Top 5 performers from the #Phenom150
GREENSBORO, NC - Some of the best sophomores from North Carolina shined as the headliners at the the Phenom 150 camp on Saturday. Who stood out the most from the entire camp? Justin Young breaks down his top five performers from the event.
Dennis Smith, Jr., 2016, PG, Fayetteville (NC) Trinity Christian
If you asked Smith which player in the NBA he watches the most, don't be surprised if he quickly answered with Russell Westbrook. The 6-foot-2 sophomore let his game expand as the camp rolled on. By the end of the day, he was clearly in another dimension than the rest of the field. The class of 2016 as a whole, at least in the South, is starting to show a strong class of point guards. Smith will certainly be in the conversation for one of the best in the region and, most likely, nationally.
Jalen Harris, 2016, PG, Wilson (NC) Greenfield School
Wheels. Harris has 'em and Harris used 'em. The 6-foot floor general mixed speed with skills. He did a fine job of creating shots for his teammates and an even better job of getting to the rim using his quickness. From a creation standpoint, he may have been the best at the Phenom 150 camp on Saturday. It was fun to watch him work with players that he was unfamiliar with and identify who would make a positive play. Young players don't do that very well in a camp setting. Harris did. It will be fun to watch his progression. College coaches, start that Google Map search to the Greenfield School.
Shaun Kirk, SF, 2016, Red Springs (NC) Flora McDonald Academy
Any time the 6-foot-7 wing left the floor, people inched closer to the edge of their seats. Athletically, the long sophomore wing was one of the most impressive kids at the Phenom 150 camp. His first step to the rim is impressive. When he leaves the floor, he's even more interesting. Kirk reminded me a lot of former Georgia prep star and current Southern Cal player Ari Stewart at the same stage. For a historical perspective, Stewart was a top 60 prospect in high school.
Quentin Jackson, PG, 2016, Raleigh (NC) Word of God
Positive plays. That's what Jackson makes. Time and time again the 6-foot-1 floor general set teammates up with nice passes anchored by good decisions. Jackson doesn't play with flash, something that a lot of young point guards try to play with in a camp setting. Instead, Jackson plays with purpose. If you are looking for a guy that knows how to win, this is your guy.
David Carmichael, PF, 2015, Durham (NC) Bull City Prep
There were a lot of long and skinny big men at the Phenom 150 camp, making for some nice match-ups throughout the day. Carmichael, a thin 6-foot-7 forward, collected the most positive marks on my notepad. Defensively, he came to the aide of his teammates on the help side for blocks that turned into rebounds and fast-break points. He runs the floor well, scored the chip shots when the opportunities were presented and competed. Added strength will help the Pennsylvania native this season. Keep him on your watch list.