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NIKE EYBL Team Preview: Team CP3 (NC)

By D1 Circuit Staff, 04/12/16, 4:15PM EDT

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Team Information:


LOCATIONWinston-Salem, NC

DIRECTOR: Steve Shelton

2015 EYBL RECORD: 15-2

KEY RETURNEES: N/A

2015 Recap:


Harry Giles was simply extraordinary in 2015, taking home Most Valuable Player honors during the regular season and leading Team CP3 to the semifinals of the Peach Jam. Alterique Gilbert capped off a special year, one that saw CP3 win the EYBL regular season outright. They played like an absolute juggernaut behind their stars, and graduated eight players to Division 1 schools. Winning and earning free educations are a match made in heaven, and CP3 had the recipe in 2016.

2016 Outlook:


Some programs rebuild, others reload. Safe to say that Team CP3 is the latter of the two. They bring in Wendell Carter, the Peach Jam Most Valuable Player in 2015 for the Georgia Stars, and he figures to absolutely dominate in his final year of grassroots basketball. CP3 flips over a brand new roster in 2016, and the talent they brought in will compete with anyone on the circuit. It will depend on how their rotation formulates, but judging by their roster, Team CP3 may repeat their 2015 success.

The Star(s):


The addition of Carter gives CP3 an instant go-to option on both ends. If they need a bucket, the 6-foot-10 Carter utilizes terrific footwork to score on the block, and can stretch the defense with his jump shot. His floor game is always developing, but it's his imposing, physical nature on defense that helps set him apart. He is a strong shot-blocker and has great natural instincts, effectively defending without fouling. The Pace Academy (GA) product should improve on his 2015 averages across the board, as he will benefit from having elite talent across the rotation. Usually, a repeat Peach Jam MVP performance would be a surprise. Not the case with Mr. Carter.

The Sleeper(s):


It's very difficult to pick just one sleeper on this roster. JP Moorman, physically-gifted at 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, will benefit greatly by playing alongside Carter. The athletic Moorman runs the floor with ease, and has the ability to stretch the defense with his jumpshot. Lavar Batts Jr. will get major minutes in the backcourt, and should excel as a facilitator for CP3. It won't take long for scouts and college coaches alike to take notice of Batts, as the 6-foot-2 point guard is coming off a terrific season for Robinson (NC). Replacing Gilbert's overall point guard production won't be easy, but Batts gives them a great start.

The Supporting Cast:


This squad is deep. Oak Hill guard Devontae Shuler, fresh off a DICK's National Championship, should see even more minutes than he did for the Warriors. Shuler (ESPN 4-star) will likely operate off the ball for CP3, but the versatile guard should be able to strive in either role. Jack Hemphill, Victor Enoh and Brandon Huffman give CP3 a solid core alongside Carter in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-8 Enoh will be one of the better rebounders on the circuit, and should clear space for Carter and Moorman in the paint. Michael Huiett, Jalen Seegars and Jalen Spicer will all contribute in a deep backcourt.

The X-Factor:


Carter may not play in all of the sessions, so it is imperative that CP3 is able to win without the big man in their lineup. There is a ton of talent stretched across their rotation, so they should be able to adapt if Carter were to miss any games. If Moorman can step up and take his game to the next level, that could mean another dominant regular season for Team CP3. As we saw last year, anything can happen in Peach Jam, but CP3 has a chance to put themselves in the same position as they were in 2015.

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