Erving Walker Article (Bouncemag.com)
Uconn Offers Nunez (Zagsblog)
Stephs Cry For Help (Slamonline)
The Brooklyn Report: Antonio Pena, One of NYC's Favorite Young Big Men (Bouncemag.com)
Summer in The City Schedule
Nathan Blue's RealScout.net
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Real Scout Presents Springfield Mass Wrap-Up
Pictured: Angel Nunez 6'8 Winchendon Prep Mass
Written BY Nathan Blue aka Real Scout
Didn't really know what to think of this tournament from the jump. Playing in a 16under tournament in Springfield Mass, while everyone was headed to Chicago, Team Camps, Peach Jam (GA), and Reebok Summer Tournament in Neptune, my gut telling me this tournament was going to be a dud.
No dud here, I got the call that Rick Pitino was at a 8am game, Norm Roberts (SJU), Book Richardson (Arizona), Hofstra, Umass, Stanford, Uconn, West VA, Syracuse, Temple, and all the majors were in town, to watch the variety of players there. Not only was NY repping with Jayvaughn Pinkston, Devon Collier, Ashton Pankey, Mike Poole, Branden Fraser, Corey Edwards (2011), Harold Mcbride, and Mike Poole.
Angel Nunez, Maurice Harkless, and Lebrent Walker led SpongeTech Elite to a silver bracket championship after losing their first game by 1pt. Nunez and Harkless had every coach in the building drooling at potentially landing these two, top 50 nationall prospects. Walker showed why he's one of the best in 2012, with his strong point guard play.
New Heights 16under and 15under were loaded! The players who stood out on the court the most were Jermaine Saunders and Shamel Williams for the 16s and Trey Dickerson and Theo Brown for the 15s. Honestly, New Heights was so loaded, I'm just naming a couple because I'm not writng down 20 names.lol But, New Heights was loaded!
Oh yeah, Andre Dummond (CBC) 2012 is going to be a beast.
Didn't really know what to think of this tournament from the jump. Playing in a 16under tournament in Springfield Mass, while everyone was headed to Chicago, Team Camps, Peach Jam (GA), and Reebok Summer Tournament in Neptune, my gut telling me this tournament was going to be a dud.
No dud here, I got the call that Rick Pitino was at a 8am game, Norm Roberts (SJU), Book Richardson (Arizona), Hofstra, Umass, Stanford, Uconn, West VA, Syracuse, Temple, and all the majors were in town, to watch the variety of players there. Not only was NY repping with Jayvaughn Pinkston, Devon Collier, Ashton Pankey, Mike Poole, Branden Fraser, Corey Edwards (2011), Harold Mcbride, and Mike Poole.
Angel Nunez, Maurice Harkless, and Lebrent Walker led SpongeTech Elite to a silver bracket championship after losing their first game by 1pt. Nunez and Harkless had every coach in the building drooling at potentially landing these two, top 50 nationall prospects. Walker showed why he's one of the best in 2012, with his strong point guard play.
New Heights 16under and 15under were loaded! The players who stood out on the court the most were Jermaine Saunders and Shamel Williams for the 16s and Trey Dickerson and Theo Brown for the 15s. Honestly, New Heights was so loaded, I'm just naming a couple because I'm not writng down 20 names.lol But, New Heights was loaded!
Oh yeah, Andre Dummond (CBC) 2012 is going to be a beast.
Real Scout High Major Classic Guard Committs D-1
Bronx guard Mike Tuitt learns game and makes name at Watson Classic
By Ian Begley
daily news sports writer
It's 11 P.M. on Sunday night, and Mike Tuitt can finally relax for a few moments. He's just peeled off his sweat-soaked jersey after going off for 29 points at the Watson Classic, hitting seven three-pointers in That's What's Up's 91-79 win over The Gymrats at the Baychester Community Center, the tournament's rain site.
It's the fourth game he's played in the past two days, but that busy schedule is nothing new. It's just another summer weekend on the city streetball circuit for the 21-year-old guard.
"It can be tiring sometimes, but I'm young so it's fun to me," Tuitt says.
The 6-3 point guard has been playing in the unlimited men's league at the Watson Classic for five years and started playing at the park when he was 11. In a way, Tuitt, who lives a block away from Parque De Los Ninos where the tournament is held, has grown up along with the 10-year-old Watson Classic.
"He's been with me since he was knee-high," says tournament director and CEO Lee Jones.
"This is home to me," says Tuitt.
Tuitt began his basketball career at Gompers HS, then spent one season at the American Christian School, a top prep program in Aston, Pa. He returned to the area last season, starring at Monroe College, a community college, in the Bronx, but he'll leave home again next month.
He'll head to Hampton University, where he's accepted a basketball scholarship, on Aug. 25. Pirates coach Edward Joyner Jr. can't wait for the cat-quick floor general to show up at the Virginia school, either.
"Mike will be on the court for us the minute he steps on campus," Joyner says. "He brings leadership at the point guard position and instant leadership to our team.
"He's a tough kid. Toughness on any team starts from head to toe and Mike is going to be the head of my team."
Tuitt is itching to hit the court for Hampton. He says he loves the Soundview section of the Bronx, loves playing at Watson, loves hanging around his family and friends. But he also knows that trouble surrounds his apartment on the corner of Wheeler and Watson Aves.
"It's tough because you see a lot of different things out here," Tuitt says. "Like they (are) shooting at night, drug dealing, everything . . . you see it out here."
That's why Tuitt welcomes the opportunity to attend Hampton. He says he wants to study film at the historically black college and hopes to lead the program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.
"I'm doing something I love to do and getting a free education at the same time," Tuitt said. "There's nothing better than that."
Except, perhaps coming home, which is what Tuitt will do next summer. He won't stay at Hampton; he'll play at the same tournament he's been at since age 11, the Watson Classic.
"When I come home, I know they expect me on that court," Tuitt says. "I have to show up here. I always have to come to Watson, that's my home."
Story Link
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/27/2009-07-27_bronx_guard_mike_tuitt_learns.html#ixzz0MYuZGhHL
By Ian Begley
daily news sports writer
It's 11 P.M. on Sunday night, and Mike Tuitt can finally relax for a few moments. He's just peeled off his sweat-soaked jersey after going off for 29 points at the Watson Classic, hitting seven three-pointers in That's What's Up's 91-79 win over The Gymrats at the Baychester Community Center, the tournament's rain site.
It's the fourth game he's played in the past two days, but that busy schedule is nothing new. It's just another summer weekend on the city streetball circuit for the 21-year-old guard.
"It can be tiring sometimes, but I'm young so it's fun to me," Tuitt says.
The 6-3 point guard has been playing in the unlimited men's league at the Watson Classic for five years and started playing at the park when he was 11. In a way, Tuitt, who lives a block away from Parque De Los Ninos where the tournament is held, has grown up along with the 10-year-old Watson Classic.
"He's been with me since he was knee-high," says tournament director and CEO Lee Jones.
"This is home to me," says Tuitt.
Tuitt began his basketball career at Gompers HS, then spent one season at the American Christian School, a top prep program in Aston, Pa. He returned to the area last season, starring at Monroe College, a community college, in the Bronx, but he'll leave home again next month.
He'll head to Hampton University, where he's accepted a basketball scholarship, on Aug. 25. Pirates coach Edward Joyner Jr. can't wait for the cat-quick floor general to show up at the Virginia school, either.
"Mike will be on the court for us the minute he steps on campus," Joyner says. "He brings leadership at the point guard position and instant leadership to our team.
"He's a tough kid. Toughness on any team starts from head to toe and Mike is going to be the head of my team."
Tuitt is itching to hit the court for Hampton. He says he loves the Soundview section of the Bronx, loves playing at Watson, loves hanging around his family and friends. But he also knows that trouble surrounds his apartment on the corner of Wheeler and Watson Aves.
"It's tough because you see a lot of different things out here," Tuitt says. "Like they (are) shooting at night, drug dealing, everything . . . you see it out here."
That's why Tuitt welcomes the opportunity to attend Hampton. He says he wants to study film at the historically black college and hopes to lead the program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.
"I'm doing something I love to do and getting a free education at the same time," Tuitt said. "There's nothing better than that."
Except, perhaps coming home, which is what Tuitt will do next summer. He won't stay at Hampton; he'll play at the same tournament he's been at since age 11, the Watson Classic.
"When I come home, I know they expect me on that court," Tuitt says. "I have to show up here. I always have to come to Watson, that's my home."
Story Link
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/27/2009-07-27_bronx_guard_mike_tuitt_learns.html#ixzz0MYuZGhHL
Monday, July 27, 2009
Real Scout July Wrap Up Part (One)
Pictured: Omar Calhoun (Real Scout's #5th Ranked Player in Hoop Group Elite Camp Session 1)Written By: Nathan Blue (Aka Real Scout)
Being a New York Panthers coach for the past 10 years. I never really had the chance to attend any Nike Events. As you may know, Adidas & Reebok were always the New York Panthers Sponsor, until I did my own thing last year (Real Scout Express). With the NY Panthers, the july schedule finishes at events in Las Vegas and California.
For the last couple of weeks, I've had the chance to attend some events, I normally would've passed on. The Hoop Group Elite Camp, Springfield Mass Tournament, West VA Harley Davidson Tournament, and AAU Supershowcase in Orlando Florida.
While I didn't bring my camera with me (Yes I'm an idiot), but I did bring my tooth brush. I will be ranking players, doing profiles and just giving my honest Opinion of who did what...and my overall feelings of the Each Event.
Here is Part I (Hoop Group Elite Session I)Hoop Group Elite Camp JULY 5th-8th
While all the top players in the nation were at Lebron James Skills Academy, watching the king get dunked on. I spent my early july in the mountains of Reading PA.
Big Colleges such as NC State, Houston, Seton Hall, St. Johns, Rutgers, Villanova, Memphis, Georgetown, Pitt, and others were on hand.
Mike Farley and the Hoop Group crew held a very good camp with over 300 different colleges in attendance, and world class facilities. The Hoop Group was a "can't miss camp" for many of the top unsigned prospects. Enjoy the list below, you aren't going to find a more accurate NYC list on the web.
For the last couple of weeks, I've had the chance to attend some events, I normally would've passed on. The Hoop Group Elite Camp, Springfield Mass Tournament, West VA Harley Davidson Tournament, and AAU Supershowcase in Orlando Florida.
While I didn't bring my camera with me (Yes I'm an idiot), but I did bring my tooth brush. I will be ranking players, doing profiles and just giving my honest Opinion of who did what...and my overall feelings of the Each Event.
Here is Part I (Hoop Group Elite Session I)Hoop Group Elite Camp JULY 5th-8th
While all the top players in the nation were at Lebron James Skills Academy, watching the king get dunked on. I spent my early july in the mountains of Reading PA.
Big Colleges such as NC State, Houston, Seton Hall, St. Johns, Rutgers, Villanova, Memphis, Georgetown, Pitt, and others were on hand.
Mike Farley and the Hoop Group crew held a very good camp with over 300 different colleges in attendance, and world class facilities. The Hoop Group was a "can't miss camp" for many of the top unsigned prospects. Enjoy the list below, you aren't going to find a more accurate NYC list on the web.
NYC Top 20 Players at HGE
1. Melsahn Basbe 6'7 Gauchos 2010-- Camp MVP
2. David Samuels 6'7 Metro Hawks 2010- MVP Senior Game
3. Mike Poole 6'6 New Heights 2010- 21pts 5rebs Senior Game
4. Maurice Harkless 6'7 Sponge Tech Elite 2011- Top 20 Game
5. Omar Calhoun 6'4 NY Gauchos 2011 (Underclassmen Game)
6. Shane Southwell 6'6 NY Gauchos 2010 Top 20 Game
7. Devante Cutler 6'0 Boys & Girls 2010- Top 20 Game
8. Lamount Samuels 6'3 Boys & Girls 2010 Top 20 Game
9. Karim Rowson 6'4 Abysinnian Church 2010- Senior Game
10. Harold Mcbride 5'11 St. Raymond's 2010
11. Reynaldo Walters 5'10 NY Panthers 2010
12. Mike Taylor 6'2 Metro Hawks 2011
13. Dashaun Wiggins 6'3 NY Panthers 2010 Senior Game
14. Manny Thomas 6'2 NY Gauchos 2011
15. Malik Thomas 6'6 Wings Academy 2010
16. Jamel Fuentes 6'2 Cjeoto Academy NJ 2010
17. Andre Armstrong 6'2 Notre Dame Prep 2010
18. Rasheem King 6'4 Cjeoto Academy NJ 2010
19. Mark Parisi 5'10 Molloy HS 2012
20. Brandon Williams 6'3 Boys & Girls 2011
Monday, July 20, 2009
‘I’ll Be Able To Wait’
By Jeff Rapp, Senior Writer
jeffrapp@bucknuts.com
Story Link http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/sports/college/college_basketball/ohio_state_basketball/article/weatherspoon_ill_be_able_to_wait/19482/
J.D. Weatherspoon has a lot on his basketball agenda right now, which is a big reason he might be farther away than ever from making a concrete decision concerning his future.
A freakishly gifted leaper and 6-6 wing forward, Weatherspoon has been a hot commodity throughout the offseason after decommitting from Xavier and registering 43 total points and 15 combined rebounds in two state tournament games while helping Columbus Northland to the Division I championship.
A rising senior-to-be, Weatherspoon pulled out of his commitment to XU when head coach Sean Miller left to take the head coaching job at Arizona, although the Musketeers remain in his considerations. So do a number of other schools.
In fact, Weatherspoon continues to add schools to a widening list that appeared to have the words “Ohio State” affixed at the top back in April.
“UConn and Oklahoma State are new ones,” he told Bucknuts.com Thursday. “Make sure you get those on there.”
Weatherspoon also is listing Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Florida, Missouri, VCU and Cincinnati along with Xavier and Ohio State. Many analysts still believe his choice eventually will come down to XU and OSU, but he doesn’t know what to think at this point.
“I have no idea,” he said. “A lot of people say that but I couldn’t even tell you right now. There’s a lot of good choices out there and I still want to take my visits.”
Weatherspooon can do that officially as soon as he returns to Northland for his senior year, which begins Aug. 26. He said he has no need to make an official to Ohio State or Xavier since he’s been on those campuses many times and instead plans to visit Connecticut, Oklahoma State, Maryland, Miami (Fla.) and Florida.
For now, though, there is more homework to do and more basketball to be played.
J.D. said he hears from all of his suitors but that his father, James, handles quite a bit of the calls.
“My dad talks to them and he tells all of them that I’m wide open,” he said. “Whatever the best choice is, that’s where I’ll go. I’m not in a hurry to figure it out. And some people think it’s going to go down to playing time, but that’s not it. I want to win.”
When asked what Ohio State head coach Thad Matta is selling, Weatherspoon admits the school’s close proximity is a factor.
“They are like right down the street, so I’m sure I’ll go in there again sometime soon,” said the 16-year-old Weatherspoon, who has one brother and two sisters. “Coach Matta, he likes to remind me that I’m only 15 minutes away. He says if I come there I can eat with my family and get a home-cooked meal. I have to admit that sounds real nice when he says that.”
Also working Weatherspoon is high school and AAU teammate Jared Sullinger, a 6-9 post player who is already committed to OSU and the headliner of the program’s 2010 class. However, Sullinger has toned down his enthusiasm of late,
“He does talk about Ohio State sometimes but he hasn’t said much about it lately,” Weatherspoon said. “We’ve talked about it and he has said he’s going to respect my decision no matter what. I’m still not in a hurry. I think I’ll be able to wait.”
Weatherspoon spoke via cell phone while he, Sullinger and the rest of their All-Ohio Red teammates returned from the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. That group, which also contains 6-2 guard Aaron Craft (who is committed to Ohio State,) 5-11 point guard Juwan Staten (Dayton) and 6-10 center Adreian Payne (uncommitted, OSU and others in heavy pursuit), won the event in style, taking down Team Final 62-53 on Wednesday.
Among the standouts was Craft, a product of Findlay Liberty-Benton.
“He’s playing great right now,” Weatherspoon said. “He’s doing better at creating his own shot. He can make a move and get right by you.”
Meanwhile, all indications are that Sullinger was absolutely dominating.
“You know, he played great, but I’ve played with Jared for a long time and it wasn’t anything new to me,” Weatherspoon said. “It was the same old Jared I’ve seen for years.”
Weatherspoon also gave himself a positive review.
“I played real good, man,” he said. “I just tried to use my athleticism and got a lot of rebounds and putbacks. I was making jump shots, just doing what the team needed from me. It was great getting back out there with all the guys. They’re like my brothers.”
A left-handed slasher who excels at finishing at the rim with authority, Weatherspoon said he is working on his outside shooting every day.
“My AAU coach, Coach Q (Quentin Rogers), takes me out of the court and we do a lot of stuff,” he said. “I’ll shoot and move around to all the spots, I shoot off the dribble, pull-ups off the catch-and-shoot, whatever. We put cones out there and I make a move around them and then shoot. It’s good for me.”
Weatherspoon will rejoin his brethren for a pair of events in Orlando later this month – the Nike Super Showcase and the AAU Nationals as All-Ohio Red will try to finalize its claim as the undisputed best 17-and-under outfit in the country.
jeffrapp@bucknuts.com
Story Link http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/sports/college/college_basketball/ohio_state_basketball/article/weatherspoon_ill_be_able_to_wait/19482/
J.D. Weatherspoon has a lot on his basketball agenda right now, which is a big reason he might be farther away than ever from making a concrete decision concerning his future.
A freakishly gifted leaper and 6-6 wing forward, Weatherspoon has been a hot commodity throughout the offseason after decommitting from Xavier and registering 43 total points and 15 combined rebounds in two state tournament games while helping Columbus Northland to the Division I championship.
A rising senior-to-be, Weatherspoon pulled out of his commitment to XU when head coach Sean Miller left to take the head coaching job at Arizona, although the Musketeers remain in his considerations. So do a number of other schools.
In fact, Weatherspoon continues to add schools to a widening list that appeared to have the words “Ohio State” affixed at the top back in April.
“UConn and Oklahoma State are new ones,” he told Bucknuts.com Thursday. “Make sure you get those on there.”
Weatherspoon also is listing Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Florida, Missouri, VCU and Cincinnati along with Xavier and Ohio State. Many analysts still believe his choice eventually will come down to XU and OSU, but he doesn’t know what to think at this point.
“I have no idea,” he said. “A lot of people say that but I couldn’t even tell you right now. There’s a lot of good choices out there and I still want to take my visits.”
Weatherspooon can do that officially as soon as he returns to Northland for his senior year, which begins Aug. 26. He said he has no need to make an official to Ohio State or Xavier since he’s been on those campuses many times and instead plans to visit Connecticut, Oklahoma State, Maryland, Miami (Fla.) and Florida.
For now, though, there is more homework to do and more basketball to be played.
J.D. said he hears from all of his suitors but that his father, James, handles quite a bit of the calls.
“My dad talks to them and he tells all of them that I’m wide open,” he said. “Whatever the best choice is, that’s where I’ll go. I’m not in a hurry to figure it out. And some people think it’s going to go down to playing time, but that’s not it. I want to win.”
When asked what Ohio State head coach Thad Matta is selling, Weatherspoon admits the school’s close proximity is a factor.
“They are like right down the street, so I’m sure I’ll go in there again sometime soon,” said the 16-year-old Weatherspoon, who has one brother and two sisters. “Coach Matta, he likes to remind me that I’m only 15 minutes away. He says if I come there I can eat with my family and get a home-cooked meal. I have to admit that sounds real nice when he says that.”
Also working Weatherspoon is high school and AAU teammate Jared Sullinger, a 6-9 post player who is already committed to OSU and the headliner of the program’s 2010 class. However, Sullinger has toned down his enthusiasm of late,
“He does talk about Ohio State sometimes but he hasn’t said much about it lately,” Weatherspoon said. “We’ve talked about it and he has said he’s going to respect my decision no matter what. I’m still not in a hurry. I think I’ll be able to wait.”
Weatherspoon spoke via cell phone while he, Sullinger and the rest of their All-Ohio Red teammates returned from the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. That group, which also contains 6-2 guard Aaron Craft (who is committed to Ohio State,) 5-11 point guard Juwan Staten (Dayton) and 6-10 center Adreian Payne (uncommitted, OSU and others in heavy pursuit), won the event in style, taking down Team Final 62-53 on Wednesday.
Among the standouts was Craft, a product of Findlay Liberty-Benton.
“He’s playing great right now,” Weatherspoon said. “He’s doing better at creating his own shot. He can make a move and get right by you.”
Meanwhile, all indications are that Sullinger was absolutely dominating.
“You know, he played great, but I’ve played with Jared for a long time and it wasn’t anything new to me,” Weatherspoon said. “It was the same old Jared I’ve seen for years.”
Weatherspoon also gave himself a positive review.
“I played real good, man,” he said. “I just tried to use my athleticism and got a lot of rebounds and putbacks. I was making jump shots, just doing what the team needed from me. It was great getting back out there with all the guys. They’re like my brothers.”
A left-handed slasher who excels at finishing at the rim with authority, Weatherspoon said he is working on his outside shooting every day.
“My AAU coach, Coach Q (Quentin Rogers), takes me out of the court and we do a lot of stuff,” he said. “I’ll shoot and move around to all the spots, I shoot off the dribble, pull-ups off the catch-and-shoot, whatever. We put cones out there and I make a move around them and then shoot. It’s good for me.”
Weatherspoon will rejoin his brethren for a pair of events in Orlando later this month – the Nike Super Showcase and the AAU Nationals as All-Ohio Red will try to finalize its claim as the undisputed best 17-and-under outfit in the country.
Top 10 recruit Selby withdraws commitment to Tennessee
By Gary Parrish
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Turns out, this really isn't an ideal time for Bruce Pearl to be in Israel.
"I ... just decommitted from Tennessee," Josh Selby, a top 10 national recruit in the Class of 2010, announced to the world via his Facebook page this weekend. A source close to Selby confirmed to CBSSports.com that the "status update" is legitimate. The source said Selby's mother informed the Tennessee staff of her son's decision early Sunday.
A 6-foot-2 point guard, Selby had been committed to UT since last September, but rumors about a possible decommitment began circulating earlier this month at the LeBron James Skills Academy. Asked about the speculation by CBSSports.com on July 7, Selby acknowledged that people were "trying to get him to decommit" but swore "it's not going to happen."
Apparently, that wasn't true.
Selby has now decommitted and changed his cell phone number.
Meantime, Pearl remains in Israel as Team USA's coach in the Maccabiah Games; he isn't scheduled to return to the United States until the middle of this week. CBSSports.com spoke to Pearl by phone late Thursday. When asked about the possibility of rivals using his absence on the recruiting trail against him, Pearl responded, "It happens, and it's just the way it is. It's part of it."
So which schools are now in play for Selby?
"We're just going to get together as a family and figure it out," Selby's mother, Maeshon Witherspoon, told CBSSports.com by phone on Sunday. "Right now we don't even know. We haven't compiled a list or anything."
Still, industry sources told CBSSports.com two schools that will almost certainly be involved are Kentucky and Oregon -- both of which have obvious connections to William Wesley, a major person of influence in the sport. Wesley (more commonly known as "Worldwide Wes" or simply as "Wes") has a close and very public relationship with Kentucky coach John Calipari, Oregon assistant Kenny Payne, and Nike Basketball.
Kentucky and Oregon are both Nike schools.
Tennessee is an Adidas school.
When asked, Witherspoon acknowledged meeting Wesley at the LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic events in Akron/Cleveland earlier this month. But she discounted the significance of that encounter and emphasized that this is merely a case of her son committing too early.
"I met Wes, but we really didn't talk; that's not a connection like everybody thinks," Witherspoon said. "It's just that we only looked at one other school before we committed to Tennessee, and it was Louisville. It was a fast decision because we were so overwhelmed with the atmosphere at Tennessee [during a visit for the UT-Florida football game], and we just want to make sure it's right. Tennessee is still an option. It's up to Tennessee if they still want to recruit him. But on our list, Tennessee is still an option."
There is speculation that Memphis might also be involved because Selby's cousins -- Will and Antonio Barton -- have committed to the Tigers, but sources told CBSSports.com that the relationship between the cousins isn't as strong as most believe. In fact, Selby didn't even really know the Bartons until they were around 9 years-old, one source said. Another source added that if it wasn't for basketball there would be little to no relationship between the cousins because the connection is on Selby's father's side, and Selby has been primarily raised by his mother.
Story Link
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/11969210
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Complete Breakdown of July Basketball Camps (NY Daily News)
Lackluster crop spells comedown of long-fashionable Reebok campRead more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/13/2009-07-13_lackluster_crop_spells_comedown.html#ixzz0LKYy2Wb8&C
Forest Hills' Maurice Harkless squeezing all he can out of offseasonRead more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/13/2009-07-13_forest_hills_maurice_harkless.html#ixzz0LKZEKMff&C
The Fast Break: Pankey and Collier impress at Reebok All-American CampRead more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/13/2009-07-13_the_fast_break_reebok.html#ixzz0LKZhfueK&C
The Fast Break: Samuell and Cutler gain fans at Hoop Group EliteRead more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2009/07/13/2009-07-13_the_fast_break_hoop.html#ixzz0LKZrT1VD&C
Vegas Summer League: Halfway Home Awards
Written by Kevin Arnovitz ESPN.com
Five days down, five to go at Las Vegas Summer League. Some teams are nearly through with their schedule, while others are just rolling into town. Since we're halfway through, it's a good moment to take inventory of what we've seen so far, and hand out some early awards.
Keep in mind that some teams have played only a single game and some stellar performances might not be acknowledged (read: Jerryd Bayless):
All Rookie Team
Tyreke Evans (SAC): Evans' one-on-one power game has produced a sick line. In three games, Evans has averaged 24.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Most impressively, Evans has attempted 41 free throws in three games. His transition to point guard is a work in progress, but he'll be a scoring machine no matter where he plays on the floor. Tyreke Evans: He has shown the ability to score points at will.
Blake Griffin (LAC): Griffin followed up his momentous 27-point, 12-rebound debut Monday night with a hum-drum 16-point, 9-rebound, 5-assist performance. Griffin directs traffic on both ends of the floor, and has been a pleasant surprise on pick-and-roll defense -- something he didn't encounter a whole lot at the college level.
Darren Collison (NOH): The Hornets' first-round pick has brought the discipline and patience of his UCLA pedigree to the pro game. He matched George Hill mano-a-mano in his first game, then came back Tuesday night with 23 points. He's also a perfect 16-for-16 from the stripe in his two games.
Roddy Beaubois (DAL): Before the Mavericks' rookie point guard took a scary spill Monday night in his third outing, he was electrifying crowds in Cox Pavilion with his combination of speed and range. He ran up 34 points against the Rockets Saturday night, including 7-for-12 from beyond the arc.
Jodie Meeks (MIL): The second-round pick out of Kentucky might not be one of the more athletic two-guards here, but he has lit it up from midrange, averaging 16.7 points per game on 60 percent shooting. The Bucks' brass is said to be very, very pleased.
All Sophomore Team
Anthony Randolph (GSW): Quite simply, the most dominant, skilled, devastating player in town. On Tuesday, his 42 points tied a Summer League record. His current averages through four games: 26.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks on 60.9 percent shooting from the field.
George Hill (SAS): Hill has demonstrated a complete command of the Spurs offense. He has picked his spots offensively, and finished -- unlike last year, when he shot eight percent from the field in Summer League action. He's averaging 20.5 points per game and getting to the line at will.
Eric Gordon (LAC): In his two games, the Clippers' second-year guard has muscled his way to the hole for 21 and 22 points, respectively. His 21-for-22 totals from the free-throw line demonstrate that strategy is working well.
Robin Lopez (PHX): The question surrounding Lopez has been one of resolve, but Lopez looked fierce in his first Summer League game, racking up 24 points, 16 boards, and a couple of blocks.
DeAndre Jordan (LAC): Jordan's athletic attributes have never been in question. Whether he could package it all together into a coherent low-post game was another matter. So far, Jordan has dominated the interior for the Clippers. He's shooting 15-for-19 from the field. He's shown sharp recognition in the post and is winning every race to the basket.
All Vets & Journeymen Team
Quincy Douby (TOR): Douby has been working hard on his game, and his effort is paying off in Las Vegas. He's shooting the ball efficiently from distance, racking up assists, and keeping turnovers to a minimum. Toronto may not have room for him in their backcourt, but his 19 points per game on 61.1 percent shooting should catch someone's attention.
Nick Young (WAS): The Wizards haven't even unpacked, but Nick Young's first game Tuesday night was a revelation. The third-year guard went insane, running up 36 points on 13-for-19 shooting, against the Cavs' hapless perimeter defenders.
Adam Morrison (LAL): It might not be the most efficient stat line of the week, but Morrison has put together a nice series of games. He's scored from distance, off cuts, and by putting the ball on the deck. It's a long road back for Morrison, but this week has served as a solid stepping stone back to respectability.
David Monds (LAL): The forward spent last summer in the D-League, and has been a solid contributor to the Lakers' 3-1 Summer League record thus far. He's averaging 14points and five rebounds, and only 0.5 turnovers per game. He's also shooting an efficient 64.1 percent from the field.
Walker Russell, Jr. (DLS): A sentimental choice off the D-League Select roster, Russell is a creative, pass-first point guard. He sees the floor with an uncanny awareness of exactly where his teammates are, and where they want the ball. His pinpoint passes were the highlight of the Select team's victory over the Timberwolves.
All The-Week-Isn't-Working-Out-So-Far Team
David Thorpe shares his thoughts about who's had a disappointing week in Vegas:
Stephen Curry (GSW): The good news for Curry is that he's been able to get shots -- larguely because the ball has been in his hand. He's picking his opportunities. Unfortunately, he's picking far too many of them. Although he's averaging 19.5 points per game, he's doing it on only 31.4 percent shooting. His assist/turnover ratio? 4.5 to 3.75.
Donte Greene (SAC): Greene is a bit of collateral damage playing next to Tyreke Evans. He needs the ball in the right spots, and Evans can't deliver those passes yet. So Greene is struggling to score efficiently, shooting only 8-for-27 over three games.
Mike Taylor (LAC): Taylor can shoot, is lightning quick, and plays with spirit. But he's not been able to put it together and look like a rotation point guard.
Bobby Brown (MIN): Sorry to break fellow Titan Marc Stein's heart, but for a team that just drafted two rookie PGs, Brown hoped to show this week that he could be part of the 'Wolves backcourt rotation. That's looking unlikely. He's shooting 35.7 percent from the field, and not giving the 'Wolves much else.
Luc Mbah a Moute (MIL): Mbah a Moute has already proved he's a rotation player in this league. He was hoping to show that he can be more than just a tough defender. Thus far, that hasn't happened.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Stephenson avoids jail time
ESPN.com news services
Forward Lance Stephenson, who has committed to play at Cincinnati this fall, agreed to a plea deal and will not serve jail time in his sexual assault case.
Stephenson, ranked No. 12 in the ESPNU top 100, pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor disorderly conduct on Friday and will seek counseling and perform three days of community service, according to the New York Daily News.
The 6-6 Brooklyn (N.Y.) Lincoln High School player, a 2009 McDonald's High School All-American who was considered the top high school player in New York state last season, had been scheduled for a July 15 trial.
A source told the Daily News: "His lawyer moved up the court date from next week and had him take conditional discharge."
Stephenson and another player from Lincoln, Darwin Ellis, were charged after being accused of groping a 17-year-old girl near the high school in early October 2008.
"Mr. Stephenson is looking forward to transitioning to college life and is pleased to put this matter behind him," his lawyer, Alberto Ebanks, said, according to the Daily News.
Not everything is resolved with Stephenson, however. A source with knowledge of the NCAA enforcement process told ESPN.com's Andy Katz in late June that the NCAA is expected to look into Stephenson's amateur status. Stephenson was part of a documentary, called "Born Ready," and a tour of the Under Armour factory while visiting Maryland earlier this year.
Multiple coaches who recruited Stephenson told ESPN.com that they expected an NCAA investigation into Stephenson's amateur status as soon as he committed to a school.
Sources said at the time that Cincinnati isn't worried about Stephenson's status or, for that matter, the assault case.
Stephenson averaged 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists at Lincoln, and graduated as the all-time leading scorer in the history of the state with 2,946 points.
Information from ESPN.com's Andy Katz was used in this report
Thursday, July 9, 2009
NYers Star in HG Elite Camp
Written BY:Maurice Wingate
NYCHoops.net Publisher
The Hoop Group Elite Camp which began on July 5th at Albright College in Reading, PA wrapped up on Wednesday with playoffs and the All-star Games. Here are the New York Players that excelled during the playoffs.
David Samuels, 6-foot-7 rising senior from Blessed Sacrament played solid, both inside and out. Samuel, a relative unknown peaked during the Senior All-star game where he scored 15 points to go along with 9 rebounds to capture the game's MVP award.
Maurice Harkless, a 6-foot-5 rising junior from Forest Hills played well leading his team to the championship of the NBA East. The rising junior excelled as a face up swing man and facilitator but struggled in the post. Harkless also played in the Top 20 all-star game.
Pat Moore, a 6-foot-5 rising senior from Notre Dame HS in Utica, NY played well within the team concept. Whether it was shots from the perimeter or layups from the left or the right, Moore was a solid finisher.
Vaughn Allen played both ends of the court, displaying a more diverse game at the HG Elite Camp then he did when he played at Mt. Vernon. A leaner meaner Allen played well, especially in transition and ran the floor well to also be a defensive presence.
Mike Poole, a NY transplant who attends St. Anthony was impressive during the Senior All-star game. Adding a quicker release to his arsenal, the 6-foot-6 guard nailed step back and catch and shoot perimeter shot. Poole also showed a nice crossover.
Melsahn Basabe the Glen Cove, NY transplant who attends St. Marks Prep in MA displayed serious low post moves as well as a nice midrange jumpshot during the top 20 game.
Shane Southwell also played well during the top 20 all-star game. Exhibiting deft passes at the 1 as well as tenacity down low, the rising senior ran the floor well.
Omar Calhoun, a 6-foot-3 rising sophomore from Christ the King has been consistent every time we've seen him at it was no different at the HG Elite. Showing range on his jumper, Calhoun also displays leadership abilities from the point guard spot. Calhoun set up a beautiful feed to 6-foot-8 Ramon Johnson from NJ for the dunk.
Notables
Antoine Slaughter, from Boys & Girls and James McKenna from St. Anthony's in Huntington, NY were on the NBA West championship team. Trivante Bloodsman and Pat Moore were on the NBA East championship.
The Hoop Group Elite Camp which began on July 5th at Albright College in Reading, PA wrapped up on Wednesday with playoffs and the All-star Games. Here are the New York Players that excelled during the playoffs.
David Samuels, 6-foot-7 rising senior from Blessed Sacrament played solid, both inside and out. Samuel, a relative unknown peaked during the Senior All-star game where he scored 15 points to go along with 9 rebounds to capture the game's MVP award.
Maurice Harkless, a 6-foot-5 rising junior from Forest Hills played well leading his team to the championship of the NBA East. The rising junior excelled as a face up swing man and facilitator but struggled in the post. Harkless also played in the Top 20 all-star game.
Pat Moore, a 6-foot-5 rising senior from Notre Dame HS in Utica, NY played well within the team concept. Whether it was shots from the perimeter or layups from the left or the right, Moore was a solid finisher.
Vaughn Allen played both ends of the court, displaying a more diverse game at the HG Elite Camp then he did when he played at Mt. Vernon. A leaner meaner Allen played well, especially in transition and ran the floor well to also be a defensive presence.
Mike Poole, a NY transplant who attends St. Anthony was impressive during the Senior All-star game. Adding a quicker release to his arsenal, the 6-foot-6 guard nailed step back and catch and shoot perimeter shot. Poole also showed a nice crossover.
Melsahn Basabe the Glen Cove, NY transplant who attends St. Marks Prep in MA displayed serious low post moves as well as a nice midrange jumpshot during the top 20 game.
Shane Southwell also played well during the top 20 all-star game. Exhibiting deft passes at the 1 as well as tenacity down low, the rising senior ran the floor well.
Omar Calhoun, a 6-foot-3 rising sophomore from Christ the King has been consistent every time we've seen him at it was no different at the HG Elite. Showing range on his jumper, Calhoun also displays leadership abilities from the point guard spot. Calhoun set up a beautiful feed to 6-foot-8 Ramon Johnson from NJ for the dunk.
Notables
Antoine Slaughter, from Boys & Girls and James McKenna from St. Anthony's in Huntington, NY were on the NBA West championship team. Trivante Bloodsman and Pat Moore were on the NBA East championship.
Top 20 All-stars (NY)
Maurice Harkless, Devante Cutler, Lamount Samuell, Shane Southwell, Melsahn Basabe
Senior All-Stars (NY)
Deshaun Wiggins, Winston Graham and Karim Rowson, 6-foot-5 rising senior from Wadleigh, David Samuels
Deshaun Wiggins, Winston Graham and Karim Rowson, 6-foot-5 rising senior from Wadleigh, David Samuels
Underclassmen All-stars (NY)
Omar Calhoun, Tyler Harris
Omar Calhoun, Tyler Harris
Mike Poole scores 20pts & 5rebs in Hoop Group Elite Senior Game
Mike Poole had a great Hoop Group Elite Camp. Listen to his NJHoops.com Interview belowMike Poole Interview July @ Rivals Video
Digging Hoop Group Elite's new digs
Pictured: Melsahn Basabe #30Written By: Hoops Weiss
NY Daily News Writer
Story link
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/weiss/2009/07/digging-hoop-group-elites-new.html
July 7, 2009
Column contributor Pat Plunkett and I drove up the Pennsylvania Turnpike to see Rob Kennedy's Hoop Group Elite camp, which has relocated from the College of New Jersey to Albright. The new digs include six new outdoor courts, which were put up in less than a week and have much more room for observation; seven indoor courts and air conditioned dorms.
It was nice to spend time with St. John's coach Norm Roberts, whose son Niko, a rising senior guard from St. Anthony's, L.I., is attending the camp; St. John's assistant Fred Quartlebaum; Hofstra coach Tom Pecora, Rutgers assistants Jim Carr and Darren Savino and old friends like Fran McCaffery and Mitch Buonaguro of Siena, Monte Ross of Delaware, Fran O'Hanlon of Lafayette, Phil Martelli Jr. of Niagara, recently hired Virginia State coach George White, Mike Rice and Jimmy Martelli of Robert Morris, Stephen Sauers of Iona, Allen Griffin of St. Francis, Billy Burke, the former Louisville assistant from Brooklyn who has just joined Kevin White's staff with the Gaels; Gil Jackson of Howard, Bob Mackey and Steve Keller from the staff and recruiting service experts Allen Rubin and Norm Eaverson.
Hoop Group Elite has filled the void for Five Star camp in our area and even though the camp has moved farther west, Kennedy, celebrating his 20th year in the business, still filled 715 beds this week and his camp is once again a paradise for mid-majors.
As for the talent, the depth this week is probably down, relative to past seasons, but there are still some hidden gems, particularly at the center and power forward spots with 6-10 Naofall Folahan of Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., 6-8 Shaquille Duncan of Philadelphia Frankford, 6-7 Melsahn Basabe of St. Mark's in Southborough, Mass., who plays for the Gauchos; 6-8 Cleveland Melvin of Notre Dame Prep, 6-9 Raphael Akepejori of Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas, and 7-3 Blake Vedder of Impact Basketball Academy in Vegas.
Hoop Group has always provided a huge showcase for New York prospects and we found 6-6 forward Mike Poole of St. Benedict's, guard Dashaun Wiggins of Wings, 6-6 forward Malik Thomas of Wadleigh, 5-9 Reynaldo Waters of Cardozo, 6-6 forward Shane Southwell of Rice, 6-6 forward Dave Samuels of Blessed Sacrament in New Rochelle, guard Justin Exum of Xaverian, guard Harold McBride of St. Ray's - who are all listed on Tom Konchalski's top 200 senior list - on rosters along with intriguing underclass prospects like 6-7 rising junior forward Maurice Harkless of Forest Hills and 6-3 rising sophomore Omar Calhoun of Christ the King - dotting rosters on the 62 teams.
You can't tell the players without a program, but at least they have numbers.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Welcome to the Evaluation Period
Written By: Nathan Blue
It currently about 630am, and I'm headed to Hoop Group Elite Camp. Gotta drop some players (Mike Poole, Denzel Dulin, and Maurice Harkless) off and hope they have a good week.
I spoke to Tobias Harris bright and early this morning, he's headed to Lebron Skills Academy this afternoon. Oh yeah at SJU Elite camp, I spoke to Kyle Anderson, Devon Collier, Jayvaughn Pinkston, Ashton Pankey, and Sidicki Johnson, all are headed to RBK All-American Camp in Philly.
I heard there is a crazy waiting list for RBK. That plus the fact that in 2008 some teams had 11 or 12 players on a team, which after the subbed gave some players 1 and a half quarters per game..
Just too much confusion, Hoop Group Elite feels normal.
Other then that, I'm headed to Reading PA..ill be back later in the day and oh yeah..."Let the Games Begin."
It currently about 630am, and I'm headed to Hoop Group Elite Camp. Gotta drop some players (Mike Poole, Denzel Dulin, and Maurice Harkless) off and hope they have a good week.
I spoke to Tobias Harris bright and early this morning, he's headed to Lebron Skills Academy this afternoon. Oh yeah at SJU Elite camp, I spoke to Kyle Anderson, Devon Collier, Jayvaughn Pinkston, Ashton Pankey, and Sidicki Johnson, all are headed to RBK All-American Camp in Philly.
I heard there is a crazy waiting list for RBK. That plus the fact that in 2008 some teams had 11 or 12 players on a team, which after the subbed gave some players 1 and a half quarters per game..
Just too much confusion, Hoop Group Elite feels normal.
Other then that, I'm headed to Reading PA..ill be back later in the day and oh yeah..."Let the Games Begin."
Ricky Puts Off NBA for Two More Years
Written BY: Ryne Nelson
Slam Mag
So you want to watch Ricky Rubio play next season? Go buy a EuroleagueTV pass. Matter of fact, if there’s a two-year special, make good on the savings today.
If it wasn’t clear once the Wolves took Jonny Flynn with the No. 6 pick, Ricky Rubio will finish the remainder of his contract in Spain
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported today.The Barcelona newspaper also says Rubio, who was paid $97,000 last season, plans to withdraw his contract lawsuit against DKV Joventut.
Let’s get one thing straight: Ricky playing in the NBA before 2011 was never meant to be.
It’s no one’s fault. Ricky wasn’t wrong for declaring for the Draft despite the real possibility that he’d have to finish his contract with DKV Joventut. The L-Wolves aren’t at fault for realizing Rubio’s sticky situation and making the best business move possible–selecting the Spanish wonder guard and stashing him away for safe trading. Joventut certainly isn’t at fault for asking Rubio to honor his contract. And how’s this for one really heinous thought… Maybe Rubio will be prepared to contribute in the NBA in two years.
When it all comes down to it, the only people who were wrong are those who assumed it was in Ricky’s best interest to play in the NBA next season. Guilty as charged.
So you want to watch Ricky Rubio play next season? Go buy a EuroleagueTV pass. Matter of fact, if there’s a two-year special, make good on the savings today.
If it wasn’t clear once the Wolves took Jonny Flynn with the No. 6 pick, Ricky Rubio will finish the remainder of his contract in Spain
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported today.The Barcelona newspaper also says Rubio, who was paid $97,000 last season, plans to withdraw his contract lawsuit against DKV Joventut.
Let’s get one thing straight: Ricky playing in the NBA before 2011 was never meant to be.
It’s no one’s fault. Ricky wasn’t wrong for declaring for the Draft despite the real possibility that he’d have to finish his contract with DKV Joventut. The L-Wolves aren’t at fault for realizing Rubio’s sticky situation and making the best business move possible–selecting the Spanish wonder guard and stashing him away for safe trading. Joventut certainly isn’t at fault for asking Rubio to honor his contract. And how’s this for one really heinous thought… Maybe Rubio will be prepared to contribute in the NBA in two years.
When it all comes down to it, the only people who were wrong are those who assumed it was in Ricky’s best interest to play in the NBA next season. Guilty as charged.
Article Link
Friday, July 3, 2009
Jianlian Solid, But Glover and Irvin Spectacular at Pro City
By Trevor Kapp
Bouncemag.com
Yi Jianlian did something Tuesday night that NBA players Marko Jaric, Speedy Claxton and even Michael Beasley couldn’t avoid when they played at Pro City last year. The 6-11 Nets forward managed not to get booed.
But while Yi put up a solid 23 points in limited action for Dyckman, it was Mike “Optimus Prime” Glover and Gary Irvin who were the real stories. Glover dropped 32 points and Irvin added 29 as Gold’s Gym defeated Dyckman, 114-104.
Dyckman led 52-49 at the half. But Gold’s Gym went on a 49-25 run over the next 15 minutes behind the inside-outside combination of Glover and Irvin and took a commanding lead.
Dyckman cut the deficit to six on a Donnie McGrath three with 3 minutes left. But the guys in orange never got any closer and Gold’s Gym held on.
Former Davidson guard Kenny “Survivor Man” Grant scored 18 points for Dyckman.
Bouncemag.com
Yi Jianlian did something Tuesday night that NBA players Marko Jaric, Speedy Claxton and even Michael Beasley couldn’t avoid when they played at Pro City last year. The 6-11 Nets forward managed not to get booed.
But while Yi put up a solid 23 points in limited action for Dyckman, it was Mike “Optimus Prime” Glover and Gary Irvin who were the real stories. Glover dropped 32 points and Irvin added 29 as Gold’s Gym defeated Dyckman, 114-104.
Dyckman led 52-49 at the half. But Gold’s Gym went on a 49-25 run over the next 15 minutes behind the inside-outside combination of Glover and Irvin and took a commanding lead.
Dyckman cut the deficit to six on a Donnie McGrath three with 3 minutes left. But the guys in orange never got any closer and Gold’s Gym held on.
Former Davidson guard Kenny “Survivor Man” Grant scored 18 points for Dyckman.
Sources: Turkoglu, Blazers agree
By Henry Abbott
ESPN.com
Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to join the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources.
Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, when the NBA informs teams what the 2009-10 salary cap will be.
The Orlando Magic's recent trade for Vince Carter, who has a large salary and plays small forward -- which is Turkoglu's position -- made it highly unlikely Turkoglu would be back in Orlando.
The Toronto Raptors expressed interest in Turkoglu, but were constrained by their other efforts to keep Shawn Marion and Carlos Delfino.
Turkoglu, a 6-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the Magic's recent trip to the NBA Finals, had been looking for a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million.
Experts believe the cap likely will be somewhere between $57 million and $59 million. If the cap number comes in at the high end, the Blazers can offer close to what Turkoglu is hoping for.
After having dinner with Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan in Florida on Wednesday, Turkoglu flew to Portland on Thursday to visit the team and see the city.
ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that the Turkish star remained in Portland on Friday, where he and the team were working on a deal.
The Blazers, one of the youngest teams in the NBA, had been intent on adding experienced players this offseason. They targeted the 30-year-old Turkoglu as a player who could take pressure off team leader Brandon Roy, who has carried the burden of creating most of the team's scoring opportunities.
Henry Abbott writes the TrueHoop blog for ESPN.com.
SJU Elite Camp Top Prospects (Real Scout Edition)
Written BY: Nathan Blue
The Best area players were all on hand for the First Ever St. Johns Elite Camp. The 40 campers received a tour of the University, great drill instruction in and games, in a very competitive environment.
Here's a breakdown of some of the top players at the game in the 2010, 2011, and 2012classes.
Alphabetical Order
Kyle Anderson 6'6 SG/PG (Playaz Club) 2012
"Slow Motion was creative, crafty, and looking stronger."
Omar Calhoun 6'3 SG (NY Gauchos) 2012
"No longer a jumpshooter, calhoun was getting to the cup, with some very strong moves I might say."
Devon Collier 6'8 PF/SF (New Heights) 2010
"D.C. Looked great in the workouts and the games"
Joey De la Rosa 6'9 PF (New Heights) 2011
"A lot of people are sleeping on Joey, but he might possibly be the next chris taft."
Daniel Dingle 6'6 SF (LI Lightning) 2012
"Strong on the box, Dingle is going to be special."
Corey Edwards 6'0 PG (New Heights) 2011
"Corey was the best passing point guard at the camp, simple profile right"
Branden Fraser 6'2 SG (New Heights) 2010
"Fraser played like fraser."
Maurice Harkless 6'7 SF (NY Elite) 2011
"Harkless shot was dropping very often wednesday..very often."
Tyler Harris 6'7 SF (Albany City Rocks) 2011
"Once was known as the brother, harris is making a name for himself."
Kyrie Irving 6'2 PG (NJ Roadrunners) 2010 (pictured)
"Irving played great, even though his team wasn't a defensive minded squad. When the camp was over, he stayed around to toss up a couple hundred shots by himself, while everybody else was upstairs eating pizza....they just don't make em like Kyrie anymore."
Kadeem Jack 6'9 PF (NY Gauchos) 2010
"The real sleeper of this class, he could be picking any college by summers end, hopefully for sju he picks them."
John Johnson 6'1 PG (Team Philly) 2011
"Philly's finest didn't play as well as I liked, but he is going to be a high major problem."
Myles Mack 5'8 PG (Playaz Club) 2011
"The second best natural pg in the camp, Mack at 5'8 is one of the scariest players on the court...outplayed Kyrie Irving..seriously I said he did.
Antonie Mason 6'3 SG (Metro Hawks) 2010
"Great combo guard, reminds me of a bigger Nate Robinson."
Harold Mcbride 5'11 PG (New Heights) 2010
"Former Real Scout 8th grade all-star MVP, was laughing and showed up bigtime."
JJ Moore 6'6 SG/SF (NY Panthers) 2010
"Way better then what I thought"
Ashton Pankey 6'8 PF (New Heights) 2010
"Best rebounder, played well around the basket."
JayVaughn Pinkston 6'6 SF (New Heights) 2010
"The worlds most scariest player has told everybody he's staying at Loughlin...The chsaa player of the yr is???"
Derrick Randall 6'8 PF (Playaz Club) 2011
"Shot blocker"
Jermaine Sanders 6'5 SF (New Heights) 2011
"Scored a lot of points and looked real good in the workout sessions."
Shane Southwell 6'6 PG (NY Gauchos) 2010
"Sugar Shane is great, I really like his game, very entertaining"
Dashawn Suber 5'11 PG (NY Gauchos) 2012
"Had a great weekend, except against Corey Edwards.lol"
Mike Taylor 6'2 SG (Metro Hawks) 2011
"Mike Taylor looked like a college kid playing against very good high school players, he didn't force one thing all day."
A.J. West 6'8 PF (Juice All Stars) 2010
"AJ is the ultimate garbage man"
Tafari Whittingham 6'7 (LI Lightning) 2012
"Tafari played well, now when everything clicks...he can be the next rashawn clarke."
The Best area players were all on hand for the First Ever St. Johns Elite Camp. The 40 campers received a tour of the University, great drill instruction in and games, in a very competitive environment.
Here's a breakdown of some of the top players at the game in the 2010, 2011, and 2012classes.
Alphabetical Order
Kyle Anderson 6'6 SG/PG (Playaz Club) 2012
"Slow Motion was creative, crafty, and looking stronger."
Omar Calhoun 6'3 SG (NY Gauchos) 2012
"No longer a jumpshooter, calhoun was getting to the cup, with some very strong moves I might say."
Devon Collier 6'8 PF/SF (New Heights) 2010
"D.C. Looked great in the workouts and the games"
Joey De la Rosa 6'9 PF (New Heights) 2011
"A lot of people are sleeping on Joey, but he might possibly be the next chris taft."
Daniel Dingle 6'6 SF (LI Lightning) 2012
"Strong on the box, Dingle is going to be special."
Corey Edwards 6'0 PG (New Heights) 2011
"Corey was the best passing point guard at the camp, simple profile right"
Branden Fraser 6'2 SG (New Heights) 2010
"Fraser played like fraser."
Maurice Harkless 6'7 SF (NY Elite) 2011
"Harkless shot was dropping very often wednesday..very often."
Tyler Harris 6'7 SF (Albany City Rocks) 2011
"Once was known as the brother, harris is making a name for himself."
Kyrie Irving 6'2 PG (NJ Roadrunners) 2010 (pictured)
"Irving played great, even though his team wasn't a defensive minded squad. When the camp was over, he stayed around to toss up a couple hundred shots by himself, while everybody else was upstairs eating pizza....they just don't make em like Kyrie anymore."
Kadeem Jack 6'9 PF (NY Gauchos) 2010
"The real sleeper of this class, he could be picking any college by summers end, hopefully for sju he picks them."
John Johnson 6'1 PG (Team Philly) 2011
"Philly's finest didn't play as well as I liked, but he is going to be a high major problem."
Myles Mack 5'8 PG (Playaz Club) 2011
"The second best natural pg in the camp, Mack at 5'8 is one of the scariest players on the court...outplayed Kyrie Irving..seriously I said he did.
Antonie Mason 6'3 SG (Metro Hawks) 2010
"Great combo guard, reminds me of a bigger Nate Robinson."
Harold Mcbride 5'11 PG (New Heights) 2010
"Former Real Scout 8th grade all-star MVP, was laughing and showed up bigtime."
JJ Moore 6'6 SG/SF (NY Panthers) 2010
"Way better then what I thought"
Ashton Pankey 6'8 PF (New Heights) 2010
"Best rebounder, played well around the basket."
JayVaughn Pinkston 6'6 SF (New Heights) 2010
"The worlds most scariest player has told everybody he's staying at Loughlin...The chsaa player of the yr is???"
Derrick Randall 6'8 PF (Playaz Club) 2011
"Shot blocker"
Jermaine Sanders 6'5 SF (New Heights) 2011
"Scored a lot of points and looked real good in the workout sessions."
Shane Southwell 6'6 PG (NY Gauchos) 2010
"Sugar Shane is great, I really like his game, very entertaining"
Dashawn Suber 5'11 PG (NY Gauchos) 2012
"Had a great weekend, except against Corey Edwards.lol"
Mike Taylor 6'2 SG (Metro Hawks) 2011
"Mike Taylor looked like a college kid playing against very good high school players, he didn't force one thing all day."
A.J. West 6'8 PF (Juice All Stars) 2010
"AJ is the ultimate garbage man"
Tafari Whittingham 6'7 (LI Lightning) 2012
"Tafari played well, now when everything clicks...he can be the next rashawn clarke."
Guess who's Rivals.com #1 Player Regardless of Class?
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst
There is a new No. 1 prospect in the 2011 class. In fact, Mike Gilchrist isn't just the top prospect in the 2011 class, but the top prospect in the country regardless of class.
Mike Gilchrist is the nation's top prospect regardless of class.
Always a high-energy, top-level athlete, Gilchrist has taken his skill game to another level over the past year. The 6-foot-6 small forward is now attacking the basket proficiently with either hand, passing the ball accurately off the dribble and keeping the defense honest with an improving outside shot to go along with his rebounding and inside scoring ability.
Young for his class and still oozing with upside, Gilchrist has about as firm a hold on the No. 1 spot as a rising junior could have.
Potential top prospect
The last No. 1 prospect to have a stranglehold on the top spot as early as Gilchrist was Greg Oden. As of now, however, it looks like the consensus No. 2 prospect Kevin Durant was ultimately the best prospect in the 2006 class. The 2011 class has its potential version of Durant in highly-skilled small forward Quincy Miller. At 6-8, 195 pounds, Miller is an adept ball handler with three-point shooting range. His ceiling might just depend on how much stronger he can make his wiry, athletic frame.
Strength on the perimeter
There are a few post players, namely James McAdoo, Rakeem Christmas and Johnny O'Bryant, in the 2011 class with elite potential. But it is the three perimeter positions that are loaded with both star power and depth.
Out of the 20 five-star prospects, six are point guards with Marquis Teague, Austin Rivers and Anthony Wroten Jr. in the top 10. Four of the five-stars are shooting guards, with Bradley Beal holding the top spot. Five small forwards are included in the five-star ranks.
2011 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools last sorted on 7/1/2009
1 Mike Gilchrist Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick F 6-6/190
2 Marquis Teague Indianapolis (IN) Pike G 6-2/170
3 Quincy Miller Winston-Salem (NC) Quality Education Academy F 6-8/180
4 Austin Rivers Winter Park (FL) Winter Park G 6-3/175 Florida
5 James McAdoo Norfolk (VA) Norfolk Christian School F 6-9/205
6 Rakeem Christmas Philadelphia (PA) Northeast Catholic C 6-8/200
7 Bradley Beal St. Louis (MO) Chaminade G 6-3/170
8 LeBryan Nash Dallas (TX) Lincoln F 6-7/212 list
9 Anthony Wroten Jr. Seattle (WA) Garfield G 6-4/180 list
10 Johnny O'Bryant Cleveland (MS) East Side F 6-8/220 list
11 Kentavious Caldwell Greenville (GA) Greenville G 6-3/170 list
12 Adonis Thomas Memphis (TN) Melrose F 6-6/205 list
13 Marquis Rankin Charlotte (NC) Vance G 5-11/170 list
14 LaQuinton Ross Jackson (MS) Murrah F 6-8/195 list
15 Damien Leonard Greenville (SC) J. L. Mann G 6-3/175 list
16 Wayne Blackshear Chicago (IL) Morgan Park G 6-5/210 list
17 Michael Chandler Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North C 6-10/220 Louisville
18 Ky Madden Lepanto (AR) East Poinsett County G 6-4/170 list
19 Mike Shaw Chicago (IL) De La Salle F 6-8/205 list
20 Jamal Branch Houston (TX) Atascocita G 6-3/170 Texas A&M
21 Angelo Chol San Diego (CA) Hoover C 6-8/205 list
22 Jabari Brown Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/205 list
23 P.J. Hairston Greensboro (NC) Dudley F 6-5/215 list
24 Keaton Miles Dallas (TX) Skyline F 6-6/170 list
25 Sheldon McClellan Houston (TX) Bellaire G 6-5/185 Texas
26 Branden Dawson Gary (IN) Lew Wallace F 6-6/200 list
27 Kevin Ware Conyers (GA) Rockdale County G 6-4/167 list
28 Nick Johnson Gilbert (AZ) Highland G 6-2/175 list
29 Michael Gbinije Christchurch (VA) Christchurch School F 6-6/170 list
30 Dai-Jon Parker Alpharetta (GA) Milton G 6-3/170 list
31 Myck Kabongo Newark (NJ) St. Benedict's HS G 6-2/160 Texas
32 Julian Royal Alpharetta (GA) Milton F 6-7/185 list
33 Kyle Wiltjer Portland (OR) Jesuit F 6-9/200 list
34 Quinn Cook Bowie (MD) DeMatha G 6-1/180 list
35 Naadir Tharpe Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy G 5-11/170 list
36 Shannon Scott Alpharetta (GA) Milton G 6-2/175 list
37 Achraf Yacoubou Long Island (NY) Lutheran G 6-3/200 list
38 Mikael Hopkins Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha F 6-8/210 list
39 Nnana Egwu Chicago (IL) St Ignatius College Prep C 6-9/205 list
40 LeAntwan Luckett Rigdeland (MS) Ridgeland G 6-5/185 list
41 DeAndre Daniels Woodland Hills (CA) Taft F 6-8/180 Texas
42 Chasson Randle Rock Island (IL) Rock Island G 6-1/180 list
43 Ryan Taylor Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North F 6-6/185 Louisville
44 Angel Nunez Bronx (NY) Cardinal Hayes F 6-7/180 list
45 Maurice Harkless Queens (NY) Forest Hills F 6-6/180 list
46 Quddus Bello High Point (NC) Westchester Country Day F 6-3/170 list
47 Marshall Plumlee Arden (NC) Christ School C 6-11/195 list
48 Aaron Ross Little Rock (AR) Pulaski Academy F 6-7/205 Arkansas
49 Jordan Goodman Bowie (MD) Seneca Valley F 6-8/190 list
50 C.J. Barksdale Danville (VA) George Washington F 6-7/190 list
51 Chris Jones Memphis (TN) Melrose G 5-10/160 list
52 Zach Price Lakewood (OH) St. Edward C 6-8/225 list
53 Cedrick McAfee(TN) Craigmont G 6-3/175 list
54 Amir Williams Beverly Hills (MI) Country Day C 6-9/220 list
55 Josiah Turner Sacramento (CA) Sacramento G 6-3/175 Arizona State
56 Sidiki Johnson Bronx (NY) St. Raymond's F 6-8/200 list
57 Hunter Mickelson Jonesboro (AR) Westside F 6-10/185 list
58 Tyler Adams Brandon (MS) Brandon C 6-9/225 list
59 Dezmine Wells Raleigh (NC) Word Of God Christian Academy F 6-3/210 list
60 Byron Wesley San Bernardino (CA) Cajon F 6-5/190 list
61 Kevin Johnson Los Angeles (CA) Junipero Serra C 6-8/235 list
62 Rodney Hood Meridan (MS) Meridian F 6-7/180 list
63 Sam Thompson Chicago (IL) Whitney Young F 6-6/200 list
64 Tim Dixon Columbus (GA) Kendrick C 6-9/200 list
65 Julien Lewis Galveston (TX) La Marque G 6-3/185 Texas
66 Percy Gibson Detroit (MI) Southeastern F 6-8/230 list
67 Shane Larkin Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips G 5-11/150 list
68 Deville Smith Jackson (MS) Callaway G 5-10/160 list
69 Brandan Kearney Detroit (MI) Southeastern G 6-4/175 list
70 Tracy Abrams Chicago (IL) Mount Carmel G 6-1/175 Illinois
71 Deng Leek Greensboro (NC) Veritas Christian C 6-11/225 list
72 Darwin Davis Bloomington (IN) Bloomington South G 5-9/160 Xavier
73 Derrick Wilson Lakeville (CT) Hotchkiss School G 6-1/185 list
74 Carlton Brundidge Southfield (MI) Southfield G 6-0/200 list
75 Jahii Carson Mesa (AZ) Mesa G 5-10/170 Oregon State
76 Jeremiah Davis Muncie (IN) Muncie Central G 6-3/195 list
77 A.J. English Middletown (DE) Appoquinimink G 6-2/165 list
78 Trevor Cooney Wilmington (DE) Sanford School G 6-3/180 list
79 Ramon Eaton Sacramento (CA) Sheldon F 6-8/185 list
80 Grandy Glaze Fredrick (MD) St. John's Catholic Prep F 6-6/205 list
81 Robert Brown Clermont (FL) East Ridge G 6-4/175 list
82 Desmond Hubert Cream Ridge (NJ) New Egypt C 6-8/195 list
83 Trevor Lacey Huntsville (AL) Butler G 6-3/170 list
84 Richard Peters Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy C 6-9/260 Oklahoma
85 Mychal Ammons Vicksburg (MS) Vicksburg F 6-5/215 list
86 Chane Behanan Bowling Green (KY) Bowling Green F 6-7/235 Cincinnati
87 George Marshall Chicago (IL) Brooks College Preparatory G 5-11/175 list
88 Tony Kimbro Arden (NC) Christ School G 6-4/175 list
89 Ryan Boatright Aurora (IL) N/A G 5-10/140 list
90 Nick Jacobs Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta C 6-8/215 list
91 Myles Mack Paterson (NJ) Paterson Catholic G 5-8/155 list
92 Thomas Gipson Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill F 6-7/240 list
93 Octavious Ellis Memphis (TN) Whitehaven F 6-8/185 list
94 Cezar Guerrero Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco G 5-11/165 list
95 Jabarie Hinds Mount Vernon (NY) Mount Vernon G 6-0/160 list
96 James Siakam Carbondale (IL) Carbondale F 6-7/190 list
97 Andre Hollins Memphis (TN) White Station G 6-2/200 list
98 Darell Longstreet Kenosha (WI) Kenosha Tremper G 6-1/175 list
99 David Gardner Okolona (MS) Okolona G 6-6/175 list
100 Sterling Gibbs West Orange (NJ) Seton Hall Prep G 6-0/177 list
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst
There is a new No. 1 prospect in the 2011 class. In fact, Mike Gilchrist isn't just the top prospect in the 2011 class, but the top prospect in the country regardless of class.
Mike Gilchrist is the nation's top prospect regardless of class.
Always a high-energy, top-level athlete, Gilchrist has taken his skill game to another level over the past year. The 6-foot-6 small forward is now attacking the basket proficiently with either hand, passing the ball accurately off the dribble and keeping the defense honest with an improving outside shot to go along with his rebounding and inside scoring ability.
Young for his class and still oozing with upside, Gilchrist has about as firm a hold on the No. 1 spot as a rising junior could have.
Potential top prospect
The last No. 1 prospect to have a stranglehold on the top spot as early as Gilchrist was Greg Oden. As of now, however, it looks like the consensus No. 2 prospect Kevin Durant was ultimately the best prospect in the 2006 class. The 2011 class has its potential version of Durant in highly-skilled small forward Quincy Miller. At 6-8, 195 pounds, Miller is an adept ball handler with three-point shooting range. His ceiling might just depend on how much stronger he can make his wiry, athletic frame.
Strength on the perimeter
There are a few post players, namely James McAdoo, Rakeem Christmas and Johnny O'Bryant, in the 2011 class with elite potential. But it is the three perimeter positions that are loaded with both star power and depth.
Out of the 20 five-star prospects, six are point guards with Marquis Teague, Austin Rivers and Anthony Wroten Jr. in the top 10. Four of the five-stars are shooting guards, with Bradley Beal holding the top spot. Five small forwards are included in the five-star ranks.
2011 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools last sorted on 7/1/2009
1 Mike Gilchrist Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick F 6-6/190
2 Marquis Teague Indianapolis (IN) Pike G 6-2/170
3 Quincy Miller Winston-Salem (NC) Quality Education Academy F 6-8/180
4 Austin Rivers Winter Park (FL) Winter Park G 6-3/175 Florida
5 James McAdoo Norfolk (VA) Norfolk Christian School F 6-9/205
6 Rakeem Christmas Philadelphia (PA) Northeast Catholic C 6-8/200
7 Bradley Beal St. Louis (MO) Chaminade G 6-3/170
8 LeBryan Nash Dallas (TX) Lincoln F 6-7/212 list
9 Anthony Wroten Jr. Seattle (WA) Garfield G 6-4/180 list
10 Johnny O'Bryant Cleveland (MS) East Side F 6-8/220 list
11 Kentavious Caldwell Greenville (GA) Greenville G 6-3/170 list
12 Adonis Thomas Memphis (TN) Melrose F 6-6/205 list
13 Marquis Rankin Charlotte (NC) Vance G 5-11/170 list
14 LaQuinton Ross Jackson (MS) Murrah F 6-8/195 list
15 Damien Leonard Greenville (SC) J. L. Mann G 6-3/175 list
16 Wayne Blackshear Chicago (IL) Morgan Park G 6-5/210 list
17 Michael Chandler Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North C 6-10/220 Louisville
18 Ky Madden Lepanto (AR) East Poinsett County G 6-4/170 list
19 Mike Shaw Chicago (IL) De La Salle F 6-8/205 list
20 Jamal Branch Houston (TX) Atascocita G 6-3/170 Texas A&M
21 Angelo Chol San Diego (CA) Hoover C 6-8/205 list
22 Jabari Brown Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/205 list
23 P.J. Hairston Greensboro (NC) Dudley F 6-5/215 list
24 Keaton Miles Dallas (TX) Skyline F 6-6/170 list
25 Sheldon McClellan Houston (TX) Bellaire G 6-5/185 Texas
26 Branden Dawson Gary (IN) Lew Wallace F 6-6/200 list
27 Kevin Ware Conyers (GA) Rockdale County G 6-4/167 list
28 Nick Johnson Gilbert (AZ) Highland G 6-2/175 list
29 Michael Gbinije Christchurch (VA) Christchurch School F 6-6/170 list
30 Dai-Jon Parker Alpharetta (GA) Milton G 6-3/170 list
31 Myck Kabongo Newark (NJ) St. Benedict's HS G 6-2/160 Texas
32 Julian Royal Alpharetta (GA) Milton F 6-7/185 list
33 Kyle Wiltjer Portland (OR) Jesuit F 6-9/200 list
34 Quinn Cook Bowie (MD) DeMatha G 6-1/180 list
35 Naadir Tharpe Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy G 5-11/170 list
36 Shannon Scott Alpharetta (GA) Milton G 6-2/175 list
37 Achraf Yacoubou Long Island (NY) Lutheran G 6-3/200 list
38 Mikael Hopkins Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha F 6-8/210 list
39 Nnana Egwu Chicago (IL) St Ignatius College Prep C 6-9/205 list
40 LeAntwan Luckett Rigdeland (MS) Ridgeland G 6-5/185 list
41 DeAndre Daniels Woodland Hills (CA) Taft F 6-8/180 Texas
42 Chasson Randle Rock Island (IL) Rock Island G 6-1/180 list
43 Ryan Taylor Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North F 6-6/185 Louisville
44 Angel Nunez Bronx (NY) Cardinal Hayes F 6-7/180 list
45 Maurice Harkless Queens (NY) Forest Hills F 6-6/180 list
46 Quddus Bello High Point (NC) Westchester Country Day F 6-3/170 list
47 Marshall Plumlee Arden (NC) Christ School C 6-11/195 list
48 Aaron Ross Little Rock (AR) Pulaski Academy F 6-7/205 Arkansas
49 Jordan Goodman Bowie (MD) Seneca Valley F 6-8/190 list
50 C.J. Barksdale Danville (VA) George Washington F 6-7/190 list
51 Chris Jones Memphis (TN) Melrose G 5-10/160 list
52 Zach Price Lakewood (OH) St. Edward C 6-8/225 list
53 Cedrick McAfee(TN) Craigmont G 6-3/175 list
54 Amir Williams Beverly Hills (MI) Country Day C 6-9/220 list
55 Josiah Turner Sacramento (CA) Sacramento G 6-3/175 Arizona State
56 Sidiki Johnson Bronx (NY) St. Raymond's F 6-8/200 list
57 Hunter Mickelson Jonesboro (AR) Westside F 6-10/185 list
58 Tyler Adams Brandon (MS) Brandon C 6-9/225 list
59 Dezmine Wells Raleigh (NC) Word Of God Christian Academy F 6-3/210 list
60 Byron Wesley San Bernardino (CA) Cajon F 6-5/190 list
61 Kevin Johnson Los Angeles (CA) Junipero Serra C 6-8/235 list
62 Rodney Hood Meridan (MS) Meridian F 6-7/180 list
63 Sam Thompson Chicago (IL) Whitney Young F 6-6/200 list
64 Tim Dixon Columbus (GA) Kendrick C 6-9/200 list
65 Julien Lewis Galveston (TX) La Marque G 6-3/185 Texas
66 Percy Gibson Detroit (MI) Southeastern F 6-8/230 list
67 Shane Larkin Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips G 5-11/150 list
68 Deville Smith Jackson (MS) Callaway G 5-10/160 list
69 Brandan Kearney Detroit (MI) Southeastern G 6-4/175 list
70 Tracy Abrams Chicago (IL) Mount Carmel G 6-1/175 Illinois
71 Deng Leek Greensboro (NC) Veritas Christian C 6-11/225 list
72 Darwin Davis Bloomington (IN) Bloomington South G 5-9/160 Xavier
73 Derrick Wilson Lakeville (CT) Hotchkiss School G 6-1/185 list
74 Carlton Brundidge Southfield (MI) Southfield G 6-0/200 list
75 Jahii Carson Mesa (AZ) Mesa G 5-10/170 Oregon State
76 Jeremiah Davis Muncie (IN) Muncie Central G 6-3/195 list
77 A.J. English Middletown (DE) Appoquinimink G 6-2/165 list
78 Trevor Cooney Wilmington (DE) Sanford School G 6-3/180 list
79 Ramon Eaton Sacramento (CA) Sheldon F 6-8/185 list
80 Grandy Glaze Fredrick (MD) St. John's Catholic Prep F 6-6/205 list
81 Robert Brown Clermont (FL) East Ridge G 6-4/175 list
82 Desmond Hubert Cream Ridge (NJ) New Egypt C 6-8/195 list
83 Trevor Lacey Huntsville (AL) Butler G 6-3/170 list
84 Richard Peters Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy C 6-9/260 Oklahoma
85 Mychal Ammons Vicksburg (MS) Vicksburg F 6-5/215 list
86 Chane Behanan Bowling Green (KY) Bowling Green F 6-7/235 Cincinnati
87 George Marshall Chicago (IL) Brooks College Preparatory G 5-11/175 list
88 Tony Kimbro Arden (NC) Christ School G 6-4/175 list
89 Ryan Boatright Aurora (IL) N/A G 5-10/140 list
90 Nick Jacobs Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta C 6-8/215 list
91 Myles Mack Paterson (NJ) Paterson Catholic G 5-8/155 list
92 Thomas Gipson Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill F 6-7/240 list
93 Octavious Ellis Memphis (TN) Whitehaven F 6-8/185 list
94 Cezar Guerrero Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco G 5-11/165 list
95 Jabarie Hinds Mount Vernon (NY) Mount Vernon G 6-0/160 list
96 James Siakam Carbondale (IL) Carbondale F 6-7/190 list
97 Andre Hollins Memphis (TN) White Station G 6-2/200 list
98 Darell Longstreet Kenosha (WI) Kenosha Tremper G 6-1/175 list
99 David Gardner Okolona (MS) Okolona G 6-6/175 list
100 Sterling Gibbs West Orange (NJ) Seton Hall Prep G 6-0/177 list
Rankings Link
Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets
L.A. and Houston essentially make a swap of free-agent forwards.
By Mike Bresnahan and Broderick Turner
LA Times
In what essentially became a swap of free-agent forwards, the Lakers agreed to contract terms with former Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest while the Rockets reached an agreement with Trevor Ariza on a Thursday that proved to be as unpredictable and impulsive as, well, the Lakers' newest acquisition.
Artest, who will be 30 in November, is a formidable defender with scoring skills who enjoys the Los Angeles lifestyle almost as much as the Lakers took pleasure in bringing him into their fold.
He agreed to a three-year deal worth about $18 million, giving the Lakers two of the NBA's top defenders: Kobe Bryant was a first-team All-Defensive selection last season while Artest was second team.
Artest was a presence in the courtside seats for some of the Lakers' games in the NBA Finals, sticking out among the actors, producers and business moguls who will now presumably cheer for him when the Lakers resume play after winning the franchise's 15th championship a few weeks ago.
He averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Rockets last season and didn't seem upset about taking a pay cut after making $7.4 million last season.
"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A.," Artest said in a statement. "For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau [Gasol] and the rest of the team, and play for Phil [Jackson].
"I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center."
Artest cannot officially sign the contract until the league's weeklong moratorium on announcing free-agent signings ends next Wednesday.
The Lakers can't comment specifically on signing free agents until the moratorium ends, but the addition of Artest ended their pursuit of Ariza, who agreed to a five-year deal worth about $33 million with Houston a few hours after the Lakers came to terms with Artest.
"I am happy with my decision," Ariza told The Times. "I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for."
Ariza played in all 82 regular-season games and stepped up his game in the playoffs, averaging 11.3 points while shooting a stellar 47.6% from three-point range. He also had memorable steals of two inbounds passes late in Games 1 and 3 of the Western Conference finals against Denver.
Ariza's agent, David Lee, said the 24-year-old forward passed up a more lucrative contract offer from another team to go to Houston. That team was believed to be Toronto.
"It was never about the money," Lee said. "It was about going someplace where you felt appreciated."
The courtship of Artest began with a phone call from Magic Johnson, continued over the phone with Jackson and ended during a seal-the-deal lunch Thursday with Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Jackson has always admired Artest from afar and believes he can coach Artest despite the player's sometimes irregular behavior.
Artest offered mutual respect on Thursday.
"I had a great talk today with Phil," Artest said. "I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do."
Bryant is a longtime supporter of Artest and even begged the Lakers to trade for him a few years ago, though the two had some brush-ups last season that demonstrated first-hand the unpredictability of Artest.
In Game 2 of the West semifinals between the Lakers and Rockets, Artest was called for an over-the-back foul, complained to the referee, ran across the court to Bryant and got in the face of the Lakers' guard. Artest was angry that Bryant elbowed him while the two were jostling underneath the basket.
After they were separated, Artest pointed at Bryant and then pointed at his own neck, indicating where the blow had landed.
Artest was ejected from the game and said afterward, "I told Kobe, 'You've got to relax. You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?' "
Two months before that, Artest began trash-talking to Bryant in a regular-season game. Bryant responded by scoring 31 points in the second half of a 102-96 Lakers victory.
"It wasn't much of a battle," Bryant said. "I kicked his [butt]"
Artest answered by saying, "We are not friends out there at all. After the season, we might play pickup games or something like that. Not now."
At the very least, Lakers practices should be more entertaining next season.
In case the Lakers hadn't shaken their lack-of-toughness image by winning the championship, adding the barrel-chested Artest won't hurt. He is 6 feet 7, 260 pounds and afraid of practically no one.
He gained several years' worth of notoriety as the centerpiece of one of the NBA's darkest moments, the infamous brawl in 2004 that involved the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and numerous fans.
Artest, then with the Pacers, went into the crowd after a beverage was thrown at him and later punched a fan. He was suspended for a total of 86 games, the longest penalty for a physical altercation in NBA history. Off the court, he received a year's probation for pleading no contest to assault charges.
The Lakers have now allocated roughly $81.5 million toward 11 players on next season's payroll, which puts them roughly $10 million into luxury-tax territory.
The Lakers were conscious of the tax heading into the off-season, so it remains to be seen who else they pursue. By getting Artest with the mid-level exception, a spending tool for teams that are over the salary cap, the Lakers have only a handful of possibilities remaining beyond a trade.
A large payday for free-agent forward Lamar Odom has all but disappeared, though he could still sign a one-year deal with the team and try free agency again next season when more teams will have money to spend. The Lakers have also maintained contact with free-agent guard Shannon Brown and have agreed to talk again today.
mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
broderick.turner@latimes.com
By Mike Bresnahan and Broderick Turner
LA Times
In what essentially became a swap of free-agent forwards, the Lakers agreed to contract terms with former Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest while the Rockets reached an agreement with Trevor Ariza on a Thursday that proved to be as unpredictable and impulsive as, well, the Lakers' newest acquisition.
Artest, who will be 30 in November, is a formidable defender with scoring skills who enjoys the Los Angeles lifestyle almost as much as the Lakers took pleasure in bringing him into their fold.
He agreed to a three-year deal worth about $18 million, giving the Lakers two of the NBA's top defenders: Kobe Bryant was a first-team All-Defensive selection last season while Artest was second team.
Artest was a presence in the courtside seats for some of the Lakers' games in the NBA Finals, sticking out among the actors, producers and business moguls who will now presumably cheer for him when the Lakers resume play after winning the franchise's 15th championship a few weeks ago.
He averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Rockets last season and didn't seem upset about taking a pay cut after making $7.4 million last season.
"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A.," Artest said in a statement. "For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau [Gasol] and the rest of the team, and play for Phil [Jackson].
"I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center."
Artest cannot officially sign the contract until the league's weeklong moratorium on announcing free-agent signings ends next Wednesday.
The Lakers can't comment specifically on signing free agents until the moratorium ends, but the addition of Artest ended their pursuit of Ariza, who agreed to a five-year deal worth about $33 million with Houston a few hours after the Lakers came to terms with Artest.
"I am happy with my decision," Ariza told The Times. "I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for."
Ariza played in all 82 regular-season games and stepped up his game in the playoffs, averaging 11.3 points while shooting a stellar 47.6% from three-point range. He also had memorable steals of two inbounds passes late in Games 1 and 3 of the Western Conference finals against Denver.
Ariza's agent, David Lee, said the 24-year-old forward passed up a more lucrative contract offer from another team to go to Houston. That team was believed to be Toronto.
"It was never about the money," Lee said. "It was about going someplace where you felt appreciated."
The courtship of Artest began with a phone call from Magic Johnson, continued over the phone with Jackson and ended during a seal-the-deal lunch Thursday with Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Jackson has always admired Artest from afar and believes he can coach Artest despite the player's sometimes irregular behavior.
Artest offered mutual respect on Thursday.
"I had a great talk today with Phil," Artest said. "I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do."
Bryant is a longtime supporter of Artest and even begged the Lakers to trade for him a few years ago, though the two had some brush-ups last season that demonstrated first-hand the unpredictability of Artest.
In Game 2 of the West semifinals between the Lakers and Rockets, Artest was called for an over-the-back foul, complained to the referee, ran across the court to Bryant and got in the face of the Lakers' guard. Artest was angry that Bryant elbowed him while the two were jostling underneath the basket.
After they were separated, Artest pointed at Bryant and then pointed at his own neck, indicating where the blow had landed.
Artest was ejected from the game and said afterward, "I told Kobe, 'You've got to relax. You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?' "
Two months before that, Artest began trash-talking to Bryant in a regular-season game. Bryant responded by scoring 31 points in the second half of a 102-96 Lakers victory.
"It wasn't much of a battle," Bryant said. "I kicked his [butt]"
Artest answered by saying, "We are not friends out there at all. After the season, we might play pickup games or something like that. Not now."
At the very least, Lakers practices should be more entertaining next season.
In case the Lakers hadn't shaken their lack-of-toughness image by winning the championship, adding the barrel-chested Artest won't hurt. He is 6 feet 7, 260 pounds and afraid of practically no one.
He gained several years' worth of notoriety as the centerpiece of one of the NBA's darkest moments, the infamous brawl in 2004 that involved the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and numerous fans.
Artest, then with the Pacers, went into the crowd after a beverage was thrown at him and later punched a fan. He was suspended for a total of 86 games, the longest penalty for a physical altercation in NBA history. Off the court, he received a year's probation for pleading no contest to assault charges.
The Lakers have now allocated roughly $81.5 million toward 11 players on next season's payroll, which puts them roughly $10 million into luxury-tax territory.
The Lakers were conscious of the tax heading into the off-season, so it remains to be seen who else they pursue. By getting Artest with the mid-level exception, a spending tool for teams that are over the salary cap, the Lakers have only a handful of possibilities remaining beyond a trade.
A large payday for free-agent forward Lamar Odom has all but disappeared, though he could still sign a one-year deal with the team and try free agency again next season when more teams will have money to spend. The Lakers have also maintained contact with free-agent guard Shannon Brown and have agreed to talk again today.
mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
broderick.turner@latimes.com
Story Link
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pistons agree with Gordon, Villanueva
Written By:Ken Berger
CBSSports
The Detroit Pistons struck first Wednesday, getting commitments from their top two free-agent targets, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
Gordon agreed to a five-year, $55 million deal, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Villanueva also agreed to a five-year deal in the $35 million range -- or slightly above the anticipated mid-level exception of $5.6 million per year -- a person involved in those discussions said. The exact figures won't be known until the deals are signed on July 8, after the league and players association agree on the salary cap and luxury tax for the 2009-10 season.
After firing coach Michael Curry Tuesday, Pistons president Joe Dumars acted swiftly in targeting Gordon and Villanueva with the salary-cap space produced by the controversial decision to trade Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets for Allen Iverson and his $22 million expiring contract last November. But the signings posed two potential problems: 1) There isn't enough room in the same backcourt for Gordon, Richard Hamilton, and Rodney Stuckey; and 2) The Pistons will no longer be major players in the much better free-agent summer of 2010.
Not able to afford another miserable season for the mere chance that a big-ticket free agent would come to Detroit in '10, Dumars decided to strike now. The Pistons were among only a handful of teams with significant cap space this summer, and thus could dictate which players they pursued. Next summer, they might've ended up on the periphery of the excitement when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and others were looking for not only money, but also a championship-ready roster to join.
The Pistons don't have a championship roster, but they did have money. As a buyer in a seller's market, Dumars obviously felt the time to act was this summer, not next.
The backcourt logjam lends credence to the idea that Dumars isn't finished shuffling the deck this summer. Some league executives have speculated that once Dumars landed Gordon, a prolific scorer who doesn't do much else, he would begin exploring trade possibilities for Hamilton. That's somewhat ironic, given that Hamilton's contentious relationship with Curry led, in part, to the coach being fired after only one season. Hamilton has four years and nearly $50 million left on the extension he signed shortly before Billups was shipped to Denver and the demolition of the Pistons began. Moving Hamilton would give Dumars a Gordon-Stuckey backcourt, which presumably either Doug Collins or Avery Johnson -- the two front-runners to succeed Curry -- would find intriguing.
UPDATE: As he did with the Sixers' job earlier in the offseason, Collins has pulled his name out of consideration for the Pistons job, according to a person familiar with the situation. Johnson now has an unobstructed path to the job.
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CBSSports
The Detroit Pistons struck first Wednesday, getting commitments from their top two free-agent targets, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
Gordon agreed to a five-year, $55 million deal, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Villanueva also agreed to a five-year deal in the $35 million range -- or slightly above the anticipated mid-level exception of $5.6 million per year -- a person involved in those discussions said. The exact figures won't be known until the deals are signed on July 8, after the league and players association agree on the salary cap and luxury tax for the 2009-10 season.
After firing coach Michael Curry Tuesday, Pistons president Joe Dumars acted swiftly in targeting Gordon and Villanueva with the salary-cap space produced by the controversial decision to trade Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets for Allen Iverson and his $22 million expiring contract last November. But the signings posed two potential problems: 1) There isn't enough room in the same backcourt for Gordon, Richard Hamilton, and Rodney Stuckey; and 2) The Pistons will no longer be major players in the much better free-agent summer of 2010.
Not able to afford another miserable season for the mere chance that a big-ticket free agent would come to Detroit in '10, Dumars decided to strike now. The Pistons were among only a handful of teams with significant cap space this summer, and thus could dictate which players they pursued. Next summer, they might've ended up on the periphery of the excitement when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and others were looking for not only money, but also a championship-ready roster to join.
The Pistons don't have a championship roster, but they did have money. As a buyer in a seller's market, Dumars obviously felt the time to act was this summer, not next.The backcourt logjam lends credence to the idea that Dumars isn't finished shuffling the deck this summer. Some league executives have speculated that once Dumars landed Gordon, a prolific scorer who doesn't do much else, he would begin exploring trade possibilities for Hamilton. That's somewhat ironic, given that Hamilton's contentious relationship with Curry led, in part, to the coach being fired after only one season. Hamilton has four years and nearly $50 million left on the extension he signed shortly before Billups was shipped to Denver and the demolition of the Pistons began. Moving Hamilton would give Dumars a Gordon-Stuckey backcourt, which presumably either Doug Collins or Avery Johnson -- the two front-runners to succeed Curry -- would find intriguing.
UPDATE: As he did with the Sixers' job earlier in the offseason, Collins has pulled his name out of consideration for the Pistons job, according to a person familiar with the situation. Johnson now has an unobstructed path to the job.
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Former Lincoln high school star Lance Stephenson settles on Cincinnati
BY Ian Begley AND Mitch Abramson
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS
The player known as "Born Ready" is finally ready to go to college.
Lance Stephenson, the former Lincoln basketball star whose future has been complicated by a sexual harassment case and questions about his amateur status, has ended months of speculation by finally deciding on a college.
Stephenson intends to suit up for the University of Cincinnati, the school he and his family visited over the weekend.
"Unless something out of their control happens, he's going to Cincinnati," a family source said. That was a reference to the fact that Stephenson was expected to commit to Kansas in March. That was before John Calipari left Memphis to coach Kentucky, freeing former Memphis signee Xavier Henry to commit to the Jayhawks, taking Stephenson's spot.
Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin, who is no stranger to the Lincoln program, said Stephenson signed a financial aid agreement with the Bearcats and expects Stephenson to attend summer school.
"We are very excited about Lance's decision to become a Bearcat," Cronin said in a statement.
As an assistant for Louisville, Cronin was instrumental in the recruitment of former Railsplitter Sebastian Telfair, Lincoln coach Tiny Morton said. Telfair committed to Louisville, but ultimately switched gears and entered the 2004 NBA draft. Now, Cronin gets another star from Brooklyn, this one with considerable baggage.
Stephenson, a 6-5 shooting guard, is the final player among ESPN's top 100 recruits of 2009 to commit to a college.
He was accused on Oct. 3 of groping a 17-year-old female outside of Lincoln High, where he won four city championships and broke the all-time scoring record in New York state.
His court case was adjourned on Monday until July 15, when a criminal trial is set to begin.
The NCAA might investigate whether Stephenson or his family received money for "Born Ready," an Internet reality series that chronicled his life during his junior season at Lincoln.
Story Link
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS
The player known as "Born Ready" is finally ready to go to college.
Lance Stephenson, the former Lincoln basketball star whose future has been complicated by a sexual harassment case and questions about his amateur status, has ended months of speculation by finally deciding on a college.
Stephenson intends to suit up for the University of Cincinnati, the school he and his family visited over the weekend.
"Unless something out of their control happens, he's going to Cincinnati," a family source said. That was a reference to the fact that Stephenson was expected to commit to Kansas in March. That was before John Calipari left Memphis to coach Kentucky, freeing former Memphis signee Xavier Henry to commit to the Jayhawks, taking Stephenson's spot.
Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin, who is no stranger to the Lincoln program, said Stephenson signed a financial aid agreement with the Bearcats and expects Stephenson to attend summer school.
"We are very excited about Lance's decision to become a Bearcat," Cronin said in a statement.
As an assistant for Louisville, Cronin was instrumental in the recruitment of former Railsplitter Sebastian Telfair, Lincoln coach Tiny Morton said. Telfair committed to Louisville, but ultimately switched gears and entered the 2004 NBA draft. Now, Cronin gets another star from Brooklyn, this one with considerable baggage.
Stephenson, a 6-5 shooting guard, is the final player among ESPN's top 100 recruits of 2009 to commit to a college.
He was accused on Oct. 3 of groping a 17-year-old female outside of Lincoln High, where he won four city championships and broke the all-time scoring record in New York state.
His court case was adjourned on Monday until July 15, when a criminal trial is set to begin.
The NCAA might investigate whether Stephenson or his family received money for "Born Ready," an Internet reality series that chronicled his life during his junior season at Lincoln.
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