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 Donovan Rakotonanahary from Oak Hill and 1 of 1 Elite.
We had the opportunity to get an extended viewing this past weekend, stating, “Given everything he’s shown over the last calendar year, it’s surprising that more schools haven’t extended offers to Rakotonanahary. At 6-foot-7, he’s a long, fluid wing/forward prospect who moves like a guard, rebounds like a big, and defends multiple positions with relative ease. Rakotonanahary is an explosive athlete who plays with a nonstop motor and embraces his identity on both ends of the floor. He attacks off the bounce and finishes around the basket, but is arguably at his best in transition. Rakotonanahary can knock down a jumper and make the extra pass as needed. He’s still refining his overall skillset, but it’s impossible to deny his value and ability to impact a game. Scholarship-level coaches should be aggressively pursuing.â€
Although nothing has changed since that was written, this is meant to serve as another opportunity to question his lack of recruitment. Between his length, motor, athleticism, and natural versatility, one could argue that college coaches should be enthralled by his physical tools alone. However, Rakotonanahary is not just an athlete. He displays real feel and instincts on both ends of the floor. Rakotonanahary possesses a phenomenal nose for the ball, particularly as a rebounder, and plays with infectious energy on defense. His fluidity, especially at his size, far exceeds that of most other 6-foot-7 players. Rakotonanahary is a quality finisher and capable threat off the bounce, but truly doesn’t require touches to make an impact. He’s a no-brainer scholarship player, so it’ll be interesting to see what program secures his commitment.