Tennessee Phenom 150 Evaluations
Team 3
Coach: Zachary Crawford
#32: 5'10 '20 Brody Hunley (Mount Carmel, TN)
Starting things off, we look at a player that was able to make solid contributions on both sides of the ball, Brody Hunley. He's a guard prospect with the ability to slide off-ball and make plays within the flow of the game. Offensively, Hunley knocked down shots from all three levels and finished strong around the basket. He was able to spot-up and keep opposing defenses honest with his shooting from beyond the arc. Hunley made plays in transition and frequently looked to create opportunities for his teammates. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it would make him a more reliable defender.' Coach Crawford on Hunley: 'Brody is a decent overall shooting guard; he knows how to play hard while being a team-first guy. He needs to improve as a defender and his consistency on the offensive end. Brody was coachable and brought a great attitude to camp' It'll be interesting to see how Hunley approaches his upcoming junior season, as it should be a critical one for his development.
#41: 6'0 '22 Brent Sleight (Highlands, NC)
Next, we look at a player that brought intensity and passion throughout his time at camp, Brent Sleight. He's a young guard prospect that plays hard on both sides of the ball and is willing to do whatever necessary to provide his team with an edge. Sleight was able to knock down multiple open looks on the day and displayed the ability to effectively get by opposing guards. He showcased a solid overall feel for the game and pursued the ball quite well on defense. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it would allow him to absorb more contact around the basket on rebounds and finishing opportunities. Coach Crawford on Sleight: 'Brent is a quick little point guard with some grit on both sides of the ball; he handled the ball well and was smart with where he positioned himself. He knows how to play hard at all times.' Sleight is just beginning to realize his potential and should continue growing as a prospect throughout the upcoming years.
#47: 6'1 '19 Andrew Williford '(Seymour, TN)
Moving onto a player that knows how to outwork his assignment on both ends of the floor, Andrew Williford. He's a guard prospect with an excellent attitude and overall approach to the game, constantly playing hard and pursuing the ball. Williford knocked down shots whenever possible and didn't look to force the action on the offensive end of the floor. He showed a willingness to defend and make the extra pass throughout camp. Next in his development process is to work on his ability to penetrate and finish though contact around the basket, as it would make him a more dynamic scorer. Coach Crawford on Williford: 'Andrew was a tireless worker during his time at camp that consistently provided more energy than his assignment. He bought into his role on both sides of the ball and brought a team-first attitude. He can continue to work on his ball-handling and utilization of his off-hand.' It'll be interesting to see how Williford 'develops during his upcoming senior season, as he should certainly be able to make quality contributions.
#53: 6'2 '19 Jalen Walker-Crawford (Asheville, NC)
Continuing onto a player that had terrific success at camp, especially as a threat in transition, Jalen Walker-Crawford. He's a strong-bodied wing prospect that knows how to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Walker-Crawford consistently attacks the basket and finishes through contact; he displays an effective midrange pull-up and has the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc as a spot-up threat. He was a phenomenal scorer in transition throughout the day and enjoyed great success rebounding the ball. Walker-Crawford has pretty solid vision and shows an understanding of how to make plays for others. He forced numerous turnovers and displayed a solid two-way feel for the game. Next in his development process is continuing to get quicker, as it would allow him to defend the point of attack with less resistance. Coach Crawford on Walker-Crawford: 'Jalen is a natural born leader. He likes to play aggressively and use his body to get to the rim. He plays hard and makes his team better through leadership and motivation.' Walker-Crawford enjoyed a strong showing at camp and should look to maintain his approach throughout his upcoming senior season, where he should play a quality role at Asheville Christian.
#60: 5’8 21Samuel Stroupe (Jonesboro, TN)
Next, we look at a player that provided his team with a great motivating presence on and off the court, Samuel Strape. He's a small guard with a lot of energy and a personality that encourages teammates to follow his lead. Strape showcased his ability to play with or without the ball and make plays, able to knock down shots as a spot-up threat or take opponents off the dribble as the primary ball-handler. He was an effective playmaker that brought a feisty and unselfish approach to each contest throughout camp. Strape gave excellent effort on defense, but he has the potential to be even better, given his solid quickness. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it would allow him to make an impact as a rebounder. Coach Crawford on Strape: 'Samuel is a small point guard that knows how to command a room. Guys tend to listen to him despite his lack of size. He needs to improve on putting himself in tough positions with the ball, as it would make him a more active presence.' Strape displayed a nice foundation at camp and should continue to play with intensity on both ends of the floor.
#66:6'3 '20 Cameron Skinner (Asheville, NC)
Moving onto a player that brought nonstop hustle and motor on both sides of ball during his time at camp, Cameron Skinner. He's a strong-bodied wing prospect with a quality understanding of how to utilize his frame to absorb contact on both ends of the floor. Skinner hit jumpers from midrange and three-point territory throughout the day while fighting for every loose ball available. He showcased a great attitude at all times and never tried to force the action. Next in his development process is working on his ability to create off the dribble, as it would allow him to become a much more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Crawford on Skinner: 'Cameron is a tireless worker that gave our team terrific hustle play on both sides of the ball while playing within the flow of the game. He was a nice set three-point shooter and knocked down various looks at camp.' It'll be interesting to see how Skinner progresses over the next two years, as he has enough tools to contribute on both sides of the ball.
#72:6'3 '20 Trevor Bryant (Clinton, TN)
Continuing onto a player that understands how to make his presence consistently felt on both ends of the floor. He's a strong, active wing/forward prospect with a great motor and ability to relentlessly pursue the ball, especially on defense and rebounding opportunities. Bryant showcased the ability to finish through contact around the basket and secured numerous second-chance opportunities during camp. He made a noticeable impact on defense and used his size to cause havoc on that end of the floor. Next in his development process is continuing to sharpen his perimeter skills, as it would allow him to create with more frequency, both for himself and others. Coach Crawford on Bryant: 'Trevor is a tough, physical player with a nose for the ball, both on defense and as a rebounder. He plays hard on both ends of the floor and was coachable throughout camp. Trevor plays with a blue-collar approach to the game.' Bryant showcased some solid two-way skills at camp and could be one to watch grow over his next two years of high school.
#80: 6’3 ’21'Crowder Jones (Gray, TN)
Next, we look at a player that plays with a lot of passion and conviction on both sides of the ball, Crowder Jones. He's a wing prospect with a solid frame and nice two-way skillset to match. Offensively, Jones shot the ball quite well from midrange and beyond the arc, aggressively taking advantage of any possible spot-up opportunity. He operates well off the bounce and can generate quality shots quite regularly. Jones knows how to pick and choose his spots on offense while maintaining supreme confidence as a scorer. On defense, he exerted a lot of effort and did a solid job of shutting down his assignment. Next in his development process is continuing to work on the utilization of his off-hand, as it would allow him to mix up his scoring approach and attack new angles on offense. Coach Crawford on Jones: 'Crowder is a team-first guard with nice size and tough approach to the game. He shoots the ball well from the floor, but could continue improving on his overall shot selection.' Jones enjoyed a quality two-way showing at camp and should look to build off his solid performance as he heads into the upcoming season.
#86: 6'6 '22 Nicholas Andrew (Roanoke, VA)
Moving onto a player that has a lot of attainable two-way upside, given his crossroads of youth and productivity, Nicholas Andrew. He's big, strong, mobile, and plays with a fantastic blue-collar approach to the game. Andrew understands his role as a big man and is willing to frequently get his hands dirty, both on defense and when fighting for rebounds. He plays with an excellent motor and knows how to properly run the floor and finish through contact in the paint. Andrew is very young and already displays the ability to contribute on both sides of the floor, regardless of matchup. Next in his development process is continuing to sharpen his overall offensive game, as he's still somewhat raw on that end of the floor, but showcased flashes of a formidable skillset throughout camp. Coach Crawford on Andrew: 'Nicholas is a big body that plays hard at all times. He's unselfish and looks to move the ball whenever possible. He rebounded well and showed the ability to finish second-chance opportunities. He needs to improve his game with his back to the basket.' Andrew will be one to keep an eye on over these next few years, as he possesses the tools to become an intriguing two-way prospect.
#91: 6'9' '21 Nate Brafford (Waynesville, NC)
Finishing up, we look at a player that arguably possessed more potential than anyone on display at camp, Nate Brafford. He's a long, wiry big man with an exceptional feel for the game, able to consistently control the action from two or three positions on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Brafford frequently brought the ball up the floor and displayed a high IQ, able to create for others off the bounce while always making the correct read. He scored efficiently from all three levels during his time at camp and led his team on both ends of the floor. Brafford has great timing on defense to alter and block shots, but he'll be even better with added strength. That being said, he managed to finish a vast majority of his chances around the basket, despite his lack of size. Brafford possesses all the necessary tools to become an incredibly high-level big man, given his blend of skill, intelligence, and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is simply continuing to add strength, as he'd be virtually unstoppable with an improved frame. Coach Crawford on Brafford: 'Nate can shoot the ball and spread the floor. He handles the ball very well and isn't afraid to go coast-to-coast. Nate needs to improve his post arsenal for as big as he is, in order to maximize his scoring approach.' Brafford is a special prospect with time on his size. We'll be closely watching his progression over these next three seasons, as he could certainly be a candidate to breakout during that span.T