This is the time of year … Not only is it important for 2020 prospects to get their names onto recruiting boards, but it is also imperative for the unsigned seniors. Signing day has come and gone, and players have chosen where they will attend college. This process wraps up the 2019 class for some schools but it also starts the process all over for the programs the prospect did not choose.
The April LIVE Period will have colleges looking intently at unsigned seniors, how they play and if they can come in right away and help.
At this point, prospects are fighting an uphill battle with the current college transfer market. As many programs will want to bring in a ready-made prospect (maybe even one who does not have as much talent) opposed to finding one and grooming him. It’s the world we live in today.
Here are some of the prospects who will be playing in Phenom’s Challenge LIVE that D1 college coaches should give serious looks at to fill their roster spots
6’6” Zack Austin
Team Winston / Winston Salem Prep (NC)
Claimed Offers: Appalachian State
2018-19 Stats: 12 Points. 9.9 Boards. 2.5 Blocks. 1 Steal.
47% FG. 40% 3-Point
Austin has been a name on the radar for a while. He has great athleticism and length to go along with good energy. Over the last year, however, Austin has added a 3-point shot to the arsenal. Now that he is knocking that down regularly, Austin has moved into the coveted 3 & D prospect. He can guard either wing position as well as switch down to the forwards. He is a good shot blocker and accumulates countless deflections throughout the course of a game. He plays the game with a chip on his shoulder, a winner. Could see him walking away from April with numerous D1s fawning over him.
6’3” Jett Fortuny
WCBA Unsigned / Cary HS (NC)
Claimed Offers: Nevada
2018-19 Stats: 20 Points. 3.3 Boards. 2 Assists. 1.5 Steals.
40% 3-Points. 63 3s Made. 81% FT.
Fortuny is a noted shooter, and scorer. He can flat out get a bucket, even off 1 & 2 dribbles. He has a great touch with a quick/repeatable release and knows how to get to his kill zones. Fortuny is also very good on the ball defender, he moves his feet with great anticipation as well as just plays hard. The Nevada offer surprised many, but rest assured it is legit. A high-level shooter, 40% from 3 on 63 makes who can pass and defend, there is A LOT to like here. Like Austin, he is one we could see walking away from April with numerous D1s trying to “get him done”.
6’8” Jaqwan Baylor
Bertie Elite / Bertie HS (NC)
Claimed Offers: LIU Brooklyn, Denver
2018-19 Stats: 10.5 Points. 10.2 Boards. 3 Blocks.
Baylor is a name not many know, based on him playing in rural Eastern North Carolina, but his school is not void of talent as Hawks starting wing Kent Bazemore also went here. Baylor is a long-armed, big bodied post. He has great hands, with touch around the basket and is a very good area rebounder. He can also step out and knock down shots in pick and pop situations.
6’6” Jayden Turner
New Light Disciples / SW Guilford HS (NC)
2018-19 Stats: 15.5 Points. 6 Boards. 2.5 Steals. 2 Assists
The wing picked up about every accolade you can this year, AP All-State, News and Record Area Player of the year as he led his Southwest Guilford team to an Undefeated State Championship and #22 ranking in the country. Turner is a 3 level scorer and a high-level defender. Pretty interesting skill set in that he can create for himself in a scenario as well as lock up the oppositions best wing player. He is a very lengthy, highly explosive playmaker. Lots of winning done here as he has gone 80-11 with 2 state championships as a varsity starter over the past 3 seasons.
6’6” Quinton Nelson
Team Wall SE / Olympus Prep (NJ)
Nelson is a unique prospect positionally. He has a vast skill set as some schools could fall for him as a playmaking wing and others could fall for him as a brute, undersized post player. His skill set can go either way, based on matchup. Without question, the Kingstree, SC native is a big-time rebounder, a big-time shot blocker and can shoot or get downhill off the bounce. He shoots the ball well and he can grab & go to initiate. He spent last season-wrecking things at Olympus Prep in New Jersey and at 6’6”/210 he has a college-ready frame. Already qualified, this one should be an easy one to spot as schools from across the region should like what he does.