The amount of talent on the court this weekend at the Phenom Grassroots TOC was outstanding but the stars of tomorrow really stole the show. High-major talent could be found all around, especially watching the big-time matchups that happened on the arena court. We want to review some of the top guys that grabbed our attention and should be earning the national spotlight from this event. Check out a few names below.
2022 De’Ante Green (CP3): The 6’9 prospect gave us several reasons why he should be regarded as the top player in the state for his class for North Carolina and it is impossible to deny his impact on the court with his size and his skill set. Offensively, he really showed just how much of a mismatch he can be on the floor, using his size to body up and finish strong around the rim and in the paint, while also showing that he is tremendously comfortable facing up, creating for himself, and scoring from outside. Green can beat you in a variety of ways and is extremely mobile/fluid for his size. In Rock Hill, he displayed it all and it can easily be seen why schools from around the country are targeting him and his talents.
2022 Leland Walker (Team Teague): We got a chance to see Walker on several occasions this summer and he immediately grabbed our attention. So it was great to check him out again with Team Teague, a program that is must-see TV for college coaches. Walker was just another big-time prospect that performed exceptionally well in the spotlight. He plays with a tremendous pace and is extremely good at getting to his spots, finishing at the rim and through contact, and creating for himself on the court. He has a quick first step and brings that physical/mental toughness that college coaches absolutely desire. Walker holds an impressive list of offers already but expect more to come in his way, especially after what was seen in Rock Hill once again.
2023 Ja’Kwon Moore (Team Loaded): We recently wrote an article about Moore and his uptick in his recruitment and deservingly so. Moore has simply elevated his game to another level, continuing to work on his overall feel and skillset on both ends. First off, outside of his offensive game, Moore makes such a tremendous impact in other areas. With his 6’5 frame, he can defend multiple positions and handle the contact, as well as showcase his athleticism and ability to get on the boards. Offensively, that is probably where one has seen the biggest development, expanding his game to all three levels with a consistent jumper to go along with his explosive game at the rim. Moore has all the tools and is still so young, which is why his recruitment will and should only continue to take off.
2022 Nate Brafford (Team Swish): Brafford was certainly one of the most consistent players on the court throughout the entire weekend in Rock Hill. The 6’8 lengthy “point-forward” simply continues to put up sensational numbers and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. With his length and skill set, Brafford is one of the best three-level scorers in the state, simply rising over defenders with ease around the rim all the way out to three. He also shows that he can get the ball out in transition, create for himself, and use his vision/IQ to find others. As our friend at Rankings Report said, “Inside or out, Brafford is going to get buckets.” He received an offer from Lehigh shortly after and more schools could be looking his way.
2023 Gregory Jackson (CP3): Another young prospect that absolutely stole the show and eyes of our scouts. But that isn’t too much of a surprise because the talent and potential that Jackson possesses could be seen early in his career. Jackson is such a fluid forward with a terrific combination of skillset, athleticism, and size; he understands the game at a high level at a young age. He displayed a remarkable ability to be a rim-protector, as well as one that can dominate on the glass. He also has a very strong motor and is excellent in running the court, along with touch and feel around the basket. It is no surprise that schools are flocking his way and offering him early because he is going to be one of the top talents in the 2023 class around the region.