At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we try to highlight guys who are under-recruited by college coaches or overlooked by the masses. This edition will feature Nayte Spargo of Winston-Salem Christian.
We’ve watched Spargo several times over the last twelve months, recently stating, “We look at a player who has obvious appeal as an interior defender and floor-spacer, Nayte Spargo. He’s a long, wiry post prospect who can operate around the basket or along the perimeter. Spargo is an excellent shooter, especially for his size, from midrange and beyond the arc. He possesses great mechanics and quality range. Spargo doesn’t shy away from open looks but can also attack a closeout and finish inside. He provides energy as a rebounder, alters shots defensively, and runs the floor hard in transition. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Holcomb-Faye on Spargo: “Nayte is a great pick-and-pop shooting big man. Displays range and the ability to knock down shots off the catch or attack off the dribble.”
It’s actually very surprising that Spargo doesn’t have more next-level suitors. He’s a legitimate sniper with a long 6-foot-9 frame and excellent fluidity for his size. Spargo is comfortable posting up or operating as a screening partner in the two-man game, but is truly malleable to all types of situations. He’s able to attack slower big men off the bounce, finish at the basket, and make quality decisions with the ball in his hands. Spargo is a quality athlete, especially for his size, and displays nice feel on both ends of the floor. He moves his feet well defensively and possesses great timing around the rim. Spargo is also a useful rebounder who runs the floor properly in transition. Scholarship-level coaches should be heavily involved, as he’s the type of player who can elevate both the floor and ceiling for a ton of college programs.