APRIL 2008 NEWS & NOTES
By Antonio Curro - NY2LA Sports
April 22, 2008
The month of April is almost gone and with the first of two "live" weekends already in the books, there's tons of things to talk about.
Look for 6'3" SG Class of 2009 prospect David Brown of Rockton Hononegah (IL) to continue to see his stock explode this spring as he's already put together two back to back monster performances. At the Swish & Dish Spring Warm-Up in early April Brown was named to the All-Tournament team for the 17U division as he stroked jumper after jumper for the Madison Spartans in the tournament. He followed that up this past weekend at the Arkansas Real Deal on the Hill where he helped lead the Illinois Warriors to the championship game before injuring his ankle in a semi-final victory against the Atlanta Celtics. Brown has an excellent frame, solid athleticism, and can shoot it from anywhere on the court. Translation...he's still one of the best kept secrets in the country right now.
Speaking of blowing up, look no further than 6'7" SF Harrison Barnes of Ames, IA. The long athletic Class of 2010 is the real deal plain and simple. His performance at the 2008 Swish & Dish against an absolutely loaded Mac Irvin Fire 16U team was one for the ages as he was unstoppable with his ability to attack the rim and stroke the mid range jumper as well. When you add to the mix his explosive athleticism and ability to score around the basket as well, it's easy to see why the likes of Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Minnesota, Purdue, Iowa, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and a host of others are already putting him high on their radars this spring. Barnes competes with the 16U All Iowa Attack team.
This past weekend the story in Houston was 6'7" F Royce White of Minnesota Hopkins. The multi-skilled athletic interior prospect put down a monster performance game after game in helping lead the Howard Pulley Panthers to the championship at the 2008 Kingwood Classic. White has a polished skill set that includes the ability to score around the basket and also step away and hit the mid range shot as well. When you add to the mix the flashes of stroking the trey ball as well like he did this weekend, it's easy to see why he's become a top 25-40 prospect nationally over the past year. Tubby Smith and Minnesota were front and center game after game in Houston. After a sub par high school season this year, it's great to see White break out of it with a performance like this last weekend that should pretty much silence any critics at this point.
The same can be said for 5'10" PG Johnnie Lacy of the Playground Elite. Anyone who questions this kid's heart or ability is way off the mark as his performance this weekend was sensational. Not only did he flat out penetrate and attack the rim at will, his leadership on the defensive end took a major step forward as he took 4 separate charges in their game against the San Antonio Legends. He displayed exceptional leadership ability on both ends and pretty much established that he is one of the elite PG prospects nationally this weekend. His development as a point guard over the past year has taken a major step forward and if he can continue to improve his playmaking ability over the next couple of years he's going to be a force to reckon with at the high major collegiate level.
6'7" SF Jamil Wilson emphatically emphasized this weekend that his recruitment is completely wide open despite erroneous reports that Wisconsin, Marquette, and Indiana were at the top of the list. Wilson indicated that he isn't close to finalizing a list at this point and still plans on making a decision next spring on where he plans to go to school. He also said that any reports out there that he's even close to a decision or only considering those three schools isn't even close to being accurate at this time. He said his options are wide open at this time and in addition to the three mentioned already, Minnesota, Illinois, Purdue, Florida, Texas, Arizona, U.C.L.A., Kansas, and a host of others have also shown an interest and he is looking at all of them as possible options at this point and also is interested in the likes of Duke and North Carolina as well.
His performance this past weekend in Houston was subpar, but when you consider the fact that he's trying to balance both track and national elite basketball at the same time, plus the fact that he's still recovering from a nagging injury suffered in practice earlier in the week, that was to be expected. While he did struggle a bit at times, his performance down the stretch against the San Antonio Legends in the second game of pool pool was outstanding as he posted 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a 5 minute stretch to seal the deal. The biggest problem Wilson has is similar to the cross Korie Lucious had to bear last spring where the expectations were unrealistic. When you're a top 10 prospect nationally, here's not to much room to grow on the charts and everyone nationally will be doing whatever they can to nit pick at him and expect 30 and 20 every game and when it doesn't happen, it will be written about. No matter what you do, it's never enough. While certain guys can elevate their status with great performance, Wilson can't because he's already shown time and time again how good he is just like Lucious did for years. Nevertheless, he still stands at 6'7" and looks closer to 6'8" now, can stroke the mid range, hit the trey ball, elevate with the best of them, handle the rock, and still is very very raw. So just like I said about Lucious, don't get too worried about Wilson just year. My money says he has a monster performance this weekend in Ohio as that's exactly where he busted out last spring after dealing with the same stuff in early April in relation to balancing both track and basketball.
Speaking of forces, Niles West Class of 2009 SG Nik Garcia of the Illinois Rising Stars was just that this weekend as he put on a brilliant performance Saturday with jump shot after jump shot and his ability to attack the rim. At 6'5" Garcia is a classic catch and shoot prospect who should see his stock significantly grow after last weekend's performance at the Kingwood Classic. When you look at the likes of 6'3" SG David Brown of Rockton Hononegah (IL), 6'5" SG Matt Vogrich of Lake Forest Academy (IL), and Garcia, Illinois has 3 of the best catch and shoot prospects in the Midwest for the Class of 2009 right now.
Speaking of exceptional performances, look no further than the play of Class of 2010 PG Creon Reed and PF Calvin Godfrey of D.T.A. Reed was exceptional this past weekend at the Real Deal on the Hill as he attacked the rim game after game and also displayed his ability to stroke the perimeter jump shot as well. If he can take care of his stuff off the court, Reed is the real deal. The same can be said for Godfrey who was an absolute monster this weekend in Arkansas. While some writers have done what they could to not give Godfrey his due, which is probably due to the fact that they simply haven't seen him very much but still attempt to offer opinions, Godfrey was very strong at the Swish and Dish and absolute beast this past weekend in Arkansas as both he and Reed led D.T.A. to a Final 4 finish in the 16U division of the tournament. Congratulations to them for a great performance.
Speaking of great performances, the Wisconsin Swing sent their best to Colorado and came away with a Final Four finish behind the strong play of 6'3" Josh Gasser and 6'6" F Chip Rank. Word is Gasser was absolutely sensational, but that doesn't surprise us because we've said he's the top PG prospect in Wisconsin for the Class of 2010 for close to a year now and all he's done in the Swish & Dish and last weekend in Colorado is prove just that. The same can be said for Rank who continues to prove he belongs with the best in discussing the Class of 2010 in the Midwest.
Also strong this weekend was the play of 6'6" Class of 2009 SF Jeronne Maymon of Madison Memorial (WI). Maymon who recently grabbed the No. 9 spot in our new rankings for the Class of 2009 in the Midwest was a beast this weekend at the Arkansas Real Deal on the Hill. Maymon exploded this past winter as he led his Madison Memorial team to the Wisconsin Division 1 state championship game. An excellent talent with solid rebounding skills and the ability to score around the basket, Maymon's only weakness on the court right now is his ability to step away from the basket and shoot the perimeter jump shot with consistency. Look for him to continue to increase his stock this weekend if he has another strong performance in Ohio.
Speaking of increasing his stock, look no further than 6'6" Class of 2011 F Cinmeon Bowers and 6'2" Class of 2011 G Jalonnie Parks of the Playground Elite 15U squad that led their team the the Silver Division 15U championship game at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest. Bowers is the real deal from top to bottom and with all due respect to Larry Bradley and Darnell Harris, Bowers may very well be the top prospect in the Class of 2011 for the state of Wisconsin. He's got excellent athleticism, a solid skill package, and has shown the ability to step away from the basket and stroke the jumper as well. The sky is the limit for this kid who was sensational this past weekend. The same can be said for Parks who averaged over 20 points a game this weekend and firmly established himself as a mid to high major prospect again with his monster performance. Parks is as smooth as it gets and it should be very interesting to see how he develops over the next couple of years because he's already so skilled at a young age.
Speaking of someone who's about to explode, look for Class of 2010 PG Reggie Smith of Thornton (IL) to skyrocket by the end of the summer. If Smith ever realizes how good he can be it's going to be very scary to watch what develops. He's gifted with explosive athleticism, an excellent ability to dribble penetrate and attack the rim and really looks to be coming out of his shell and becoming an excellent young leader on the court. He also showed an ability to hit the jump shot a little this weekend but at this point that's an area that he really needs to work on. Nevertheless, Smith is a high major talent all day long and is just starting to scratch the surface of what could be an exceptional next couple of years with the Mac Irvin Fire 17U squad.
Speaking of the next couple of years, 6'8" Class of 2011 F Mike Shaw of De La Salle (IL) took a major step forward this weekend with his performance at the Kingwood Classic as well. In a titanic battle between Howard Pulley and Mac Irvine in the Elite 8, Shaw was extremely aggressive in attacking the glass and playing physical in the 2nd half of the game. Shaw brings to mind a young Rasheed Wallace with his ability to step away from the basket and shoot the basketball but he still needs to grow a bit and work on his ability to play with his back to the basket to meet those expectations. Nevertheless, I'd liked what I saw from Shaw this weekend and his performance re-inforced my thoughts that he's currently the top Class of 2011 prospects in the Midwest and one of the top 10 nationally.
Before stepping away from discussing the Fire, 6'4" SG Tony Nixon was brilliant in early games of the tournament this weekend. The long athletic Nixon hit jumper after jumper and also showed an ability to attack the rim and finish as well. This kid is one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest right now in the Class of 2009, but I think he's got all the tools to become an excellent collegiate player at the mid to high major level. Anyone looking for a SG to come in and get it done needs to stop in an take a look at Nixon who stroked a number of trey balls off dribble penetration by Smith this past weekend. He's one to watch this spring. The same can be said for 6'0" Class of 2009 PG Derek Needham of De La Salle as Needham has been sensational at the Swish & Dish and the Kingwood Classic. Needham really can shoot the basketball and has some excellent dribble penetration skills as well. If he can improve his ability to distribute the basketball a little more, Needham could be a steal for someone at the PG position.
Heading back to Colorado, we hear that 6'5" G Trent Lockett, who's verbally committed to Arizona State, was very good this weekend as his Net Gain Sports 17U team took the floor for the first time. Lockett has an excellent skill set but consistency and toughness have always been the areas of concern for him so it's good to see Mr. Lockett getting it done early this spring.
While Lockett was getting it done in Colorado, 6'2" Class of 2009 PG Cedric Martin and 6'8" Class of 2009 PF Mike Broghammer were doing the same at the Houston Kingwood Classic. Martin is one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest right now as he has excellent athleticism and dribble penetration skills while Broghammer really impressed me this weekend with his ability to step away from the basket and stroke the 12-15 foot jump shot. Broghammer is a classic Big 10 or Big 12 type power forward prospect if he can consistently knock down that mid range shot and grab double figure rebounds game after game. As for Martin, he's got excellent speed and quickness and should generate tons of interest by the end of the summer as he is definitely one of the top Class of 2009 PG's available in the Midwest. Both play with the Howard Pulley Panthers program.
Speaking of getting it done, Indiana's own 6'4" SF DeShawn Clay and 6'1" PG Xavier Jones are doing just that this spring as they rock with the SYF Players. Clay is an explosive open court slasher who can finish in transition while Jones is a big time dribble penetration and attack the rim guard with excellent strength and toughness. Both Clay and Jones are two of the best kept secrets in the Class of 2009 and 2010 respectively and each is definitely worth the time to check out this spring. Clay rocks with the 17U SYF Players while Jones dons a 16U SYF jersey this spring. Each attends Gary West Side in Gary, Indiana.
Last but not least, keep your eyes on Brooks Academy and Class of 2011 PG George Marshall Jr. who was sensational at the 2008 Swish & Dish. He's already regarded as one of the top frosh in the country and his performance earlier this month did not disappoint. Expect big things from him in the coming years.
Quick Hits
New Marquette coach Buzz Williams was front and center at the Kingwood Classic Saturday night as Jamil Wilson and Johnnie Lacy both took the court for the Playground Elite 17U team. Williams reputation as a recruiter is second to none in that part of the country and many of the coaches and writers in attendance had nothing but great things to say about Williams and his potential to get the job done at Marquette. Don't be surprised if Williams does an excellent job at Marquette.
The 2008 NY2LA Sports Invitational May 30-June 1, 2008 is right around the corner and is expected to be loaded again with talent from across the country. The tournament is open to 9u-17u teams once again and is expected to draw close to 100 teams for the 3rd year in a row. Some of the in state programs already committed include the likes of the Playground Elite, D.T.A., Milwaukee Running Rebels, Playground Elite, Milwaukee Spartans, P.C. Players, Wisconsin Blizzard, Wisconsin Swing, Wisconsin Force, Next Level Elite, Wisconsin Scholars, and a host of others. Teams from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Michigan are confirmed to be in attendance this year. Championship Sunday will be held inside the Al Maguire Center on the campus of Marquette University this year.
Speaking of talent the 2008 NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational July 6-9, 2008 is officially certified for the 2nd year in a row for Division 1 college coaches to attend. All 16U and 17U games will again be held at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin and the field is expected to again be absolutely loaded with talent as teams from California, Texas, Maryland, New York, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are already confirmed to be in attendance. Expect this year's tournament to surpass last year's in terms of both talent and depth as the field is going to be absolutely loaded and college coaches get to watch game inside the same facility throughout the tournament.
The
2008 Generation Next All-Star Camp August 7-10, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is
already filling up with talent at every age group. Last year's camp was
just as start as this years already has confirmations from kids as far away as
Florida and a host of coaches set to work the camp again. Regionally some
of the very best young prospects in the country are already confirmed to attend
the camp, which last year featured over 100 nationally ranked middle school
prospects. The camp will sell-out as limited spaces are available at each
age group. This year's camp will feature complete uniforms and shoes for
all campers. Special commuter, commuter w/food, and overnight packages are
available. The camp is open to rising 6th-9th grade prospects.
See you on the courts...
E-mail us at info@ny2lasports.com
Note: Antonio Curro of NY2LA Sports is the editor of NY2LASports.com and the Midwest Editor (i.e. Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota) for the HoopScoop Online