Team 3
Coach: Andre Simmons
#13: 5'2 '24 DeAngelo Brooks (Columbia)
Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out as a quality floor general throughout camp, DeAngelo Brooks. He's an unselfish, high-motor guard prospect that offers an excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll make him a more physical defensive player. Coach Simmons on Brooks: 'DeAngelo had some great passes throughout the day and showcased some really good court vision. He was tough for defenders to handle when going downhill and showed his ability to finish with either hand. Also, when playing off the ball, he was able to get free with regularity and find open opportunities. He was solid all-around and fundamentally-sound. He also stepped out to the three-point line quite a bit and knocked down shots down. Overall, he is an intriguing prospect going forward.' Brooks enjoyed a great showing at camp and could be a prospect to watch over the next few years.
#23: 5'4 '24 Khristian Bruce (Florence)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the best perimeter defender on this team, Khristian Bruce. He's an athletic, high-motor guard prospect with quality ball skills and a knockdown midrange jumper. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Bruce: 'Khristian's defensive intensity was off the charts. He had a nonstop motor and never took a possession off. When faced with smaller guards, he would back them down and had good back-to-the-basket moves. Aside from him being a ball-hawk, I nicknamed him 'Mr. Midrange,' because he was Rip Hamiton-Shaun Livington like from that area. He had at least 15-20 midrange shots that were as automatic as a layup. He also had a nice handle that could blow by defenders and get to the cup with ease. Frankly put, watch out for this kid because he's on his way.' Bruce proved to be a dynamic two-way threat during camp and could be poised for a productive upcoming season.
#36: 5'6 '24 Justin Ray (Greer)
Moving onto a player that showcased an incredibly advanced skillset and two-way approach throughout camp, Justin Ray. He's a long, wiry guard prospect that simply sees the game a few steps ahead of others while applying nonstop scoring pressure from all three levels. Next in his development process is simply working to add strength, as it'll help prepare him for the high school game. Coach Simmons on Ray: 'Justin came to camp to play! The first thing that caught my eye is that he crashes the offensive glass very effectively and gets second-chance points. His pull-up game was off the charts; he can stop at the drop of a dime and give you buckets. He has a silky-smooth handle and great length at his position, so he usually has a favorable matchup. He also showed great touch on his three-point shot and can be effective with the ball or as an off-guard. On the defensive end, he's great on or off the ball as well. Overall, this man was very impressive. He was most consistent player all day and has tremendous upside. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him.' Ray was nothing short of dominant during camp, securing the camp MVP with relative ease, and could be a star with continued work.
#21: 4’9 ’24 Jayden Jordan
Keeping forward, we look at a player that showcased a team-first mentality and well-rounded skillset during camp, Jayden Jordan. He's a wiry, high-motor guard prospect that was able to reliably score, handle, and create for himself or others. Jones was able to operate in a variety of different roles, including with or without the ball in his hands, and overwhelmed the opposition with his nonstop energy. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll make him a more physical presence on both ends of the floor. Coach Simmons on Jones: 'Jayden had a pretty good handle and was always just a single in-and-out or crossover from making the crowd go wild. In fact, he did just that on a couple of different occasions. He also had a decent shot and was able to get off the floater in traffic. He was a team-first guy with timely passes to cutters and open teammates.' Jordan did a lot of things well during camp and could be one to keep an eye on, especially if he continues to work.
#39:5'7 '24 John Belk (Elgin)
Continuing onto a player that offered a strong, team-first presence on both ends of the floor, John Belk. He's a big, strong-bodied forward/post prospect that knows how to play hard and work within the flow of the team concept. Belk handles and passes the ball effectively, especially for his size. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Belk: 'John was a very good rebounder that played at a high level all day. He showed range out to the three-point line as well as a reliable midrange shot. He was very aggressive on defense and showed flashes of dominance on that end of the floor. John was very vocal as well and an overall team-first guy. The future is very bright for this young man.' Belk has a lot of appealing tools and will be one to watch progress, as he could be an excellent two-way player.
#50: 5'9 '24 Kito Douglas (Florence)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most physically-dominant performer on display, Kito Douglas. He's a big, strong-bodied forward that has the ability to consistently affect all facets of the game on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Douglas: 'Kito is a man, for real. He is built like a football linebacker. When he's attacking the rack, he's virtually unstoppable. Even at his size, he has a great handle, which makes him pretty tough for opponents to contain. He rebounds everything and contests all shots on the defensive end. He also runs the floor extremely hard and is a high-motor kid. The most impressive thing for a guy who looks so physically dominant is that he's a great kid with a huge smile. If he continues at this rate, he's going to be a beast at the next level.' Douglas was undeniably productive during camp and could be set for an excellent upcoming season.
#56: 6'1 '24 Noah Wyatt (North Augusta)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was arguably the main glue-guy for this team, Noah Wyatt. He's a long, wiry forward prospect with nice athleticism, phenomenal motor, and ability to create havoc with his nonstop activity level. Wyatt shows a clear willingness to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge, especially as a full-throttle rebounder. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him even tougher for opponents to contain. Coach Simmons on Wyatt: 'Noah runs the floor very well for his size. He has a lot of moves in the paint and can finish in multiple ways. He also showed nice range as he hit a few three-pointers throughout the day. He is a team-first guy that is always engaged in the game and vocal on every possession. He is a solid piece in the middle for sure and has great potential going forward.' Wyatt enjoyed a very nice two-way showing at camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful high school contributor sooner than later.