North Carolina EYBL Notebook: 16u Standouts

The Nike EYBL got their season started at the end of April in Atlanta, Georgia with a lot of the top prospects in the State of North Carolina making their way down to the peach state to get one of the trademark circuits in grassroots basketball underway. We just published our 15u standouts so we'll take that natural progression to the 16u group right here.    Gunter was flat out brilliant for [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16u EYBL who went 4-0 and look like a real contender to win Peach Jam after what they did in session one. For the session, Gunter averaged 20.3 Points, 3.3 Rebounds, 6.8 Assists, 4.5 Steals, and 0.8 Blocks on 51/19/83 shooting splits. Gunter was in total control of the [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] offense and found a way to score efficiently despite the long ball not quite falling at his normal rate. Gunter's got the ability to capitalize on his own offense within the structure of the team concept. He had incredibly active hands defensively for this group as well, averaging nearly five steals per game. It was a textbook session for [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16s and Gunter with even more room for improvement as he looks to return to his true self from beyond the arc. They have a chance to win the whole thing and Gunter is a major reason why.     Deng is a very interesting front-court prospect who looks to be a fast riser in North Carolina's 2028 class after a strong weekend with [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 16u EYBL, helping them go 4-0 down in Atlanta. Deng averaged 9.8 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 0.5 Assists, 0.5 Steals, and 1.5 Blocks per game while shooting 74% from the floor and 50% from the free throw line. Deng is a mobile big man with long arms and great anticipation as a shot blocker. He can get off the floor to rebound, finish at the rim, and block shots while showing upside with his hands and touch. Look for Deng to be a notable prospect moving forward for this [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 16u group!     Parker is another talented piece on this stacked [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16u EYBL team that is already off to an undefeated start this spring/summer. Parker averaged 10.8 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists, 1.5 Steals, and 0.5 Blocks per game on 67/67/67 shooting splits. Parker recently announced a reclassification to 2029 and will be transferring schools for next season. He is an extremely versatile wing that can guard multiple positions and contribute positively in many ways at both ends of the floor. He is a game breaker in transition with the ability to finish above the rim with that next level length and athleticism he possesses. He shot the three at a low volume but he was extremely efficient from distance which will be great if he can do over the course of the entire season. Parker is a high upside and high production player in the 2029 class that is really performing at a high level on one of the nations top 16u teams.     Juergens helped guide Boo Williams 16u EYBL to a 2-1 record in session one with his overall game on full display for the winning group. He averaged 10.0 Points, 4.3 Rebounds, 0.7 Assists, 0.7 Steals, and 1.0 Blocks per game on 42/25/67 shooting splits. Juergens was remarkably efficient inside the arc shooting 75% from two on the weekend as well. He's a versatile wing with the ability to make outside shots, finish above the rim in transition or when attacking a closeout, and just be a general connector at both ends of the floor. Boo Williams always finds a way to get a couple of gems from North Carolina and it makes sense that Juergens is fitting in well with this group.     Coleman had a really strong weekend with the undefeated [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 16u EYBL group as they ran the table. He averaged 13.8 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 4.3 Assists, 1.3 Steals, and 1.0 Blocks per game on 54/43/75 shooting splits. Coleman is a dynamic above the rim athlete with the ability to get a team organized and pick his spots throughout the course of a game. He brings real winning pedigree to this team as a new addition to the group and is so physically gifted for a PG. Coleman is one of the best shot blocking guards in the 2028 class nationally with his ability to make up ground and crazy vertical pop. Coleman is such a dynamic option to have in the backcourt that still always maintains the control of a game. Look for him to cement his status nationally this spring/summer.     Smith is the heart and soul for this [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16u EYBL group with his motor and tenacity shining bright setting the tone in those departments. In session one, he averaged 15.3 Points, 2.5 Rebounds, 3.8 Assists, and 2.8 Steals per game while shooting 55% from the floor and 81% from the free throw line. Smith didn't make any threes on the weekend as he attempted 5 over the course of four games. Despite not being able to showcase his improved touch, Smith led the charge with his effort defensively and that contagious intensity he displays at all times. He pushes the pace in transition, understands how to play the game the right way, and is consistently attacking the basket when given the opportunity. Smith is one of North Carolina's best two way guards and is now getting the chance to showcase his game on a national stage.

The Nike EYBL got their season started at the end of April in Atlanta, Georgia with a lot of the top prospects in the State of North Carolina making their way down to the peach state to get one of the trademark circuits in grassroots basketball underway. We just published our 15u standouts so we'll take that natural progression to the 16u group right here.