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 Charles McClennahan Jr. of Liberty Heights.
We’ve seen McClennahan throughout his high school career, recently stating, “Finally, McClennahan (like the other two) is as skilled as any notable forward/post prospect across North Carolina. However, he’s also a great athlete with strength, mobility, and an enticing frame, which only makes him more of a matchup problem. McClennahan handles the ball and creates off the bounce very well for his size, but also looks comfortable when posting-up, spotting-up, or finding opportunities as a cutter. Although he’s already quite effective on a night-to-night basis, he’s the type of player who could be even better upon reaching the next level. There is an obvious amount of appeal with McClennahan, so it’ll be exciting to see what programs get involved going forward.”
It’s difficult to understand or explain McClennahan’s overall lack of recruitment. The easy answer is pointing directly to the transfer portal, but that certainly doesn’t justify overlooking a skilled, athletic, 6-foot-7 power forward with the ability to pass, handle, and shoot. McClennahan does everything at an above-average rate, and can capably operate within a role or expand his production as needed. He’s a quality defender and rebounder with the necessary skill to push the break in transition and make proper decisions with the ball in his hands. McClennahan is a well-rounded athlete with length, feel, and physicality. It’s easy to see him emerging as a major piece at a variety of different scholarship-level programs.