Earlier this week, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Charlotte for a closer look at the new 1 of 1 Regional (formerly ACE Skill Development) squads. This organization has steadily grown each year since the start of its formation, and now transitions into its next phase as a program. While they’ve continued to pick kids from the same areas, one could argue these are their most talented groups yet. This article will focus specifically on the Palmer and Pop teams. Let’s break down the rosters…
Palmer:
There’s clearly a lot to like with this group, as they have a variety of pieces worthy of attention from college coaches this summer. Myles Vicks is a strong, athletic wing who plays through contact and attacks very well in straight-line drives. He’s able to rip-through and attack to finish through contact or above the rim. Plays well off two feet and displays solid shooting mechanics. He can also knock down jumpers in rhythm. Very active on the glass and regularly creates second-chance points. Darrien Smith has shown a lot of flashes over the years and continues to trend upward. He possesses a strong array of physical tools with size, length, and fluidity. Smith runs the floor, finishes at the rim, and knocks down three-pointers at a quality rate. Rounding out a lot of their size, Onur Kurucu is a skilled forward who can space the floor or face up and drive off the bounce. He’s arguably at his best when using his size to create mismatches for smaller opponents, but knows how to operate along the perimeter. Displays nice touch and turnarounds with his back to the basket and is able to use his strength to bully opponents when he wants.
In terms of backcourt pieces, Justin Douglas, Chief Hunter, Lance Ross, and Semaj Hart each bring something different to the table. Douglas is a quality shooter with a smooth jumper and the ability to attack closeouts and get paint touches. Displays a solid handle on counter moves. Uses his size/frame well to get to the rim and hold defenders off. Hunter is a quick, speedy guard with strong transition ability and a sharp change of pace. Showed the ability to knock down jumpers or get to downhill with ease. Ross is an athletic guard with the ability to knock down open jumpers in rhythm. Hart is a strong lefty athlete who excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim.
Noah Hunter not in attendance.
Pop:
Throughout the practice, guys like Charlie Parker, Jared Ward, Bryce Ellerbe, and Jasiah Clark found ways to stand out. Parker is an unselfish, team-first guy who cuts, runs the offense, and makes the extra pass. Good decision-maker who plays with his head up in the open court. Opportunistic scorer who can knock down open jumpers and put himself in scoring positions without dominating the ball. Ward is a terrific spot-up threat who can heat up in a hurry and knock down shots in succession. Ellerbe showed the ability to run a team, set up others and knock down open shots within the flow of the offense. Clark is an athletic guard who has the tools to be an active/disruptive defender in the passing lanes and on the ball.
That being said, Brayden Allen, Jaylon Bills, and Shyam Jobanputra each found ways to make a lasting impression as well. Allen is an athletic lefty wing who excels at getting downhill. Bills is a quick, heady guard who can create paint touches off the bounce. Jobanputra is a nice utility piece and cutter who plays well off two feel and can make spot-up jumpers from beyond the arc.
Despite not being in attendance, guys like Trey Smith, Liam Batt, and Jadarian Dixon will each play vital roles for this group.