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:

7’2” Brendan Newton (Elite Level Hoops – Williams)

Newton is a newer name, that has taken Virginia and Southeastern recruiting by storm lately. Newton was first seen at the NC Fall Phenom 150 in 2014. He is a legit 7’2”, runs well, has good hands, and is very scrappy. National Analyst Rob Harrington says, “Despite being so young, and extremely tall for his age, in particular. Newton already shows considerable hoops promise.”

6’7” Donaldson Fanard (Ft Mill Knicks 17s)

Fanard is a new name to the recruiting radar, but is certainly one that needs to be spoken about. Fanard is a tough guy in the post, using his strong frame. He is also developing an 18’ face up game to his arsenal. Fanard has a lot of upside, and his name should start to build that momentum this weekend.

6’4” Douglas Elks (WCBA)

Elks carries a frame that possesses long arms and a size 15 shoe. Over the last two years, he has battled growing pains because of how much he has grown, and he has the look of more to come. Elks is the consummate leader, always talking and directing like a coach on the floor. Elks is extremely skilled guard, has good court awareness and can shoot with deep range. Look for a big weekend here.

6’8” Jacob Brown (Team Winston)

It is hard not to notice a kid with this kind of size and this kind of ability to shoot. The slender Brown has perimeter skills, with touch. Over the last year, he has developed his ability in the paint. He is doing the right things in the post and his game is developing quickly. Brown will turn some heads this weekend and consistently moving forward.

6’2” Donte Tatum (WCBA)

My first viewing of Tatum came at last year’s Havoc on the Hardwood, he was between his freshman and sophomore high school seasons. On one play, during a free throw, Tatum came in from behind three point line and dunked the put back. It was an incredibly athletic play, for a kid so young. Tatum then parlayed that momentum into 21 points per game this high school season. Tatum is an explosive, strong kid, that is sure to leave those watching asking “who’s that'”

6’1” Mac Brower (Tennessee Fury)

Brower is a gritty player, who plays the game the right way. From the point guard position, he has a high basketball IQ that gets players in comfortable positions. He also is a spot on shooter, with deep range off the catch.

Others To Watch
6’ Jonathan Gauer (Juice All Stars)
6’10” John Kerr (Team Winston)
6’7” Ethan Herring (USA United)

Share to...