Phenom Grassroots TOC – Top Performers
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The Phenom Grassroots Tournament of Champions showcased a ton of shoe teams playing before their respective sessions in a few weeks, along with just as many independent teams continuing to feature on the Phenom circuit. After another well-run event, I…
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Continue ReadingThe Phenom Grassroots Tournament of Champions showcased a ton of shoe teams playing before their respective sessions in a few weeks, along with just as many independent teams continuing to feature on the Phenom circuit. After another well-run event, I had a few guys who looked like studs when I got to watch them play. Check out a half dozen of those players below.
Chase had some outstanding performances this weekend in Rock Hill, capped with a 34 point, 15 rebound game against Carolina Pressure to end the tournament. He’s showing he can be an outstanding rebounder at any level, using size and technique to find open pockets of space and corral missed shots. Also using that same frame in order to powerfully get to the basket and finish around the rim. Saw some real floor stretching ability from him too, knocking down threes and mid-range jumpers.
Keith continues to provide a tremendous scoring punch for his Curry group, scoring the ball everywhere on the floor with a shiftiness and shotmaking ability that is quite unique. He also displayed more of a creation ability as well this weekend, taking a backseat and playing within the system, letting his teammates make plays while he distributed and let them work. Is becoming a productive guard for the next level somewhere.
Dyer continues to score the ball at a great clip and be an active backcourt presence for his Team Ish group, including a 23 point game to lead all scorers, including 7 triples. With those stats, he’s shown he’s a great shooter, with a smooth release, ability to do it off the bounce or the catch, and an unflappable confidence that allows him to either get hot in a hurry or find his way out of a cold slump. Passionate, heart on his sleeve kind of player that is going to bring the intensity and effort every time he gets out there.
Highlights
Onur Kurucu
Onur Kurucu
Kurucu was a guy I saw once this weekend but had intriguing potential to be a forward prospect that improves his stock over AAU season and becomes an impactful player for Porter Ridge next year. Had good physicality around the basket and was able to put a shoulder through people and move them in the post. Also showed off a feathery touch that allowed him to finish layups through contact and traffic, consistently picking up and-1s on that end. Still a work in progress defensively, but can be a skilled forward in the low post that makes an impact.
Vaughan continues to put together productive displays as a legitimate forward/center prospect, establishing himself as a paint presence to know in the region. Picking up his touch and finishing ability is helping a lot, as he is beginning to finish around the rim and on the low block with more consistency and a little more creativity as well. His fluidity is still a work in progress, but as he begins to understand his body it just improves day by day. The common saying is that bigs develop much later, and Vaughan is a prime example of that.
Jared Taylor
Jared Taylor
Taylor is a name I can’t believe I haven’t seen before this weekend, as he looked dominant against competition as an unsigned senior for Cap City Charlotte this weekend. With his 6’9, 240 pound frame, his physicality was on display as he bullied people in the paint, at the rim, and on the glass all weekend long. He also had a couple of fun dunks in space and traffic, showcasing an ability to get up and play at a higher level than everyone else. A high motor, two way prospect to know at the D1, D2 or JuCo levels.