Phenom's Open Gym Tour
Northwood Temple (Fayetteville, NC)
By Jamie Shaw
In Head Coach Corey Baker's first season he carried the Northwood Temple program to the 1A state semi-finals where the dropped to eventual NCISAA State Champion The Burlington School by only a couple points. Well Baker's team is now a year older, more experienced and they have some high level impact transfers who will play integral roles for the team.
Make sure you come to watch Northwood Temple at Phenom's National Showcase on November 10-11 in Greensboro, NC and at Phenom's Feast of Champions on November 24-25 in Fayetteville, NC
6'10' 2018 Immanutel Bates (NC State)
Bates was the most dominate player on the floor, which he should be. He is a consensus Top 100 player and just committed NC State this morning. Bates is one of the elite shotblockers/rebounders in the country and is only 17 years old. His trajectory is sky high and every day he gets better. As his body continues to develop at NC State, watch out ' there are a lot of natural, translatable tools here, for college and beyond.
6'9' 2018 Ian Steere (Creighton)
Steere is incredibly explosive. He plays with a mean streak and plays so high above the rim, looking to dunk everything he gets his hands on. Steere has expanded his game out to be able to consistently knock down the 3-pointer with his feet set. Creighton is getting a good one here, one that has upside to really fit what they do in their let it fly system.
6'9' 2019 Brandon Franklin
This one is incredibly intriguing. At this time last year Franklin was a 6'5' wing. Well he has shot up over the last year, now standing 6'9' and maintaining the same ball skills. He is still learning his body and what he is as a player, but there is unlimited upside (and he may not be done growing). A late bloomer, similar to the trajectory of Dravon Mangum at this same point, Franklin will play a role as a wing and stretch 4 here, he is just scratching the surface and should be watched very closely. He is a sure fire D1 type prospect, as for what level it depends on how quickly he gets used to his body.
6' 2019 John Michael Wright
John Michael Wright continues to get better and better. He has been explosive and has had a tight downhill handle. Toughness has never been an issue, he absolutely plays with a chip on his shoulder. However, he is now really learning about pace, footwork and angles in the half court set. Wright showed good vision and the ability to consistently make the mid range jump shot. Wright is tracking as one of the top point guard prospects in North Carolina's 2019 class and is only getting better by the day.
6'3' 2020 Trevon Jackson
Jackson is a tough guy who is incredibly athletic and loves doing the stuff that wins games. Jackson is a good rebounder for his position and takes pride in being able to defend multiple positions. Jackson should play a lot of roles off the bench for this team, even though he is so young he is a glue guy who will come off the bench at a few different spots.
6'1' 2020 Jay Hickman
Hickman does a lot of things, naturally, very well. He has smooth and almost effortless range on his jump shot. He also has a nice handle in the half court, with the ability to get to his spots off the bounce. The question is his strength, which should come. He is only 15 years old, so strength should not be an issue. D1s should put him in their SIM card and watch him progress.