This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina for the second LIVE period of the travel ball season. Between the competition, college coaches, and talented prospects at every turn, there was plenty to enjoy. This article will take a closer look at some players who stood out with their play…
6’5 ’24 Carlos Vazquez (Team Loaded 336)
Given how much he does for his team, it was easy to see Vazquez standing out as a focal point throughout the weekend. He’s a big, polished wing prospect with a well-rounded skillset and quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Vazquez is able to cause matchup problems due to his blend of size, ball skills, and inside-out ability. He’s simply too physical to be contained by smaller opponents and too skilled to be contained by bigger opponents. Vazquez regularly controlled the action as the primary creator, applied consistent downhill pressure, and created quality looks for himself and others. He also secured rebounds, defended various types of opponents, and shot the ball well. It’s only a matter of time before Vazquez starts being a priority for scholarship-level programs.
6’9 ’24 Derrick Green (Team Wall)
Although there were a lot of notable performers for Team Wall, it would be impossible to ignore everything Green brought to the table. He’s a strong, physically overwhelming big man with a massive frame and the ability to make his presence consistently felt on both ends of the floor. Green utilizes his blend of touch, footwork, and raw power to impose his will around the basket offensively. He finishes well with either hand, above the rim, and can space the floor from beyond the arc. Green does a nice job of altering shots defensively, running the floor in transition, and securing rebounds on both ends. His stock continues to rise.
6’1 ’24 CJ Alston (Team Trezz Edwards)
There’s so much to like about the toughness and adaptable presence that Alston brings to a team. He’s smart, heady, and rugged, which allows him to effortlessly outwork opponents while still operating within the flow of the team structure. Alston does a great job of utilizing his quickness to get downhill, where he’s able to finish or set up others on a frequent basis. That being said, he’s capable of playing alongside another primary creator and impacting the game without the ball in his hands. Alston is a quality defender with nice anticipation to force turnovers and reliably contain his assignment. He’s also a capable shooter and rebounder. Alston’s steady, yet impactful game should appeal to various types of coaches.
6’7 ’23 Affan Razzaq (NuStep Black)
It seemed like there were a lot of programs in attendance that were still in the market for unsigned seniors, and Razzaq was easily one of the most intriguing on display. He’s a long, wiry forward prospect with a great blend of size, skill, and athleticism. At 6-foot-7, Razzaq can pass, handle, and shoot the ball with plenty of ability around the basket. He plays above the rim while blocking shots and securing rebounds at a healthy rate. Razzaq moves well for his size and is capable of making plays with the ball in his hands. There are numerous scholarship-level programs that could utilize him right away.
6’4 ’24 John Campbell (NC Spartans)
Leadership comes in a variety of forms for the NC Spartans, but few guys are more important than Campbell to their overall structure. He’s a smart, athletic guard prospect with a strong penetration sense and a fairly well-rounded skillset. Campbell typically handles the ball and controls the pace for this group, displaying a quality handle with vision, finishing ability, and a respectable jumper. He’s great at getting downhill and applying pressure at the rim or pulling up from midrange, but also knows when to defer to others. Campbell is a great defender and threat in the open floor. Expect his recruitment to see an uptick sooner than later.