The talent ran deep this weekend in Bermuda Run at the Phenom March Madness. There were PLENTY of names that we had known about, as the stars were out and about on the court with Drifty and other teams. You can read about them here: (CLICK HERE). But the Phenom Hoops platform is about learning new names as well, and there were others that really stood out and earned our attention, as we look to highlight them below. Check out who earned the top spots from this weekend.
2028 Jalen Paige (PAL Stars)
Paige was a name that I hadn’t heard about before this weekend, but he is CLEARLY on my radar now for the Class of 2028 here in North Carolina. The 6’4 prospect was absolutely dominant at the event, bringing physicality, a tremendous motor, and consistent scoring to the table. He has a football-type frame that he uses really well in forcing the action, attacking downhill, embracing defenders, and finishing through contact or at the rim. But he is clearly comfortable in stretching the court as well, as he couldn’t be stopped in helping his team to a tremendous overall weekend. College coaches should put him on their watch list and learn more about his game this summer.
2029 Brady Rivera (Carolina Stars)
Rivera had a really good overall weekend in helping his team. He was able to demonstrate his ability to not only be a high-IQ playmaker for his team but also a confident, smooth shotmaker on the court. He can comfortably score with his pull-up game, whether it was from mid-range or from behind the arc, but he was a strong ballhandler in leading the offense for his team. Rivera plays with poise, control, and great pace, which allows him to flourish on the court; and then you add on his motor, he was one of the more complete guards at the event for his class.
2027 Jayon Connor (Team District)
Connor did what Connor does on the court; he was one who was able to flourish in running the floor, attacking downhill off the bounce, and finishing strong around the rim or at the rim, bringing constant pressure as a scorer. What you have to like is his skill set with the ability to rebound and push the break, and his ability to beat defenders down the floor. Connor’s overall fluidity as a prospect continues to pose problems for opponents.
2029 Damari Smith (CP3)
It has been some time since watching Smith (CLICK HERE), but he impressed once again in our eyes, and the time is now to jump on board. Smith was incredibly poised on the floor as a lead guard; he does an excellent job in picking his spots, reads the defense well, attacks off the bounce and finishes, and can easily score from all levels on the court. Smith is one you want to have the ball in his hands, as he makes good things happen for his team overall and has an excellent feel for the game. Expect that offer list to increase down the road.
2029 Jayden Velez (Waverunners)
Velez is a name we have come to learn early on with Phenom Hoops, and the future looks extremely bright for him, especially with the “what if” factor in his game. Velez has the length that captures your eyes immediately, standing at 6’4 but having guard skills along with being a shotmaker. He can rise up over defenders as well as create, but when you add the factor of what he could ultimately be down the road with getting stronger, potentially taller, and all… he could be something special.
2029 Gradyn West (Harvest Development)
West is a player who continues to move the needle for me, and I believe D1 schools will be coming his way sooner rather than later. He looks like he has grown more and now stands at 6’4, but his feel for the game is what catches your eye. West has such an efficient and easy feel for the game, picking to score inside and out, showcasing athleticism at the rim, smooth release, and a player who competes on both ends of the court. There is so much to like about this prospect, and I think he is just starting his story in what he will be in the coming years, but the time is now to get on board.