Fall tour: Word of God senior trio brought the coaches

Walk into Raleigh (NC) Word of God gymnasium, and you immediately see John Wall on the…well…wall. The former No. 1 overall player in the 2009 class, No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, and NBA All-Star is a graduate of the school.

A quick look around shows college coaches strewn throughout the stands. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes brought all three of his assistants. They were watching their prized four-star recruit Freddie Dilione. Barnes and Virginia head coach Tony Bennett joined Alabama’s Nate Oats to watch four-star recruit Davin Cosby. College of Charleston assistant Thomas Carr was also courtside to watch the Cougars’ most recent commitment, four-star Isaiah Coleman.

In all there were around 15 coaches in the stands from every level of D-I basketball to see the talent Word of God head coach Byron Williams was putting on the floor.

Everyone knows the big three, Cosby, Dilione, and Coleman. Each is ranked in On3’s top 100 and primed for big seasons. However, the team and the program is deeper than that.

Here are some names to watch on the 2022-2023 Holy Rams roster.

*2023 PF Mekhi Grant committed to Morehead State. Preston Spradlin brought two assistants with him and smiled from ear to ear the entire practice. The 6-foot-8 forward is wildly athletic, blocking shots and hanging out on the rim all day.

*2023 SF Truman Claytor Jacksonville State and San Diego were in today to watch the 6-foot-5 wing. Claytor is a dead-eye shooter with a sturdy frame and pure form.

*2025 SG Zion Collins is as talented as any player in the state, regardless of class. The sky is the limit for his upside if the explosive scoring guard can find consistency.

*2025 CG Trevor Best is a noted bucket-getter. A three-level scorer with confidence, he has a good burst off the bounce and a nice handle in the half-court.

*2024 C Zion Gardner, at 6-foot-9 he is a big-bodied post. He showed some burst at the rim, a couple of huge dunks, and soft passer-friendly hands.

While this year’s team will understandably be centered around the three senior guards, the program has solid depth. The two sophomores are on the verge of seeing their recruitment blow up. Claytor will be a priority D-I recruit, and Grant’s explosion will turn heads at every opportunity.