Phenom March Madness: Top Performers Part III
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The March live period continued this past weekend at RISE Events Center as Phenom Hoops hosted their March Madness event this weekend. I was in attendance to catch various games and this final part of the series will put some…
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Continue ReadingThe March live period continued this past weekend at RISE Events Center as Phenom Hoops hosted their March Madness event this weekend. I was in attendance to catch various games and this final part of the series will put some more players that I found to be impressive out for you all to see. Check this final group out below!
Otyaluk was impressive all weekend, and I couldn’t believe he was 6’7 and able to handle the ball as well as he did in transition. He was an absolute bullet in open space, and his physical archetype is difficult to handle when he’s picked up speed and is moving downhill. He’s wiry but strong, and a matchup nightmare for almost every player out there. He was able to play above the rim as well, catching a lob or two and skying high for rebounds. His perimeter game is still improving, but his slashing ability was among the best I saw all weekend. Keep an eye on him in this upcoming class.
Jaiquan Clay
Jaiquan Clay
Clay was outstanding this weekend with Team CP3, and I was particularly impressed with his physicality and defensive acumen he exhibited all weekend. He was very quick and strong in his trapping of the ball as well as guarding it one on one, and made his opponents cough it up multiple times for runout scores. Being able to watch this kind of defensive toughness and energy in a freshman is almost unheard of, and it has made me take more notice of him and I’ll be looking for more performances like this over the rest of the summer.
Joel Mungani
Joel Mungani
Mungani isn’t the most skilled big I’ve ever seen, but I’m sure there aren’t many others that play as hard as he does. He was instrumental in leading the NGNG interior attack by clearing out opposing defenders inside with post seals and duck ins that either got him the ball or got his teammate a layup. He was extremely unselfish doing these things as well as attacking the glass and putting his body on the line in order to finish off possessions defensively or extend them offensively. His high motor as a big man should make him attractive as a late addition for 2023 recruiting classes.
Simpson is a rising name to know about in the 2025 class, and his smooth, fluid game made a great impression on me this weekend. He can score from all three levels, with explosion and quickness to get to the rim and a good looking jumper. He moves well off the ball, letting his teammates get involved without having to be ball dominant. Simpson seems to be still gaining athleticism and strength, and this high upside is what makes me intrigued by his game style. He should be a name to monitor for college coaches in a few years.
Highlights
Ramazani was the leader of his group this weekend and showed off impressive combo guard skills as an unsigned senior. He attacked the rim with intensity and also knocked down threes and mid-range shots off the bounce and the catch, and showed great offensive poise leading his group. He talked a lot on both ends and willed his team out of slumps in production on the floor. He just picked up an offer from Averett, and more coaches should get in on him as an unsigned senior.