The travel ball season is finally coming to an end as we approach the final weekends of July. However, the upcoming weekend still gives players the opportunity to be seen by all levels of college coaches before the high school season. This weekend, the Phenom Hoops Summer Havoc is set to be loaded with countless teams and individuals worthy of attention from college coaches. Although they’ve been a regular throughout the summer, Wildcats Elite is still a team for college coaches to lay groundwork. Let’s look at some of their pieces…
Seemingly every player on this roster embodies a certain level of malleable, unselfish, team-oriented ability, but this rings especially true for Niko Davis. At 6-foot-4, he’s a natural glue-guy with the IQ, size, skill, and general versatility to impact all facets of the game. Davis knows how to operate as a connecting piece. He’s a well-rounded player with a useful handle, quality vision, and the ability to find scoring opportunities with or without the ball in his hands. Davis plays with consistent energy, which allows him to effectively rebound and force turnovers when defending multiple positions. His adaptable game makes him a highly valuable leader for this group.
Various guys on this roster have made strides throughout the summer season, but arguably none as visible as Deuce Sumpter. He’s a crafty guard with a quality handle, terrific vision, and nice change of pace. Sumpter is capable of breaking down opponents and creating opportunities for himself and others. He touches the paint at a consistent rate and finishes or makes the correct read as a playmaker. Sumpter is capable of knocking down jumpers or applying pressure in transition, but prefers getting others involved. He provides a scrappy defensive presence at the point of attack. It’s easy to see how much his game has grown over the summer.
It’s easy to see the appeal guys like Malcolm McNeil, Bakari Watkins, and Max Upchurch should have with college coaches. McNeil sets the tone with his energy and toughness. He’s a physical, high-motor wing who consistently rebounds, defends multiple positions, and fills in the gaps offensively. McNeil shows a willingness to sacrifice his body and make hustle plays. Meanwhile, Watkins is a skilled post player with a sturdy frame and the ability to space the floor or operate out of the post. He finishes with touch and utilizes his body well to play through contact. Watkins rebounds his position and lurks well to hit trail threes in transition. Rounding out this trio, Upchurch offers another steady, well-rounded presence. He’s able to initiate the offense, score from all levels, and set up others as needed. Upchurch is a solid finisher with the ability to hit pull-ups or jumpers from distance. He also works hard defensively. Each of these guys have the tools to play at the next level.
Guys like Brian Rollins and Samuel Trueblood know how to fill in the gaps while doing the dirty work for this group. They are both tough, unselfish, high-motor guards with the ability to adapt to team needs on both ends of the floor. Between their respective passing, energy, and defensive presences, Rollins and Trueblood each bring value to this group.