Prep Hoops Carolinas Expo – Team 13 Evaluations

The Carolinas Expo paired some of the top talent in the Carolinas from classes 2027-2029 in Rock Hil, SC on Sunday. It was a great chance to see how players have progressed through the summer. Team 13 has my vote for one of the best teams at the event. They had a good blend of size, versatility, and athleticism along with unselfishness. At these events, one selfish play or teammate can ruin the chemistry of the team. That was not the case with Team 13 who had multiple 20+ point wins where everyone contributed.    Smooth lefty that has good athleticism to match a high running motor. Tucker scored at all three levels but his ability to do the dirty work stood out most. From diving on the floor for loose balls to rebounding at a high rate, he showed his worth in multiple categories. Offensive rebounding was a strong point in his game as he crashed the glass relentlessly with putback after putback. Defensively on the glass, he was just as good, and his versatility allowed him to be a one man fast break.   Catch and shoot opportunities were automatic when they came his way. There wasn't a sense of him forcing shots or trying to do too much when he had the ball. He diagnosed defenses well and showcased some playmaking upside in the halfcourt. Finishing at and above the rim was another strength of Tucker. Whether it was utilizing his off the dribble moves or slashing as a cutter, he consistently finished effectively and efficiently around the rim.     The size and versatility that Lee possess really caused mismatch issues for other teams. He could score efficiently on the interior but also stretch the floor with his shot making. During just the first half of the first few games, he sunk 3+ threes from different parts of the floor. Rebounding was a plus on both ends as he utilized his frame to box out more athletic opponents to control the glass.   In transition he ran the floor which stressed defenses because they didn't know if he was stretching to the corner or filling the lane. Lee mixed both of those well while in transition and was successful in doing so. When teams closed out or tried to run him off the line, he was able to find open teammates with simple reads. Excellent teammate who was a big reason for the team's success.     After a slow start to the first half of game one, James turned it on in the second half and would continue to be hot throughout the day. Nothing was forced by James, as he let the game come to him. Simplicity is a skill that some players take for granted, but it gets the job done and is highly valuable at the next level. James was a master at the simple things on the court from game to game.   His ball handling was tight and effective in breaking down the first line of the defense. He was awesome in pick and roll sets as a facilitator or shot maker. The blend of speed and change of pace separated him amongst the other guards on the floor. When he was off the ball, he moved well and was a sniper from three. That type of versatility that James brought to the team proved to be valuable as their backcourt was dominant all day     High level shooter from all over the floor. Bobby has incredible shot making ability off the bounce or catch. He's versatile as a shot creator or off the ball marksman which is why he was so hard to stop. Incredible IQ on both ends of the floor, rarely makes an incorrect decision with the ball in his hands. The shooting is college level ready right now with his fluid and repeatable mechanics. Unlimited range with the ability to do it off the dribble or catch.   Since the summer began, the playmaking has been on center stage. Any pass that was there to be made, he made it. From pocket passes off pick and rolls to no look dishes in transition, Bobby showed he could make them all. He's also improved as a downhill driver in transition as well as the half court. The right to left crossover was followed by a quick burst that continually helped him get to the rim and finish with ease. Known for his shooting, but he showcased a well-rounded game throughout the day.     Another versatile piece for the team that scored well at all three levels. Sneaky athlete that doesn't mind contact when attacking the rim. Exceptional mover without the ball with the ability to either beat defenders off cuts or utilize screens for an open shot attempt. Was always on time with his cuts and in rhythm with his spot up shooting. Efficient shot taker that barely took bad shots but instead got to his preferred spots for high percentage looks.   The shooting helped open his game up even more. Hunter has a good feel for when to shoot and when to utilize ball and pump fakes to get downhill. Defensively he was a transition starter with deflections and long rebounds. At 6'4, he's able to be multi-dimensional as a defender and guard nearly every position on the floor. Low maintenance in a sense there wasn't a lot of things ran for him but his ability to understand his shooting leverage and what the team needs made him that much more effective.

The Carolinas Expo paired some of the top talent in the Carolinas from classes 2027-2029 in Rock Hil, SC on Sunday. It was a great chance to see how players have progressed through the summer. Team 13 has my vote for one of the best teams at the event. They had a good blend of size, versatility, and athleticism along with unselfishness. At these events, one selfish play or teammate can ruin the chemistry of the team. That was not the case with Team 13 who had multiple 20+ point wins where everyone contributed.