Founded just over a decade ago, Northern Guilford has seen some high-level prospects come through this program but have largely maintained their reputation as a football school. After the infamous era that featured guys like Michael Neal (App State), Jonathan Frye (Tulane), and Jacob Lawson (Purdue), the basketball talent just wasn’t the same. They’ve had multiple scholarship-level guys along the way, headlined by Andy Pack (Elon) and Josh Gibson (Queens), but this roster could easily have another handful of guys that belong at the next level. They don’t necessarily have an overabundance of talent, but they know their identity and will surprise some opponents throughout the upcoming season. So, let’s take a closer look at their roster…
6’5 ’22 Nolan Hodge
There’s a lot of talent within this group, but Hodge should quickly emerge as their leader this season. He’s a long, wiry guard that has truly just begun to physically mature. Hodge is so smooth on offense, especially with the ball in his hands, and has an incredibly soft stroke from midrange and beyond the arc. He has a pretty tight handle and displays sharp, unselfish vision/playmaking tendencies. Hodge leads by example and is always looking to make the best possible play for the team. He typically operates as the primary creator but also highlighted his ability to spot-up or post-up and make plays. As smart and impressive as Hodge is offensively, he’s arguably just as appealing as a defender—especially when looking long-term. His ability to contain and contest without fouling is tremendous, given his overall lack of strength. Hodge commits to rebounding and plays with great pace in transition. On top of all that, he’s grown and added quality weight over the summer. It’s still early in his development, but Hodge has all the tools and ability to be a special type of prospect.
6’3 ’20 Carson Lomax
Although he’s not necessarily the flashiest player, Lomax and his nonstop motor will be extremely vital to the success of this team. He’s a fairly smart, strong-bodied guard that plays fundamentally-sound basketball on both ends of the floor, never forcing the action and looking to make hustle plays whenever possible. Lomax is a pretty nice three-point shooter with the ability to take opponents off the bounce and finish at the basket. He also offers defense, rebounding, and useful secondary ball-handing. Lomax could be a nice addition for a variety of D3 programs.
6’3 ’21 Adonijah Whitley
Everyone on this team has a pretty clear identity, except Whitley, who is probably the most intriguing and versatile prospect on the entire roster. He’s the primary glue-guy, given the way he consistently affects all the action on both ends of the floor. Whitley can work with the ball or as an off-ball cutter and finds success. He shoots the ball at a reliable clip from the perimeter, mixes it up regularly on offense, and is capable of switching across three to four positions defensively. He’s a quality communicator, teammate, and overall decision-maker that is capable of thriving in the open floor. Whitley should be a prospect for D2/D3 coaches to watch closely over these next two seasons.
6’0 ’22 Jackson Helms
The young floor general is another piece worth getting excited about, given his current level of polish and remaining two-way upside. Helms plays so fast, hard, and is always looking to ramp up the pace, especially in transition. He’s a pretty useful playmaker with the ability to frequently penetrate, touch the paint, and make plays for himself or others. Helms is also a well-rounded scorer and defender that can rebound the ball and immediately push the break in transition. He will be an x-factor this season and should start garnering the interest of college coaches sooner than later.
6’5 ’22 Jordan Pyke
There’s limited height on this roster, but Pyke’s size and offensive versatility should nudge them in the right direction. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect that possesses quality creation skills, solid athleticism, and the ability to score in a variety of different ways. Pyke can pass, shoot, handle, and rebound, which will make him an absolute matchup problem at 6-foot-5. That being said, he’s still just beginning to harness his physical tools in correlation with his skillset and could legitimately have as much upside as anyone on this roster.
5’11 ’21 Owen Griffith
Though somewhat unassuming, Griffith is an extremely scrappy two-way guard that simply knows how to make plays. He’s quick, crafty, and plays with an edge, which allows him to make a consistent impact against opposing guards. This team is fairly heavy in the backcourt, but Griffith knows his role and could provide valuable minutes throughout the season.
6’0 ’20 Josiah Sims
Coming over from Piedmont Classical, Sims will give this group another active defender and hustle worker. He makes smart plays in transition and utilizes his length effectively to maximize his presence as a defender and finisher.
6’0 ’20 Rashawn Pleasant
Though not in attendance (football), Pleasant (like Lomax) is a returning starter and all-conference selection. He’ll be another very smart, quick guard in the backcourt and should end up as one of the more productive guys on this roster.