempo and energy. Play harder and faster on both ends of the floor. Also work on your ball handling. Must be able to make basic moves.” -Coach
Areas of Excellence: Team play, Attitude, Shot range, Release time, Shooting mechanics
Areas of work: Ball handling, Penetration ability, Vision and court sense, 100 percent effort on both ends
Harrison Coachran – #167 6’3 – Southern Alamance (2017)
Coachran seemed to really impress the coaches as a nice combo guard. He was able to score the basketball with one of the best shots in the camp. He displayed his range several times and ability to get to the rim and finish. Overall, Coachran was one of the better guards not only on the team but in the camp and the coaches seem to be high on this talented guard.
“Very good combo guard. Decision making can get a lot better but is solid overall. Also, game tempo, push the pace of the game, play fast on both ends of the court.” – Coach
Areas of Excellence: Effort, Team Play, Range of shot (both 2pt and 3pt), Catch and Shoot, Penetration ability, Passing skills, Vision
Areas of Work: Back to the basket moves, Shooting off the dribble, Tempo, Quickness, Rebounding
Trejon Jacob – #201/ 6’5 – Millbrook (2016)
The big fellow certainly can score the basketball, as he scored in double digits in every game at Forsyth Country Day (had a game high 24 points in Game 2). Jacob was solid in all areas but he needs to work more on the little things of his game such as defense both on and off the ball and rebounding for his size. This is a unique kid to watch and several people could see that if this kid continues to work, he could be a quality prospect down the road.
“REBOUND, REBOUND, REBOUND! Pound the backboards every possession.” -Coach
Areas of Excellence: Attitude, Use of off hand, Ability to finish, Scoring the basketball ball, Quickness, Moving without the ball
Areas of Work: Rebounding, Defense both on and off the ball
Jurad Hall – #230/ 6’1 – EE Smith (2018)
Hall showed that he likes to compete, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He on the ball defense was one of the best on the team, but he has room to grow with his defense off the ball. His quickness seemed to really help him in areas such as penetration, on the ball defense, rebounding, and moving without the ball. But he will need to work and gain more experience on the court that will help him develop the overall game he is looking for.
“Basketball IQ. Watch more basketball, play more basketball. Learn the game. Ok player but with improvement of basketball IQ, can be very good.” -Coach
Areas of Excellence: Defense on the ball, quickness, Effort, Acceptance of criticism
Areas of Work: Shot range, Shot mechanics, Defense off the ball, Basketball IQ, Experience
Lantz Lowe – #20/ 5’7 – Westchester (2017)
Lowe has all the makings of being a very good floor general. He can get to the rim, get his teammates the ball, and even knock down some shots from both inside and outside the arc. But as a floor general, Lowe needs to become more vocal and be the leader on the team. Improve his decision making also is a key attribute that will help down the road.
“Improve decision making. Also, as a good point guard, become more of a vocal leader. Run the team. Put people in the position that they need to be in.” -Coach
Areas of Excellence: Team Play, Attitude, Effort, Defense on the ball, Penetration, Quickness, Footwork, vision
Areas of Work: Vocal leader, Shooting off the dribble, Back to the basket moves, Floor general
Dustin Day – #168/ 6’3 – David Crockett (TN) (2016)
Day consistently showed his ability to score the basketball on the court. He knocked down shots inside the arc, outside the arc, and showed the ability to finish at the rim. It was also great to see how he moved with out the ball, looking for ways to get open. Being at 6’3, he played the forward position but if he continues at his height, he certainly will want to work on more of his ball handling skills. If he does, Day could be an overall threat in several positions on the court.
Areas of Excellence: Effort, Team Play, Range of shot, Catch and Shoot, Ability to finish, Moving without the ball, rebounding his position
Areas of Work: Penetration ability, Shooting off the dribble, Release time, use of off hand, Passing and ball handling skills, Quickness and footwork