The Live Period is coming up with Phenom Hoops, as we hit the road and travel to Raleigh (NC) for the Phenom G3 LIVE, giving college coaches of all levels a chance to check out talent. Though there will be plenty of names to watch, the Carolina Riptide 2026 Hodges will be a hot topic for college coaches throughout the entire event. They bring value and players who can play at the next level. We dive into their roster below what has been said before.
2026 Jace Blocker
“Despite being the newest addition to this group, Blocker already provides a useful interior presence on both ends of the floor. He’s a sturdy, blue-collar big man with a high motor and consistent rebounding ability. Blocker utilizes his body well to secure position, battle for loose balls, and finish through contact. He also runs the floor in transition, but doesn’t need touches to be impactful.”
2027 Jacob Mills
“6’3 Jacob Mills (2027) is still among the most lethal spot-up threats in North Carolina. He’s improved as a creator and can score the ball from all levels, but plays to his strengths as a marksman and looks to apply pressure from beyond the arc. Mills moves very well without the ball, gets to his spots, sets up quickly, and displays a quick release off the catch. He’s also a pesky defender who positions himself well to force turnovers and secure rebounds. Although he didn’t knock down shots at his normal clip last weekend, Mills is still an elite shooting threat.”
2026 Lincoln Raper
“Fortunately, the Riptide have 6’0 Lincoln Raper (2026) and his blend of IQ, balance, and overall leadership. We wrote about him extensively yesterday and detailed what makes him such a difference-maker for this group. Ultimately, his lethal perimeter shooting, creation skills off the bounce, feel as a playmaker, and reliable defensive presence make him as valuable as anyone on the roster.
2026 Noah VanBeurden
“Utility pieces are so meaningful in the overall scheme of things, and 6’4 Noah VanBeurden (2026) already stands out as a seamless addition to this group. In addition to playing hard and making hustle plays, VanBeurden understands how to impact all facets of the game. He’s able to excel within a role or operate as a focal point and find success in either situation. VanBeurden is a capable initiator and passer who mixes it up well as a scorer from all levels, moves without the ball, and naturally fills in the gaps however necessary. He has no real weaknesses within his game. His blend of IQ, size, skill, and athleticism allow him to consistently produce. Expect him to be a target for college coaches this summer.”
2026 Rodney Gidney Jr.
“There simply aren’t many players with a willingness to do the little things, which is a big part of what makes 6’2 Rodney Gidney (2026) such a difference-maker for this team. He’s a capable finisher and willing passer who can involve himself in the offense as needed. However, most of Gidney’s value comes from his rebounding presence, defensive prowess, and nonstop energy on both ends of the floor. His motor and mentality quietly make him a very valuable piece for this group.”
2027 Will Hall
“It didn’t take long to notice 6’6 Will Hall (2027) and the strides he’s made over the recent months. He’s a wiry, skilled forward who naturally causes matchup problems despite his slender frame. Hall is an excellent shooter for his size with the ability to post up, finish with either hand, and attack off the bounce. He regularly plays above the rim and battles well through contact around the basket. Hall utilizes his length well inside the paint, especially when securing rebounds and altering shots defensively. Add in the fact that he’s young for his grade, and his appeal is quite apparent.”
2027 Drew Neve
“It’s been amazing to watch 6’5 Drew Neve (2027) and his continued transition from a blue-collar guy to a versatile piece on both ends of the floor. While he still maintains his high motor and rugged mentality, it’s easy to see the strides he’s made within his overall skillset. Neve is a physical, athletic forward with the ability to knock down shots, attack the basket, and make decisions with the ball in his hands. He scored from all levels while consistently setting the tone as a rebounder and switching across multiple positions defensively. Neve’s toughness and nose for the ball allows him to regularly outwork opponents for extra possessions. He should remain a leader for this group.”
2026 Bralyen Todd
“Given the aforementioned importance of point guard play, 6’0 Braylen Todd (2026) clearly adds another smart, reliable floor general to this group. He’s an incredibly steady piece who sets the offense, creates for others, and contains opponents at the point of attack defensively. Todd primarily looks to get others involved but is more than capable of applying scoring pressure in various ways. He touches the paint at a high volume and plays well off two feet to finish or locate open teammates. Todd can also knock down jumpers off the catch or pull-ups off the bounce. He’s a capable rebounder who applies quality pressure in transition and makes hustle plays on a regular basis. Todd should appeal to several types of next-level programs”