2026 Jabian Shabazz (Carolina Rockets): The Rockets started out in impressive fashion and Jabian was one of the reasons why. So young but this is a young man that has a terrific frame and size already, standing around 6’5, carves out space, has terrific hands, and excels on getting on the board. This is going to be a big man to really watch down the road as he continues to grow and develop.
2025 Dane Cassada (PSB): Cassada just continues to be productive on the court. Each time he steps on the floor, he becomes the scoring threat for his team. He understands how to operate on multiple levels, has a smooth and effortless jumper to his game from multiple levels, and simply plays with a great IQ and understanding of the game at his age.
2024 Jucqarie Love (NLPB Storm): A new name for me personally but he certainly captured the eyes of our scouts early on. Love will be a name you will want to write down and monitor, especially with his 6’4 frame, his athleticism that allows him to finish strong and get on the glass, and his ability to operate in several areas of the court. A strong showing on Day 1 for this young man.
2024 Richard Goods (Carolina Clutch): Goods continues to play at a high level and think it is only a matter of time before more schools start coming his way. The young big man has had a summer to remember and will look to do the same this upcoming season. The 6’8 big man runs the floor really well, makes tremendous decisions and is unselfish, active on the boards, and finishes really strong around the rim. Love his continuing development in his game.
2023 Jaden Waters (Charlotte Dragons): Waters may have started out slow with only three points in the first half but exploded for 24 points in the second half to keep his team right there and within striking distance. He scored the ball really effectively from multiple levels, showing off his confident jumper from three and mid-range. Really made a ton of plays on the floor to help his team, finishing with 27 points in Game 1.
2024 Makel Smith (NLPB 336): The smooth guard caught my eyes during warm-ups and only continued to do so in Game 1 of the Phenom Rise Showcase. A very smooth and confident shooter and creator on the floor, Smith scored in an array of ways and really showed off a fluid shot with his game.
2023 James McCreary (Winston 76ers): McCreary played a big part in securing the Game 1 win for his team. A player that moves well without the ball, finds ways to get to his spots, isn’t afraid to let it fly with a quick trigger from deep, and can create for himself. Played a big role in the win early on for the 76ers today.
2024 Langston Boyd (Flight 9): You just don’t always see a player with his size, strength, and athleticism on the floor, especially at his age. Boyd does a great job in understanding where he excels and the advantages he holds over defenders, finishing strong and over defenders, embracing contact, and being a play-maker on the court.