Stat Story: Cam Miles' surge, Zac Foster's know-how and more

November 29, 2023 by Max Feldman

Statistics certainly don't tell the full story, but they’re a big piece of the puzzle in evaluating trajectory. Often times, it’s the most instructive tool in terms of projecting what’s not there yet, but will be in time.

Here, I'll break down to what to make of the promising statistical indicators on four prospects from around the country, along with a few indicators potentially of concern on four different prospects. As with evaluation as a whole, the process is fluid. As the sample size grows, the worrisome indicators can be diminished. All analytics are from Synergy Sports.

TRENDING UP

- Cam Miles is rising fast, and the numbers back it

Buzz began to emerge this spring and summer with Miles as he paired up with Top-10 senior VJ Edgecombe on Southeast Elite. Now, Miles joins Edgecombe in the EYBL Scholastic, but out west with AZ Compass. On a roster with a number of known commodities with national rankings behind them, Miles is a new name for many but has quickly made his presence felt. Playing up with SE Elite, the 2025 G generated 12 points and nearly 5 assists on 47 - 43 - 92 shooting splits to go with 1 steal per game. In the best possible way, there's nothing too extra to Miles' game. He plays within himself, takes what the defense gives him, has fantastic defensive instincts, comfortable on or off the ball and makes quick decisions. Over the next month or so, I think Miles establishes himself as a high major prospect and a potential Top-150 guy in 2025.

- 2025 G Zac Foster is going to be a popular name soon

In a similar vein, Georgia native Zac Foster quietly put together a very nice summer and looks to be on the brink of a big leap. The 6-3 guard paired up with Top-60 junior Akai Fleming for the Atlanta Celtics, putting up a 16 PPG on 43% from the field and 40% from deep. But it's the way in which he did it, combined with his complementary skills, that have me bullish on his potential ascension. Along with the scoring output, Foster added over 6 rebounds and 2.5 stocks per game. There's an activity and engagement to his approach on both ends of the floor that popped through the film, and the box scores reflected that. It may sound overly simplified, but there aren't too many scoring guards, or prospects to that matter, who both really know how to play and really care. Foster, the younger brother of standout Furman guard Marcus Foster, looks to be just that.

- Chase Thompson is one to track heading into the spring

Throughout the Stat Story series thus far, I've discussed candidates to see their recruitments leap fast as 2025's become of focus. Thompson, a 6-7 two-sport athlete, fits the bill. This spring and summer with D1 Minnesota, he produced 1.10 PPP (82nd percentile) and brought immense value in a variety of ways on the offensive end. An exceptionally heady floor-spacer, and not just in the traditional ways as a shooter (36% on over 5 3PA per game and 40% on all contested looks), but also as a connector and playmaker. His resume as a shooter doesn't end there either, as he sunk 47% of his threes on over 7 3PA per game at the 15's level the year prior. Physical with strong ball skills, he showed to be more than willing to target mismatches and use his size to score around the rim or draw a double to open up an easy look for a teammate. Size, shot-making, smarts and physicality is an excellent recipe for a four man at the next level. Nebraska is the lone high major offer in the fold to this stage, but I think with another strong spring, Big Ten and Big 12 programs will be lining up.

- The eye test and the output check out with Kohl Rosario

Back to the well with Southeast Elite, Rosario displayed an exceptionally high skill level along with more to tap into with their 16s this summer. The 6-5 wing landed in the 99th percentile on open spot up looks, knocking down 40% of his threes in total on nearly 7 3PT per game. Ultra confident with a release that comes out the same every time, he's lights out with any semblance of time and space. As the sample size grew and sessions stacked up, his instincts shined as a cutter, connector and scorer attacking closeouts. A better athlete than advertised, there's plenty more to tap into as his handle grows in polish. Movement shooters with mature feel, pop and toughness don't grow on trees -- I'd expect his stock to grow quick on the recruitment trail over the next year.

MORE TO SHOW

- Next steps for Tristan Beckford