This past weekend, Phenom Hoops concluded our final live period of the travel ball season with our tenth annual Summer Havoc. No matter where the event is held (Spartanburg, Rock Hill, or Bermuda Run), Summer Havoc has consistently put prospects in a position to be seen by all levels of college coaches. This year’s edition was no different. The three-day event featured an impressive mix of Division I, II, and III (in addition to JUCO and NAIA) prospects. Coaches were buzzing about several teams, like PSB Elite Barnes and their slew of next-level pieces. Let’s take a closer look at their group…
Although each guy listed brings a different dynamic to this group, Nolan Ericson consistently stands out as a focal point. He’s a smart, scrappy lead guard with lethal shooting prowess and the ability to create for himself and others. Ericson understands how to run a team while picking his spots as a scorer and setting up his teammates in scoring positions. That being said, he’s arguably just as dangerous as an off-ball threat. The gravity and general threat of his perimeter shooting forces opponents to stay attached at all times, as he only requires a glimmer of space to get off clean looks. Ericson is capable of heating up in a hurry. He also provides a scrappy presence defensively.
Possibly the most improved player on this roster over the last six months, Mack Walters shines as a major x-factor for this group. He’s a rugged, physically imposing wing with an incredibly high motor and the ability to naturally impact the game on both ends of the floor. What’s amazing about Walters is his ability to consistently produce without really needing touches or plays designed for him. He’s an amazing rebounder with the size, athleticism, toughness, and nose for the ball to wreak havoc on the glass. At 6-foot-4, his impact is reminiscent of someone like Josh Hart. Walters is an excellent defender who sacrifices his body and makes hustle plays at every opportunity. Offensively, he’s a quality finisher and capable perimeter shooter with a willingness to make the extra pass as needed.
Though coaches were buzzing about this entire roster, Rico Jackson is someone who definitely turned heads and boosted his stock with his showings in multiple key games. He’s a tough, athletic, high-motor forward/post prospect with a physical presence on both ends of the floor. Jackson really stands out through his effort, energy, and ability to consistently defend bigger opponents. He utilizes his length well around the basket to secure rebounds and block or alter shots defensively. Jackson battles for extra possessions and runs the floor hard in transition. He displays the ability to finish or space the floor at a solid rate. Jackson (like most of these guys) should see an uptick in his recruitment very soon.
Other guys might receive more attention from the masses, but Aidan Scruitsky and Matthew Rivlin are vital to the success of this group. It’s easy to see that both players have made visible strides over the recent months. Scruitsky has completely transformed his body over the last calendar year while maintaining his appeal as a steady, well-rounded piece with IQ, size, and polish. He’s a reliable off-ball threat who knows how to cut, make the extra pass, and knock down perimeter jumpers at a high percentage. Scruitsky handles the ball well and knows how to reliably attack closeouts off the bounce. He defends, rebounds, and offers a low-maintenance offensive game. Meanwhile, Rivlin made a lasting impression with his ability to produce within the flow of the action. He’s another skilled, well-rounded wing who can find success with or without the ball in his hands. Rivlin is a capable creator and quality shooting threat with the ability to mix it up from all levels. He possesses great size and instincts on both ends of the floor. Both guys were popular names among onlooking college coaches.
Rounding out the roster, Jake Ford, Ian Ramirez Toro, Jimmy Neubauer, and Tyler Morrison each fulfill meaningful roles for this group. Ford stands out as the ultimate teammate who stands out through his high motor, low-maintenance identity, and ability to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. He’s a capable shooter, pesky defender, and willing passer. Toro is a scrappy lead guard who knows how to initiate the offense, get others involved, and defend the point of attack. Neubauer is a solid athlete with size, cutting instincts, and the ability to consistently make plays within the flow of the team structure. Morrison makes his presence felt through playing hard, doing the dirty work, and offering physicality on either side of the ball. He’s a useful shooting threat with toughness and the ability to defend bigger than his listed height.