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Phenom Summer Havoc Set to Spotlight D1 Prospects and Hidden Gems
Get ready for a gym full of talent at this weekend’s Phenom Summer Havoc in Bermuda Run, NC. From under-the-radar prospects looking to make a name for themselves to established D1-caliber players, the court will be packed with players ready to compete and prove they belong. This is the kind of environment where hidden gems emerge, recruiting boards shift, and college coaches can find the next...
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Is 2026’s Deron Rippey Jr. the Top PG in the Nation? Full Breakdown & Recruiting Update
When talking about the top point guards in the Class of 2026, Deron Rippey Jr. is a name that continues to surge to the forefront—and rightfully so. With his elite handle, high-IQ decision-making, scoring ability, and leadership on the floor, Rippey Jr. is quickly making a case as the top PG in the country. His performances on the national stage have drawn heavy attention from top college...
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Coaches Should Be Prioritizing Team CP3 EYCL
There are several valuable guards on this roster, which includes Josiah Hill and everything he brings to the table. Few guys on the team have seen their stock rise as much as him over the recent months, and that’s likely due to his steady, reliable production. Hill knows how to run the team with poise while applying pressure as a penetrator and perimeter shooter. He gets others involved as a...
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Even with New Names, is Christ School looking to be Top Dog Once Again?
Don’t expect a drop-off from Christ School anytime soon. Despite graduating key pieces from last year’s squad, the Greenies are once again gearing up for a state title run—and early signs point to another championship-caliber group taking shape. With a mix of returning leadership and new additions, Christ School looks to have reloaded, not rebuilt, and they’ll enter the season with their eyes...
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NC Spartans Forest City Has College-Level Talent
The NC Spartans organization has built a reputation as one of the top independent programs within the state over the last decade or so. For a group that used to be only one or two teams, they’ve continually expanded without compromising their desired personnel or stylistic approach. Although majority of their teams reside within the greater Triad area, the addition of their Forest City...
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Phenom Summer Havoc: Where the Next Wave of Talent Takes the Stage
The stage is set for Phenom Summer Havoc in Bermuda Run, NC, where some of the top travel teams from around the region and beyond will take the court for a weekend full of high-level hoops. With dozens of programs loaded with talent across all age groups, this event is a must-stop for college coaches looking to discover the next wave of standout prospects. From rising stars to battle-tested...
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2027 Standouts: Prospects Who Elevated Their Stock at Phenom LIVE
The Class of 2027 continues to impress, and several prospects made sure to leave their mark at Phenom LIVE this past weekend. Whether it was with their scoring ability, playmaking, energy, or versatility, these players stood out in a big way and earned themselves a permanent spot on our radar. With their performances on the big stage, it’s clear this group is on the rise—and they could be...
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Loaded with Potential: 6’9 2028 Jayden Ray
Those within the grassroots basketball scene know that talent can emerge from anywhere. Plenty of great players were once overlooked or hidden in plain sight. This is natural and something that used to happen all the time but has steadily declined with the rise of secondary circuits and the decreasing number of independent programs. However, FIBA SC is clearly maintaining its status as a notable...
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Phenom Summer Havoc: Underrated Talent D1 Coaches Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re a college coach heading to the Phenom Summer Havoc this weekend, consider this your cheat sheet. Whether you’re searching for underrated gems, late bloomers, or rising stars ready to break out — these are the players you need to have on your radar. They’ve been putting in work, flying under the radar, and now it’s time for D1 programs to start taking a hard look. Talent is everywhere...
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Wildcats Elite Core of College-Level Pieces
The travel ball season is finally coming to an end as we approach the final weekends of July. However, the upcoming weekend still gives players the opportunity to be seen by all levels of college coaches before the high school season. This weekend, the Phenom Hoops Summer Havoc is set to be loaded with countless teams and individuals worthy of attention from college coaches. Although they’ve...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Live (Part Four)
6’1 ’26 Cade Keller (Foothills Basketball) Several guys were standouts for this Foothills Basketball group, and that certainly includes Keller and everything he provided. He’s a knockdown shooter with a nice combination of IQ, creation skills, and off-ball ability. Keller is a well-rounded player who knows how to find success with or without the ball in his hands. He’s capable of filling it up...
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Names You’ll Know Soon: Roots Rockin’ 2026 Makes Noise at Phenom LIVE
Phenom Hoops LIVE took over Raleigh in a major way, packing out the Raleigh Convention Center with 20 courts of non-stop hoops action and a buzz that echoed throughout the weekend. With emerging talent from across the region taking the stage, this wasn’t just another event — it was a proving ground. College coaches were courtside, scouting the next wave of stars, and the intensity on the floor...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Live (Part Three)
6’0 ’26 Johnston Abrams (Stars Gold) Reliable point guard play is so important, especially at the high school level, and it feels like Abrams is someone who should start receiving more attention from college coaches. He’s somewhat unassuming as a smaller guard, but he makes a visible impact on the court. Abrams is a smart, heady guard who knows how to run the team or play without the ball. He’s...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Live (Part Two)
6’6 ’25 Jayden Dixie (TNT HoopSquad) Although his teammate made a ton of noise, Dixie is another guy from this team that college coaches should be eyeing. He’s a long, wiry, skilled forward who naturally creates matchup problems with his blend of size and perimeter ability. Dixie was comfortable creating with the ball in his hands and asserting himself or setting up others. He mixed it up well...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Live (Part One)
6’6 ’25 Derek Studer (Foothills Basketball) Although he’s already committed to Roanoke, Studer took the opportunity to play a few games in front of his new head coach. It’s easy to see the increase in confidence and the expansion of his skillset over the last twelve months. Studer still possesses a lot of ability as a smooth, polished scorer around the basket. He finishes with both hands,...
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Recruitment Radar: Garner Road 17u National Deserves a Closer Look
Phenom Hoops LIVE took over Raleigh in a major way, packing out the Raleigh Convention Center with 20 courts of non-stop hoops action and a buzz that echoed throughout the weekend. With emerging talent from across the region taking the stage, this wasn’t just another event — it was a proving ground. College coaches were courtside, scouting the next wave of stars, and the intensity on the floor...
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The Battle Begins: Muurinen Cuts List to 7, Spotlight Intensifies
The recruitment of 2026 5-star forward Miikka Muurinen is heating up — and the race just got real. One of the most sought-after prospects in the country, Muurinen officially announced his Top 7 schools, putting some of college basketball’s biggest names on high alert. At 6’10” with a smooth shooting stroke, elite athleticism, and international experience, Muurinen’s game screams pro potential —...
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Hard-Nosed and Hungry: Harvest Development Earning Attention at Phenom LIVE
Phenom Hoops LIVE took over Raleigh in a major way, packing out the Raleigh Convention Center with 20 courts of non-stop hoops action and a buzz that echoed throughout the weekend. With emerging talent from across the region taking the stage, this wasn’t just another event — it was a proving ground. College coaches were courtside, scouting the next wave of stars, and the intensity on the floor...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom LIVE
2027 Grant Jacques (Rising Pros) Jacques continues to prove that he is an effective weapon on the court. He plays with a ton of confidence all over the court, scores the ball in an array of ways, shoots the ball with a ton of confidence from the perimeter, but also does a great job in mixing it up overall. Jacques keeps the defense guessing and consistently gets it done offensively. 2026 Kellum...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Hoops LIVE
2026 Braylen McRae (Harvest Development) Though he is a smaller guard, McRae did a great job of not settling and being assertive offensively. He was able to display his quickness and creativity, attacking out in transition well and consistently getting paint touches, while also showing confidence in his ability to knock down shots from multiple levels. He was consistent throughout Day 1 for his...
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Jay’s Gems: Standouts from PxB Nationals
It was a great overall weekend at the PxB Nationals, as there was a ton of talent to check out and learn about more in Bermuda Run (NC). That was certainly the case on the girl’s side, as players of all levels and ages really showed out. Our own Jay Lawson was sitting baseline throughout, as he gives us his list of players that caught his eye. Cayden Hill – Carolina Allstars 2030...
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Is Keyonee Terry Taking the Next Step in His Progression?
Player development is one of the most fascinating parts of evaluating prospects. Every year, we see unexpected guys emerge and high-upside players begin tapping into their potential. Conversely, there are plenty of talented individuals who stop developing or quit working on their game before they’ve actually “made it.” There is no definitive way to differentiate between those who will pan out...
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Why Williams Itumo Should Be a Target for Division I Coaches
Certain types of player archetypes will always be coveted in basketball. Although these trends tend to fluctuate with the times, versatile forwards and rim-protecting big men are the most desirable. This is largely due to the pure fact that there are limited players with size… but even fewer with size and skill or size and the natural instincts required to anchor a defense at a high level. This...
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Can Asheville Christian Make a Push Once Again this Season?
Asheville Christian has been one of the more consistent programs here in North Carolina, continuing to find and produce talent, and that doesn’t seem to be changing this season. After finishing the season 17-8 overall and 5-3 in conference play, Coach Andy Ray and players are hoping to continue not only that winning tradition but also take another step forward. They will be led once again by...
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Player Standouts at Phenom PXB Nationals (Part Three)
6’3 ’30 Sonny Watkins (Team Loaded) Though young, it’s easy to see the long-term potential with Watkins. He’s clearly grown in size while developing his skillset and general feel on both ends of the floor. Watkins showed the ability to knock down jumpers, attack off the bounce, and play with or without the ball in his hands. He finishes well around the basket and makes his presence felt...
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Player Standouts at Phenom PXB Nationals (Part Two)
6’8 ’27 Reid Johannes (1 of 1 Elite) There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Johannes over the summer season, and rightfully so, as it’s easy to see his appeal as an overall prospect. He’s a long, wiry, athletic big man with touch, perimeter shooting, and the ability to apply consistent pressure above the rim. Johannes utilizes his length well to block or alter shots defensively, but will only...
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Player Standouts at Phenom PXB Nationals
6’5 ’27 Thomas Bowes (Dub Salem) After losing one of their top players to injury, Bowes has visibly stepped up as a focal point for this group. He’s a versatile wing/forward with the size and ball skills to create matchup problems for opponents. Bowes is at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket, but can also set up others and knock down jumpers at a solid rate. He’s a quality...
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Phenom Hoops LIVE back in Raleigh for another Big-Time Event
Phenom Hoops LIVE is back, bringing premier talent from across the region to the Raleigh Convention Center from July 10–13. This high-level platform offers a can’t-miss opportunity for college coaches of all levels to evaluate some of the top prospects in the country. With elite competition, standout performances, and unmatched exposure, Phenom Hoops continues to set the standard during the live...
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Hidden Gems from PxB Nationals
2027 Cale Curtis (Kulture) This was our first viewing of Curtis on the Phenom Platform, coming down from Ohio this past weekend. But he caught our attention with his play and will be on our radar down the road. Curtis brings a strong blend of size, fluidity, and skill to the court, understanding how to operate from multiple levels. He was able to flourish around the basket as well as create off...
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POB’s Best of the Best: PxB Nationals
2026 6’10 Williams Itumo (Dub Salem) Atumo has come into North Carolina and really made himself a name early on this season. The 6’10 big man has a blossoming offensive game, and there is still plenty of room for improvement. But what he does provide is a strong, physical presence around the basket, one that can finish at the rim, is engaged and active on the glass, and moves well on the...
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