Team 16
Coach: Gavin Nelson
#2: 4’10 ’33 Ryan Findley (Carthage)
Starting off, Ryan Findley is a 4-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2033. Although he wasn’t able to participate in games due to injury, he provided a positive attitude and several flashes during drills. Coach Nelson on Findley: “Ryan was unable to play today due to injury but was a good sport on the bench to encourage and communicate with his teammates.” While his camp was cut short, Findley will still be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#7: 5’2 ’31 Chandler Burton (Concord)
Next, Chandler Burton is a 5-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2031. Between his handle, off-ball defense, and scrappy nature, he found several ways to make his presence felt. Burton is an unselfish guard who highlighted solid creation skills and scoring polish with the ball in his hands. He can knock down shots or make plays off the bounce for himself and others. Burton is a willing defender and effective rebounder for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more dynamic athlete on both ends of the floor. Coach Nelson on Burton: “Chandler is a guard with decent ball-handling ability and court vision. Good with jabs and ball fakes upon receiving the ball. Made mostly good decisions with the ball and didn’t force shots. Displayed nice footwork when driving.” Burton enjoyed a solid showing at camp and should only continue to progress over the foreseeable future.
#10: 5’2 ’32 Ezra Davis (Charlotte)
Next, Ezra Davis is a 5-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2032. Given his flashes of ability on both ends of the floor, he’s able to highlight a variety of intriguing traits. Davis is a quick, unselfish guard with an active motor and steady presence. He has solid shot mechanics and an understanding of how to operate without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Nelson on Davis: “Ezra is a quick guard that makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Stayed engaged throughout the day and kept up physical effort on both ends of the floor. Knocked down shots at a nice rate in drills but struggled to find attempts during live play.” Davis has a nice array of foundational tools, which should allow him to trend upward over the coming years.
#11: 5’3 ’31 Gray Jones (Durham)
Next, Gray Jones is a 5-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2031. Due to his reliable, well-rounded identity, he consistently impacted the game on both ends of the floor. Jones is a skilled, athletic guard with sharp quickness and a nonstop motor. He’s capable of scoring the ball from all levels, but is arguably at his best when spacing the floor as a spot-up threat. Jones is also a quality defender who contains opponents and anticipates well to force turnovers. Next in his development process is working on becoming a better penetrating threat, as it would be a meaningful complement his three-point shooting. Coach Nelson on Jones: “Gray is a speedy guard who did well as an all-around player. He was flying around on defense to make strong closeouts. Handled the ball well and knocked down shots from beyond the arc—both off the catch and in pull-up situations.” Jones did a lot of things well throughout camp and will be one to watch as he progresses over the foreseeable future.
#16: 5’4 ’32 Thomas Lard (Aiken)
Next, Thomas Lard is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2032. Given his effort and willingness to make hustle plays, he did a nice job of making his presence felt. Lard is a young, scrappy guard with solid shooting mechanics and unselfishness as a passer. He understands how to operate within the flow of the action and seize opportunities when available. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable ball-handler against pressure. Coach Nelson on Lard: “Thomas had a great attitude throughout the day. Accepted coaching really well. Made good efforts on both ends of the floor. Shot well in drills but struggled to convert offensively in live action. Improving his off-ball movement patterns and physical conditioning would greatly improve his game.” Lard has a useful array of tools, especially for his age, and should only continue to progress going forward.
#63: 5’10 ’31 Breeze Blankenship (Rutherfordton)
Next, Breeze Blankenship is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2031. Clearly one of the most impressive campers on display, it’s difficult to say anything other than positives about his dominance. Blankenship is a highly skilled, polished player with the size, athleticism, and instincts to cause a ton of problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. He scores on all levels, creates for himself and others, and makes smart decisions with the ball. Blankenship plays hard defensively and utilizes his physical tools to force turnovers or outwork others on the glass. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Nelson on Blankenship: “Breeze is a crafty all-around forward with a nice combination of footwork, quickness, and ball-handling ability. Showed the ability to get downhill with ease and consistently finish with a variety of strong moves. Knocked down standstill shots from all spots on the floor and made pull-up jumpers as needed.” Blankenship made a lasting impression at camp, securing a Top Performer award, and has all the tools to emerge as a notable prospect over the coming years.
#64: 5’10 ’31 Jacob Alphin (Mint Hill)
Next, Jacob Alphin is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2031. Between his size and steady skillset, he did a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. Alphin displays a nice blend of IQ, unselfishness, and ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. He’s a capable shooting threat and useful defensive piece who positions himself well to make plays. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more dynamic threat off the bounce. Coach Nelson on Alphin: “Jacob got better each game we played. He handled the ball well when given the opportunity and was serviceable defensively both on and off the ball. Operated within the flow of the action offensively, showing the ability to make plays off ball cuts or around the basket.” Alphin did a solid job of making his presence felt during camp and should only continue to trend upward over the foreseeable future.
#77: 5’11 ’32 Saiyan Royster (Greensboro)
Next, Saiyan Royster is a 5-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2032. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him a clear matchup problem for various types of opponents. Royster is smart, unselfish, and plays with quality energy on both ends of the floor. He’s able to make plays with the ball in his hands, create for himself and others, and apply strong scoring pressure as a penetrator or midrange threat. Royster is also a switchable defender and quality rebounder who knows how to push effectively in transition. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Nelson on Royster: “Sayian is a two-way forward that thrives at getting downhill and making plays off the bounce. Did well working through contact offensively, both driving and finishing. Provided solid screens, rolled effectively, and made smart decisions. Maximized his wingspan defensively by blocking shots in the paint even when arriving late.” Royster proved to be an asset during his time at camp and should only continue to blossom over the next few years.
#131: 6’1 ’31 Tommy Deluca (Matthews)
Finishing up, Tommy Deluca is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2031. It didn’t take long to see his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Deluca possesses a nice blend of IQ, size, and versatility. He handles and passes the ball very well for his size, and is capable of applying pressure as a finisher or threat in the midrange. Deluca moves well without the ball, positions himself effectively on the glass, and highlights strong footwork around the basket. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Nelson on Deluca: “Tommy is a strong-framed forward that moves well without the ball. Most efficient from the low post, but didn’t look uncomfortable attacking from the perimeter. Some work on his quickness and rebounding instincts would elevate his game from good to a whole new level.” Deluca highlighted some enticing flashes during his time at camp and should only continue blossoming over the foreseeable future.