Under The Radar Unsigned Seniors
Could Be Trending
The Grassroots Tip Off Classic is shaping up the be the elite event in the Mid-Atlantic region for the April Live Period. As with all Phenom events, the organization will be top notch…everything runs on time, the hospitality room is on point, and the flow is very easy to understand.
This year, the Grassroots Tip Off Classic talent level will be off the charts. There are hundreds, literally hundreds, of collegiate prospects competing this year. There are players for every level, and schools in every stage of the recruiting process. We will have 120 total teams, 64 in the 17U age group, 32 in the 16U age group, and 24 in the 15U age group.
Throughout this week, we will be previewing the players that, not only college coaches should be lining up to see, but also that we feel could be trending after the event ends.
Here are the Unsigned Seniors, you may not know, but could be trending by event’s end
6’5” Romaeo Ferguson (Upward Stars Raleigh/Burlington School)
Ferguson is unique, nothing about his game is conventional. However, two things that you cannot deny about Ferguson is 1) He produces 2) He wins. Ferguson was the leader of his state championship winning high school team. He is also a long 6’5”, that defends multiple positions. For his high school and AAU teams he plays the point guard. He carries a great pace and the ability to facilitate for his team. Once coaches get past the look test with him, there is a lot to appreciate about his game at the next level.
6’8” Marko Tomic (Fayetteville Elite/Freedom Christian)
There is a lot to like about a big kid who can get buckets. And Tomic can certainly score the basketball. He is a multi-level scorer with perimeter touch, post footwork, and handle from the wing. It will be interesting to see how he plays this weekend, but one thing is for certain, he’ll scorch the nets.
6’ Kenny Hairston (Pro Skills Elite/Davidson Day)
For starters, Hairston runs a 4.3 40 yard dash, he has a 40 inch vertical. Hairston is a high level, explosive, athlete. On top of that, he carries a competitive chip on his shoulder that he brings out each time he steps on the floor. Hairston is a two-way that has a tendency to lead his teams to wins that (on paper) they shouldn’t.
7’ Papa Ndiaye (Team Vision Red/Moravian Prep)
For starters, Ndiaye is a true seven footer, a lot to like there. His length and timing allows him to be a good rim protector. Ndiaye runs the floor well and finishes facing the rim. During the Phenom Hoops Challenge, he changed the complexion of the game, when he was in. The fact that a 7 footer walks into the gym, he will have eyes on him. When they see he can play, it will get interesting.
6’6” Myquan Gooding (SEBL/Fike HS)
Gooding experienced a breakout during the Phenom Hoops Challenge. He has a lengthy frame, and is very strong. Consistently, throughout the event he scored from all three levels. He was the Co-MVP of the 17U ACC Division. This will be an interesting weekend for him.