Combine Academy

Lincolnton, NC

Independent

4 players

Program Scout Report

Overview

Combine Academy has established itself as a prominent independent prep program in North Carolina, focusing on developing elite-level talent through intensive basketball training and college preparation. The program operates with a unique model that emphasizes both athletic development and academic flexibility for student-athletes seeking to maximize their recruiting exposure.

Coaching Staff

Head coach Jeff McInnis brings professional basketball experience to the program, having played in the NBA and overseas during his playing career. His firsthand knowledge of what it takes to compete at the highest levels translates into a development-focused coaching philosophy that emphasizes fundamentals, basketball IQ, and preparing players for the next level.

Player Development

The program has built a reputation for identifying and developing talent, with a track record of placing players at Division I programs across various conferences. Combine Academy's intensive training environment and competitive schedule provide players with extensive exposure to college coaches and scouts throughout the recruiting process.

Culture & Academics

The school maintains a basketball-centric environment with state-of-the-art training facilities designed specifically for player development. The academic program offers flexibility that allows student-athletes to focus heavily on their basketball preparation while meeting graduation requirements.

Recruiting Outlook

The current roster features strong depth with nationally ranked prospects like Yohance Connor and Lattimore Ford leading the 2026 class, while Preston Copeland and CJ Purdie provide veteran leadership in the 2025 class. The program continues to attract high-level talent seeking intensive development and recruiting exposure, positioning Combine Academy as a consistent pipeline for college basketball programs.

Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team

Coaching Staff

Jeff McInnis

Head Coach

Tenure: 6 years

Jeff McInnis brings a wealth of basketball experience to his role as head basketball coach at Combine Academy. A former University of North Carolina Tar Heel who played from 1993-1996, McInnis was selected 37th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets following his college career. McInnis has established himself as a prominent figure in North Carolina's basketball community through his dedication to developing young talent. In 2009, he founded the AAU organization Team Charlotte, where his exceptional coaching abilities earned him 17U National Coach of the Year honors in 2015. Since joining Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina in 2019, McInnis has transformed the program into a powerhouse. During his three-year tenure from 2019 to 2022, he compiled an impressive 81-15 overall record, including a notable 26-7 mark in the 2019-20 season. His success stems from his commitment to helping young basketball players develop their skills while building a winning culture that attracts top prospects to the program.