At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today’s edition will highlight Nayshaun Hale of Ben L. Smith.
We’ve seen Hale really shine as a leader for the Golden Eagles over the last two seasons, stating, “After emerging as their leader last season, it should come as no surprise to see Nayshaun Hale standing out at open gym. He’s a long, athletic forward prospect with nice interior toughness and flashes of perimeter ability. Hale finds scoring opportunities in a variety of ways, from offensive rebounds to creating from the wing to posting-up, and can expand his production as needed with this group. He displays solid all-around feel and understands how to effectively work within the team concept. Hale is wiry but long and instinctive enough to make his presence felt as a defender and rebounder. He should warrant attention from college coaches during the upcoming season.” Which was later followed by, “After being their leading scorer last season, it’s still easy to see the leadership qualities with someone like Hale. He’s long, wiry, and displayed flashes of an inside-out skillset. Hale primarily works inside, where he’s able to utilize his length to finish and rebound over opponents. However, he can also shoot, pass, and effectively handle the ball. Hale didn’t force the action offensively, and did a nice job of making hustle plays.”
Since then, Hale has actually shown more of an ability to defer to others, simply due to an uptick in surrounding talent. He’s a capable all-around scorer who can consistently take advantage of what the defense gives him. Hale possesses great length, fluidity, and athleticism accompanied by the necessary skillset to make plays for himself or others with the ball in his hands. He can attack the basket, finish through contact, or knock down jumpers along the perimeter. Hale possesses nice defensive instincts and understands how to intercept passing lanes with regularity. He’s shown adaptability and a willingness to do whatever possible to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Hale should be coveted by a variety of programs at the next level.