Winston-Salem, N.C. — The coronavirus pandemic put an end to the majority of the grassroots basketball circuit in 2020 even before it began. While some independent operators attempted to move forward with events, the majority of the travel season was canceled, including Nike’s prominent Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).
However, in the last few months, many programs have taken it upon themselves to coordinate camps exclusively for the players in their organization, with safety precautions in place. In an effort to bring exposure to their entire rosters, video live streaming options have been offered to scouts and college coaches at all levels. For the most part, these showcases have been successful, and the concept has even trickled down to youth hoops.
For example, the feeder teams for Nike EYBL-sponsored Team CP3 are known as CP3 Basketball Academy, and the club opened the month of October by hosting their first-ever CP3 Basketball Academy Mini-Camp, which featured some very gifted players in the Classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027. Incorporating a classroom session, on-court skill work, and live 5-on-5 games, it was a great opportunity to evaluate the organization’s up-and-coming talents. Here’s a look at the players that impressed the most from the Class of 2025…
Cam’ron Jones | Burlington, NC | Class of 2025
Jones is most efficient on the wing at this stage when he embraces the role of a downhill slasher. The burly 6-foot-3 bruiser did a nice job of constantly looking to attack with the ball in his hands. He shrugs off contact, and while not an elite above-the-rim athlete, his power allows him to consistently finish in the lane. Jones is able to corral rebounds at both ends when engaged but it would also be to his advantage to further exploit mismatches against smaller opponents from the block. Emphasizing improved flexibility should assist with his lateral quickness and allow him to be a more capable perimeter defender in time.
Jackson Keith | Durham, NC | Class of 2025
Keith certainly passes the look test as a prospect. The 6-foot-3 wing should continue to stretch out as he matures and already has an excellent frame with enormous length. Perhaps more importantly, he demonstrated the versatility necessary to impact games at both ends. The agile forward ran the floor extremely well, capitalizing on scoring opportunities in transition, and also flashed his ability to cover ground quickly in order to make defensive plays. His all-around offensive skills are still developing, and improvements to his handle as well as consistency with his jumper should allow Keith to emerge as a bonafide prospect at the high school level.
Addison Newkirk | Greensboro, NC | Class of 2025
A versatile forward that looked comfortable in either forward role, Newkirk currently stands 6-foot-3 with an even longer frame, and has a variety of offensive skills at his disposal. He was dynamic on the perimeter, proving effective as a catch-and-shoot threat, and also showing his capability to attack the rim off the dribble. Although his frame is still thin, Newkirk competed on the glass, and displayed his ability to thrive in pick-and-pop scenarios. Defensively, it will be beneficial for him to show increased fluidity on the wing as his opponents become bigger, stronger, and faster at the next level.
Chris Rivens | Matthews, NC | Class of 2025
Rivens took advantage of the stage to make an excellent first impression. The 6-foot-1 guard has a quick first-step and was aggressive as a rim-attacker from the baseline. He’s a physically-advanced athlete that plays above the rim with ease and was extremely tough to contain off the bounce when playing with focus and purpose. Overall, consistency will be key for Rivens, as he was the most dominant player on the floor in spurts, but had little impact in other situations. However, it’s important to remember that growth and improvement are vital for all young prospects, and this young man has the tools necessary for long-term success.
Zacch Wiggins
Zacch
Wiggins
6'3" | WG
NC
| Greensboro, NC | Class of 2025
While Wiggins’ frame and skills foretell a bright future, the 6-foot-3 perimeter prospect is already productive in a variety of ways. He’s an above-the-rim athlete with great length and a deceptive degree of toughness when attacking the lane. He also demonstrated proficient shooting touch from the perimeter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations, and is fairly advanced as an all-around scorer. Showcasing consistent prowess as a defender will only enhance Wiggins’ profile as a prospect. One of five siblings, the Wiggins household is full of athletic promise, which includes current University of Maryland junior Aaron Wiggins.
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