Each year, the state is replenished with a new litter of freshmen prospects. Although the talent level varies heavily from one season to the next, there’s always some level of excitement surrounding the new or unknown. Over the next few months, we will start to get a better idea of young guys who should be difference-makers for their high school teams. However, plenty of players have already emerged as meaningful contributors. Let’s take a look at a few of those guys…
6’5 Jeremiah Thomas (Phoenix Academy)
Given the structure of Phoenix Academy, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where Thomas isn’t the most productive piece on the roster. At 6-foot-5, he possesses the size, athleticism, and versatility to cause constant problems for opponents. Though he’s still developing his handle and playmaking, Thomas can cause matchup problems for several types of opponents. He creates effectively for his size, knocks down jumpers along the perimeter, and finishes very well around the basket (both through contact and above the rim). Thomas is a quality rebounder with the ability to quickly grab and push in transition. Add in his defensive tools and general upside, and there’s certainly a lot to like.
6’2 Gideon Anum (Grace Christian)
After seeing him multiple times during the travel ball season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Anum is poised to be a notable prospect based on his current trajectory. He looks like a basketball player, and his abilities only further confirm that sentiment. Anum is strong and physically advanced with long arms, enticing explosiveness, and a high motor on both ends of the floor. He’s already capable of impacting the game as a pure athlete who plays hard, but regularly highlights flashes of IQ, skill, and instincts with or without the ball in his hands. Anum defends with energy, toughness and consistently looks to make hustle plays. Assuming he continues to develop, Anum has the tools to be a terrific prospect.
6’8 Grant Duggins (Greensboro Day School)
While this entry might be somewhat cheating due to him already playing high school games, Duggins is still a name that folks should know about. Quite possibly the most talented prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2029, he truly checks all the boxes. Duggins is a highly polished forward with an intriguing blend of ball skills, interior ability, and the tools to cause a ton of matchup problems for opponents. He displays excellent footwork and soft touch with both hands around the basket. Duggins can reliably space the floor along the perimeter and use the threat of his shooting to open up driving lanes. He’s a great passer for his size and runs the floor well in transition. Duggins also stands out as a useful rebounder with quality positioning and defensive instincts. Given everything he’s already shown, Duggins should definitely be regarded as one of the top players in the state.