What a weekend of basketball it was for Phenom Hoops. Not only did we continue our weekend coverage and platform with the HoopState League but we also had a great opportunity to head down to South Carolina to check out talent from around the region at the Upward Combine. Players from North and South Carolina were in attendance, as we were able to get a few updated viewings of players but also learn some new ones as well. We now look at a few seniors and juniors that should start catching more eyes.
2024 DJ Shine (Augusta Christian): Shine has been a player we have spotlighted a few times, with the latest being here (Click Here). Shine was able to “shine” again at the Upward Combine, showing his ability to score from a variety of levels, knock down contested shots, and make strong plays in making plays off the dribble and creating. He has only continued to be consistent at each event as of late and he should be one college coaches look at more and start tracking.
2023 Otis Crawford (Swansea): One of the few seniors at the event, Crawford is an interesting prospect with his long 6’8 frame. He is still raw in areas and has room for development and getting stronger, but he was quite active on the boards, created multiple second-chance opportunities, and was able to score inside as well as step out at times. Room to grow for sure with him but he could be a late-bloomer to watch out for and track more.
2024 Jamari Briggs (Christ School): Briggs is a former South Carolina prospect now playing in North Carolina and when getting a chance to get an updated viewing, we were quite impressed with the steps he has made with his game. He still is a physical prospect that can make tough plays but we were impressed with his ability to knock down multiple shots from outside throughout the day. With his physical fame, Briggs can be a tough matchup on the floor and it seems that he continues to add more to his game and be more consistent.
2024 Justin Ray (Eastside): Ray is one that I’ve personally said college coaches should be tracking more, and this was some time ago. And he is only getting better and better each time we see him. He is adding levels of explosiveness to his game that will really catch your eye, but still has that knack for knocking down shots, scoring over defenders, and just has a smooth feel for the game. Ray is a confident shooter from outside and gets to his spots, but he continues to add more to his athleticism which should only help his game even more. Read more about what we have said about Ray here (Click Here)
2024 Asa Price (Keenan): Price is a name that we will start tracking more. He is the younger brother of Asanti Price and Asa really showed that he can be effective in helping lead the charge but also be a knockdown shooter with range. The guard makes good decisions on the floor, finds his teammates well, but also shows the ability to knock down shots from outside and has good athleticism in his game. Price is going to be one to start looking at more in South Carolina.
2024 Ellis Graham (Gray Collegiate): Graham already holds offers but really do believe more should start tracking him in what he ultimately proves on the court. He has tremendous size early on and uses it so well, especially on the defensive end. Graham is a natural shot-blocker, erasing multiple shots around the basket and cleaning up on the boards. But he is also developing more on the offensive end, other than just finishing at the rim. If he continues to develop and add more layers to his game, he is going to be a hot target for many.
2024 Julen Iturbe (Riverside): Iturbe is a well-known prospect around the region and already holds multiple offers. But we continue to be intrigued with what he provides on the court. His ability to make plays inside and out, use his frame to finish strong and be a presence in the paint, but also step out and show confidence in his shot-making ability, as well as putting it on the deck to get around defenders, there is a lot to like about his game and more programs could use a player like him, creating a tough matchup on the court.