Due to the cancellation of the Nike EYBL, all 40 of the nation's elite programs have been holding combine style events to showcase their prospects. While many may think that is difficult during the non-live period that college coaches are unable to attend, the EYBL combines are all broadcast on Synergy Sports Technology and quantified reports of the players are put out immediately after the games are logged. Given the fact that Synergy has more than 220 D-1 programs subscribing to its service, it truly is just as good as being at a live period event and there were no shortage of prospects who will be garnering tons of attention at the Phenom Universe Combine. 

No class was effected more amidst the COVID-19 pandemic than the class of 2021.  Many guys who were fighting for college scholarships were never given the opportunity to showcase their talents aside from streaming services that are incredibly variable in terms of film quality.  Furthermore, many players ultimately committed to programs without ever stepping foot on campus, creating an incredible level of uncertainty of whether or not those commitments will stick when COVID-19 slows down. The Phenom Universe Combine gave a number of rising seniors the chance to get quality game film with quantified stats for college coaches who have them on the radar.

Here are a few of the top 2021’s who caught our eye:

Brandin Podziemski, 6'6, SG, St. John's Northwest Military Academy
Despite the fact that he already owns nearly a dozen D-1 offers, Brandin Podziemski is still a bit under the radar. That is no longer the case after his showing at the Phenom Universe Combine. The lefty literally put up video game numbers, averaging 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game with a 64% field goal percentage and 57% 3 point percentage. While shooting is his strong suit, he’s definitely able to turn the corner on you coming off a pin-down and can finish through contact. Given the priority that’s being placed on shooting, expect Brandin to be a hot commodity. 

Tyrese Hunter, 6'1, PG, Racine St. Catherine's
Outside of J.D. Davison, there may not be a more explosive lead guard in the country. Hunter’s ability to change speeds, explode at the drop of the dime, and jump out of the gym put him in the 99% percentile of guards in the world. He made a couple of really nice pocket passes and while the Iowa State recruit needs to keep improving as a shooter, he has an immense bag of gifts that simply cannot be taught.

Kobe Johnson, 6'4, PG/SG, Nicolet HS
The recent USC commit didn’t put up huge scoring numbers, but showcased the all-around game that has made him a PAC-12 player. He averaged 7.25 rebounds per game from the backcourt and dropped 5 assists per game, but made the most impact defending all three perimeter positions. Duke freshman Jalen Johnson’s younger bro has rapidly improved over the last year and if that continues, really has a chance to make an impact in college.

Ben Nau, 6'3, PG/SG, Brookfield Central
While you aren’t going to see Ben Nau dropping any crazy mixtapes anytime soon, he’s the type of dude that literally everyone wants to play with. He is a leader, extremely vocal with pushing his teammates on, and doesn’t force the issue whatsoever. The University of St. Thomas (D-1 for ‘21) commit is a lights out shooter that is actually a better playmaker than most give him credit for. Should have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the Summit League.

Grant Asman, 6'9, PF, Kimberly HS
A super sleeper, Grant Asman is sitting with one D-1 offer (Army) at the moment, but that is bound to change quickly. The big man has a reliable stroke from beyond the three point line, was a solid positional rebounder, and even created for others at times from the high post. With the lack of big men left on the board, Asman will have no shortage of suitors if he waits until the late signing period.

Amar Augillard, 6'5, SF, Zion-Benton
While he may not fit the mold of a particular position, Amar Augillard is a straight hooper. The forward dropped a 30 point game, played both inside and out, and was a beast on the offensive glass. Amar is still wide open in terms of recruitment and even though he doesn’t check all the boxes, he simply produces on a consistent basis. Western Illinois joined Grambling State as his second D-1 offer right after the event.

Ronald Kirk Jr, 6'4, SG, Dominican HS
In terms of straight dunks, there wasn't anyone in the building who had more throughout the combine than Kirk. The explosive athlete scored off cuts to the rack, was a beast on the offensive glass, and was versatile on the defensive end. The rising senior still appears to be wide open in terms of recruitment. 

Cole Wesley, 6'5, SG/SF, Marquette University HS
A guy I was unfamiliar with going into the event, Cole Wesley walked away as a guy who I definitely want to track throughout his senior year. The high IQ wing really understands floor spacing, is a reliable three point shooter, and utilizes his size to post smaller defenders. Wesley certainly would have been a guy who would have benefitted from playing in front of D-1 coaches throughout the live period.

Donald McHenry, 6'1, PG, Milwaukee Academy of Science
Donald McHenry was one of the more dynamic players that we saw at the Phenom Universe Combine. The lefty was outstanding creating his own shot, got to the rack at will, and utilized combo moves to get two feet into the paint. Toss in the fact that he’s legit in pick and roll play and has a solid outside shot, you see why he’s one of the more interesting unsigned 2021’s in Wisconsin.