Program Profile: Phenom University 17U
Phenom University 17U has talent of epic proportions. As Wisconsin’s consensus top grassroots program — and no doubt a candidate for the top national squad — they’ve established an elite roster of Wisconsin crop. There’s a lot to unpack here,…
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Continue ReadingPhenom University 17U has talent of epic proportions. As Wisconsin’s consensus top grassroots program — and no doubt a candidate for the top national squad — they’ve established an elite roster of Wisconsin crop.
There’s a lot to unpack here, including a roster outlook, schedule, and stats.
17U Roster Outlook:
Of course, item one on the agenda will always be their five-star trio of Jalen Johnson, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Jaemyn Brakefield. The junior forward Johnson has the most to offer up, as his massive skillset touches all areas of the game. But his looming offensive talents cast a shadow over his defense, which is hardly addressed. Johnson leads the team in blocks at 1.7 per game (as one of the teams bigger players, the small forward needs to be versatile in his matchups, especially guarding the post) and he’s second in steals at 1.4 per game.
Baldwin, on the other hand, has been Phenom’s linchpin offensively. He leads the team in points at 19.3 per game, shooting at a 55 percent clip from the field and leading Phenom in three-point percentage at 43 percent (Carter Gilmore shoots the same percentage on 42 fewer attempts). But, it’s more about how Baldwin opens up the offense that has aided in his scoring efforts. His shooting ability at 6’8 allows him to stretch the floor, therefore demanding an absurd amount of attention from defenses. But, the opponent can’t give him that attention with Johnson and other talents on the roster. So, Baldwin is given more space on the wing to shoot the three or drive and score.
Brakefield, who plays his school season in West Virginia, is the third of Phenom’s five-stars. He rounds out a frontcourt consisting of strictly power-five, college material. Backing up the starting frontcourt is another, elite Wisconsin duo in Jamari Sibley and Carter Gilmore, who have combined for 19.8 points per game through their rigorous EYBL schedule.
As for their guard play, lots of the load is deferred to Reece Beekman, who has been their assist-guy and primary ball-handler dating back to last summer season. Still, Brookfield Central’s Ben Nau, Grafton’s Alex Huibregtse, and Michigan guard Foster Wonders contribute their skill set and fresh legs when needed.
17U Schedule:
Record: 7-1
Phenom University beats Team Melo (MD) (score unavailable)
Phenom University 85, Drive Nation (TX) 78
Phenom University 81, PSA Cardinals (NY) 64
Phenom University 67, Texas Titans (TX) 86
Phenom University 86, Meanstreeets (IL) 61
Phenom University 108, Team CP3 (NC) 92
Phenom University 96, MEBO Team Hood 62
Phenom University 116, UPLAY Canada (CAN) 79
Their record truly speaks for itself. Seven wins against this caliber of nationally recognized opponents, notably Team CP3 (13-3), has lifted them to a top-five spot in Prep Hoops’ grassroots rankings. It’s also of note that they’ve been better offensively as of late, scoring 107 points per game in the last three games compared to 78 per game in their first three games.
17U Stats (all stats from d1circuit.com):
Patrick Baldwin Jr.: 19.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.6 apg
Jaemyn Brakefield: 15.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.3 apg
Jalen Johnson: 15.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 6.6 apg
Jamari Sibley: 13.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg
Reece Beekman: 9.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 7.1 apg
Alex Huibregtse: 7.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.8 apg
Carter Gilmore: 6.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 apg
Foster Wonders: 3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.7 apg
Ben Nau: 2.7 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.1 apg