Combine Academy

Lincolnton, NC

Independent

4 players

Program Scout Report

Overview

Combine Academy, located in Lincolnton, NC, operates as an independent prep program and a recognized name on the national prep basketball landscape. Competing outside a traditional conference structure, the program builds its identity around a national-level schedule and the exposure that comes with it. Its place in prep basketball is that of a destination for players seeking a high-visibility platform to elevate their recruitment.

Coaching Staff

Jeff McInnis leads the program as head coach, bringing a playing background that carries credibility with prospects and families navigating the recruiting process. His approach emphasizes preparing players for the next level, both on the floor and in how they handle the demands of college basketball. McInnis sets the tone for a program that prioritizes accountability and player growth.

Player Development

Combine Academy is built around developing prospects for the college game, with the program serving as a bridge between high school and higher levels of competition. The current roster reflects that mission, featuring a group of ranked players across the 2025 and 2026 classes. Specific alumni outcomes are best verified through the program's placement history as it continues to build its track record.

Culture & Academics

Combine Academy offers a prep-focused environment in Lincolnton, NC, where basketball development is central to the student-athlete experience. The structure is designed to balance competition with the academic requirements players need to reach the next level.

Recruiting Outlook

The program currently tracks four prospects led by 2026 forward-ranked talents Yohance Connor (#137) and Lattimore Ford (#188), followed by 2025 prospects Preston Copeland (#341) and CJ Purdie (#386). Connor and Ford anchor the 2026 class and give the program a strong foundation for national recruiting attention. As an independent program, Combine Academy continues to position itself as a place where ranked talent can build exposure and chart a path to college basketball.

Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team

Coaching Staff

Jeff McInnis

Head Coach

Tenure: 6 years

Coach Jeff McInnis brings a wealth of basketball experience to Combine Academy, where he currently serves as head coach. A standout guard for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1993-1996, McInnis was a two-time All-ACC selection, leading his team to the NCAA Final Four in 1995. Following his collegiate career and NBA draft selection, McInnis established himself as a prominent figure in player development, founding the acclaimed Team Charlotte AAU program in 2009. His coaching philosophy centers on cultivating top prospects, evident in his impressive three-year tenure at Combine Academy from 2019-2022. During this time, he transformed the Goats into a national powerhouse, achieving an 81-15 overall record and a 26-7 mark in 2019-2020. McInnis's commitment to excellence and player growth continues to drive Combine Academy's success.