For the 5th straight year I was able to head to down to beautiful Charleston, SC to cover the Charleston Classic college basketball tournament. Although the field of talent was not quite as good as the past few years, there was still a number of pro prospects here and some teams to watch out for as the season progresses. Temple, from the American Conference, defeated Clemson (ACC) in the championship team. Temple has size, athleticism, and several pro prospects– dont be surprised to see this team having a real shot at playing in March at the end of the year.
Here is my All-Tournament Team as well as Honorable Mentions from this years tournament below.
*List was made based on tournament performance alone
DeSean Murray, F, 6’3”, JR, Auburn
Workhorse in every sense of the word. Plays extremely hard, battles for rebounds, and goes for loose balls. Best offensive rebounder here. The Presbyterian College transfer 3 pt shooting has improved still needs to continue to improve in this area. To his credit he knows his role and doesn’t play outside his capabilities. Plays much bigger than his height. Solid European prospect.
Trey Porter, F, 6’10”, JR, ODU
Was consistent throughout the tournament and played big inside for Old Dominion. Pretty good athlete who plays with a high motor. Has really improved over the years at ODU. Stronger than he looks. Can score with his back to the basket, but needs to continue to improve his left hand. Is a good European prospect because of his ability to score and rebound the ball. G-League teams should also track him.
Obi Enechionyia, F, 6’10”, SR, Temple
One of the top pro prospects here at the Charleston Classic. Stretch 4 who can really shoot the ball from deep. Solid rebounder who can also protect the rim a bit. Not a bad athlete. Needs to improve motor. Skilled. Should be considered for the P.I.T. this year. Will have a shot to land on an NBA team because of his size and ability to shoot the basketball.
Quinton Rose, G, 6’8”, SO, Temple
Versatile and athletic wing who reminds me of Daniel Hamilton, a 2-way player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Handles the ball very well for his size and can get to the paint where he can shoot the midrange or make plays for others. Shifty. Has a chance to be a pretty good defender, just needs to be in consistent effort on this end. His 3 point shooting needs to become more consistent but he can hit the corner 3 at this point and shot it well from deep in game 2. A player that NBA teams need to watch if they haven’t seen him already.
Donte Grantham, F, 6’8”, SR, Clemson
Talented and athletic forward. Tweener between the 4 and the 3. His 3 pt shot looks better this year and more consistent. Can handle the ball pretty well and can defend multiple positions. Needs to stay aggressive this season as his team will be relying on him heavily.
Darrell Davis, G, 6’5”, SR, Dayton
Confident scoring point guard who led the team in scoring in this tournament. Has a quick first step and can shoot the 3 ball. Showed the ability to get to the rim where he can finish with either hand. Solid European prospect and could find himself receiving a PIT invite if he has a big year in the A-10.
Shelton Mitchell, G, 6’3”, JR, Clemson
Best pure PG in the tournament in my opinion. Terrific playmaker who gets easy shots for his teammates. His a minor hitch in his shot but showed he could knock down the midrange pull-up as well as the 3. Terrific ball handler who can create space for himself. Changes speeds well and is a poised. Very quick 1st step and can finish at the rim. Moves his feet defensively. Has a shot to be a 2-way NBA player if not better.
Honorable Mention
Jordan Dartis, G, 6’3”, JR, Ohio
Good shooter who can score it off the bounce as well.
Gavin Block, G, 6’7”, JR, Ohio
High IQ stretch 4 who plays hard and rebounds.
Kostas Anteokunmpo, F, 6’10”, FR, Dayton
Versatile player with a high motor. Terrific defender. High upside because of length and athleticism.
Eli Pemberton, G, 6’5”, SO, Hofstra
Talented and smooth player who can score it all all 3 levels.
