The Charlotte Nets have been playing all summer long on the Phenom Hoops platform and they were back at it again in Raleigh (NC) for the Phenom Hoops LIVE. This is a team that has played well all throughout and continues to be a team to watch out for, as they bring players that should be on radars for college programs. We dive into a bit of what we saw, along with what was said at the event.
2025 7’0 Johny Mathiang certainly grabbed your attention with his size. He protects the paint and the rim, but also is long and active around the basket as well as helping control the glass. One can teach size, as he is a big man who continues to develop.
2026 Lincoln Raper has been one of the most consistent players for this team, and he backed it up once again down in Raleigh. Raper has a high IQ and feel for the game, is a strong creator and facilitator, but is confident in scoring in a variety of ways. Game after game, he has shown he can fill it up but also play within the team.
And this is a team that has other players that stepped up quite a bit. 2025 6’4 Landon Rowe brings good size and feel at his position. 2025 6’5 Nicholas Yelverton brought a nice presence to the court and remained active. 2026 6’5 Mandrake Lewis Jr. brought production to the court on several occasions throughout the event. And 2027 6’0 Makih Philyaw is a younger prospect who stepped up, showed craftiness, and the ability to score in a variety of ways.
What Was Said at the Event:
“7’0 ‘25 Johny Mathiang (Charlotte Nets) possesses obvious physical appeal. He’s a long, active big man with the ability to finish, rebound, and block shots. Runs the floor hard in transition.”
“2026 Lincoln Raper and 2025 Nicholas Yelverton (Charlotte Nets) both finished with 14 points each. Both showed that they are confident shooters from a variety of levels.”
“2025 Johny Mathiang (Charlotte Nets) certainly brings intrigue being 7 foot. Moves well, controls the paint, and can score with touch around the basket.”
“2026 Lincoln Raper (Charlotte Nets) continues to be a high IQ playmaker and shotmaker. Brings a nice balance to the court as he makes unselfish plays but also creates to score.”
“6’0 ‘27 Makih Philyaw (Charlotte Nets) is a quick, crafty guard. Playing up multiple levels yet having no issue creating shots for himself and others. Possesses a smooth pull-up jumper. Scrappy defender.”