Team 5
Coach: McNeil
#3:5’0 ’24 Jordan Barr (Blythewood, SC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that is already quite productive, but just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, Jordan Barr. He’s a young, high IQ point guard prospect that understands how to operate and thrive within the team concept. Barr is somewhat small at this stage, but navigates and contributes quite well on both sides of the ball. He is a solid scorer from all levels, but will become even more consistent with added strength. Barr defends very well despite his lack of size and displays excellent positioning at all times. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach McNeil on Barr: “Jordan is going to be a great guard. He has a big heart and already understands the game at a very young age. I can’t wait to see what he becomes.” There’s a lot to like with Barr, who is in the early process of becoming a quality high school guard.
#18:5’7 ’25 Malachi Simpson (Hendersonville, NC)
Next, we look at a player whose best basketball is almost certainly in the foreseeable future, Malachi Simpson. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with a team-first mentality and solid overall feel for the game. Simpson showcased his ability to score from the midrange area, through pull-ups and moving without the ball. He’s a pretty well-rounded offensive player, but his presence on defense is even better, as he does a great job of containing his assignment and forcing turnovers with his quick hands. Simpson also displayed nice vision and an active motor, which is part of what made him a quality teammate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would open up an abundance of easy scoring opportunities. Coach McNeil on Simpson: “Malachi needs to speed up and play with more heart. He has some skills, but would be even better if he played with passion and enthusiasm. Malachi is a solid overall player.” Simpson was the youngest player on this team, but still found a way to contribute and thrive within his role, so it’ll be interesting to see his continued growth.
#27:5’8 ’23 Xavier Brown (Florence, SC)
Moving onto a player that possesses a lot of natural talent and clear two-way upside, Xavier Brown. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect that can do a lot of things well on the basketball court. Brown is a capable scorer and playmaker, but often tries to burden the offensive load by himself. Things will become smoother once he begins to properly utilize his quickness and vision to make plays for others and simply let the game come to him. Brown also has great defensive upside, as he already contains his assignment well and forces turnovers at a strong rate. Next in his development process is working on dialing it back and not trying to do so much on offense, as he found great success when he attempted to play within the team concept. Coach McNeil on Brown: “Xavier is a pretty well-rounded player with some solid skills, but he needs to play with more heart. He can get in his own head at times, but can improve and be a more encouraging teammate.” Brown will certainly be a prospect to watch grow, as he could become really intriguing with some slight adjustments.
#37:5’10 ’22 Emmanuel White (Danville, VA)
Continuing onto a player that offered his team a tough, reliable two-way presence throughout camp, Emmanuel White. He’s a strong-bodied guard prospect with IQ and the ability to lead by example on both sides of the ball. White has a well-rounded, team-first approach and it’s evident at all times. He attacks the basket well and finishes strong, but doesn’t force the action and is always looking for open teammates. White is a capable three-level scorer with nice vision and quickness, which overwhelmed his assignment quite often. He continuously set the tone with his defensive/rebounding prowess and forced turnovers at an impressive rate. Next in his development process is working on his shooting off the dribble, as it would make him extremely difficult for opponents to contain. Coach McNeil on White: “Emmanuel is a great player and was one of my favorites from today. He’s an awesome kid that plays with a ton of heart. I can’t wait to see him in the future.” White made a long journey to camp and was among the top all-around performers from his team, so it’ll be exciting to see his continued growth.
#47:6’4 ’20 Tyler Bowens (Greenville, SC)
Next, we look at a player that has done an excellent job of expanding his skillset throughout the last few years, Tyler Bowens. He’s a strong, athletic wing prospect with a fairly well-rounded skillset and the ability to operate within various different roles on both ends of the floor. Bowens is an efficient scorer that can attack the basket against almost any type of opponent and finish strong at the rim. He’s able to shoot the ball pretty well, but is typically selective about his perimeter attempts. Bowens is a willing passer and excellent rebounder that always looks ahead in transition. He made numerous plays on defense and consistently showcased a strong feel for the game. Next in his development process is working on the consistency of his three-point shot, as it would make him nearly unstoppable on offense. Coach McNeil on Bowens: “Tyler did a good job on both sides of the ball today. He works hard at all times and utilized his strength well. He could work a little on ball-handling.” Bowens could be a player to monitor over the next year or so, as he looks like a definite college-level prospect.
#60:6’1 ’21 Jecari Bryson (Rock Hill, SC)
Moving onto a player that showcased a fairly well-rounded skillset during his time at camp, Jecari Bryson. He’s a strong-bodied guard prospect that has an excellent attitude and operates nicely within the team concept. Bryson was able to make plays around the basket and finished especially well when going left. He worked hard on defense and was able to secure numerous second-chance opportunities when pursuing rebounds and loose balls. Bryson showed the ability to play without the ball and run the floor properly in transition. Next in his development process is playing with a consistent motor, as it would allow him to cause more havoc on defense. Coach McNeil on Bryson: “Jecari has a nice left hand, but needs to work on ball-handling and finishing with his right hand in order to maximize his abilities. He can also work on seeing man and ball.” Bryson enjoyed a solid showing at camp and could be a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
#71: 6’3 ’20 Darius Hough (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Continuing onto a player that should be a likely candidate to have a breakout campaign throughout the next calendar year, Darius Hough. He’s a strong, athletic wing/forward prospect with an excellent frame and quality two-way understanding of the game. Hough utilizes his body extremely well when attacking the basket to absorb contact, but is also capable of rising above defenders and playing well above the rim. He’s a capable shooter, but usually prefers to get downhill and make plays within the paint, both for himself and others. Hough was easily among the top all-around defenders on his team and forced an abundance of turnovers throughout the day. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him a problematic assignment for most opponents. Coach McNeil on Hough: “Darius is an awesome player and was one of the best today. He understands the game religiously and was a dream to coach.” Hough is a college-level prospect that should see a definite boost in his recruitment sooner than later.
#73: 6’2 ’20 Kavion Morris (Easley, SC)
Next, we look at a player that was among the top all-around performers on this team, Kavion Morris. He’s a long, fairly athletic wing/forward prospect with three-level scoring ability and a quality two-way feel for the game. Morris plays with terrific energy, which allows him to consistently be among the most productive defenders and rebounders on the floor. He possesses great quickness and utilizes it well to attack the basket, where he finishes majority of his attempts. Morris has a relatively reserved personality, but allows his play to lead by example. He has a pretty well-rounded skillset and plays the right way on both sides of the ball. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from midrange, as it would allow him to pull-up with more frequency. Coach McNeil on Morris: “Kavion is a great kid with a bright future. He’s an all-around good ball player that listens and executes very well.” Morris enjoyed a productive day at camp and could legitimately emerge as a college-level player during his senior campaign.
#89: 6’3 ’20 Tziah Quarles (Albemarle, NC)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses a strong amount of two-way upside, Tziah Quarles. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with a lot of physical tools and an intriguing skillset. Quarles showcased a lot of flashes of offense, from attacking the basket to creating for himself to spotting-up without the ball, and found solid success. His upside lies on defense, where he has the ability to become much more imposing, given his length and athleticism. Quarles was coachable and maintained an excellent attitude throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his ability to rebound the ball, as he has the necessary size and instincts to make an impact on the glass. Coach McNeil on Quarles: “Tziah could be a great ball player, but needs to play with more drive and enthusiasm. He could play with more intensity in transition and try to beat his man down the floor.” Quarles has the chance to become a very productive prospect, especially if he’s willing to put in additional work.