Team 14
Coach: Dre Simmons
#25: 5’2 ’29 Elijah Williams (Reidsville)
First up, Elijah Williams is a 5-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite being the smallest camper on this team, he found several ways to make his presence felt. The next step in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Dre on Williams: “Elijah is a solid guard who looks to get teammates involved. He is fast with the ball and has the ability to create for himself off the dribble. I was impressed with his defensive intensity. As a smaller guy, he never shied away from his assignment and was willing to guard the length of the floor. I believe over time he will gain more IQ and be aware of passing lanes against pressure and making the right reads.” Williams enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a player to watch going forward.
#27: 5’4 ’29 Alex Concepcion (Northwood)
Next, Alex Concepcion is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. He showcased a solid understanding of how to dictate the action as a primary creator. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more phyiscally imposing player. Coach Dre on Conception: “Alex is a point guard with the potential to develop into a very good player. He has the tools to create off the bounce and can hit shots beyond the arc. Throughout the day, I saw his confidence improve as he did well handling pressure and passing out of traps. Overall, confidence is key to Alex’s success. As he trains against defensive pressure, I think he will become more comfortable at running the show.” Conception did a variety of things well at camp and has the tools to progress over the coming years.
#36: 5’7 ’29 Arvin Vanga (Phillips)
Next, Arvin Vanga is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. He’s a scrappy, highly unselfish guard who looks to fill in the gaps however possible on both ends of the floor. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator. Coach Dre on Vanga: “Arvin was a pleasure to coach. What I loved most about him was although he had some trouble scoring the ball, he never gave up. He kept a positive spirit, stayed engaged, and was a supportive teammate. Because of this attitude, his fortune turned in the final game. He scored eight points in our final contest. He finally looked comfortable and confident. He made two three-pointers and I was so happy for him. Due to his approach, I see good things in the future. Teams need kids like Alvin.” Vanga made the most of his opportunities at camp and will be a player to watch progress over the foreseeable future.
#54: 5’7 ’29 Malcolm Wilson (Durham Nativity)
Next, Malcolm Wilson is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. He found ways to make his presence felt but arguably stood out more through his unselfish, energetic approach to the game. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Dre on Wilson: “Malcolm is a guy that I can see continuing to build his overall skillset. He was eager to learn and very coachable. I appreciated his approach to the game and enthusiasm for competition. He was a scrappy defender willing to guard the length of the floor. He moved well without the ball and seemed to have a knack for getting open.” Wilson provided quality effort throughout his time at camp and has the tools to continue progressing going forward.
#64: 5’8 ’29 Hayden Clark (Winkler)
Next, Hayden Clark is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2029. He provided a useful combination of toughness, scrappiness, and a high motor. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dre on Clark: “Hayden approached the game with a certain chip on his shoulder. I loved his confidence and the flair he brought to the court. At times, he showed he could shoot from range and was a threat to hit open shots along the perimeter. He also has the ability to handle the ball, which allows him to play either guard spot. Like most players his age, I think the more he learns the game and accumulates reps will help him improve overall.” Clark worked hard throughout camp and will be a player to monitor as he continues to progress.
#85: 5’9 ’29 Ja’Marius Weaver (Hand)
Next, Ja’Marius Weaver is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2029. Between his blend of scoring polish, defensive prowess, and overall array of tools, he made a consistent impact. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Dre on Weaver: “Ja’Marius has the potential to do some really good things. He is a tough-minded, physical force who mixes his hard-nosed approach with grace. He handles the ball very well for a bigger guy and gets to the cup pretty much at will. Definitely a gamer. He showed me everything you want to see as a coach. Can be a Swiss Army knife or the dominant scorer if needed. I’m excited to keep track of this young man, especially if my eye test serves me correctly.” Weaver proved to be an asset during camp and has the tools to turn heads over the coming years.
#95: 5’10 ’29 Brayden McCrimmon (Francis Bradley)
Next, Brayden McCrimmon is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2029. In addition to his physical tools, polished skillset, and terrific nose for the ball, he shined as a natural leader on both ends of the floor. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him an even more difficult matchup for opponents. Coach Dre on McCrimmon: “Brayden was a bucket! His versatility at his size was quite impressive. Three-level scorer who can heat up quickly. His feel for the game is advanced for his age, as he makes good reads and decisions with the ball. He can beat you off the bounce and has a healthy package of moves at the cup. I believe if he actually knew how good he was, it would add more dominance to his overall game. He is such a team player and unselfish guy. We had a young man who hadn’t scored and it was the last quarter of the day. I asked for a volunteer to sit so we could try and help our teammate get a bucket. Without any hesitation, Brayden raised his hand and sacrificed his last opportunity to boost his own stock. Coaches, with this young man you are getting a phenomenal talent and person. I’m buying his stock right now!” McCrimmon was named a top performer at camp and is certainly a player to monitor going forward.
#109: 6’0 ’29 Brendan Brady (Rogers Herr)
Next, Brendan Brady is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2029. He made a lasting impression with his size, skill, and overall versatility. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him an even more difficult assignment for opponents. Coach Dre on Brady: “Brendan brought the bag! This kid has something special. At his size, most coaches want him playing center and focused in the post. He is way too versatile to continue there. He has an elusive handle and can get paint touches effortlessly. Midrange pull-ups off the bounce or catch-and-shoot scenarios. He is a gamer. I could see him as a focal point or reliable second option. I’m excited to see his continued development and physical growth. He had a strong showing at camp and I believe in what I saw!” Brady did a lot of things well during camp and will be a player to follow closely over the foreseeable future.
#125: 6’1 ’29 Jayden Myung (Alston Ridge)
Next, Jayden Myung is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2029. He possesses an enticing blend of size, polish, and general understanding of the game on both ends of the floor. The next step in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more dynamic threat off the bounce. Coach Dre on Myung: “Mr. Myung gets busy! Indeed! He has a reliable handle and understands how to create off the bounce. At his size, just being a physically strong kid can be useful to the team in so many ways. He can give you minutes at three different positions. Overall, he left a lasting impression on me and was clearly one of our better players throughout the day. Jayden is very coachable and was receptive to positive or constructive coaching. He is a guy I will definitely be looking to hear about in the near future.” Myung highlighted a lot of intrigue at camp and has the tools to continue progressing over the coming years.
#141: 6’2 ’29 Winston Soles (Northwest Cabarrus)
Finishing up, Winston Soles is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. Although he’s already able to impact the game in several ways, he’s still just scratching the surface of his long-term abilities. The next step in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender against smaller guards. Coach Dre on Soles: “Winston has a ton of potential. He has length and a good rebounding sense. He does a good job of blocking shots or altering attempts. He runs the floor well and does a good job of getting back in transition on defense. Winston had some promising flashes. My encouragement to him is understanding that he is a beast. He could really dominate his assignment and when the light clicks on, I sense trouble for whoever is in the way. I am eager to follow his growth.” Soles highlighted a variety of flashes during camp and should only continue to trend upward going forward.