So many players earned the attention of our scouts at the Phenom May Madness, including players who hold several D1 offers already. But these five players had a big weekend and showed why they deserve to have the attention of college programs around, and should see an uptick in their recruitment this summer.
2027 King Kendrick (CP3)
Kendrick grabbed my attention with his overall play. The point guard displayed a lot of intangibles that a college coach would like at the next level, and I’m eager to see how he continues to develop his game in various areas. Kendrick excels in a variety of ways, being able to push and attack in transition with incredible speed but also play within the halfcourt. He can switch up pace and speed with the ball in his hands, has a quick first step to get by defenders, excels in attacking downhill or with his pull-up mid-range game, and continues to impress with his overall vision and facilitating.
2026 Caleb Jones (TLBA)
Jones was a new name for us at Phenom Hoops, but he had a lot of our scouts talking with his overall play at the event. The 6’4 prospect showcased the ability to score the ball from multiple levels, excelling in attacking off the bounce, using his length well, finishing at the rim, but also having a smooth and confident release on his shot from a variety of areas. He makes good reads in pick-and-roll situations, creates off the bounce, and has shown the ability to really create for himself.
2026 Isaac Ellis (TLBA)
We all know about Isaac Ellis, as he and his brother have been a focal piece throughout much of their high school career. However, as far as his game goes, Ellis has continued to impress with his development as a player. He has answered the bell as a point guard and running the show, making quality decisions, delivering terrific passes and finding teammates, but also can be a strong and consistent scorer. Ellis is a strong creator who can finish through and around defenders, while also being the ultimate competitor that college coaches would love to have.
2025 Desmon Rose (AWigg Elite)
We highlighted Rose after our event up in Virginia, but we are here again to express that Rose should be a hot target for college coaches of multiple levels, especially if you are looking for a late steal. Rose has the size, athleticism, and ability to bring value in an array of areas and positions. At 6’6, Rose was able to flourish in getting to the rim consistently and shows the ability to guard multiple positions on the court. He can create matchup problems, brings explosiveness to the floor, and is a valuable offensive weapon as well.
2026 Trevor Manhertz (Garner Road)
There may not be a player in the Class of 2026 here in NC that has had a bigger rise early on than 2026 Trevor Manhertz. Again, he has been one on our radars for years now, but it just seems like everything is coming together now with his confidence and development. He is an elite shot-maker from behind the arc, something he has shown on so many occasions, but his confidence in attacking and creating off the bounce, getting to the rim and finishing, being a reliable ball-handler and attack in transition… it just seems like he is becoming a more complete player. And we don’t think he will be stopping there, which is why his offer list should grow and grow quickly.