Bilal’s Prime Performers (Rock City Classic – Part 1)
Rock City Classic was by far the most fierce, aggressive and zealous tournament of the travel season. Players dove on the floor for loose balls, played through contact without complaints and most importantly backed up the trash talk with their game. It was great to see the talent in North Carolina blended with other parts of the country. The talent gets better and better with each NGS event.
Jaidyne Dunn | 6’0” | NC Invasion | 2023
Dunn controlled games with his shifty ball handling and ability to score in bunches. He consistently broke down defenses and demanded attention from help defenders. Dunn plays just as well in the open court as he does in the half court setting. That was a key component to NC Invasion piling up wins.
Malachi McLean | 6’0” | Sandhills | 2023
McLean has a unique ability to control games with his facilitating. He scored when he needed to and it was basically at will. McLean looked to get his teammates going early so he could take over late. He passes the eye test for the prototypical lead guard in the modern game. Consistent three level scorer with keen vision.
Anthony Speight | 6’4” | Carolina Swarm | 2023
Speight drove downhill and threw down a slam dunk that was easily the dunk of the 2023 NGS season. He is considerably tough to stay in front of. The southpaw uses his body exceptionally well and gets to the foul line at will. He does a great job of pacing himself, along with picking and choosing his spots on the floor.
Trevon Holleran | 5’11” | Team Dolo | 2024
Holleran’s burst off his first step allowed him to put relentless pressure on the defense. His dribble counters got him paint touches whenever he desired at the Rock City Classic. Holleran was an electric three level scorer that was impossible to stay in front of due to his shiftiness and craftsmanship.
Randall King | 6’2” | Team Trezz | 2024
King thrived in the open court and around the rim. He is a strong two-way wing that really gets after it defensively. King is a dual-sport athlete that also plays football so there’s no wonder why his lateral quickness is so thorough. One would question why King is even playing basketball with offers from Duke and East Carolina University in football, but the sports go hand and hand. Nevertheless wherever King ends up, he will succeed. His work ethic stood out throughout the Rock City Classic.
Taj Joyner | 6’3” | NC Invasion | 2024
Joyner was locked in from NC Invasions first game on Friday evening to their last game on Sunday. He consistently scored the ball efficiently and effectively, which put his team in position to win every matchup. Joyner averaged just over 15 ppg in the Rock City Classic.
Luis Y. Garcia | 6’3” | PR Unlimited | 2024
Garcia was mentally locked into the task at hand game in and game out. His sheer presence on the floor gave PR Unlimited a needed boost. His leadership and pace of play was what stood out the most. Garcia has good size and a solid skill set that will allow him to succeed at the next level.
Tyler Barnes | 6’2” | Team Trezz | 2024
Barnes’ possesses a natural athleticism that can be analyzed in the open court or half court setting. With his quick first step, speed and instinctual leaping ability, Barnes required opposing teams to send help when he was floating downhill. If you were too late in your rotations, easy buckets came for Barnes throughout the Rock City Classic. His body mechanics are rare.
CJ Alston | 5’11” | Team Trezz | 2024
Alston was one of the best finishing lead guards participating in the Rock City Classic. His acrobatic finishes were a true layup exhibition. Alston’s crossover is so quick that defenders well left calling for help as he would glide past them and get to the rim. He created a flurry of open looks for teammates that resulted in quality buckets.
Jaylen Sturdivant | 6’4” | Sandhills | 2024
Mr. Sharpshooter had himself a breakout performance at the Rock City Classic. Sturdivant had a tournament high 6 threes and averaged 4.5 threes per game. He was on fire all weekend from just about every spot beyond the arc. Sturdivant’s range was the most fascinating component to his shooting. He has a college level jumper.
Andres Solivan | 6’3” | PR Unlimited | 2025
Solivan controlled the pace of the game when I observed him. His demeanor and ability to not be sped up will go along way for him in his recruitment. Solivan can knock down midrange jumpers and score in traffic. He’s a big guard that utilizes his size to his advantage.