We are excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual Phenom Hoops Challenge this year. We are looking at a field of 72 teams with a lot of talent to be had at the D1, D2, D3, JUCO, and NAIA levels. There is no doubt that this year’s Challenge will keep the college coaches in attendance excited as the discover new talent as well as stay on top of the names the already knew.
This week, Phenom Hoops will be going through matchups and players to watch in each division. So that you will be on top of some players to watch
2016 Class
6’2” Jordan Shepherd (Team Vision)
It has been quite the year for Shepherd. Starting at the Phenom Hoops Jamboree, where Shepherd starting picking up his name. Then, over the ensuing year, Shepherd picked up four (4) offers from App St., Middle Tennessee, Furman, and Western Carolina. Shepherd was also named conference player of the year and participated in the prestigious NC Top 80 event. Shepherd is very explosive, but also understands how to play in the half court. Look for him to pick up a lot more interest and offers this summer.
6’9” Iran Bennett (USA United)
Bennett was a last minute addition to the USA United roster, per his high school coach on Tuesday. Bennett is a load in the post. This is not only because of the shear girth of him, but because of his footwork and the touch. Bennett is on the verge of bursting onto the national scene, listen for his name.
6’5” Brian McElveen (Team Winston)
A month ago, very few had heard of McElveen. After his performance at the Spring NC Phenom 150 camp, McElveen has become a hot name in the area. He is a lengthy 6’5” guard who is equally comfortable handling the ball in the half court as he is scoring. McElveen, who has a 6’10”+ wing span, finished on the leader board for Points, Assists, and Field Goal percentage at the NC Top 80. McElveen’s stock will really rise over the summer as coaches see him.
6’2” Tyrique McClean (WCBA)
McClean is a scorer, a scorer that goes out and consistently gets buckets. McClean is a very athletic wing, that attacks the paint fearlessly and finishes at and above the rim. McClean scored over 50 points multiple times this year, even topping 60. Look for some huge outputs from him, and also a lot of colleges wanting to get a good look at him.
6’1” Robert Colon (Juice All Stars)
Colon led his Jacksonville Northside High School team to the state semi-finals this year. Colon is a big bodied guard, who has a good feel and court sense. He has a flair for the game, but also the ability to make the simple play. Colon participated in the prestigious NC Top 80, where he created some buzz. Colon is from a small school without much exposure, as coaches see him look for his recruitment to really pick up this summer.
More Names to Watch
6’4” Kevin Quinn (WCBA)
6’6” Faison Brock (WCBA)
6’2” Charles Norman (Team Winston)
6’6” Daekwon Spence (River City Reign)