Clash of the Classes all-star game (West Coast)

Jed Tai
OregonPreps.com

If every Clash of the Classes all-star game in the future is like the first one, we are in for a treat in the years to come. In the high school contest held Saturday night at Lewis & Clark College, Team Washington used highlight reel dunks and dominant post play to build a lead, and survived a barrage of threes in a late rally by Team Oregon to pull out a thrilling 121-117 win. Josh Smith and Peyton Siva led the way for Team Washington with dominant performances on both ends of the court.


"It's bragging rights - we beat Oregon," Siva said. "We didn't really have practice and some of us guys had never played with each other. But we came out here and performed well."

On paper, the win by Washington certainly looked probable. Led by nationally ranked guards Siva, Abdul Gaddy, and Anthony Wroten Jr. - who all seemingly attacked the basket an converted at will - Washington started building a double-digit lead in the first half. But behind the play of Mike Moser and Terrence Jones, Team Oregon scratched back and got to within five, 61-56.

In the second half, Washington again surged ahead - and Smith in particular exerted his dominance. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound post was simply unstoppable under the basket offensively, grabbed every rebound on both ends, and made his presence felt as a shot-blocker on defense.

"I just tried to control the game," Smith said. "I knew they weren't going to shoot (around the basket) as long I was in the middle."

While Washington built a double digit lead in the second half, Oregon would once again storm back. With Jones unavailable due to cramps, Oregon spread the floor and got hot from three-point range and when Kyle Wiltjer sank a three with two minutes remaining, they had crept to within one, 110-109, and once again when Cameron McCaffrey converted on a drive, 112-111. Unfortunately that was as close as they could get as Washington hit enough free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Mike Moser did his best to keep Oregon competitive
Despite the fact they were not able to get the win, Oregon no doubt felt good about the fact they stayed right with the more heralded Washington team right until the end.

"I think it proves that it's not all about the names and all the ratings and stuff," McCaffrey said. "We were just a bunch of players that came together and we almost knocked them off. It was a great game and goes to show the kind of talent that's coming out of Oregon."

Smith led Washington with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and six blocked shots while Siva added 26 points and a team-high four assists. Both Wroten and Gaddy also hit the 20-point mark with 21 and 20 points respectively. Oregon was led by Moser with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots, and four steals. Jones added 22 points - 21 of which were in the first half - and Cody Hickey (15 points), Wiltjer (13), McCaffrey (12), Max Jacobsen (11), and Stephen Holt (10) all cracked double digits in scoring.

In the middle school contest, Team Oregon made a last minute comeback in regulation and used that momentum to carry on toward a 109-100 victory over Team Washington in overtime. Kameron Chatman hit a baseline jumper with just over a minute to play in extra time to break a 100-100 tie and Team Oregon never looked back.

HS GAME BOXSCORE

Oregon (117): Mike Moser 9-18 0-0 23, Terrence Jones 8-16 6-8 22, Jordan Railey 2-3 0-0 4, Stephen Holt 5-9 0-0 10, Kyle Wiltjer 5-12 0-2 13, Max Jacobsen 4-9 2-2 11, Cameron McCaffrey 4-10 2-4 12, Garrett Jackson 2-4 2-4 6, Cody Hickey 5-10 0-0 15, Jordan Tebbutt 0-2 0-0 0. Totals

Washington (121): Abdul Gaddy 8-18 4-5 20, Patrick Simon 3-5 0-0 6, Peyton Siva 10-14 7-7 28, Josh Smith 11-18 7-13 29, Anthony Wroten 8-14 5-6 21, Aaron Bright 2-4 0-0 4, Colton Christian 0-4 1-4 1, Cody Thurmond 1-1 0-0 2, Cole Dickerson 3-6 4-6 10. Totals

Halftime score: Washington 61, Oregon 56. Three-point Shooting: Oregon 16-38 (Hickey 5-9, Moser 5-10, Wiltjer 3-8, McCaffrey 2-7, Jacobsen 1-1, Jackson 0-1, Jones 0-2), Washington 2-15 (Dickerson 1-2, Siva 1-4, Bright 0-2, Wroten 0-2, Gaddy 0-5). Rebounds: Oregon 31 (Moser 12), Washington 47 (Smith 15). Assists: Oregon 14 (McCaffrey 6), Washington 11 (Siva 4).

Brandon Jennings Teammate Leaves Arizona University

Mother confirms the move; UA officials must still give him a release
By Bruce Pascoe
Arizona Daily Star

Freshman center Jeff Withey has decided to transfer from the Arizona Wildcats basketball program.
Withey's mother, Debbie, said the move is not finalized but otherwise declined to comment. UA interim head coach Russ Pennell said today only that he has turned the matter over to athletic director Jim Livengood. UA officials must give Withey a release from his scholarship.

The loss is significant for the Wildcats. Withey, a Top 50 high school prospect and the top-rated of UA’s remaining freshmen, would have at least been the first player rotated into the two post spots.

Junior forward Chase Budinger, who has worked out with Withey and personal trainer Trent Suzuki near San Diego, said Withey was probably considering his future career more than what might happen this year.

"Jeff would have got a lot of minutes playing here,” Budinger said after today’s Pac-10 media day in Los Angeles. “He probably would have been a starter. It’s just too bad he made that decision to leave.”

On Wednesday, after Withey did not show up for a practice, Pennell said he and Withey are “working through some things.” He declined additional comment but said he addressed transfers to the Wildcat players at practice.

“What I told the guys in there: Whoever’s here is who we’re going to coach, and we march on,” Pennell said. “It’s all you can do. Whoever puts on that red, white and blue, that’s who’s with me.”

Withey was not available for comment but indicated last week, in the wake of former coach Lute Olson’s abrupt retirement, that he was thinking about a sudden move. He said only that “I’m at Arizona now.”

Withey’s impending departure means three of the Wildcats’ original four 2008 recruits will never play for the Wildcats. Forward Emmanuel Negedu was released from his letter-of-intent last June and enrolled at Tennessee, while guard Brandon Jennings opted for Italy last July.

"Lebron Walker"

Our Savior New American Freshman Lebrent Walker, showing you how to climb a 6'7 defender at the Jim Couch "Rising Freshman Game" at JFK High School in the Bronx NY (Sponsored by Bounce Magazine)

Kenny Boynton Committs to Florida

Five-star guard Boynton commits to UF basketball
By Kevin BrockwayStaff writer

With the help of a dart gun and some dogged summer pursuit, Florida landed one of the prized basketball recruits of the 2009 class.


Kenny Boynton made an oral commitment to Florida on Thursday night, adding a potential impact guard to the 2009 roster.

Boynton is the seventh-rated prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, and the second-rated shooting guard in the 2009 class.

“I think more than any kid in his class, Kenny Boynton moves the train ahead in terms of winning,” said Scout.com national recruiting analyst Dave Telep. “There are very few sure things in terms of recruiting. Kenny Boynton is like holding the winning lottery ticket.”
Boynton, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard from the Fort Lauderdale area, made the decision four days after his official visit to Florida.

He chose the Gators over Duke, Georgia Tech and Texas.

“It feels good to get it over with,” Boynton said. “Now I can just concentrate on my senior season in high school, on getting better. I have a close relationship with Coach (Billy) Donovan. On my visit, the players and coaches, they just made me feel like family.”
Donovan added an unconventional twist during Boynton’s home visit. During the visit, the Florida coach brought a dart gun, and said that Boynton could shoot him in the chest if he felt like he talked about recruiting too much.

“He slipped up maybe once or twice, but other than that, we talked about a lot of stuff off the court,” Boynton said. “It showed that he cared about me as a person, not just as a basketball player.”

Boynton said the Florida coaching staff’s presence during the July recruiting period also played a role in his decision. Either Donovan or one of UF assistants attended nearly every single one of Boynton’s summer-league games.

“That helped a lot,” Boynton said. “Before then, Florida wasn’t really on my radar.”
Boynton’s commitment ranks with Mike Miller, Kwame Brown and David Lee in terms of the highest-profile recruits in Florida history. All three took different paths, but are currently in the NBA. Brown never made it to campus, declaring for the NBA draft in 2001 before the league instituted its 19-year-old age restriction. Miller left UF for the NBA draft after his sophomore season, and Lee stayed for all four years before being drafted late in the first round by the New York Knicks.

Asked how long he intends to stay on campus, Boynton replied: “Whatever if takes to get better. If it takes four years, it takes four years. Right now, I don’t see myself staying for more than two years, but we’ll see.”

However long Boynton stays, he projects to help Florida right away. Boynton is capable of playing off the ball or at point guard. He’s a streaky shooter with deep range, who is not afraid to take shots with the game on the line. Boynton also uses his strong upper body to his advantage as a tough on-the-ball defender.

“Billy is going to have confidence drawing plays up for him at the end of the game,” Telep said. “I think when you look at him coming in, with the young big guys they have and with the possibility of Nick Calathes coming back, you’re talking about a team that could make more national title runs.”

Playing at Florida also is a homecoming of sorts for Boynton, who has members on his father’s side of the family that live in the Ocala area.

“I’m looking forward to playing games in front of them,” Boynton said.
Boynton joins 6-foot-11 forward Erik Murphy and 6-foot-9 forward DeShawn Painter in what projects to be a third straight strong recruiting class. All three are expected to sign binding letters of intent next month.

Real Scout's Charlie Villanueva Scores 20pts in Bucks Victory

Courtesy of ESPN
OKLAHOMA CITY -- A block party filled the street with fans in blue Oklahoma City Thunder shirts. NBA commissioner David Stern walked to midcourt and welcomed the city to the league. A banner was unfurled with the team's new logo.

Then the ball was tipped off and the celebration promptly ended.

Michael Redd, Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva each scored 20 points and the Milwaukee Bucks gave Oklahoma City's sellout crowd little hope about by spoiling the Thunder's debut with a 98-87 win on Wednesday night.

The Bucks were in control from the start, taking their first double-digit lead by the midway point of the first quarter, and they gave the 19,136 in attendance little to cheer about until it was too late.

"We had to come out hitting. That was the whole goal tonight was to come out fast," Redd said. "We knew we were in a hostile environment."

Oklahoma City started 2-for-12 from the field and never led, falling behind 20-9 and then watching Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant come out of the game with early foul trouble.

Even when he returned, it didn't make a difference. Durant was held scoreless in the first half, and instead it was Redd that broke through first.

Coming off a 30-point performance a night earlier, Redd hit his first 3-pointer and then stole the ball from Durant for a fast-break layup during a 10-1 run that pushed the Bucks' lead to 39-21.

By then, any electricity from the crowd had been turned off.

"We were just hoping that if they were playing on a lot of emotion early in the game that we'd be able to weather it," said Bucks coach Scott Skiles, who got his first win with his new team. "And they were. I think that probably sometimes these kind of events can weigh on the home team a little bit also and we were able to take advantage of it."

Andrew Bogut added 14 points and Bell scored 11 for Milwaukee. Villanueva also had 12 rebounds.

Chris Wilcox led Oklahoma City with 15 points off the bench, first-round pick Russell Westbrook scored 13 in his debut and Durant finished with 12 on 5-for-14 shooting.

"I thought the atmosphere was definitely great," Wilcox said. "We had a lot of fans here, fan support, and I think if we get that night in and night out, a lot of games that we struggle, down the stretch we will come out with."

The Thunder had too big of a deficit for their excitable crowd to really play a factor.

Jefferson, Redd and Villanueva each hit 3-pointers early in the second half as the Bucks had little trouble against a Thunder defense that was the fourth-worst in the league last season. The lead grew to 71-47 after Villanueva scored off the Bucks' fourth offensive rebound of the same possession and then he and Jefferson combined to hit four free throws.

Westbrook got Oklahoma City within 90-79 when he capped a 20-8 run with a 3-pointer from the right wing with 5:11 remaining, but Redd scored an easy layup underneath sparked a seven-point spurt that put the game away for Milwaukee.

"For one night at least, it came together well for us," Skiles said.

Johan Petro had the Thunder's first official shot with a missed jumper from the left wing, and Bogut made the first basket of the game, 39 seconds in. Earl Watson had Oklahoma City's first points on a layup 13 seconds later.

The Thunder had a hard act to follow. When the Hornets were displaced from New Orleans three years ago, they came through with an unexpected 93-67 rout of the Sacramento Kings in the first NBA game in Oklahoma City.

A repeat performance didn't happen after a contentious relocation out of Seattle by the SuperSonics.

"The excitement of opening night, I thought, caused our slow start offensively," Thunder coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "We didn't play like we were capable of playing and that is a shame."

Game notes Gov. Brad Henry and former Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer were among those joining Thunder chairman Clay Bennett in front row seats. ... Graham Colton, the quarterback on New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker's high school team in Oklahoma City, performed the national anthem. ... Former Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson, who left the Sooners for an ill-fated stint at Indiana, is an assistant with the Bucks. ... Carlesimo said C Mouhamed Sene could be cleared by doctors Friday and be available to play Saturday at Houston.

"Students dismissed for Racist Slurs at Quinnipiac"

Courtesy of Associated Press
From left, Charles Merritt of Maine, 18; Emily Loschiavo of Vermont, 19; and Courtney Stellwag of New York, 19, were arrested and dismissed from Quinnipiac University on Wednesday after an investigation into the racial harassment of three basketball players. Police say Merritt, a freshman, was a roommate of two of the players and knew the third. He was charged with intimidation based on bigotry and bias. The women were charged with harassment.

HAMDEN -- -- Three Quinnipiac University students were arrested and dismissed from the school Wednesday after an investigation into the racial harassment of three basketball players.

Police said that Charles Merritt, 18, of Maine, made threatening and harassing phone calls to the African American players. Emily Loschiavo of Vermont and Courtney Stellwag of New York, both 19, are accused of making a harassing call to a resident assistant at a Quinnipiac dorm.

Police said that Merritt, a freshman, was a roommate of two of the players and knew the third. He was charged with intimidation based on bigotry and bias. The women were charged with harassment.

E-mail messages seeking comment were left with all three students.

Hamden Police Capt. Ronald Smith said that the phone calls were made early Monday, several days after slurs were discovered on poster and cork boards outside the dorm rooms of three players.

Smith said that the written slurs included a racial epithet and a drawing of a Nazi swastika, and the phone calls contained similar racial overtones.

The school has not identified the players involved and a spokesman for the athletic department declined to comment, citing the police investigation.

Rudy King takes over as Loughlin's varsity boys basketball coach

By Kristie Ackert
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Thursday, October 30th 2008, 12:44 AM

It may seem like Rudy King does not have a long time to prepare to take over as the Loughlin varsity boys basketball coach since he was picked to replace Khalid Green just Wednesday afternoon.

The New York product, however, has been getting ready for the last five years.

"You know when you are the junior varsity coach, you try and get better at your craft so that one day you are ready when you get your shot," said King, the JV coach the past five seasons. "I am so excited about this opportunity. I am really looking forward to it."

King, 44, will officially take over Saturday when the Lions hold tryouts. His first practice will be Nov.2.

King, a graduate of Bowie State University , came to Loughlin with Green six years ago. He served as the varsity B and junior varsity coach as well as an assistant to Green, who left earlier this month to take a scouting position with the Nets.

"They're getting someone who can lead this team and is very detail oriented," Green said. "I think he'll take them one step further."

Green is referring to the Lions' run to the CHSAA semifinals last season. Loughlin had been last in the league in 2006-07, but turned it around in a year and won the top seed in the Brooklyn - Queens division.

The Lions lost talented sophomore guard Doron Lamb , who averaged 22 points a game for them last year, when he transferred to Oak Hill Academy over the summer. Kevin Phillip and James Johnson both graduated from last year's team, but have junior power forward Jayvaughn Pinkston returning.

"I am hoping that the guys can make a quick transition," King said. "We have good group back and I think Khalid and I have the same values so that will help."

King said that he'd like to use more pressure defense and also implement more of a fast break-focused offense.

"I am a fundamentals guy, so I will focus a lot on that," King said. "We'll build everything off the fundamentals."

USC's DeRozan Stands Out

Picture (Courtesy of SportsIllustrated)

The Press-Enterprise

USC freshman DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points to lead the Gold team to a 90-74 victory over the Cardinal team at the annual Cardinal and Gold Scrimmage on Sunday at Galen Center.

Juniors Daniel Hackett and Taj Gibson added 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the Gold team while freshman Leonard Washington led the Cardinal team with 20 points.

DeRozan had 13 first-half points on 4-for-6 shooting from the floor and 5 of 5 from the line to lead the Gold team to a 44-27 lead at the break.

The Cardinal squad mounted a late comeback in the second half as 7-foot redshirt freshman Mamadou Diarra had 12 of his 16 points and eight of his 12 rebounds after halftime to cut the margin to 75-65 with 4:45 to go, but that was as close as it would get.

Diarra along with a pair of 6-9 junior post players, North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson (14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks) and Gibson (16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks) all posted double-doubles.

DeRozan, a 2008 McDonald's All-American, scored his 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting and added three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

In addition to his 18 points for the Gold team, Hackett grabbed eight rebounds, had five assists and three steals.

Also scoring in double fi gures in the game for the Gold team were senior forward Keith Wilkinson with 11 and redshirt freshman James Dunleavy with 10 points.

Sophomore transfer guard Donte Smith had eight points and two assists and freshman guard Percy Miller had four points, four rebounds and two steals for the Cardinal team.

USC will host Azusa Pacific in an exhibition game at Galen Center on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and then open the regular season against UC Irvine on Nov. 15 in the Galen Center at 12:30 p.m.

2008 Euroleague Gameday 1 (Brandon Jennings Watch)

By Simon Dresden
NBADraft.net

Brandon Jennings (Roma) made his much awaited Euroleague debut against Alba Berlin. He held his own, making some shots in 22 minutes but wasn’t a difference maker this time. His stat line included (3-7 from 3) (3-9 fg overall from the floor) 9 points, 0 assists, 2 rebs, 1 steal and 1 turnover.

While Europe's style of game won't allow him to easily showcase himself, it will likely be a valuable learning experience for him in the long run. He showed some promise nonetheless and clearly can play at this level.

Gaddy commits to Huskies

Written By DAN RALEY
P-I REPORTER

Abdul Gaddy Jr., considered one of the nation's elite high school point guards and an elusive recruit for the Washington basketball team, finally said yes to the Huskies, giving them a huge talent breakthrough.

The 6-foot-3 player from Tacoma's Bellarmine Preparatory School twice committed to Arizona and backed out, each time over coaching upheaval, with Lute Olson's sudden resignation Thursday ending the process with the Wildcats.

On Tuesday about 8 p.m., Gaddy called Washington coach Lorenzo Romar and committed to him, in the process doing what few five-star recruits have done -- reject UCLA.

"He was excited," said Gaddy, who sounded drained when reached by phone late Tuesday. "This was the third time. He got over the hump."

The state's player of the year as a junior last season, Gaddy was at the top of many a recruiter's wish list. He averaged 26 points and 7 assists per game for a 25-4 team that advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals before losing to eventual champion Ferris. He averaged 20 points an outing as a sophomore.

Gaddy appeared destined for Arizona, a basketball school he had long admired. He committed a year ago, but withdrew that promise after the program became muddled under Kevin O'Neill, an interim coach for Olson, who had medical and marital issues to resolve.

Convinced things would return to order when Olson returned, Gaddy cast his lot with the Wildcats once more, only to pull out when Olson resigned.

"It was my dream school," Gaddy said. "My heart was with them."

Washington put on a fullcourt press from the beginning, with fellow Tacoman Isaiah Thomas, a touted freshman guard for the Huskies, and former UW players such as Brandon Roy lobbying hard for him to stay home.

"Isaiah is like a brother to me -- we worked out all summer and he was always in my ear," Gaddy said.

"Brandon Roy, Jamal Crawford and Will Conroy, I heard from those guys a lot, too. I felt like I needed to stay home and go to the league (NBA) from the U-Dub."

Said Bellarmine Prep coach Bernie Salazar, "I'm real happy for Abdul and coach Romar and his staff. I think he'll do real well under the direction of coach Romar."

Gaddy joins a four-player UW class, now complete, that no doubt will receive a national ranking from the various recruiting experts. Other players committed are power forward Clarence Trent, formerly of Gig Harbor High and now Findlay Prep School in Henderson, Nev.; power forward Charles Garcia of San Francisco City College; and shooting guard C.J. Wilcox of Pleasant Grove High in Pleasant Grove, Utah. They'll make it official with signed letters of intent turned in early next month.

It seems UCLA and coach Ben Howland never got a long look from Gaddy.

"Those are California guys, and I'm a Washington guy," the confident Gaddy said, listing the Bruins' latest guard recruits. "UCLA is a great school and tough to pass up. I could see myself in a UCLA jersey. But I realized I had to come home.

"I'll give it two to three years before I go off the NBA and let my parents see me play, and then I'll be crisscrossing the country."

Justin J. Leemow "The People's Champ" Vol. 3

What's up yall. Now the season and games have kicked off for many school's. But our first game is November 4th against west Florida at 7pm. That will be my first college game.

I know most yall thinking like yea he nervous. I'm just going to go out and play ball, play hard, and lead my team to victory the best way I know how to.

But there is no reason to be nervous. I have been playing this sport for a long time.

But if you check all these big east poll's they got us finishing dead last in the big east, and not even making the tournament.
Its funny because sometimes it doesnt matter. The work you put in and as team you still arent going to get credit for it so, now we're just going to go out there and play hard every night and prove all these critics wrong.

Proving people wrong is the best thing that we could do. People are going to make seem like they been behind us. But this whole college experience has been going good.

I just got to keep going hard. But I'm on way to the gym we got practice at 4 but I'm going to get some extra shot's in right now.

So ya'll continue to work hard out there. The next time ya here from me.

I will have played two exhibition games already. And rest in peace. DOC {broncos }...
JUSTIN J. LEEMOW#10

R.I.P Doc

Basketball lifer Doc Nicelli dies
BY MITCH ABRAMSON
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, October 25th 2008, 10:58 AM

Paul (Doc) Nicelli, an adored basketball lifer who established one of the earliest AAU programs in New York City in 1964 and was known for helping unsung, embattled players into college, died Friday afternoon at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan from symptoms related to bladder cancer. He was 70, and was still discussing the finer points of basketball as recently as Thursday while watching a segment on the Knicks' training camp on the TV in his hospital room.

"He was heavily sedated but he was pointing at the television when the Knicks came on," said his bother-in-law, Joe Sigismondi, who was an assistant for Nicelli on the Student-Athlete Broncos AAU team. "He was in a daze all day but when he saw the basketball up there, it woke him right up. I don't know anyone else who would do that."

A retired social worker, Nicelli coached hundreds of high school kids who went on to play for at Division I colleges and 22 who made it to the NBA, including former University of Pittsburgh star Carl Krauser, perhaps one of his greatest reclamation projects, and 76ers center Samuel Dalembert.

Nicelli was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in April of 2007 and underwent surgery three months later. Doctors removed his bladder, prostate gland and two lymph nodes, and fashioned a bladder from his small intestine in a 12-hour procedure that kept him holed up for more than a week at Mount Sinai.

Two weeks later, Nicelli developed an infection that landed him back in the hospital for another five days. Despite substantial weight loss, Nicelli was back on the court in early October of 2007, supervising practices at IS 10 in Astoria and napping on a locker-room bench.

However, he hadn't been in the gym since July of this year, when a cancerous lymph node was found on his back. The subsequent chemotherapy and rehab further weakened him and caused significant weight loss.

When Sigismondi went to Nicelli's Astoria home to watch the Giants play last Sunday, he noticed that Nicelli was coughing nonstop. After refusing medical attention (but still finding the energy to praise Eli Manning), Nicelli finally agreed to go to the hospital at 11 p.m. He was diagnosed with pneumonia.

"He was truly a wonderful person," said Sonny Vaccaro, who first met Nicelli in the late 1980s and founded the renowned ABCD Camp in Teaneck, N.J. "I mean, here's a guy who was truly dedicated to the kids. What he did in that small area of New York can't be matched. He served those kids whether they made it to the pros or college or not. He was just a good guy."

Eddie Griffen Challenge (EGC) Part II

Written By: Nathan Blue

In the second game The Team of "Brotherly Love" outlasted the New Jersey Junior All State squad in Overtime with a score of 98-93.

Here are some profiles of the Top Juniors at the EGC.

Marcus Kennedy 6'8 Apex Academies (PA)- Kennedy was the best post player in the game. Kennedy used his strength and excellent big man "IQ" to score and rebound better than anybody not named, Derrick Williams. Kennedy upside is tremendous. The only knock on his game was free-throw shooting.

Isiah Epps 6'0 Plainfield (NJ)- Watching Isiah play so many times in the last three years, he's another player who didn't have his best performance. Epps is still one of the nations best point guards. He nailed a long 3pter, but with the crazy sub patterns never seemed to really get into any flow.


Rakeem Brookins 5'11 Roman Catholic (PA)- Quick guard, who is very athletic. He was last years mvp and played solidly this game throughout. Has a lot of skills and a strong frame for a guard of his height. Finished with 18pts, 5 rebs, and 1 assts

Mike Poole 6'6 St. Benedictls (NJ)- Finished the game with 9pts 5 rebounds. Two of his points came off an in traffic slam, while the other 2 was a shake and bake spin move. Always a underrated player, Poole showed that he isn't one of the better juniors in New Jersey but is one of the better juniors in the Nation.

Dominic Morris 6'7 Friends Central HS (PA)- Finally starting to play strong. Morris is physically bigger than most his defenders. I've had the chance to watch Morris play 8 times this summer and can honestly say, he's really getting better every event.

Shaquille Thomas 6'7 Montclair (NJ)- Thomas is simply put an Athlete. Everything from rebounding, to scoring has an athletic flair to it. Thomas played center for most of the day and didn't really excelled in that role. But, he had a nice coast to coast drive and a very impressive block on the defensive end. Sky's the limit for Thomas, or better yet, maybe the limit is the sky for him.

Aaron Brown 6'5 St. Benedict's (NJ)- Slowly moving up recruiters charts. Brown needs to continue his offensive play of late. I think Brown is going to be a real good college player at the right level.


Fuquan Edwin 6'5 Patterson Catholic (NJ)- I may have never mentioned Edwin on my site. But, he's a great "Baseline" player. Scoring 10ts in the EGC, I've been impressed with him for about 2yrs now.

Derrick Williams 6'6 St. Anthony's (NJ)- One of two players to have a double double. Williams was the MVP of the losing NJ Squad. Williams did his normal duty, layups, and offensive glass work. The ball didn't get worked into the post at all, so I'm not sure what moves he has on the block.

Tyrone Garland 6'1 John Bartman HS (PA)- Was one of the keys in bringin Philly back. A real good scorer, I'm surprised that he was only held to 16pts. Garland is a high IQ shooting guard.

Jayon James 6'5 Patterson Catholic (NJ)- 7pts, 5 rebs, and 1steal. Played a great tempo game, made all the right passes, but missed 3 free throws in a row which could have sealed the game. James was one of the games best passers and creators.


I didn't get a chance to watch the senior game, which Philly won to complete the 3 game sweep 91-90.

Eddie Griffen Challenge (EGC) Part I

Written By: Nathan Blue

The Barn at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus, was the site for the 2008 Eddie Griffin Challenge. New Jersey and Philadelphia's best ballers in the 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade play against each other in a Bragging Rights/Exposure Event.

This years event was played out a nice size crowd, I would say about 300-500 people. I'm not good at guessing crowd sizes, could have been way more. Now, in the history of the EGC there's never been a clean sweep of either side, well until this year.

Played in front of the nations top scouts, Clark Francis (Hoopscoop Editor), Dave Telep (Scout.com), Tom Konchalski (HSBI), Jay Gomes (NJhoops.com/Rivals.com) and Allen Rubin (Philly's Hoopscoop Editor).

EGC event sponsors included Playaz Club Basketball, Reebok, Vitamin Water, and Under Armor.

The NJ Sophomore Team came out tentative, and Philly was the aggressor. When the smoke cleared, NJ played a great final three minutes, but still ended up taking a 93-85 loss to Philly.

Here are some profiles of the Top Soph's at the EGC.

Juanya Green 6'2 Carroll HS (PA)- Left, right, spin, shake, in and out, hop step. That's Green's game, very hard to contain, a stronger guard who's built like a senior. Green scored 18pts and was the games MVP.


Tyrone Johnson 6'2 Plainfield (NJ)-Played very well, and wasn't backing down from any of the Philadelphia defenders. He came off the bench in the second unit, but this two sport player (Football QB), showed he's a d1 talent on the court too.


John Johnson 6'1 Girard College HS (PA)- I played ball, so I know a person's strengths and weaknesses. But, its seemed as though nobody could force J.J. to his weak hand. John's smooth and effortless game, stood out above most of the rest in this game.


Myles Davis 6'2 St. Peter's Prep (NJ)- scored 24pts in the contest. Davis is turning into a very solid scorer. Scoring half of his points on 3pters. Davis has impressed me in every game he's played this fall.

Shawn Oakman 6'8 Pennwood HS (PA)- Oakman started the game off well. He knocked down a nice jumper and played solidly on the offensive and defensive glass.


Khalid Lewis El 6'2 Trenton Catholic (NJ)- Mr. Hustle was running around the court, rebounds, blocking shots, diving for loose balls, and scoring. This kid left his heart out there on the court. Khalid played as if it were the NBA Finals Game 7. (7pts, 6steals, 5 assts)

Desmon Hubert 6'8 New Egypt HS (NJ) - Hubert is finally back, I haven't had a chance to watch him play since Spring Fling. He's maturing into a nice athletic big man. Didn't really take over the game when needed, but he's dripping with talent.


Sterling Gibbs 5'10 Seton Hall Prep (NJ)- Gibbs missed a lot of layups to begin the game off with. But was steady trying to be aggressive. Gibbs finished the game with 19pts. Four of the 19 fourth quarter moves were serious big time lay-ins.

Aquil Younger 6'0 West Catholic HS- Reminded me a lot of Sean Singletary. Didn't really have a big big game, but was very effective on both ends of the court.

Jalen Bond 6'6 Plymouth Whitemarsh HS (PA)- looked like a killer in the layup line, but played a little out of position in the game and still scored a dozen points. Played well ve the NJ post men, and was the key behind Philly's fast break attack.

Myles Mack 5'8 Patterson Catholic (NJ)- Mack has had better games than today. Luckily, I've seen him on his best and worst. So today was a average game for the Patterson Catholic guard. He's in he crossroads of being a scoring point guard and a passing point guard. My guess is he'll probably be a scoring pg, and a big scoring pg as he develops physically.

Funsport Junior Pros Preseason Concludes (Written By: Tippy Mcternan)

After three weeks of preseason workouts, lectures roster-building and games, the regular season of the Funsport Junior Pros tournament will tip-off this Sunday, November 2nd at Jefferson HS.

The 24-team field, which includes virtually all of the city's top AAU programs, has been grouped into four pools of six teams for the regular season. The top four finishers in each pool will then advance to a single-elimination playoff round that will conclude on Championship Sunday, December 21st.

Highlights and observations from the final day of the Junior Pros preseason: This fall's tournament appears to be a wide-open affair with many contenders among the 24 teams but none that are truly dominant. In fact, no team went undefeated during the three weeks of preseason games.

The last unbeaten team was the NJ Pirates, who dropped a 49-48 decision in three overtimes to Starrett City when Starrett's Thomas Holley put back an offensive rebound with 50 seconds left in the third OT.

The Gauchos also had a close one for their first loss, falling 35-34 to New Heights-Red when Tyler Wilson missed the front end of a one-and-one with 0:00.5 on the clock.

Jordan Washington showed his dominant inside presence, scoring 16 points with 16 boards for the Panthers in a 37-28 triumph over previously-unbeaten New Heights-Red.

Other double-double performers: Jermaine Lawrence, Wildcats (20 points, 14 rebounds); Terrance Samuels, Brooklyn Ballers-A (15 points, 10 rebounds); Davon Ragin, NY Patriots (13 points, 12 rebounds); Rakwan Kelly, NJ Pirates (13 points, 12 rebounds)

Abdu-Allah Torrence (Thurgood Marshall Academy) and Dwayne "Tiny" Morton (Lincoln HS) were on hand as guest lecturers.

Dwayne Foreman displayed a sweet three-point stroke while dropping 18 points for the Metrohawks in a 43-35 loss to New Heights-Blue.

Ethan Telfair (16 points) and Shaquille Davis (15 points) were a solid 1-2 punch for the Assassins in a 57-22 romp over Kings of the Court.

The LI Lightning received 18 points from Jonathan Severe and 11 points from Jason Boswell in a 33-28 victory over Almighty Force.

Reynaldo Walters "Follow the Leader"

Renaldo Walters has finally found a home. After attending Molloy High School and a brief stint at Rice High School in Harlem. Walters has settled into Cardozo for good.

Going into his second season at Cardozo High School. The 5'10 11th grade point guard, will be the general behind Legendary Coach Ron Naclerio's uptempo offense.

The younger brother of Hofstra University and Robeson alumni Danny Walker. Walters doesn't have the 6'6 frame of Walker. But what he lacks in height he makes up for in heart and passion.

Constantly overlooked, Reynaldo is the most important piece to Cardozo having a shot at ending Lance Stephenson's "Four for Four" campaign at Lincoln High School.

Walters is known around NYC and the nation as a passer. With his new added strength, Walters has been finishing around the basket with force. He's also been knocking down jumpers on a regular basis.

As I like to say "You can't Hide Talent." Reynaldo Walters is living proof of that statement. Keep sleeping on arguably NYC's best pg. Trust me he's going to surprise a lot of people this season.

KUsports.com - Xavier Henry involved in car accident

Xavier Henry involved in car accident
Prep standout suffers fractured cheekbone
J-W Staff Reports Kusport.com

Oklahoma City — Xavier Henry, Rivals.com’s No. 3-rated high school basketball player nationally, was injured in a car accident Wednesday in the Oklahoma City area.

Xavier’s dad, Carl Henry, told CBSsportline.com that his son suffered a fractured cheekbone that will keep him sidelined at least two weeks. CBSsportsline.com reported that Xavier will have surgery on his face when swelling subsides and will wear a protective mask during games this season.

Carl Henry said Xavier, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Putnam City High, “was feeling OK” while resting in the hospital.

Later, Xavier’s mom, Barbara Adkins, told the Daily Oklahoman her son had been released from the hospital. She would not elaborate on her son’s injuries.

The Daily Oklahoman reported that Henry — who will attend either Kansas University or Memphis on a basketball scholarship — was driving a vehicle occupied by three other Putnam City students Wednesday afternoon. The students were on their way to an elementary school as part of a leadership program, Putnam City coach A.D. Burtschi told the Oklahoman.

He was the only student involved in the accident taken to the hospital, Burtschi told the Oklahoman.

“Forget about recruiting. We just hope he and the other students involved are OK,” KU coach Bill Self told the Journal-World on Wednesday night.

Dan Wolken of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Xavier’s brother, Memphis freshman C.J. Henry, left practice “in a hurry” Wednesday to return to Oklahoma City to be with his brother. C.J. is out until late December because of a broken foot.

Carl Henry on Wednesday morning told Rivals.com that Xavier and family members would meet on Friday night to discuss Xavier’s college options. They hoped to announce a college choice next week. This was before the accident took place.

“We just need to sit down as a family and talk. I really have no idea what Xavier is going to do. It’s going to be his decision,” Carl Henry told Rivals.com hours before the accident.

Ballers stick together

Vote for Barack Obama, this choice is as simple and smooth as his form.

The Puerto Rican Prince

Jamel Fuentes is a capable point guard. He's capable of scoring, he's capable of defending, he's capable of winning a CHSAA Title this year.

Fuentes is a 6'1 16 year old senior at Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. One of the most unknown guards in New York City. Fuentes plays the game like a young professional. Season Highs of 19pts and 7 assts at Bishop Loughlin and 17pts against Molloy last season, don't show his full worth.

Fuentes showed his leadership and scoring skills playing for Real Scout Express in the Las Vegas Summer Championships in July.

A Late arrival to the event, Fuentes is a coach out on the floor and a leader in the huddle.

Fuentes also leads in the classroom with a 88average and a 1100 SAT Score.

Hearing from LIU, Manhattan, Hofstra and, NJIT expect more schools taking notice of Fuentes play at season workouts, tournaments, and league play.

RealScout.net will keep you informed of Fuentes college situation as the season progresses.

THE METRO CLASSIC ALL-STAR GAME (This Sunday!)

Pictured: Jayvaughn Pinkston

THE METRO CLASSIC ALL-STAR GAME
Theodore Thomas
Director Of Media Relations 

The rosters are set, and the countdown has begun for the start of the 2008 Metro Classic High School All-Star Games, which this year will raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation and the
Howie Frajberg Medical Research Foundation. 

The very best boys and girls high school basketball players from New York City, Long Island, and Westchester come together annually in the traditional kick-off to the high school basketball season, a fierce battle for Metro Area bragging rights.

Both the boys and girls rosters are filled with future D1 players, many of them talented enough to end up playing professionally one day. It really is a special game, made even more special because the proceeds will go to two deserving charities. This year's games are being held at the famous Island Garden in West Hempstead, and will be played this coming Sunday, October 26th.

Come join us for some high level basketball, and bring your family, friends, and teammates too! The girl's game starts at 12 noon, and the boy's at 3:30pm. Tickets are $10 for one game, or $15 for both. See you there!

NEW YORK CITY BOY'S ALL-STAR TEAM
Anton Dickenson, Boys and Girls, Sr. 6'2 Guard  
Sean Johnson, Christ the King, Sr. 6'0 Guard  
James Padgett, Lincoln, Sr. 6'8 Forward
Jayvaughn Pinkston, B. Loughlin, Jr. 6'7 Forward
Lamont Samuell, Boys and Girls, Sr. 6'4 Guard  
Durand Scott, Rice, Sr. 6'4 Guard  
Russ Smith, Archbishop Molloy, Sr. 6'0 Guard  
Keith Spellman, Thomas Jefferson, Sr. 6'2 Guard
Lance Stephenson, Lincoln, Sr. 6'6 Guard  
Deshaun Wiggins, Wings Academy, Jr. 6'1 Guard
Chaz Williams, Bishop Ford, Sr. 5'9 Guard
Joel Wright, Thomas Jefferson, Jr. 6'6 Forward

SUBURBAN BOY'S ALL-STAR TEAM
George Beamon, Sr. 6'4 Guard, Roslyn
Paul Bilbo, Sr. 6'8 Forward, St. Dominic
Justin Brown, Sr. 6'4 Guard, Uniondale
John Calerco, Sr. 6'1 Guard, New Rochelle
Ryan Creighton, Sr. 6'3 Guard, Greenport
Josh Elbaum, Sr. 6'4 Guard, St. John T. Baptist
Jordan Lissane, Sr. 5'10 Guard, Mt. Vernon
Josh Malone, Sr. 6'4 Guard, Deer Park
JJ Moore, Jr. 6'5 Forward, Brentwood
Kamil Parcych, Jr. 6'3 Guard, Lindenhurst
Andre Pope, Sr. 6'3 Guard, Iona Prep
Brian Voelkel, Sr. 6'3 Guard, Iona Prep
PJ Walters, Sr. 6'0 Guard, St. Dominic
Ralph Watts, Sr. 6'6 Forward, Peekskill
Sherod Wright, Sr. 6'6 Guard, Mt. Vernon

NEW YORK CITY GIRL'S ALL-STAR TEAM
Taylor Burner, Christ the King, Sr. 6'4 Center
China Crosby, Manhattan Center, Sr. 5'4'' Guard  
Cece Dixon, Murry Bergtraum, Jr. 5'4' Guard  
Mariel Duryea, Archbishop Molloy, Jr. 5'5 Guard
Ariel Edwards, Christ the King, Jr. 6'2 Forward  
Kelly Guerriero, Archbishop Molloy, Jr. 5'9 Guard  
Sabrina Jeridore, Francis Lewis, Jr. 6'4 Center  
Jennifer  O'Neill, St. Michaels Acad, Jr. 5'4" Guard  
Doris Ortega, Murry Bergtraum, Jr. 5'10 Forward  
Jelleah Sidney, St. Michaels Acad, Jr. 6'1" Forward
Bria Smith, Christ The King, So. 5'10 Guard  
Simone Victor, Grand St Campus, Sr. 5'5 Guard  
Tahira  Johnson, Christ the King, Sr. 6'1 Forward  

SUBURBAN GIRL'S ALL-STAR TEAM
Sophia Aleksandravicius, Holy Child, Sr. 6'4 Fwd Maggie Blair, Briarciff Manor, Sr. 5'7 Guard  
Kristen Doherty, Sachem East , Jr. 5' 10 Guard  
Stefanie Dolson, Minisink Valley,  Jr. 6'5 Center  
Gabrielle Gibson,  Copiague, Sr. 5'6 Guard  
Terry Green, Holy Trinity, Sr. 6'0 Forward
Bria Hartley, North Babylon, Jr. 5'7 Guard  
Christine Huber, St. John the Baptist, Sr. 6'4 C  
Tara Lonergan, South Side, Sr. 6'0 Forward Eugeneia McPherson, North Babylon, Sr. 5'8 Guard  
Shelby Sferra, Ursuline Academy, Sr. 6'1 Forward  
Megan Vasquez, Calhoun, Sr. 5'9 Guard  
Ieasia Walker, Copiague, Sr. 5'7 Guard

KUsports.com - Recruit Henry in no hurry to select school

By Gary Bedore (Contact)
Posted Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Ballyhooed recruit Xavier Henry will pick between Kansas and Memphis — eventually.
Now that Xavier Henry has visited both Kansas University and Memphis, all that remains is for Rivals.com’s No. 3-rated player to make a final decision on a school.

There’s no timetable or deadline for the decision, Henry’s mom, former KU player Barbara Adkins, said Monday night.

“He just got back from his visit (to KU) yesterday. He is going to take a few days, look at positives and negatives and go from there. He doesn’t really have a date in mind,” said Adkins, who indicated the announcement ultimately would be made on ESPNU.

The network doesn’t need much advance notice, so TV scheduling is not a factor in when Xavier’s decision will be revealed, she said.

“It’s not like they have given him a date. There’s no pressure from them,” Adkins said.

She said no decision has yet been made.

“He likes both schools and coaches,” Adkins said. “Both coaches (Bill Self, John Calipari) are giving him space. We’ll talk as a family and let him tell us what he’s thinking.”

Adkins said her son is not feeling any stress as the Nov. 12-19 early-signing period nears.

“He doesn’t tense up or anything like that. He has school, a lot of things going on. He’s rehabbing as well,” she said.

Henry suffered an assortment of injuries on the AAU circuit last summer. ESPN.com recently reported that Henry suffers from Osgood-Schlatter disease, which causes swelling and pain just below the knee over the shin bone.

In April, Henry bumped knees with a teammate, which caused a flare-up of the Osgood-Schlatter, ESPN.com says. When he returned to the court a few weeks later, he split a bone in his ankle but continued to play. It’s expected he’ll be ready for the start of the high school season in November.

David Bruce chooses St. Joseph's (Philadelphia Inquirer)

David Bruce chooses St. Joseph's
By Ray Parrillo

Inquirer Staff Writer

In search of a big man to replace senior Ahmad Nivins, St. Joseph's received an oral commitment yesterday from David Bruce, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound center from Linden (N.J.) High School.
"David is very athletic with a soft touch from 15 to 18 feet," Linden coach Phil Colicchio said. "I think he has the potential to eventually make money playing this game.

"I liken him to Ahmad Nivins, although I think David might be a little bit more advanced than Ahmad at this point in their careers."

Colicchio said Bruce had attracted interest from several schools in the Big East, Southeastern and Atlantic Coast Conferences.

"First and foremost, he wanted to play for Phil Martelli, who in my opinion is one of the five best in the business," Colicchio said, referring to the Hawks' coach. "Second, St. Joe's was the first to show interest in David, and they stayed on him and made it clear to him how important he would be to their program.

"And we don't get all wrapped up in bigger is better around here. He'll become a better player at St. Joe's because they won't recruit over him like some of the big schools might do."

Bruce averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks as a junior last season, when Linden advanced to the NJSIAA Group 4 state championship game, losing to Piscataway.

He started as a sophomore when Linden beat powerful St. Patrick's in the Union County tournament.

New York City's Devin Ebanks

Almost Devin
By John Antonik for MSNsportsNET.com
october 21, 2008

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Devin Ebanks admits the allure of playing for one of college basketball’s most successful coaches in West Virginia’s Bob Huggins was simply too hard to turn down.

Ebanks, one of the top high school players in the country, chose West Virginia last spring after backing out of a commitment to Indiana when Coach Kelvin Sampson was forced to resign.

The 6-foot-9-inch, 206-pound forward was one of the nation's most hotly pursued players last spring when the Hoosiers let him out of his commitment. National runner-up Memphis and Texas were also in contention to land the high-flying forward.

“(Huggins) is pretty intense and that’s what I felt I needed and that’s why I came here in the first place,” Ebanks said Monday afternoon. “He is very similar to Kelvin Sampson. They’re both defensive coaches and what I feel like I need to work on most with my game is my defense.”

Ebanks gives West Virginia yet another athletic wing player that can get to the rim in a hurry. His angular frame and acrobatic game is very similar to that of one-and-done Syracuse forward Donte Green, selected in the first round of last year’s NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ebanks does not conceal his desire to eventually play in the NBA. Everything he’s doing now is with the goal of getting his game ready for the pros. That includes getting bigger and stronger.

“It starts with Coach Andy (Kettler) our strength coach,” Ebanks said. “He’s the one who started with us in the weight room and that’s what we’ve been doing from the summer until now.”

The Long Island City, N.Y., resident says this is the first time he’s ever been in a structured weight program.

“It was a big shock to me,” Ebanks said. “I had never worked out this hard before. I feel like it’s getting me ready for the next level which is where I want to be at. I just go in there and put in the hard work every day.”

In the meantime, Ebanks has lofty goals playing for the Mountaineers this year.

“A Big East championship is what we want,” he said. “From there we want to get to the tournament and hopefully do some things and get to the Final Four. That’s our main goal. We always say national championship after every huddle so that’s what we’re trying to get to.”

Despite the loss of Joe Alexander to the NBA, West Virginia has several key parts returning from last year’s Sweet 16 team and Huggins believes the recruits his coaching staff were able to land this year will make the team even deeper.

“I think they’re all going to play,” Huggins said. “Devin and Kevin (Jones) give us great length. Truck (Bryant) gives us ball handling ability and someone else that can attack the rim.”

Ebanks said it was helpful having some other New York City guys in this year’s class.

“I knew Kevin and Truck. I knew Truck since the eighth grade and I kind of met Kevin when I was out on the circuit playing AAU,” Ebanks said. “That was a big factor. We’re all three from New York. We have played against each other and we all three came to college together.”

New York City has long been the high school basketball capital of the country and the top players in the city sometimes have reputations that exceed their abilities. Ebanks is aware of that.

“There are players at smaller towns that are really good,” he said. “I don’t think where you come from makes the player. The player makes the player. You can be from anywhere as long as you work hard and put in that hard work.”

The laid-back and soft spoken Ebanks said getting out of the city was something he was always interested in doing.

“I needed to get out of the city,” he admitted. “It’s definitely different out here in the mountains where New York City is nothing but buildings. It’s very laid-back and I like it so far. I’m glad to be here.”

Ebanks also isn’t worried about the enormous expectations that have followed him to Morgantown.

“We’re all different people and we all have different opinions and I’m sure there are probably a lot of freshmen out there that feel like they have got to live up to big expectations but that’s not the case with me,” he said. “I just take it one day at a time.”

Experts believe Ebanks’ game is already Big East-ready. The No. 2-rated small forward in the class of 2008 was recently listed by CNNSI.com as one of the nation’s Top 15 impact freshmen. Ebanks is supremely confident in his abilities but he knows there are things that he could get away with in high school that he won’t be able to do in college.

“Obviously high school and college are a lot different,” he said. “The moves I made in high school I tried here in college and they didn’t work. I just have to find another way to get from point A to point B. It’s definitely been harder. My teammates don’t slack off at all.”

He is also getting used to the rough stuff that he is going to encounter on a nightly basis in Big East Conference.

“The hardest thing for me is taking a bump right now,” Ebanks noted. “I’ll get by somebody and they will give me a little bump and it will get me off-balance. I will take a shot that’s tougher than I probably would have made if I was a little stronger.”

Ebanks says, too, that the practices have been much harder than he expected. He has already been on the treadmill once because his group wasn’t playing defense up to Huggins’ satisfaction.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought,” Ebanks laughed.

Treadmill or no treadmill, Ebanks says he’s ready to go this year.

“I’ve been anticipating (the first game) for a while now,” he said. “I’m excited for my first game which is November 8th. I’m really just focused on that and focused on practice and working hard.”

UAlbany's Harris eligible to play this year

UAlbany's Harris eligible to play this year
Saturday, October 18, 2008
By Bob Weiner (Contact)
Gazette Reporter

On the first official day of practice, Will Harris instantly moved to the head of the class in the University at Albany lineup Friday.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound junior forward, who transferred from the University of Virginia this summer, won’t have to sit out this season and instead will join the program immediately.

Usually, Division I transfers have to sit out a season before they become eligible, but the Great Danes got a waiver from the NCAA because of a family hardship.

“As I got to know him and got a better relationship with him, I learned that he’s had a tough family situation,” said UAlbany head coach Will Brown. “We’ve been hearing about all these kids who were transferring from schools all around the country, and every­one was putting in for appeal

after appeal to the NCAA.

“This is one kid who has a legit­imate appeal sit­uation, based on a true family hardship. He’s got a real-life sit­uation that is very difficult. We decided to throw our hat in the ring and ask for an appeal on his behalf. He was at one of the best public academic colleges in the country at Virginia, and he did very well, acad­emically. He left there because of a family situation. They [the NCAA] agreed with us that the appeal had merit.”

Without getting too involved in Harris’ situation and to protect the player’s privacy, Brown explained that Harris is basically the man in the family for five brothers, a sister and his mother.

“The reason he came to UAlbany is because he had to get closer to home. He wanted to get away from New York City, but he still had to be close enough to get home quickly. His family needs him,” Brown said.

The UAlbany coach said that Harris immediately changes the Great Danes’ lineup.

“Put it this way, he’s just very good,” said Brown. “He’s a tough matchup at 6-6 and 240. He can play the 2, 3, 4 or even the 5 if we needed him to. He’s a man phys­ically with tremendous athleticism, as well.”

Brown said that Harris has excellent touch from the outside, but he can also post up inside or go around defenders by driving to the basket.

“As a freshman, he played 14 minutes a game for a team that was the Atlantic Coast Conference co-champion in the regular season. As a sophomore, he had to sit out for a 14 games because of a back injury.

“Right away, he is as good as any player in our league,” Brown said. “He’s a real matchup problem. He’s a lot like [graduated team captain] Brian Lillis, but he’s 20 pounds heavier, an inch taller and a lot stronger.

“I can’t play this down. He helps us become a better team right away,” Brown said.

“Remember that he was a top-100 player nationally coming out of high school. He had a lot of success at Virginia before he got hurt. He has great leadership qualities, and he’s experienced. He’s played in tough environments, and he’s enjoyed success as a college player. He was a major contributor at Virginia when they made their title run.”

A native of Corona, Harris appeared in 47 games over his two seasons with the Cavaliers. He

averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in half a season as a soph­omore.

A New Day in Denver? - Basketball News & NBA Rumors

By: Travis Heath
HoopsWorld
Smush Parker Has a Chance to Stick

William "Smush" Parker has had his fair share of issues over the past couple of seasons. Talk to most members of the Lakers during Parker's tenure in Los Angeles, and they'll tell you he wasn't exactly the most well liked player in the locker room. Add to that his troubles last year in Miami, and it's hard for most people to understand why the Nuggets would even think about bringing a player like Parker to camp.

Well, simply put, Denver needs help at the point guard position. In addition, they would like that help to come cheap. What that leaves you with is a guy like Parker who intends on getting his career back on track.

"Any negative thing that is said is going to hurt my reputation," Parker told HOOPSWORLD. "But that's water under the bridge, hopefully. This is a new start for me here in Denver, and I plan to take full advantage of it."

While not without his faults, Parker has put up relatively impressive numbers in the past. It's easy to forget this is a guy who averaged over 11 points and three assists on a pretty good ball club in Los Angeles. Moreover, his 6-foot-4 frame also makes him a potentially interesting fit next to Iverson.

Sniffing around at practice today, it's clear a lot of people around the team are intrigued by what Parker could bring to the table. If Parker has a good training camp, don't be surprised if he makes the active roster when camp breaks.

"Our situation is there's a possibility of one more roster spot with Melo missing the first two games (suspension) and Chucky (Atkins) and Sonny (Weems) probably missing," Karl explained. "So there's probably going to be some guys that might help us early. We've always been an eight-man rotation, but in general I'd like to play with an intensity that goes a little bit more into the depth of our team."

Parker would like to be a part of that depth Karl referred to.

"I feel if I come in here, work hard, play defense -- because that's the main focus of the team this year -- I'll have a good shot of making this team," Parker said. "If I do that George Karl will find some room on his team for me. I'm just here to take advantage of my opportunity. (Karl's) system fits right under my belt. Run-and-gun, play defense and go. I'm from New York City and that's what we do."

The fact Parker was the very last player off the court today after practice staying over 15 minutes longer than any other player certainly won't hurt his cause He's one to keep an eye on as training camp progresses.

A "Real" Basketball Weekend

I.S.8 is the mecca of all High School Basketball in New York City. The amount of teams, best uniforms, and best mc. I.S.8 has everybody beat by leap years.

Well being the real scout of New York, I decided to skip out on this years semifinals and championship and hit up the lesser known events.

Friday night I had the chance to hit up Uconn's Midnight Madness. Mike Poole 6'6 2010 St. Benedict's, Maurice Harkless 6'6 2011 Forest Hills (Pictured on Right), and Rudy Collins 6'2 2012 Forest Hills are written up all over the internet as vistors.

The highlight of the night was the girl dunk contest. Mya Moore looks like the Lebron James of Girls Basketball and CK's Tina Charles isn't too bad herself.

Other New Yorkers visiting the school were Tobias Harris 6'7 LI Lutheran 2010, Tyler Harris 6'6 LI Lutheran 2011 (Pictured on Left), Ashcraft Yacabou 6'4 LI Lutheran 2011, and Mike Buffalo 6'2 Wings Academy 2010. I arrived home at about 330am.

I woke up around 730am and started to head to harlem. I met up on the train with Lenny Kadisha 5'8 6th Grader and his brother Sonny Kadisha 6'3 2010 Forest Hills. I went to Milbank and was working with the people there on creating a middle school tournament for the winter. It looks like its going to explode on to the scene like a.t.m. live did.

I left there around 12:30pm tired as hell. I could've went to I.S.8 and been closer to my house. But, decided to attend the Jim Couch Reunion Games. I took the train up to John F. Kennedy school. After getting off at the wrong stop and getting lost. We arrived there a hour early.lol

Inside I see my man Lfball from back in the days he does a nice blog, its called "Lfball on Hoops" google it.

I then see Jim Couch, a legend in Basketball. I'm always amazed when legends know my name, so as I was saying Hi. Couch says "Hey Nate, blue I was asking about you yesterday."

I was like "Wow, he knows my name...that's crazy."
So we posed for a picture, which I can't wait to see. It was Sean & Jim Couch, J.C. Mathis and myself. That's crazy right? I might make a poster out of that on my wall when I get that photo.

Anyway the games were solid, shoutout to Big Brawley on the Mic, and Bounce Magazine.

Game wise the rising freshman game, Lebrent Walker caught the dunk of the day, ask about it. I was impressed by all of the young guys for the city even though they took a loss to jersey.

The Girls Game was action packed, one female baller had at least 9 blocks on the same girl.

The final game, Tobias Harris, Mike Poole, Sherod Wright, Chazz Williams, Kamari Murphy, and Tyler harris were all solid. The real surprise of the day, even though he didn't score a lot was Mike Taylor. He's a 6'2 combo from Boys and Girls H.S. 2011 and is easily one of the top 10 players in that class in New York City.

After that train ride home. I said to everybody "I'm done for sunday." I was burned out and so was the kids around me, so I knew I wasn't moving.

But I did somehow traveled with the troops on the train to Virgin Music Store on 42nd Times Square. I had to cop that Through the Fire Dvd.

Coach C said that he couldn't find it at the Virgin store.

I being the man that I am, went to the same spot, and found it in a weird section. On he way home I got the negative news on lance, that sounds too untrue but the facts will come out soon, or the media will continue to run with nothing. I wish Born Ready good luck with his situation.

Shout outs to all my people I seen this weekend who didn't get a mention such as Ricky Rivers, James "Turtle" Williams, Trey Bags, Abdul Torrence, and Hassani Stewart. R.I.P Rodney Parker.

Justin leemow "The People's Champ" Vol.2

It's ya boy Justin and this been a real rough week. We got Homecoming and we got school. Add that with testing, lifting, midterms, and people playing for spots. You could imagine how fast my head is spinning right now.

Pre-season workouts is finally over for us and the season is here. Our Bulldogs squad had our first official practice Saturday morning and we went hard. We had a open practice also for the public later on that night. It was packed and went very well for the fan's of south Florida. They got a chance to see the look of this years team.

We got our first two exhibition games next month. Playing against west Florida and University of Tampa. Right now its time to clock in.

There is no room for mistake's. We are the underdog this season, bottom of the Big East is what they're predicting. But nobody understands we got a real good team this year. We will continue to work hard and everything will fall into place.

I'll holla at yall next diary yall

"The Boss"

Courtesy of Getty Images

Nathan Blue and the Real Scout Family would like to wish our Real Scout Capo, Charlie Villanueva a quick recovery, while in china

Lamont Jones is Oak Hill's Leader

Lamont Jones (Pictured) was the best player in the gym." A basketball insider told Realscout.net

In a scrimmage game between the Patterson School NC and Oak Hill Academy. Lamont "Mo Mo" Jones scored 38pts in a 122-98 loss. "Mo-Mo is playing the best basketball of his career now. Said the insider.

Former Loughlin SG Doron Lamb 6'4 Junior (Manhattan, NY) didn't have a great game, but showed why he's one of the better players in the national 2010 landscape. As Lamb had some problems getting to the lane and scoring on drives against the much taller Patterson players, who were standing solid at 6'9, 6'10 and 7feet.

Former Lincoln H.S. PG Vincent Council played a solid game for the patterson school. RealScout.net will keep you as up to date with our home grown players as possible.

Real Scout Honors I.S.8

"Born Ready" Stephenson

While there will be a unleashing of the "Offical All-Tournament Teams and awards on Championship Sunday by Pete Edwards and his I.S.8 Staff.

With over 700 players in the event. Here's a list of some of the players, that have impressed RealScout.net at the I.S.8 Fall Classic 2008.

Class of 2009 (Alphabetical Order)

Karon Abrahams Playaz Seniors
Andre Armstrong Rangers
Cameron Barber Team Underrated
Paul Bilbo St. Dominics
John Calarco New Rochelle
Domonic Cheeks Playaz Seniors
Anton Dickerson Boys & Girls
Darwin Ellis Juice All-Stars
Chris Gadson Playaz Seniors
Alex Hall Rangers
Tamir Jackson Playaz Seniors
Karron Johnson Juice All-Stars
Sean Johnson NYABC
Rasheem King Starret City
Omari Lawerence NY Panthers
Jeronne Maymon Unique All Stars
Brian Oliver Playaz Seniors
James Padgett Juice All-Stars
Kevin Parrom NY Panthers
Mike Quimby DC Eagles
Bret Roseboro Lehigh Valley
Lamount Samuell Brooklyn Ballers
Durand Scott Gauchos
Keith Spellman Shooting Stars
Lance Stephenson Juice All-Stars
Isiah Stokley J.R. All Stars
JoJo Swift Brooklyn Ballers
Mike Taylor Boys & Girls
Dion Waiters Brooklyn Ballers
Chazz Williams Ford
Joel Wright Shooting Stars
Sherod Wright Mount Vernon


Class of 2010
Paris Abrahms Bunky Reid
Aaron Brown Metro Hawks
Mike Buffalo Wings
Tony Chenualt Real Scout Express
Devon Collier New Heights
Fuquan Edwin Playaz Juniors
Isiah Epps Playaz Juniors
Chris Hampton NY Elite
Tobias Harris Unique All Stars
David Joseph Real Scout Express
Doron Lamb Gauchos
Mohameed Lee Gauchos
J.J. Moore Team Underrated
Ashton Pankey New Heights
Jayvaughn Pinkston Loughlin
Mike Poole Real Scout Express
Russ Smith Unquie All Stars
Shane Southwell Gauchos
Shaquille Thomas Metro Hawks
Tristian Thompson MetroHawks
Steve Whittingham St. Raymond's
Dashaun Wiggans Wings
Derrick Williams New Heights

Class of 2011
Jordan Allen Bayshore
Myles Davis Playaz Sophs
Joey Delarosa St. Raymond's
Corey Edwards New Heights
Sterling Gibbs NY Panthers
Davontay Grace Shooting Stars
Maurice Harkless Rangers
Tyler Harris Unquie All Stars
Jabari Hinds Mount Vernon
Sidicki Johnson St. Raymond's
Myck Kabango MetroHawks
Myles Mack Playaz Sophs
Kamari Murphy Ford
Jermaine Sanders New Heights
Tavon Sledge Bunky Reid
Shaquille Stokes Juice All Stars
Ashcraft Yacoubou LI Lutheran

Class of 2012
Kyle Anderson Playazs Seniors
Rudy Collins Forest Hills
Jeff Neverson Boys & Girls
Nkereuwem Okorro St. Raymonds
Dashaun Suber
Javon Thomas Shooting Stars
Lebrent Walker NY Elite

Telfair suspended for 3 games after gun charge

Story written by The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended on Tuesday for three games after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon.

Telfair was sentenced last month to three years' probation. He was arrested in April 2007 when police found him carrying a loaded gun in his car while he was a member of the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics traded him to Minnesota in the deal for Kevin Garnett, and Telfair had a solid and incident-free first season in Minnesota. He signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal this summer to remain with the Timberwolves. He is the top backup to starter Randy Foye.

"I've talked to Sebastian about the incident. This is something that happened in the past, and he is looking forward to putting this behind him," Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said. "Since he has been a member of the Timberwolves, Sebastian has been a great teammate and has been actively involved in the community. I couldn't be more proud of Sebastian's continued improvement as a basketball player and as a young man."

Minnesota coach Randy Wittman downplayed Telfair's suspension before the Timberwolves played the Chicago Bulls in a preseason game Tuesday night at the United Center.

"It is what it is. That was something in his past, happened a couple of years ago. Now we have to deal with that," Wittman said. "Since he's been here with us he's been a model citizen. He's been great in the community. He's done everything I've asked him to do. ...Finally now maybe he can put this thing behind him and move forward. ... It's unfortunate to miss the first few games of the year, but we can put it to rest now."

After an underwhelming first three seasons in Portland and Boston, Telfair notched career highs in games started (51), shooting percentage (40) and assists per game (5.9) and averaged 9.3 points last year for Minnesota.

He will miss home games against Sacramento and Dallas and a road game at Oklahoma City. Telfair is eligible to return for a home game on Nov. 5 against San Antonio.

Khalid Green Leaves Bishop Loughlin

Photo Courtesy of Daily News

As reported first by NYCHoops.net, Khalid Green resigned as the Bishop Loughlin Varsity coach Tuesday Afternoon. Green's new post is East Coast Scout for the New Jersey Nets.

Khalid Green hired me as the Loughlin Freshman coach in the 2005/06 season. The "Basketball Community" knew that Green was offered the Nets job last season. Former Loughlin players who've spoken to green throughout this summer all felt he wasn't coming back.

Logic says that "Rudy King" is going to get the job this season. The Brooklyn resident is the most capable candidate. The man behind the scenes, King has served Bishop Loughlin well for the last five seasons. A players coach, King knows how to mold today's players into great student athletes.

Rudy King is also expected to be named the Basketball Director of New Heights in the spring. King's New Heights squad is currently in the Final Four of the I.S.8 Fall Classic.

Since losing All-CHSAA Guard Doron Lamb 6'4 SG to Oak Hill Academy VA. This season's leaders will be Trevon Hamlet 6'6 PF and nationally rated 2010 player Jayvaughn Pinkston 6'5 SF.

The defending BK/Qns Champions will depend heavily on youngster Kareem Canty 5'10 Soph and JV Star Brandon Frasier 6'0 this season.

Bishop Loughlin coaching job, is a very tough job. Trust me, I've been threw it. A lot of people are trying to get this Head Coaching Position now. I know of a couple of college coaches who may be calling the Brooklyn School to get a interview.

Years ago, Freshman Coach Khalid Green skipped over the more experienced JV Coach Kenny Pretlow to succeed Ted Gustus as varsity coach.

Every season Green had to deal with the rumors of him being demoted or let go. If you add losing seasons and other Brooklyn coaches trying to go after his position, its a stressful job for a low amount of capital.

I firmly believe JV Coach Rudy King should be the coach for this season. With such short notice, I can't see any other choice outside of Rudy King or Rahmean Anderson (Freshman Coach) for the Lions. Hopefully, Loughlin looks at it the same way.

Good luck to Khalid Green, Rudy King, and Rahmean Anderson...from the Real Scout/Nate Blue

"Miami Nice" Brandon Knight & Pepe Joseph

Brandon Knight 6'3 Pine Crest FL is rated by most recruiters as the #1 or #2 prospect in the class of 2010.

Watching Knight dominate 30 games, in the month of July, made me crown him as "The King of the Summer regardless of class."

Knight's a combo guard with a super quick first step, above the rim hops, and his jumper makes it rain on a sunny day.

Knight's a 5-Star Prospect who's early list includes Duke, Uconn, Florida, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Memphis, Miami, UNC, Texas, Texas A&M, and Wake Forest.

Defenders trying to guard Knight soon realize, they have a better chance of stopping Amtrak with their head.

David "Pepe" Joseph is the next in that never ending pipeline of Queens NYC Guards to stardom.

Kenny Anderson, Rafer Alston, Kenny Smith, Taliek Brown, Omar Cook, Speedy Claxton, Sundiata Gaines (Georgia), Derrick Phelps (UNC), Cliffy Clinskakles (Deapul), and Smush Parker.

The Co-MVP of Real Scout Express this summer. Joseph avg 22ppg and 7 assts this summer for Real Scout Express. Oddly he would score so much, the scorers table would be adding points to guys who didn't see the floor.

Dominating with the New Jersey Shoreshots in AAU Regionals and Rumble in the Bronx.

Pepe left the NJ Shoreshots and joined Real Scout Express. Teaming up with former 14under NY Panther teammate, Mike Poole 6'6 St. Benedicts NJ and young stars Maurice Harkless 6'6 2011 and Rudy Collins 6'2 2012 both attend Forest Hills H.S.

Express started, July's evaluation period by driving 23 hrs to Miami, to play in the Breakdown Hoops Festival. Going 3-0 in Pool play and losing to Ari Stewart's Worldwide Renegades.

Real Scout Express then went 3-1 in RBK Vegas. Losing in second round of the Open Bracket to a Nolan Dennis (Memphis Commit) led Dallas Mustangs. Oddly Real Scout Express had Tournament Champion Team Breakdown waiting in the next round.

West Lake Prep's Joseph at 16 years old has interest or offers from Drexel, Oregon State, Binghamton, LIU, Colorado, Howard, Hofstra, Florida Atlantic, Fordham, and Duquense.

Pepe and Brandon have spent this pre-season lifting, playing pickup, working out, and hitting up Team Florida Exposure Showcase "The Workout".
With these two phenoms working out constantly together and against one another, defenders will learn the meaning of the word "Mercy".

Mike Poole Invited to NY All Star Game

Mike Poole (Pictured) 6'6 SG St. Benedicts Prep will be playing for Coach Abdul Torrence in the 2nd Annual Jim Couch Reunion Game on October 18th at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx.

Boys City Challenge High School NY Metro All-Star Game at 6:30 pm

Players committed: Durand Scott, Tobias Harris, Jason Morris, Sherrod Wright, DaShaun Wiggins, Lance Stephenson and several other top players.

Earlier in the day you can watch Real Scout's Lebrent Walker 6'2 (#2 Mid Atlantic Hoops) & Rudy Collins (#19 Mid Atlantic Hoops) playing in the Rising Freshman Game.

Walker attends Our Savior New America and Collins attends Forest Hills H.S. both will be playing in the Rising Freshman Game at 2:00pm.

This game also features Long Island Lightning Dingle AAU National Champions Nkereuwem Okorro (#8 Mid Atlantic Hoops) and Daniel Dingle (#15 Mid Atlantic Hoops) from St. Raymond's High School.

The Girls will be hooping in the sandwhich game at 4:30 pm New York Metro vs Westchester

Players committed: China Crosby, Porsha Postell, Cyndra Couch, Tiffany Connors and several top performers.

Students: $5.00
General Admission: $10.00
Coaches $15.00


Poole will also be playing in the Eddie Griffin Challenge at Rutgers University October 26th at "The Barn" on College ave and New Brunswick.

Poole will be playing in the junior game at 2:30. This event places the best of New Jersey vs the best of Philly.

Poole's Teammates for the event include Tristian Thompson St. Benedict's, Kyrie Irving St. Patrick's, Darius Quarles Life Center, Fuquan Edwin Patterson Catholic, Isiah Epps Plainfield, Jayon James Patterson Catholic, Shaquille Thomas Patterson Catholic, Derrick Williams St. Anthony's, and Dondre Whitmore Trenton Catholic

Sophomore Game is at 1pm and Seniors at 4pm

For more info on the event contact
Jay Gomes at tjgomes@aol.com or call 732 679 1447

Justin Leemow "The People's Champ" Vol.1

Justin Leemow is a Freshman at South Florida University. Leemow participated in Real Scout High Major Classic 2007 at Fordham University.

A Hardworking floor general, Leemow has silenced all his critics (there were a lot), who didn't think he could end up playing in one of the ncaa's toughest conferences (Big East).

Justin played high school basketball at Xaverian HS, Patterson School NC, and at Mt.Zion. Leemow will check in from time to time and update us on all the things going on in Florida.

Here's Vol. 1 of a Big East PG......Justin Leemow


What's up basketball world. I am new to this workout thing and this college life. College is really no joke when it comes to working out. Everyone is bigger and stronger then you and especially being the freshman you know how that goes.

Playing against talented players like Dominique Jones, Chris Howard, Jesus Verdejo, and Mike Mercer let's you know you got certain things that you need to work on. They may not be some of the biggest names in the Big East, but these dudes work hard.

They don't cut you no slack, but its only going to get me better. Our official practice starts in nine days which will be October.17 . We got a real good team this year and we going to be able to compete against anyone.

But other then that I will be working on my game and hitting the book's. Everyone send their prayer's out to Chris Fouch, he tore his ACL and is out for the season. Chris get better boy.

I'll holla at yall next entry, I gotta hit the gym and get in some shots and sprints. We're trying to win everything this season, don't sleep.1

I.S. 8 Playoff Schedule

Wednesday 10/8/08
Team Tex vs Unique All Stars 7pm
Bayshore vs Brooklyn Ballers 8:15pm

Thursday 10/9/08
Boys & Girls vs Gauchos (A) 7pm
Bunky Reid All Starrs vs CBC 8:15pm

Friday 10/10/08
Team Underrated vs Juice All-Stars 7pm
Playazs Sr vs NY Panthers 8:15pm

Saturday 10/11/08
Bishop Loughlin vs Playazs SR/Panther Winner 9:15am

JR AllStars vs New Rochelle
10:30am

Mount Vernon vs Team Tex/Unque AllStars winner
11:45am

N.Y.A.B.C. vs Team Underrated/Juice AllStars winner 1pm

Princenton Day Academy vs Boys &Girls/Gauchos (A) winner 2:15pm

Metro Hawks vs Brooklyn Ballers/Bayshore winner 3:30pm

Playazs Jrs vs Bunky Reid All-Stars/CBC winner
4:45pm

New Heights vs D.C. Eagles 6pm

Sundays game times
9:15am, 10:30am, 11:45am, and 1pm

Class of 2009 Sleeper Alert (Dominic Murray)

6'2 SG Dominic Murray is a senior at McClancy High School. A active guard, Murray features a good pull-up jumper shot to go along with great defensive footwork, and the ability to score big.

Murray competed at a high level this summer. Playing for Kevin Hamilton's NYC Jaguars in Aau Nationals and Supershowcase.

Murray continued a solid july with a better summer for Real Scout Express in Tyshawn Memorial Tournament, Live on Broadway, and I.S.8.

D2 Coaches should take notice at this solid, scholarship worthy senior, I surely did.

3rd Annual (Lou Benson) PreSeason Classic

Ages 10u, 12u, 14u, 16u, 17u under Boys & Girls Teams. Entry fee$250 Referee fees not included. Tournament will start October, 2008 tournament will be held @ ELMCOR Gym 33-16 108th. Corona NY 11368 for more information call (718) 651-0096 ext 238 or E-mail Elmcor.1@juno.com

Scrimmages Needed and Tournaments to Enter

Rudy King - Bishop Loughlin Men's JV Basketball team is looking for a few scrimmages to complete schedule. Please contact Athletic Director Angela Proce 718.857.2700 or Varsity Asst. Coach Rudy King @718.864.8740

Eric Jaklitsch - Our Savior New American in Centereach, NY is looking to fill out their schedule for the 2008-2009 season. We are a private 4 year high school that has no 5th year players on the team. We need both home and away games. Please contact assistant coach Eric Jaklitsch by email Ejaklitsch13@hotmail or cell phone 631-428-0091

Charles Reid Rice High School - Rice High School Freshmen & Junior Varsity is looking for Scrimmages and Non-League games to finish out schedule. You can contact Coach Reid at: creid@ricehighschool.com for Freshmen and Coach Crawford at: wcrawford@ricehighschool.com for Junior Varsity.

Coach Anthony Harris: We are still holding registration for the CYO Our Lady of the Angelus Sports Program located in Rego Park , Queens across the LIE from Lefrak City . Those interested in signing up for the 2008-2009 CYO season please call 718-690-6040 or email Aharris1216@hotmail.com . Our teams range from age 8-17 years old. You can also check out our website at www.leaguelineup.com/olabasketball .

Starret City Star makes D1 Choice

Picture Courtesy of Scout.com

Cowboys get another commit
By Bob Hammond Boomerang Sports Editor

The University of Wyoming men’s basketball team continued to position itself for the future on Monday when Garden City (Kan.) Community College star Thomas Manzano announced he had given a verbal commitment to head coach Heath Schroyer and the Cowboys.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound swingman said he would sign a national letter of intent with Wyoming during the early signing period in November.

“I told most of the schools that were recruiting me that I wasn’t going to sign until late,” said Manzano, who had received interest over the last three years from such schools as Nebraska, Central Florida, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Rutgers and Seton Hall.

But that all changed when he recently visited Wyoming where one of his former AAU and prep school teammates, Afam Muojeke, is a redshirt freshman with the Cowboys.


“It was just being around the coaches and seeing how they are with the players and spending time with Afam and talking to him (is what made the difference),” Manzano said. “It also came down to the relationship I have with Coach V (Shaun Vandiver). He said his door is always open, and I saw it for myself.”

“Thomas returned from his visit (to Wyoming) and he’s excited about it. I think it is a good situation for him,” Garden City Coach Kris Baumann added.

The well-traveled Manzano attended Canarsie High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., before moving on to Genesis One Prep and then to Notre Dame Prep before ending up at Garden City.

Manzano never played high school basketball because of his academics, but made his reputation on the hardwood through the New York AAU circles with the Sky Riders. He then went to Gensis One and Notre Dame Prep to improve his academics.

While playing with the Sky Riders, one of his teammates was Muojeke, who he later teamed up with at Gensis One. He then went on to play with former Kansas State star and current Miami Heat standout Michael Beasley.

“A lot of times you look at a kid like Thomas and get a little worried because he has bounced around so much,” Baumann said. “I have had kids before who have been to three or four different high school and it hasn’t worked out for me. That was why I was a little leery.

“But he has been great since he’s been here, taking 17, 18 and 19 hours a semester. He never misses class and is on time to every class. He’s been really good. He’s been great academically and has been great athletically, so we look for him to have a very good year.”

Manzano is coming off a redshirt freshman year and will see his first collegiate action this winter for Garden City. When he arrives at Wyoming next fall, he’ll have three years of eligibility remaining.

“I would like to have him here for two years because he can do a lot of stuff to help us win games,” Baumann said. “He’s a very athletic, scoring wing. He needs to become a better defender, but he can score in bunches. He’s a big-time, high-major athlete and a very nice kid. That’s the selfish part of me talking. But when I recruited him I told him that if he came in here and if all the things he needs to do academically to get to Division I that I wouldn’t hold him back.

“Heath and his whole staff did a terrific job of recruiting him,” Baumann added. “They came down here … Heath was great, Fred (Langley) was great and Shaun (Vandiver) was great. He felt like it was a good fit for him. It’s also a good fit for Wyoming because they will have him for three years in the program. Both sides are very happy about the situation.

“It also works out well for me having a kid sign with a good basketball school like Wyoming in a good basketball conference like the Mountain West. That also helps my recruiting.”

Manzano is the third player to verbally commit to Wyoming during this current recruiting campaign. Commiting earlier were Michael Dietz, a 6-7 forward from Casper Natrona, and Quinton Thomas, a 6-6 guard from Southside High School in Greenville, S.C.

Bob Hammond’s e-mail address is bobh@laramieboomerang.com