For Mari Bickley, things started early. She received her first DI offer, from Akron, as a sixth grader. Ohio State then followed when she was in seventh grade. It’s not often that you have a player who already holds high major offers two years before even stepping foot inside a high school classroom. It’s even less often to have an elite hooper make their school choice solely based on academics.

“I’m really big on education. I value that a lot because I know eventually one day this basketball is going to stop bouncing,” the 5-11 junior says. “I am a straight A student, so Laurel [School] really caught my attention. After that, I started looking into their basketball team and realized that they have a really strong program, so I got lucky there.”

Laurel got lucky, too. Bickley makes the hour-plus commute from Akron to the private Shaker Heights school daily on the bus. Success has followed. Laurel made the OHSAA Elite 8 during her freshman year and returned with a Final Four appearance last season. As of press time, she was averaging 20 points and 5 assists per game. With plenty of team and individual accomplishments already under her belt, there’s been no shortage of love from the NCAA’s finest programs. 

Ohio State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Mississippi State and LSU are among the teams to make offers to Bickley, but there are some dark horses in the recruiting battle, too.

“I’m heavily thinking about Ivy League schools, which may be surprising to most people because they don’t understand how important education is to me,” the 16-year-old says. “Harvard, Princeton, Columbia have all been recruiting me and I have visits planned.”

She adds: “I had to have my coach reach out to the Ivy League schools to let them know that I was seriously interested. It is hard because many coaches don’t know that a lot of really good basketball players are also really good students, so had we not done that, they’d probably have never called.”

With a style of play that resembles today’s top scoring PGs, Bickley brings the best of both worlds to her game. She rocks a wicked crossover that can easily collapse any defense, has range well beyond the three-point line and has a basketball IQ and court vision that extends far beyond her years. However, creating for others is what she really loves. “I’ve always been a pass-first guard and really enjoy making nice passes, but I can also get to the basket and score.”

A student of the game, Bickley credits South Carolina’s Zia Cooke and Florida Gulf Coast‘s Kierstan Bell as two hoopers who have had a profound impact on her. In fact, she’s been able to develop a really tight bond with Cooke and is going to hoop for her old AAU team, Sports City U, this spring.

“I used to watch Zia’s highlights all day, so it was great to get to know her,” Mari says with a laugh. “A while back, I got to meet her, and ever since she’s really been a mentor to me. I went to a ton of her games in high school and we’ve kept in touch.” 

Mari is leading the way for the next wave of female hoopers in Cleveland and the media is starting to follow. Videographers have been on the baseline for her games ever since her freshman season, and the love isn’t going to stop anytime soon.

“It has been crazy, the way that the girls’ game has gotten so much more publicity over the years,” Bickley says after going viral with her performance at Sonny Johnson’s NEO Youth Elite Camp. “It makes us just want to work that much harder because we’ve been wanting it for so long. Now, we’re finally getting it.” 

SLAM Presents All-Star Vol 2: The Land is available now!

Portraits Courtney Payton.

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Unfinished business. That’s the only thought that will be on Josiah Harris’ mind until the end of March. Having turned down options to leave The Land to attend any prep school in the country, he only has one goal on his list at the moment: a state championship.

“I just felt like this year is the year to bring a state championship back to Richmond, and we definitely have the pieces to do it,” the Richmond Heights senior, who has previously reached the Final Four, explains. “Coach Q [Quentin Rogers] and the coaching staff can get me prepared to go to West Virginia and can definitely get me right.” 

Originally from Canton, OH, Harris attended GlenOak HS his freshman year and was next in line to follow CJ McCollum, Errick McCollum and Kosta Koufos as that next dude out. Ultimately, his family decided to move to Cleveland to be closer to his grandmother for his sophomore campaign, and the love that the city has shown Josiah ever since hasn’t gone unnoticed. “The community is much more tight-knit [in Cleveland],” he says, “and the basketball environment is much better with everyone coming out to support the program.”

When it came to college options, the 6-7 forward with a 7-1 wingspan had his pick. He chose to play for Bob Huggins at West Virginia over Ohio State, Virginia Tech and a myriad of others. It was the love that the coaching staff and fans showed when he visited campus that made him pick Morgantown in the end.

“My relationship with the coaches, and then once I saw the atmosphere there myself, it was absolutely amazing,” he recalls. “Having the whole state come out to support you and having such a winning culture made me want to be a part of it.”

In today’s positionless era, Josiah is a dream for any coach. He uses his long wingspan to routinely lock down four different positions defensively. If you throw a smaller guy on him, he’s going to take you to the block. If you put a bigger guy on him, he’s going to face you up on the perimeter and go to work.

Harris agrees, telling SLAM he’s going to bring his “versatility and being able to play just about any position on the floor. I can post up smaller defenders, then take bigger ones off the dribble.”

Running on the AAU circuit with All Ohio Red in the EYBL has prepared him to step in and make an immediate impact in the Big 12. He led the squad in both scoring and rebounding, playing against the nation’s finest all summer. Quentin Rogers, former coach of AOR and now the head coach at Richmond, believes that the range Josiah showed defensively will be his calling card as his offense follows. 

“Buying into defense will help him get on the floor earlier [at WVU] as opposed to his offense,” says Rogers, who has coached the likes of Jared Sullinger, Terry Rozier and Caris LeVert. “He’s a very inquisitive player who is real knowledgeable and an absolute sponge.”

Aside from being a talented hooper, Josiah has put in just as much work in the classroom. Owning over a 4.0 GPA at press time, he’s set to graduate with his Bachelor’s degree in communications from WVU by the time he’s 19.

“I’ve taken all college classes since my sophomore year and got my associate’s degree at the end of my junior year,” says Harris, who has gone to school on a college campus since he was 15. “I am working toward my Bachelor’s degree now and should have it finished by the end of my freshman year.” 

SLAM Presents All-Star Vol 2: The Land is available now!

Portraits Courtney Payton.

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“How close I am with Jalen [Suggs] and him going there definitely played a big part in it. Being able to speak with someone that I’ve known so long and trust,” the 7-foot-1 senior elaborated on his decision. “They are going to use me to my advantages and skillsets to put me in a position to be successful, as well as put the team in a position to be successful.”

The importance of Suggs heading to Spokane and bringing awareness of the Zags to the upper Midwest is priceless, as Chet added: “Everything that I’m seeing right now, Jalen has already been through it. He has a lot of wisdom and advice for me, so I just come to him to listen and learn.”

Despite rumors that he still may consider taking the greener pastures the G League, Holmgren quickly squashed that by telling the gym that “this is official” in regards to him going to Gonzaga and signing a letter of intent.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and players being unable to take official visits, the college recruitment process was made that much harder for student athletes.

Chet whittled his list of prospective schools to Georgetown, Gonzaga, Memphis, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina and Ohio State before making his decision.

Given Suggs’ success for the Zags this past season, a level of confidence that a kid from Minneapolis could kill it in Spokane. Particularly when considering that he had been Suggs’ teammate for ten years.

Being unable to visit interested programs due to the NCAA’s recruiting dead period, the dynamic big man’s decision was made even harder with having to rely on Zoom calls and campus websites, as his AAU coach Brian Sandifer of Grassroots Sizzle can attest to.

Ultimately, familiarity won out.

“I think it’s relationships,” Sandifer explains to SLAM. “With Larry Suggs, myself, Quincy Caldwell, and Randy Carter, we’ve got a lot of good relationships with a lot of college coaches around the country because of the track record that we had even before Chet came.”

Having first laid eyes on Holmgren as an eighth-grader playing varsity at Minnehaha myself, it has simply been astonishing to see the transformation that this dude has made over the past four years.

Even between Dec. 2016 (my first time seeing him) and June 2017 (when I first wrote about him for SLAMonline at the Crossroads Invitational Camp), the South Side Minneapolis native went from a tall, gangly kid to a lights-out stretch big.

The rest is history, since then, but it was a strategic plan that Holmgren, Suggs, and Sandifer all laid out.

“I just feel like too many coaches get caught up in wanting to win, win, win. I think it’s far more important to develop.”

Grassroots Sizzle Brian Sandifer elaborated on having his guys play up on the varsity level as middle schools and two years in the AAU circuit.

“Jalen Suggs played up on the varsity level as a seventh grader and already won AAU Nationals,” says Sandifer, “so we figured why break the chain?”

The chain stayed strong, too.

The sensational big man played up at the 17-U level for Sizzle for three years, leading the UAA in blocked shots when he was just a freshman. He won four state titles at Minnehaha Academy and would have very likely had a fifth had COVID-19 not squashed the 2019-20 campaign late into the playoffs. The 2021 Naismith Player of the Year received just about every accolade imaginable, but this did not come without some serious work.

In fact, the grind started when he was in just third grade and began working with Larry Suggs, father of the aforementioned Jalen Suggs. 

“Courage. With how skilled the guys that we had in were, it would have been easy for him to walk out of the gym. Instead, he accepted a challenge,” the elder Suggs told SLAMonline on what he immediately saw in Chet Holmgren.

“In sixth grade, he patented his favorite move: the between the legs behind the back that he pulled off on Steph Curry. It was at that point that I knew that this kid was going to be pretty special.”

The humility, courage, and grind that Chet Holmgren showed in elementary school doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon, as the nation’s top senior made sure that he wanted to give love to everyone in the building who helped him get to where he is today and let them know that it’s not stopping:

“I just want to make sure that before we get on ESPN and everything, I want to send a thank you to everybody,” Holmgren humbly said before going on air.

“I understand that this is kind of all about me, but I just want to make sure that I say thank you to everybody that’s helped me get here.”

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Rodger Bohn is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter, @rodgerbohn

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Following his game Tuesday night at the Tarkanian Classic, Makur’s guardian Ed Smith confirmed to SLAM that he will indeed be making a move from CIBA at Pacific Academy (CA) to Hillcrest Prep (AZ) for the remainder of the season. He will be playing immediately in the Chick-Fil-a Classic this week in South Carolina.

More than half of the NBA was represented at the Tarkanian Classic on Tuesday night for Makur’s matchup against 7-2 Filipino sensation Kai Sotto, and there were at least eight teams at each of his two games on Wednesday. There were questions initially whether or not teams were going to be able to evaluate Maker at Tarkanian, but that didn’t stop Tarkanian Classic director Dinos Trigonis from being flooded with inquiries from NBA executives.

Maker has still not been deemed eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft and is weighing his college options. He turned 19 years old last month and is now in his fifth year of high school. However, if he is deemed ineligible for the 2020 Draft, he has no shortage of suitors. At the moment, Oregon, Howard, Auburn, and Washington State are on him the hardest. Makur is still wide open in the process and willing to listen to all programs, though.

ESPN presently has Makur Maker projected as the No. 35 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but some NBA executives that we spoke with in Las Vegas believe that he could jump to the lottery once teams see him in workouts.

At Hillcrest Prep, Makur will join an absolutely loaded starting lineup that has 6-7 Arizona recruit Dalen Terry, 6-7 UNC bound Puff Johnson, 6-9 top-5 junior Michael Foster Jr. and 6-10 top-10 sophomore Sadraque Nganga.

—

Rodger Bohn is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @rodgerbohn. 

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While the vast majority of the biggest names in youth basketball were in attendance, the MSHTV Camp also boasted many lesser known players from 36 different states, Puerto Rico, Canada and Sweden. Some experts projected the camp to have over 100 DI prospects.

Here’s a look at what the top freshmen (Class of 2023) had to offer:

Elijah Fisher, 6-6, SF, Crestwood Prep (CN)

Considered by many to be the top player in the Class of 2023, Fisher lived up to his rep. After playing in an event with his high school team on Friday and Saturday, he made the journey to Indy and straight up punished the rims, culminating with an in-game reverse eastbay. The powerful wing was impossible to stop going downhill, displayed impressive court vision, and kept the D honest with his ability to shoot from the perimeter. Fisher has continually improved over the last four years at the camp and is destined to be next in line for Grassroots Canada.

Omaha Biliew, 6-7, SF/PF, Dowling Catholic (IA)

As far as grassroots events are concerned, Biliew is ducking no one. He had a spirited battle with Elijah Fisher and showed why he is the epitome of a new-age forward. Biliew shot the ball well from three, crushed the rims, and defended four positions. Already owning a high-major offer, Omaha has firmly established himself as a top-10 player in the class by virtually every scouting service.

Jahzare Jackson, 6-11, C, IMG Academy (FL)

The biggest player in the camp (both in terms of sheer size and personality), Big Jah was outstanding in all facets. Still battling back from injury, Jah showed off his perimeter J (hit a number of threes), had a surprising handle, and crushed a self-oop. Just as impressive as his on-court game was how friendly he was to all of the campers and how he posed for pictures with anyone who asked (both adults and children alike). 

Rayvon Griffith, 6-6, SF, Cincinnati Taft (OH)

Cincinnati was well-repped in the 2019 NBA Draft with Jaxson Hayes and Darius Bazley, but neither had the buzz around them entering high school that Rayvon Griffith has. The lanky swingman was explosive going to the rim and showed an improved outside shot and plenty of heart in heated matchups. Griffith already has DI offers and will enter the high school season as Ohio’s best freshman.

Jaylen Curry, 6-1, PG, Charlotte Vance (NC)

Curry may have helped himself the most among all of the players at the 2019 MSHTV Camp. He became an internet sensation overnight with his crazy jelly package, unbelievable finishes at the rack with both hands, and a 70-point game (yes, you read that right). Curry is already a two-time USA Basketball invitee and will be running in the EYBL with CP3. 

Aden Holloway, 6-0, PG, Covenant Day (NC)

Curry’s backcourt running mate on the AAU circuit with CP3 may not be as flashy, but is the more polished of the two talented point guards. Holloway has effortless range, plays the game at his own pace, and has an advanced skillset for his age. He’s already got an offer from Syracuse and has even been drawing comparisons to future McDonald’s All-American Sharife Cooper as of late.

Robert Dillingham, 6-0, PG, Combine Academy (NC)

Dillingham may have received the most attention of anyone at the camp. He went with a classic “off the head” move that many streetball legends perfected, resulting in over a million views. The Team United playmaker, who has a Wichita State offer, showed that he’s a serious scoring point guard as well.

Mackenzie Mgbako, 6-6, SF, Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)

In terms of sheer exposure on the national radar, there may not be another player who blew up more than Mgbako. The NY Lightning wing held his own against the best swingmen in the class, showcasing his barrage of deep Js and athletic takes to the rim. Mgbako already owns DI offers but was still slept on prior to the camp. That’s not the case anymore.

Jalen Hooks, 6-6, SF/PF, Franklin Central (IN)

Hooks was one of the most powerful players at the MSHTV Camp, using his powerful frame to finish through just about anyone. He handled the rock well in the open floor, converted with both hands, and put a hurting on the rims with his powerful dunks. The do-it-all forward has firmly established himself right at the top of Indiana’s 2023 class.

Dravyn Gibbs, 6-1, PG, McCutcheon HS (IN)

After blowing up at 2019 Crossroads Elite Invitational earlier this summer, Gibbs has continually improved and showed that he’s one of the Midwest’s best lead guards. He displayed an explosive first step, deep three-point range, and surprised some with his ability to finish above the rim in traffic. The son of a former DI player is destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Blue Cain, 6-4, SG, Knoxville Catholic (TN)

Cain was another dude who blew up the internet. On the opening night of camp, he surprised everyone with eastbay dunks during shootaround. The Knoxville native finished well in transition, played above the rim in the open floor, and knocked down three-pointers on the regular. Not coincidentally, the B-Maze Elite guard has garnered interest from multiple DI programs.

Jalen Griffith, 5-9, PG, Chicago Simeon (IL)

The super flashy guard from the Chi was one of the most advanced ball-handlers and creative passers at the camp. He’s expected to continue in the Simeon legacy of talented lead guards.

Nikita Tyukalo, 6-3, SG, Bothell HS (WA)

Tyukalo made the journey from Washington to show that he could hold his own with the best in 2023 and left as the top shooter in that group. He has effortless range, a lightning quick release, and the ability to shoot off the bounce and catch—as seen by the 7 three-pointers he hit in one half.

Brandon Davis, 6-0, PG/SG, Vincentian Academy (PA)

Davis was a straight up bucket throughout the camp. The scoring guard was able to create his shot against anyone, showed off super-deep range, and got to the rack via his impressive ability to change speeds. His scoring instincts are why he’s expected to be an impact player immediately in Pittsburgh.

Isaiah West, 6-3, SG, Goodpasture Christian (TN)

One of the more explosive guards in the camp, West showed off his sneaky bounce with a number of ridiculous dunks. He is also a lockdown defender who strapped up on all three perimeter spots.

Finley Bizjack, 6-3, SG, Byron Nelson HS (TX)

A three-time camper, Bizjack once again showed his improvement. He finished well in transition, got to the rack with his shifty change of pace, and played the game with an extremely high IQ. TCU was the first to offer, but there will be many more to follow throughout the season.

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Rodger Bohn is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @rodgerbohn. 

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SLAM was holding it down with cameramen on four courts and there is a reason why. In the three years if the camp’s existence (this was year four), the MSHTV Camp has generated over 100 million video views on various platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and 13 players obtained USA Basketball invites afterwards. The vast majority of the nation’s top youngsters were in the building (in addition to elite HS players such as Kyree Walker and Terrence Clarke). In fact, 6 of the top 10 2023 players (including the top two) and the two best 2024 ballers were amongst the group. While we didn’t dive too much farther, the word throughout camp was that the #1 players in some of the younger classes were in attendance as well. Needless to say, at the MSHTV Camp, the future is now.

Here are a few of the top youngsters who caught our eye:

Elijah Fisher, 6’4, SF, Grassroots Canada, 2023

A phenom dating back to when he was a dunking sixth grader, Elijah Fisher showed why he’s still right there (along with Mikey Williams) as the top player in the class of 2023. He was unstoppable slashing to the rim, showed off ridiculous court vision, and even threw down two eastbays in the same game. The raw talent and tools are certainly there for Fisher to be that next dude up out of Canada.

Mikey Williams, 6’1, PG/SG, NYBA All-Stars, 2023

Easily the player who had the most buzz around him, Mikey had people crowding his courts all weekend long and even had Montana of 300 watching him put on a show in Indy. He had finishes that were reminiscent of a young D-Rose, hit endless pull-up J’s off the bounce, and had onlookers buzzing with the insane hops he showed during warm-ups. The San Diego product has a buzz around him unlike anyone at the pre-HS level not named LeBron James and after seeing his exciting style of play in the flesh, it’s easy to see why.

Cameron Barnes, 6’9, PF, Drive Nation EYBL, 2023

While there were other players who are better right now, a case could easily be made for Cameron Barnes as the best long term prospect in the class of 2023. He showed off an outstanding jumper out to the three point line, was able to dunk easily off both legs (similar to John Wall), and used his nearly 7’4 wingspan to change the game on D. While Cameron will assuredly need to add weight to his slender frame, the upside he possesses is simply insane.

Rayvon Griffith, 6’6, SF, North Coast Blue Chips, 2023

Next in line out of Cincy, Rayvon Griffith has a massive amount of natural talent and has no problem letting everyone know about it. He put a hurting on the rims in transition, bombed deep threes, and guarded multiple spots (when engaged). The raw tools and long term potential that Rayvon offers have solidified his place in the top 10 for 2023.

Omaha Biliew, 6’7, PF, Beyond Ball, 2023

A man of mystery coming into the event, Omaha Biliew proved to every scout in attendance that he belonged in the top 10. The Sudanese import had sick bounce (threw down a number of 360’s), showed excellent timing a shot blocker, and ran the floor with possibly the best motor of anyone in Indy. Toss in his 7’0 wingspan and emerging face-up game, and you’ll understand why there is so much intrigue surrounding him.

Jahzare Jackson, 6’10, C, North Coast Blue Chips, 2023

The most massive player at the event (despite being an 8th grader) showed that he had some serious game, too. Big Jah was outstanding turning over either shprospectdisplayed outstanding hands, and controlled the glass as a rebounder. Naturally, he will have to continue to improve upon his conditioning, but the package of size, skill, and coordination make him a special prospect.

Mikkel Tyne, 5’10, PG, North Coast Blue Chips, 2024

Despite being 5’10, Mikkel Tyne was simply a man amongst boys at his age group. He was unstoppable attacking the rim (especially going right), finished with creativity at the rack, and had no problem overpowering opposing lead guards once they got on his hip. Another elite Canadian prospect, Tyne is yet another example of the Vince Carter effect north of the border.

Tayshawn Bridges, 5’11, PG/SG, Milwaukee Spartans, 2024

Tyshawn Bridges is a player whose skills are developing rapidly, but whose natural talent is also off the charts. He was very aggressive, got to the rim on anyone guarding him, and constantly challenged the opposing team’s best player throughout the weekend. With Milwaukee already having Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Michael Foster as elite prospects in the sophomore class, Bridges has the gifts to be next in line.

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The 2018 MSHTV Camp was lit. Held in the Midwest’s nicest basketball facility (Pacers Athletic Center, which is also home to the Nike EYBL), over 400 players from 37 states made the venture to Indianapolis to show that they could hold it down with some of the nation’s finest. In a generation where exposure is essential, there was no better place for a young hooper to be than MSHTV.

SLAM was holding it down with cameramen on four courts and there is a reason why. In the three years if the camp’s existence (this was year four), the MSHTV Camp has generated over 100 million video views on various platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and 13 players obtained USA Basketball invites afterwards. While the vast majority of the nation’s top youngsters were in the building, the select group of older players in attendance all showed that they had some serious game, too.

Here are a few of the top high school prospects at the 2018 MSHTV Camp:

Terrence Clarke, 6’6, SG, Brewster Academy (NH), 2021

A consensus top-2 player in the class of 2021, Terrence Clarke came to Indy and showed why he’s next up out of Boston. Clarke shot the lights out of the rock from beyond the arc (both from the catch and off the bounce), created his own shot on anyone, and straight punished the rim with his explosive dunks. The underrated shot creator showed that his game is continually advancing and he will be on center stage this upcoming season at Brewster Academy.

Kyree Walker, 6’5, SG, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2020

A relative household name amongst recruiting circles, Kyree Walker continually is taking his game to new heights. The powerful guard finished through just about anyone, hit a number of deep J’s, and went in his bag to do his best Jamal Crawford shake ‘n bake impression. Bound for Arizona State, Kyree is set to be ASU’s biggest recruit since James Harden and has the talent to make a similar impact from the second he steps foot on campus.

Amari Bailey, 6’4, SG, Oaks Christian (CA), 2022

Making the move from the CHI to the left coast, Amari Bailey has quickly established himself as one of the next stars out west. The lefty is an explosive athlete who crushed the rim with dunks, put the clamps on guys defensively, and was able to create his own shot as a straight line driver. The one time Depaul commit has now reopened his recruitment and is already hearing from some of the nation’s finest colleges prior to playing his first high school game.

Josh Primo, 6’5, SG, Huntington Prep (WV), 2021

Continuing the Canadian pipeline, Josh Primo appare to be the next high major prospect from North of the border to land at Huntington Prep. He showed range out to the NBA three point line, was able to create separation for himself on the regular, and has the athleticism to finish everything around the rim with a dunk. A high academic kid, Primo appears to be the perfect fit on a loaded Huntington Prep squad.

Reggie Bass, 6’3, SG/PG, Muncie Central (IN), 2022

One of the better freshmen in the Hoosier state, Reggie Bass was straight up in attack mode all weekend long. He got to the rim at will, was an elite level finisher, and showed the ability to defend both backcourt spots. The highly touted freshman is certainly going to be one of the more sought after guards in the region, provided he continues to develop at the rate he has thus far.

Alex Karaban, 6’7, PF, Algonquin Regional (MA), 2022

A new age power forward, Alex Karaban shocked just about everyone at MSHTV with his sneaky bounce. He was great in pick and roll play, finished everything around the rim, and exhibited legit mobility for a young big man. Alex’s package of size, skill, and agility will immediately make him one of the Northeast’s better 2022’s.

DJ Dudley, 6’4, SG/SF, San Ysidro HS (CA), 2022

An explosive swingman, Dudley showed the ability to not only finish through defenders, but rise above them to finish over the top. He played the game at his own pace, was always under control, and has the size to defend a number of perimeter positions. Dudley is a part of the next wave of talent to come out of SD and has all of the tools of a big time wing.

Bowen Hardman, 6’4, SG, Cincinnati Princeton (OH), 2022

One of the better shooters in the event, Bowen Hardman picked his spots, but continually produced with some of the nation’s finest. The deceptive athlete banged everything in transition, shot the lights out from the corners, and showed off an IQ higher than most in the event. With shooters with size being at a premium (especially with the way the game is changing), expect Hardman to follow Darius Bazley’s footsteps at Princeton.

Sean Jones, 5’9, PG, Gahanna Lincoln (OH), 2022

Perhaps the shiftiest guard at the 2018 MSHTV Camp, Sean Jones already blew up with his initial mixtape and did enough to show why there will be plenty more to follow. His change of pace was straight nasty, he was able to get to the rack on anyone who attempted to stay in front of him, and he showed off a competitive side that made it clear to anyone that he believed he could ball with anyone on the court. Running with Miller Factory on the AAU circuit, Sean has plenty of experience playing up against older cats and it certainly showed in Indy.

Felix Okpara, 6’9, C, Hamilton Heights (TN), 2022

New to the states from Nigeria, Felix Okpara is a blank canvas with a world of upside. He was outstanding running the floor, showed off a great motor on the offensive glass, and made his presence felt immediately in the paint on D. Playing under an outstanding coach in Zach Ferrell at Hamilton Heights (developed Shae Gilgeous-Alexander from unranked to lottery pick), Felix will have all of the tools at his disposal to reach his fullest potential.

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Following a steady third year in which the emerging seven-footer showed flashes of being one of the better stretch bigs in the League, Kaminsky has a new coach and a new role with the Charlotte Hornets. And he’s ready to take that next step.

Kaminsky’s basketball journey truly took off when another coach believed in him nearly a decade ago.

Coming out of tiny Benet Academy in Chicago’s west suburbs, Kaminsky didn’t turn many heads early on. Despite having a unique perimeter skill set for a “footer,” most coaches thought that he was too frail or not athletic enough to play big time college hoops. He’s the prototype for today’s modern NBA forward, but folks weren’t thinking like that back in 2010. Except for one person, that is. Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan.

“When I was getting recruited, I didn’t have very many offers and obviously Wisconsin was the biggest school that was recruiting me,” Kaminsky says of a recruitment that only saw him receive offers from local schools such as Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Bradley, aside from the Badgers. “I went into [Bo’s] office and he brought up this point. He says, You know what I really like about watching film on you? Your demeanor changes when you do something well. Honestly, I didn’t even know that he was watching film on me at all.”

With a coach like Ryan behind him, Frank improved every single year at Wisconsin. He had an outstanding finish to his junior campaign and went into his senior season with a ton of hype, living up to every bit of it. The program went 36-4 overall (16-2 in the Big Ten) and nearly won the National title, falling by five in the championship to a Duke squad that saw 7 of its players eventually land on NBA rosters. Kaminsky was named AP Player of the Year, averaging 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Combine that impressive year with some stellar pre-draft workouts and Kaminsky caught the eye of Hornets owner Michael Jordan. Charlotte selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft,  jumpstarting a whirlwind pro career that has featured glimpses of stardom as a stretch big (shot 38% from 3PT last year) and has him ready for a potential contract extension this fall.

—

“I actually hate the buildup to games, especially on the road,” Kaminsky explains to SLAM after one of his summer workouts. “We’re done with shootaround at maybe 1030 or 11, but the bus doesn’t leave til around 4:30. I’m so antsy to go play that the whole day I’m either trying to take a nap or eat correct.

“I’m always one of the first people to the arena for home games because I’m literally sick of sitting at home. I’m just so excited to play that night that I can’t think about anything else.”

On the campus of UIC in Chicago where Kaminsky has been grinding, we got an inside look at that level of excitement. Respected CHI-town trainer Jeff Pagliocca works with the likes of Patrick Beverley, Enes Kanter, and Evan Turner year round, so he’s quite familiar with the NBA game and what it takes to maximize his clients’ potential. That being said, a specific, strategic plan has been devised with the Hornets and new head coach James Borrego to make Kaminsky the perfect fit in Charlotte’s modern system.

“Obviously he’s excited because it’s his first job. He really wants to spread the floor, get more uptempo, get more threes up, play more loose,” Kaminsky says of Borrego’s vision. “It will be a lot different from last year, when everyone was so tense that it wasn’t easy to get over the hump.

“I feel that with him, it’s a much more relaxed approach, but it will also be much more uptempo. You see that the way San Antonio plays. They move the ball, they spread the floor, and everyone is passing. That’s what he’s trying to instill.”

Going to the gym six days a week with his heralded trainer, Kaminsky, who posted 11.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest in 2017-18, has been putting some serious work in on his low post game.

It’s not the low post game many of us associate with Hall of Fame bigs like Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O’Neal. It’s the new age low post game. The separation that Frank is able to create on his fadeaway is resounding and when you tack on the fact that he’s every bit of 7-0, it makes it virtually unguardable.

Footwork and creating space aren’t the only things that he’s been addressing, though.

“I’m just working on getting more confident and getting more consistent shooting the ball,” Kaminsky explains of the weapons he hopes to add to his arsenal before the 2018-19 season. “Obviously with the floor being more spread, I want to be creating more moves off of the dribble.”

Pagliocca put his prized pupil through a gauntlet of drills that replicated game-like situations. Whether it was simulating pick and roll play, drag screens, or isolation settings, Kaminsky was consistently placed in positions that he will certainly face multiple times each night. There were a number of instances when the drills had onlookers mentioning Dirk Nowitzki; and while that may be premature, it was definitely apparent, based on the movements, that there are similarities there.

Just as much as improving his skills, the 25-year old is developing a killer mindset that will never let him dwell on a mistake for longer than that possession itself.

“What I’ve tried to do is learn to forget things. You’ll see it in my workout. In my first two years, maybe into my third year, it was tough for me to mentally move past things to where I’d let one bad thing turn into two, three, or four. I’d be in my own head to the point that I would miss four shots in a row,” admits Kaminsky before discussing the shift in his mentality.

“What I’ve really tried to learn how to do is turn my mind off and move past things. That’s why in my workout you’ll see me take walks to half court to mentally reset myself.”

As eccentric of a player as you’ll meet, the summer hasn’t been spent entirely in the gym for Frank. He’s been hitting weddings for his Wisconsin friends on the regular and has constantly been adding to his ridiculous Jordan collection. Don’t get it twisted: Just because Kaminsky isn’t always caught rocking crazy J’s on the court, it’s not because he doesn’t have them — it’s because he cherishes them so much that he won’t tap into his vault unless he has a backup pair.

“My favorite pair is definitely the all white Off-White 1’s,” he says. “For some reason Jordan messed up their shipment and sent me double on accident, so I actually get to wear them. I don’t like to hurt my shoes, they’re like my children.When I get the really exclusive pairs, I just keep them in the box and don’t really ever use them. It is kind of stupid, but that’s just who I am.”

Frank dives into a variety of other topics during our interview, ranging from his gameday routine, to his time at Wisconsin with his teammates who are “more like a bunch of friends who happen to play basketball than college basketball players,” to his culinary choices. There is one restaurant that has Kaminsky’s heart and he has no problem letting the world know about it: Chipotle.

“I try everything there. At other places I order the same thing over and over,” he says of his favorite spot, which awarded him with the prestigious Chipotle card after showing them mad love on social media. “I’ve got a Great American Bagel right here over on the corner [near UIC] and when I walk in, they just start making my food since I get the same thing every time. At Chipotle, I get something different every time.

“I get the burrito, I get the bowl, I get tacos. Sometimes I go chicken, sometimes I go steak. I even tried the tofu thing recently and that’s pretty good, too.”

As you get to know Frank Kaminsky, you experience first hand the reputation he has from teammates and fans alike:  A funny, outgoing, dedicated dude who is going to bust his ass to prove everyone wrong.

With a first year head coach who brings an outstanding rep, and a new opportunity right around the corner, Frank appears ready to do just that.

—

Rodger Bohn is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @rodgerbohn. 

Photos via Getty.

The post On The Rise: Frank Kaminsky Has Been Expanding His Bag 💼 appeared first on SLAM.

The brainchild of former Wofford guard and overseas pro Jamar Diggs, the TCPA filled the void for the now defunct Howard Pulley Pro-Am. Blending high school, college, and NBA players, the Twin Cities Pro-Am offers elite talent at all three levels with a sick atmosphere to match. Held at the famed De La Salle HS in downtown Minneapolis, fans packed out “The Island” for all of the tourney games to see local legends go at it with the next wave of stars. The top DJ in Minny was spinning tracks and sponsors such as  N1 Motion, Catalyst Training, and Dr. Dish were giving out freebies for the hoopheads in the building. Ultimately, it was Team Tyus that beat the defending champ Errol Carlstrom Playaz in Diggs’ continually emerging event.

“My goal was to create a unique space with the highest level of talent for fans of Minnesota basketball,” Jamar explained to SLAM. “From promising prospects to proven vets, the premise was to provide special rivalries for the players to compete and for the fans to enjoy — for free.”

Here are some of the players who caught our eye at the 2018 Twin Cities Pro-Am:

Tyus Jones, 6’1, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

The T’Wolves ever developing guard was out there playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. His innate ability to control the game with his pick-and-roll play was yet another example of why he’s been a floor general beyond his years. Leading his Team Tyus unit to the ‘chip, Jones showed off a more sculpted physique and improved ability to finish through contact for what could be a breakout fourth campaign in the League.

McKinley Wright, 6’1, PG, Sophomore, Colorado

The top college baller at The Island was undoubtedly McKinley Wright, who is coming off of a freshman campaign that saw him earn All Pac-12 freshman team honors. The gritty playmaker straight killed cats with his change of pace, finishes above the rim, and sick plays off of ball screens. The one time Dayton recruit has continually proved the doubters wrong and as he continues to gain consistency on his outside J, will establish himself as one of the very best PG’s that the NCAA has to offer.

Rashad Vaughn, 6’6, SG, Free Agent

Still trying to find his place in the League, many forget that Rashad Vaughn is still younger (not even 22 years old yet) than a lot of the players who were picked in this past June’s NBA Draft, despite the fact that he has three years of NBA experience under his belt. He showed effortless range, an improved ability to create off of the bounce, and a willingness to lock down on D that we hadn’t seen before. With endless two-way deals sitting on the table, Rashad is holding out for a guaranteed roster spot and certainly showed that he has the natural talent to lock one up.

Royce White, 6’8, PF, Fiat Torino (Italy)

One of the bigger basketball enigmas as of late, Royce White is still raising awareness for mental illness and balling with the best of ’em. The point forward was an outstanding playmaker with the ball in his hands, displaying his unique ability to create for others at 260 pounds and the agility to slyly manuever around opposing bigs. Signed to play for Larry Brown in Italy this year, White has the opportunity to take both his game and his advocacy to new heights in ’18-19.

Geno Crandall, 6’4, PG/SG, Senior, Gonzaga

While many outside of the region may have never heard of Geno Crandall prior to this summer, rest assured that it is a name you will familiarize yourself with this upcoming season. The most highly sought after grad transfer is heading to Gonzaga after putting up averages of 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists at North Dakota. Against pros, he showed a reliable jumper from NBA range, made great passes with either hand, and showed a readiness to compete on both ends with whomever he matched up with. Crandall joins a veteran laden Zags squad that will find itself amongst the top-5 in NCAA polls to start the season.

Zeke Nnaji, 6’10, PF, Hopkins HS (MN), 2019

A player whom we stumbled upon two and a half years ago running with Howard Pulley 15U has continually improved to the point that he is now a consensus top-40 dude in the country. Playing against grown men with a minor knee injury, the athletic big punished the rim, shot the ball well from the perimeter, and showed a ton of versatility on the defensive end. With offers from just about every big time program in the country, Nnaji has experienced one of the more meteoric rises of anyone in the class of 2019.

Cameron Rundles, 6’2, PG, Stella Leuven (BEL)

Perhaps the toughest dude in the Pro-Am, Cam Rundles didn’t care who you were or where you played, he was going to go right at you on both ends. The fearless lead guard came with an attack first mindset, shot the rock well from deep, and put the clamps on opposing guards. The Minneapolis native has consistently carved out a nice niche for himself on the European market and is expected to have a breakout year in Belgium.

David Roddy, 6’5, PF, Breck HS (MN), 2019

Even though Roddy doesn’t fit the prototypical mold, he still kills everyone as a 6-foot-5 power forward. With his shooting and post-up play, Roddy was a consistent all-around scoring threat. A high major athlete on both the gridiron and hardwood, he grabbed hoops offers from Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern over the past week.

Video via And-One Films. 

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Finishing with a cool 50 points, it was Lou Will’s team that came away with the W. He drilled a number of deep threes from well beyond the NBA line, showed off his deadly pull-up, and had a number of explosive drives to the rack that made you remember that he’s still got some bounce left at 31-years old. He also dropped a number of dimes to ex-Hawks high flyer Josh Smith, who was out of the League this past season, but is looking to land on roster in ’18 as a new-age forward.

The Celtics’ emerging star Brown dropped 30 points himself in the loss and showed why there is so much optimism around him as one of the League’s best young two-way players. He pulled his best Shep impersonation from Above The Rim, putting on his jersey right over his clothes and going to work on the hardwood. JB had countless punishing dunks, slashed to the rim at will, and even strapped up to play some D. He teamed with Lorenzo Brown, who was fresh off of winning the G League MVP and showed that he owns a handle that most 6-5 point guards could only dream of.

Peep the highlights above, courtesy of Take Flight Hoops.

The summer is just beginning for the AEBL, though. Now in its sixth season, the league has served as a platform for guys such as Brown, Collin Sexton, and Wendell Carter to get a run in against NBA players before their official debuts. Kyrie Irving came to team with Lou Williams to win the ‘chip last year, leaving the imagination open as to which stars will be making the journey to take part in the AEBL playoffs when they roll around later this summer.

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The post Jaylen Brown and Lou Williams Put on a SHOW at the AEBL 🎥 appeared first on SLAM.

Still showing mad love to Seattle, where he played his senior year under former NBAer Brandon Roy, ‎Porter Jr took a break from summer school to hoop in one of the left coast’s finest summer leagues. He effortlessly bombed threes from NBA range, bounced off the floor like a pogo stick, and had four simply ridiculous blocks. Everyone loves to throw out the KD and Brandon Ingram comparisons, but the craziest part is that the 18-year old might be the most explosive of all of the new crop of unicorn forwards and progressed through high school to the point that he jumped 7-1 monster DeAndre Ayton in most recent Class of 2017 rankings.

While Missouri is certainly in a rebuild right now, Michael Porter Jr definitely has the talent and system set up to take Missouri to heights it hasn’t seen in years, which will hopefully break the streak of potential No. 1 picks not even reaching the NCAA Tournament.

Big thanks to Ballislife for the video

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The post Michael Porter Jr Drops 47 at Jamal Crawford’s Crawsover League appeared first on SLAM.

Now, add Phoenix to the list.

At the League Game, the Suns’ starting backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker went to battle. Fresh off getting married in Alabama, Bled was back on the grind. The lead guard looked like he was in game shape and showed off an improved J and was able to convert at the rack with both hands easily.

Booker, whose team won the game 111-106, looks like he is continuing to build off of a breakout sophomore campaign. He displayed some sick moves off the bounce, had some serious dunks in transition, and bombed from nearly halfcourt a number of times. While it’s simply July basketball, it looks like Booker is ready to take another step in his ascension to stardom.

Big thanks to Arizona’s Finest Mixtape for sending the video over

The post Suns’ Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe Face Off in Phoenix Pickup Game appeared first on SLAM.

Against the Cavs, Lonzo followed up his absurd 36-point showing against Philly with an easy triple double against the Cavs. The 6-6 point guard finished with 16 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds to let the Lakers live another day in playoff play. Oh, he was also rocking the ‘Nightlife’ Harden 1 one day after he wore Kobes.

LaMelo, on the other hand, went to work on the AAU circuit with his Big Ballers AAU squad. LaVar was running the show on the sidelines and witnessed his son drop 36 points, 14 assists, ‎and 10 boards in a win over the SoCal All-Stars while also wearing Harden 1s. Not a slouch by any means, SCA has alumni including Kevin Love, Brandon Jennings, Delon Wright, Renardo Sidney (was No. 1 in the Class of ’09 for a while), etc. Melo made some outstanding passes with both hands, drilled a number of deep 3-pointers, and made some near full court passes that would have made his big bro proud.

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Playing a truly special group of 2019 prospects up on the 17U level, this Game Elite squad features the likes of Ashton Hagans, Christian Brown, Josh Nickelberry, and CJ Walker. The aforementioned four are all ranked in the top-50 nationally and as a team, Game Elite finished in first place of the Derrick Rose division of the adidas Gauntlet. Still, they knew that they had quite the task at hand with attempting to stop Zion in his city.

“Simple. We knew there is no officially stopping Zion. We knew he was going to get his,” Game Elite coach Chris Williams told SLAM after the game on the defensive game plan. “But, we must play defense as a team to stop the others and not let Zion get to the rim at ease. We just tried to make it hard on him with help-side defense.”

Coach Williams and his squad executed to perfection and walked away with a 73-57 win over South Carolina Supreme. SLAM’s top player in the Class of 2018 finished with 32 points, 13 boards, and 3 simply ridiculous blocks. He shot 11-22 from the field, but just 1-7 from the three point line. Game Elite, on the other hand, came with a more balanced attack. Top-25 wing Christian Brown led the way with 15 points and did not shy away from the hyped matchup. Top-25 point guard Ashton Hagans was the catalyst, controlling the tempo of the game and finishing with 7 assists.

https://twitter.com/SLAMonline_HS/status/885633077778808832

For an early July live period game, the standing room only crowd was about as hyped as you could get, but Game Elite’s coach had his 2019 unit ready to go to battle.

“Going into the game, they were super excited to play against Zion in that atmosphere because they knew it was going to be crazy and the local crowd was going to come out,” Williams admitted. “Both his name and our team name is buzzing right now, so we knew it was going to be a good game.”

Big thanks to Ballislife for the video

The post Zion Williamson Drops 32 Points, Has Three Ridiculous Blocks In Loss appeared first on SLAM.

Whiteside showed his defensive prowess by sending opposing foes’ shots to the stands or pinning them on the glass. Offensively, ‎he used his massive 280-pound frame to straight up bully defenders. He then used his freakish athleticism and 7-7 wingspan to easily punish the rim. Simply put, the Heat’s franchise player was a man amongst boys.

Much love to Hoop Journey for the video.

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Formerly the Seattle Pro-Am, J-Crossover took over the league and it’s already been live in its opening weeks. After a nameless defender got a bucket on him and got in his face, Jamal brought out all the sauce. Crossovers, behind the backs, and 30-foot three pointers. His ridiculous handle hasn’t dissipated one bit with each year that goes by and when you see Jamal with the freedom to show the full arsenal, you see why the 37 year old is regarded as one of the best ball handlers in the League. Along with his excellence with the rock in his hands, Crawford continues to make a difference in the community of Seattle in countless ways, with the free Crawsover League just being one ‎to keep basketball going in the Emerald City.

For the game, the namesake of the Crawsover League finished with 26 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Big thanks to Ballislife for the video

The post Jamal Crawford Goes Off at Crawsover League After Signing With Timberwolves appeared first on SLAM.

Taking part in a scrimmage in preparation for this week’s adidas Gauntlet finale in his hometown of Spartanburg, SC, Zion played Saturday morning with his South Carolina Supreme AAU unit. Wearing a light brace on his knee, it was clear that the teenage phenom was still working himself back in to game shape. Still, he showed the bounce that made him the manchild that sent the internet into a frenzy this past high school season.

Williamson had a nasty windmill from outside of the paint, threw down an effortless 360, and had countless dunks/blocks throughout the scrimmage. He seemed to want to play the role of more of a facilitator, constantly looking ahead to hit the open man. Zion also used his size to punish smaller defenders on the block and finish through contact at the rack en route to SC Supreme’s blowout W.

Zion will attempt to defend his turf this week at the adidas Gauntlet Finale in Spartanburg, which begins this Tuesday.

Big thanks to EliteMixtapes for the video.

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Players traveling from 33 different states and four different countries descended upon CLE for the two-day event. Top-5 sophomore Kyree Walker dominated the event last year and everyone was looking to follow in his footsteps. Ballislife, CityLeagueHoopsTV, MiddleSchoolHoops, Hoop Diamonds, and countless other videographers made the trek to catch a glimpse of the future. The event did not disappoint, either. The matchups that people wanted to see were scheduled early on, competition was fierce, and sleepers emerged as serious prospects on the radar for college coaches. All in all, if getting more looks and exposure was the goal at hand, this was the spot to be, as seen by the 2+ million YouTube views that the camp has already amassed.

With that said, here are a few of the top ballers who caught our eye at the 2017 NEO Youth Elite Camp:

Alonzo Gaffney, 6-9, PF, Garfield Heights HS (OH), 2019

No one blew up at the camp more than the guy who was playing on his newly found home court: ‎Alonzo Gaffney. The 6-foot-9 rising junior transferred from VASJ and immediately showed that he can do an array of things that most guys his size absolutely dream of. Gaffney drilled NBA-range threes (hitting six in a game en route to scoring 41 points), bounced off the ground like a pogo stick to punish the rims, and got up above the top of the square to block shots. Ohio State, UNC, and countless other high majors will be pursuing him on the adidas Gauntlet this summer with Ohio Basketball Club.

Zion Harmon, 5-11, PG, Bowling Green HS (KY), 2021

‎The top rising freshman in the country was fresh off of a gold medal with the USA U-16 team (he was youngest player ever to make the team) and showed no signs of slowing down whatsoever. He used his extremely high skill level to toy with defenders, making them pick their poison. If you sagged off, he bombed an NBA three. If someone played him too close, you could see his tight handle and jelly finishes at the rack. Most impressive was the way that Harmon stepped up on D to put the clamps on when big matchups were brought at him. Already playing EYBL 17U and owning a handful of D-1 offers, expect the legacy to grow once he hits the high school ranks.

Julian Newman, 5-8, PG, Downey Christian (FL), 2020

The Internet sensation came to Cleveland to go up against some of the nation’s finest and showed that he can hold his own. Newman had a heated matchup that went viral, drilled countless NBA range threes, and showed off his AND1 mixtape handle. The Florida playmaker is the earliest ever to drop 1,000 points in high school hoops (he’s been playing varsity since 5th grade) and should continue to draw a lot of buzz to Downey Christian.

William Jeffress, 6-6, SF, Erie (PA), 2021

One of the better long-term prospects in the game, William Jeffress showed why he has quite the reputation on the hardwood before ever playing in a high school game and has already been tabbed as a top-10 player in ’21 by some services while running with OBC on the adidas Gauntlet circuit. The super long forward has a great frame, shot the ball well from deep, and created a number of mismatches with his versatility. With his father being a college professor, you know that IQ is going to be running high in the family and given what we saw in Cleveland, it looks like basketball is going to be another strong point for Jeffress.

Garvin Clarke, 6-0, PG, Euclid HS (OH), 2020

A native of the Bahamas, Garvin Clarke made the move to Cleveland and hasn’t looked back. The lanky lead guard got to the paint at will, showed off great natural scoring instincts, and really put the clamps on defensively. Having put up big numbers as a freshman at Euclid and with a growing list of D-1 offers, expect Clarke to be a name that you hear more about sooner rather than later.

Fred Mulbah, 5-10, PG, Northeastern HS (NY), 2018

The most explosive player in the camp rolled to Cleveland from New York and left the dunk contest as champ. Mulbah was right there as one of the best on ball defenders, was an elite finisher in transition, and banged on a number of guys on the break. Still wide open in the recruiting process, Fred is going to definitely be one to watch in July if in the market for a defensive-minded guard.

Meechie Johnson Jr., 5-11, PG, Garfield Heights HS (OH), 2021

Lineage runs strong with this point guard with one uncle who was Ohio’s Mr. Basketball (Sonny), the other who was the top player in his class in Ohio (Juby), and a father (Meechie) who was #2 in the state behind only some guy named LeBron James. He showed off an incredibly high IQ, drilled a number of deep threes, and made pinpoint passes with either hand coming off of ball screens. Meechie enters high school as one of the more highly touted PG’s in the country and given his family tree he could be one of the elite playmakers if he continues to develop at this rate.

Colin Granger, 6-7, PF, Lambert HS (GA), 2020

Another player whose recruitment is bound to take off is Colin Granger. Approaching 6-8, Granger is the type of high energy big man that every college coach dreams of. He set outstanding screens, was a mad man collecting rebounds all over the court, and showed off his deceptive bounce with a few impressive blocks. Toss in the fact that he shot the lights out from deep and it’s easy to see why he is one of Atlanta’s most slept on prospects…for now.

Ryan Conway, 6-1, PG/SG, Baltimore (MD), 2021

One of the best natural scorers in the event, Ryan Conway was a supreme bucket-getter. The combo‎ guard created with ease with his shifty handle, finished at the rack creatively with both hands, and drilled deep jumpers. Conway came in with a rep as one of the better guards in the class and certainly lived up to the hype.

The post NEO Youth Elite Camp Recap: Featuring Zion Harmon And Others appeared first on SLAM.

Matched up against class of ’20 guard and YouTube sensation Julian Newman (who has been playing varsity ball himself since fifth grade), Harmon led the way for what wound up being the game of the event. He scored 26 points via a flurry of deep jumpers and creative takes to the rack. Newman, who is the youngest player ever to score 1000 points in high school basketball, ended the game with 16 points through a number of deep jumpers that followed his incredibly flashy dribble moves. The game’s leading scorer was neither of the two, however.

Class of ’19 big man Alonzo Gaffney showed why he is one of the hottest names in the country after transferring to Garfield Heights (OH). The Cleveland product dropped 41 points and did his best KD impersonation by hitting six three pointers and crushing the rim with countless sick dunks. While Harmon and Newman certainly have more fan fare at the moment, there is no question that Alonzo Gaffney is actually the one with the most NBA potential, as seen in the video above.

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The top pick in the ’76 Draft and currently Rockets player development coach has been through it all. His personal struggles are well known and now, his goal in life is to try to make sure that those involved with the game don’t follow down the path that led him fighting an uphill battle for redemption. Comprised of various high school scouts, the NBA Top 100 selection committee jets throughout the country during the year looking for not just the elite but also the sleepers who have long term NBA potential and are still not getting the love they deserve.

Led by guys like Ricky Davis, Jason Terry, and Rajon Rondo, the high school campers were given some guidance on what to do (and what not to do) if they hope to have a successful career in the League. The NBA counselors keep it brutally real with the campers, regaling stories of struggles both in their personal lives and dealing with coaches on the court. Keeping the effort level right, lead guards such as Jason Terry, Will Bynum, and John Lucas III showed their leadership by bringing up the intensity during the games. The inspired play and super deep talent pool led to numbers that were widely dispersed across the board, but still served as a platform for a number of players to seriously rise their stock.

While the camp was loaded with rising seniors, there were a number of elite underclassmen who were invited to the camp. Here are a few of the ones who put on a show:

Matthew Hurt, 6-9 PF, Rochester John Marshall (MN), 2019

One of the most skilled forwards in his grade, Matthew Hurt is the epitome of today’s new age face-up forward. He showed range out to the NBA line, can take slower defenders off the bounce, and has the moves to post smaller defenders. The versatility that he offers on the offensive end is what makes him Minnesota’s top big man, as well as one of the very best nationally in the Class of 2019. With his brother Michael already playing for the Golden Gophers, many expect Matthew to follow his big bro’s footsteps and become a program changer for Richard Pitino.

Cassius Stanley, 6-5, PG/SG, Harvard Westlake (CA), 2019

While the aerial magic that Cassius Stanley brings to the table is well known, not many understand the improvements he’s made as a point guard. He’s learned how to play pick and roll basketball, showing off his explosive burst and making solid decisions with the ball in his hands. Add in the fact that he straight up put the clamps on people at either guard spot and you understand why Stanley was arguably the best guard at the Top 100 Camp.

Cole Anthony, 6-3, PG, Archbishop Molloy (NY), 2019 

It was clear that Cole Anthony came to Charlottesville with a chip on his shoulder and he definitely proved how deadly he could be as a scoring point guard. The explosive guard has a number of acrobatic takes to the rim, made great reads off of ball screens, and seemed hyped for any big matchup that was put in front of him. Finishing 7th in the camp in scoring and 4th in assists, it’s safe to say that Anthony cemented himself amongst the nation’s top lead guards, regardless of class.

Ashton Hagans, 6-4, PG, Oak Hill Academy (VA), 2019

As far as blowing up, not too many have exploded the way that Ashton Hagans has this spring. The 6-4 lead guard ran the show for Game Elite’s 17U on the adidas Gauntlet and killed. He didn’t light it up in the scoring column, but led the camp in both assists and steals. The big point guard controlled the tempo of the game, locked down on defense, and showed immense growth running a team since we first saw him over a year ago. Hagans is now regarded by some services as the top point guard in the Class of 2019 and literally has just about every elite program in the country fighting for his services.

Patrick McCaffery, 6-8, SF, Iowa City West (IA), 2019

Another new age forward, Patrick McCaffery is still flying a little under the radar because everyone assumes that he’s automatically going to play for his Pops at Iowa. While that is likely the case, he’s not as sexy of a prospect for recruiting analysts as the dude who just blew up and got four ACC offers. Regardless, he can straight up ball with the best of them. Having hit a late growth spurt, Patrick has the skills of a guard and the size of a forward. The deceptive athlete is remarkably agile, can shoot the lights out from deep, and is a threat to dunk on you in transition (as seen by his final play at camp). While Patrick definitely needs to get stronger, he’s got all of the makings of a five star prospect.

Tyrese Maxey, 6-3, PG/SG, South Garland HS (TX), 2019

A player who continually gets better, Maxey has stood out at every event that we’ve caught glimpse of him at (others being Pangos All-South and EYBL LA). The power guard is incredibly shifty, had a number of creative finishes at the rack, and locked down on the perimeter. Maxey is already a high priority of the entire Big 12 and is on the way to being the next McDonald’s All-American out of Dallas.

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With ESPN’s Paul Biancardi serving as director for the camp, the 2017 version in Indy was just as legit in the talent department. Amare Stoudemire’s old trainer, Terry Drake, put the campers through skill development sessions that will certainly be lasting. Players came from 31 different states and even Canada. All-star games were played in a round-robin tournament fashion. ESPN, Rivals, Scout, and over a dozen mixtape outlets were in the building. The invite-only event offered scouting services a glimpse at more than 250 players, many of which had never played on the national level and are due to blow up very quickly.

Here are a few of the top players who caught our eye at the 2017 CrossRoads Elite Invitational:

Jalen Johnson, 6-6, SF, Sun Prarie (WI), 2020

Undoubtedly the top player in the event, Jalen Johnson straight up stole the show. He played all three perimeter positions, always had his head on a swivel, and consistently made pinpoint passes ahead of the D. The 6-6 point forward played the game at his own speed and simply controlled the tempo all throughout the weekend in Indy. With that said, it should come as no surprise that Wisconsin has already put a scholarship on the table for this emerging sophomore and he’ll be visiting UNC in September.

Isaiah Jackson, 6-8, PF, Lutheran Northwest (MI), 2020

One of those players commonly referred to as ‘all arms and legs,’ Isaiah Jackson’s best days of basketball are certainly far ahead of him. The lanky forward showed off great hands, had a number of punishing dunks, and even showed some skills handling the rock in the open court. The package of size, ability, and mobility that Isaiah brings to the table makes him one of the best in Michigan’s 2020 class.

Jalen Terry, 6-0, PG, Flint Beecher, 2020

Possibly the most explosive guard in the camp, Jalen Terry showed the hype was a mixtape waiting to happen. He showed off great burst, was liable to cross just about anyone up, and had no problem banging out once he got to the rim. Balling at Iowa State guard Monte Morris’ alma mater, word out of Michigan is that Terry is already better than the potential NBA Draft pick was at the same stage, so he’s definitely one to look out for.

MarJon Beauchamp, 6-5, SG, Seattle Garfield (WA), 2020

One of the biggest sleepers from the pacific northwest, MarJon Beauchamp looks like he’s next up out of Seattle. Making the move from Yakima to follow Brandon Roy at Garfield, Beauchamp definitely has some Dejounte Murray in him. The slithery combo guard has a deceptive handle to break people down, can shoot it from deep, and uses his length to create havoc on both ends of the court. Beauchamp is already on UW’s radar and playing for Garfield, that offer should be coming sooner rather than later.

Chet Holmgren, 6-8, SF/PF, Minnehaha Academy (MN), 2021

Playing alongside arguably the nation’s best freshman (6’3 PG Jalen Suggs), Chet Holmgren seems to be next in line in the Twin Cities. He is still incredibly skinny, but was the best big shooter that the camp offered–as seen by the 5 threes that he dropped in one game. Holmgren certainly needs to bulk up but his intriguing package of skills and the fact that he still got some growing left (his pops is a 7-footer who played for Minnesota) makes him one of the better long-term prospects in the camp.

Allen Udemadu, 6-9, PF, Christian Life Center (TX), 2020

There may not be a player on this list who has improved more in the last year than Allen Udemadu. Running with Carlos Williams’ We All Can Go on the AAU circuit, the program has produced the likes of Marvin Bagley, Darius Garland, Zion Harmon and more. Udemadu has a chance to be next in line. The 6-9 combo forward shot the ball well out to the three, had quite a few impressive dunks, and utilized his length to block a ton of shots. A native of Nigeria, Udemadu already owns a half dozen D1 scholarship offers and should only gain more after his performance at Crossroads.

Martice Mitchell, 6-8, PF, Bloom Township (IL), 2020

Despite playing right outside of the CHI, not too many people are aware of the special talent that resides in Bloom Township. The wiry forward showed off a diverse package of skills, creating mismatches and shooting the lights out with his Steph Curry release from the chin. It shouldn’t be long before D1 programs are aware of the long term potential that Martice possesses.

Chris Hodges, 6-7, PF/C, Schaumburg (IL), 2021

A bit of a throwback big man, Hodges controlled the paint despite playing against players a year older than him. He finished everything in the paint, showed legit footwork on the block, and definitely had a frame that had serious potential to fill out. Chris was arguably the best freshman at the event and will only get better running with a well established program like the Illinois Wolves on the circuit.

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The release of Take 1 doesn’t necessarily mean they are closing the doors on their basketball careers—the twins still have major game even though they won’t be donning Runnin’ Rebels uniforms next season. Dakota led UNLV in scoring the past two seasons; Dylan dropped a defender at last year’s Ludaday Game. The twins are still considering professional opportunities abroad.

We got a chance to chop it up with Dylan and Dakota about what they’ve been up to since graduation, their new album, and the restrictions that were placed on them by the NCAA.

SLAM: What’s been going on since you two graduated and decided to forego your final seasons at UNLV?

Dakota Gonalez: It’s been an interesting ride thus far. Everything is at a much faster pace now that it is over. In previous years, it was a little more chill, but now that it’s done, we have to get things going fast. We’ve really just been pursuing music and entertainment. Now that we’re finally able to do it, it’s crazy.

SLAM: Basketball has been a huge part of your lives. Now that your college careers are over, have things been a little more exciting? Or have they been bittersweet?

Dakota: It’s been very bittersweet because ultimately, we love basketball. We’re still going to play and we’re still going to continue to train. This isn’t something that we’re just cutting out of our lives because it’s something that we love so much and it’s all that we’ve known up to this point. We are going to continue to pursue basketball in other ways, but at the same time, our passion is music and we do not want to have any restrictions to keep us from being able to fully put our efforts into that as well.

SLAM: The decision that you two made to skip your senior seasons was largely due to the opportunities, or rather lack of opportunities, brought on by NCAA restrictions, to pursue other interests in life. How does it feel to potentially be the poster women for college athletes as far as taking a stand against the NCAA?

Dylan Gonzalez: Initially it’s scary because you understand in the back of your head that you’re going up against something that’s bigger than you. We definitely tried to challenge the system a little bit to make both music and basketball work. At the end of the day, the only thing they would allow us to do was sing the national anthem at a game and make music in our home. It just became this fight as to why we wouldn’t do anything outside of basketball without all of these ticky-tack regulations coming into play. It just became so stressful. At the end of the day, Dakota and I hope that other women are given the freedom to pursue things outside of their sport. Unless you’re in the system, you really don’t understand that this is a job. Playing a collegiate sport is a job that you don’t get paid for like a job. If you’re trying to build a foundation for yourself in another avenue, it’s nearly impossible because you don’t have the time to do it, nor are you allowed to do it.

SLAM: How much of a factor was the NCAA in your decision not to return to UNLV for your senior seasons?

Dylan: It was a good 90-95 percent. Dakota and I were very much committed to coming back for our senior years, but as things were unfolding with the NCAA, it became a nightmare. E-mails that were like, ‘If you’re going to do this, then this is going to happen’ kept coming. You almost start to feel a little threatened by them.

Dakota: Another thing that might be difficult for people who have not played under the NCAA’s umbrella to understand is that you have this great opportunity to get an education and play the sports that you love. But, to be very blunt, a lot of people don’t see the behind the scenes type of actions that go along with it. People always ask why no one has spoken out if it is such a big problem. My challenge to that is, let’s say that you have a job and are working to survive, why would you go start slandering your boss? So you can get fired or have some consequence come your way? You’re just not going to do that.

Dylan: At the end of the day, we wanted to play and we wanted our degrees, even though the majority of people [who play sports] don’t actually end up with their degrees. It’s quite ironic that people always say that it’s about the ‘student’ or the ‘athlete’ and ‘X’ percentage of people never get their degrees. ‘Kota and I were fortunate enough to get our degrees. We have a lot of friends who are football and basketball players who have never graduated. It’s crazy because graduating is preached so much, but it is not really upheld.

SLAM: You’ve made it clear that the basketball isn’t over for you two. What’s up next for you guys in that realm?

Dakota: There are definitely a lot of clinics and a lot of training for us coming up over the next few months. I think that a lot of the motivation for that is for potential overseas careers because that is something that fascinates us and is more intriguing to us than the WNBA. The WNBA is great in itself and isn’t something that you can just walk into, but for us, we’ve always had more interest in overseas careers if we were to play professionally. The reasons why are to stay in shape, which is the realest thing I can say, and take everything we’ve learned playing basketball and give back to others via clinics.

SLAM: You dropped your debut EP two weeks after graduation. Have you just been in the studio non-stop since the season ended? Or is this something that you’ve had in the works for a minute now?

Dylan: We’ve been wanting to pursue music and have been wanting to make it happen for ourselves. It’s been a grind, but we’ve been continuing to push it and have been continuing to work as hard as possible to make it happen because that’s what necessary to get to the places that we’re trying to get to. Leading up to our EP drop, we were going to the studio during the season and were trying to do both. We really did try to make it work this past year [with both basketball and music], but once the season ended, we just really cranked it up to another level. We finished like 25 songs out of our pocket with the help of some really awesome people. Not even big name celebrities, either. Just good people that we met along the way who believed in us. Our engineer, Josh Conley, is someone that we’re so appreciative of because he’s been there with us all along this journey. We’ve cranked it up in the last couple of weeks here, but have been familiarizing ourselves with creating a sound for ourselves.

We’re really excited that our EP is out so that we can get some feedback from people on our first couple of songs. We’re not putting everything out on this one (a second EP entitled Take 2 is coming out later this summer–Ed.) to see how people connect with that vibe.

SLAM: What influenced your sound on this EP? What type of feel are you going for?

Dakota: This EP is definitely a blend of things and not focused on one specific style. We didn’t want every song to sound the same. There are definitely some urban pop and R&B feels to it. There’s a 90s vibe and a little throwback cover song that we did on there, so there are a bunch of different sounds. We really wanted there to be no pressure behind this. We just wanted to make music that we enjoyed making, felt good about, and liked listening to. We want to give it to the people and see their reaction to the different sounds. As important as making the music is to us, the feedback is just as important to us. We really like to keep our fan base involved with what we’re doing.

SLAM: We know that you two are cool with Drake. Can we expect an appearance on any upcoming songs?

Dylan: The only cover that we did was “Sean Paul.” We’re so grateful for all of the incredible people we’ve been in contact with and become friends with like Drake, Flo-Rida, Boosie, and Lyrica Anderson. For our first project, we wanted to do something ourselves. I think that when you use a lot of features, you kind of lose your own sound and don’t present yourself as a strong artist. We wanted to be able to stand on our own two legs without another big time artist. We want to grow ourselves in the most organic way. However, being friends with all of these incredible artists is definitely inspiring because we get to see what we’re trying to do and how we’re going to get there. It’s inspiring to see people’s work ethics and how they go about their craft, which just helps us gain more knowledge.

Related
UNLV’s Gonzalez Twins Are Chasing Hoops, Music Dreams

Rodger Bohn is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @rodgerbohn.

Photo in text via UNLV Athletics/Top photo via Gonzalez Family

The post Dylan and Dakota Gonzalez Talk Foregoing Senior Seasons at UNLV, NCAA Restrictions, ‘Take 1’ EP and More appeared first on SLAM.

The comp was fierce throughout the weekend with coaches constantly glued to their phones and to the standings to see how their respective programs were shaping up. The playoff race led to spirited play and an unbelievable atmosphere. As opposed to normal AAU ball where guys were going for personal recognition, this stop on the EYBL circuit was about collecting W’s. As one can imagine, there was no shortage of elite talent that we”ll be watching in the league in two years ripping the rims off in SoCal.

We broke down the top underclassmen performers yesterday.

Here are a few of the top rising seniors who caught our eye:

Tre Jones, 6-2, PG, Howard Pulley (MN)

While Tyus Jones was busy stealing away minutes from Kris Dunn this year for the T’Wolves, his little brother Tre has quietly been making his case for the best lead guard in 2018. Having always played alongside Duke-bound scoring machine Gary Trent Jr., Tre tended to take the backseat and serve as more of a distributor. Not anymore. In his first few games of EYBL (he went down with an ankle injury), he showed off an impressive burst, great change of pace, and a simply automatic pull-up. While he doesn’t quite have the IQ of his big bro quite yet, he is already bigger and more athletic, leading us to believe he could easily be the second league bound member of the fam.

Marvin Bagley III, 6-11, PF, Phoenix Phamily (AZ)

Marvin Bagley III may have missed his entire sophomore season of high school hoops, but that didn’t effect his game at all. In fact, he came back even better. The uber talented power forward showed off a much improved back to the basket game, video game-esque athleticism, and the fluidity of a guard. Dropping 36 points in an upset W over Howard Pulley, the Phoenix native showed why he’s the front runner for top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Darius Bazley, 6-9, PF, MeanStreets (IL)

One of the more unique players of session 4, Darius Bazley showcased a vast array of skills that have made him one of the most sought after forwards in the nation. At every bit of 6-foot-9, the lanky rising senior handled the rock in the open court, made pinpoint passes in transition, and had no problem knocking down J’s out to the three point line. On D, he made his impact felt in the paint, using his crazy wingspan as an intimidator. Having watched the former Ohio State commit since he was running with OBC on the adidas circuit, the improvement and seemingly endless potential that has developed over the past few years make it scary to think how good Darius could become

Taeshon Cherry, 6-8, SF/PF, Oakland Soldiers (CA)

One of the more versatile forwards in the class, Taeshon Cherry has just continually gotten better since the first time that we saw him two years ago. The hybrid can shoot it out to the three, take big men off of the bounce, and has the versatility to lock down a ton of spots. That being said, it should come as no surprise that virtually every school in the PAC-12 has made Cherry a serious priority.

Coby White, 6-4, PG, CP3 All-Stars (NC)

North Carolina’s best player in the 2018 class proved that he can show out against people from outside of the Tar Heel state. The big lead guard made a number of aggressive takes to the rack, had some unbelievably creative finishes at the rim, and was simply a blur with his end to end speed. Already locked up to UNC, Coby definitely has the talent to be that next big time PG for Roy Williams.

Mitchell Serille, 6-7, PF, Houston Hoops (TX)

Though he didn’t put up monster numbers, Mitchell Seraille definitely brought that ‘it factor’ that every coach loves. He was a maniac on the glass, used his long arms to block a ton of shots, and straight punished the rim any time that he got the opportunity. The Yates forward still needs to improve on his skill level, but his crazy energy will not only make him a coach’s dream, but will land him at a legit college program.

The post Nike EYBL Session 4 – Top Seniors appeared first on SLAM.

The comp was fierce throughout the weekend with coaches constantly glued to their phones and to the standings to see how their respective programs were shaping up. The playoff race led to spirited play and an unbelievable atmosphere. As opposed to normal AAU ball where guys were going for personal recognition, this stop on the EYBL circuit was about collecting W’s. As one can imagine, there was no shortage of elite talent that we”ll be watching in the league in two years ripping the rims off in SoCal.

Here are a few of the top underclassmen who showed out playing up in the 17U division:

DJ Jeffries, 6-8, SF, Team Penny (TN) 17U, 2019

Getting my first glimpse of DJ Jeffries over two years ago when he was running with We All Can Go, it was evident that the tools were there for a special prospect, but the skill had to follow. It has and Jeffries is showing everyone why he is a top-10 player in the class of ’19. ‎Already rocking a body of the league’s new prototypical forward, Jeffries has the versatile game that NBA execs crave. The elastic wing used his size to finish above everyone when attacking the cup, drilled deep three pointers, and used his length to defend both guards and bigs. Jeffries still needs some refinement, but there are less than a handful of guys in 2019 who can offer the same long term potential.

Zion Harmon, 5-9, PG, Boo Williams (VA) 17U, 2021

Considered by many to be the top 8th grader in the country, Zion Harmon (watch video above to catch him in action during Session #3) is proving that he can hold it down on the 17U level at EYBL. He’s been playing varsity ball for a couple of years and his high level of experience was evident with Boo Williams. Zion played the game at his own pace, hit threes from beyond NBA range, and used his high IQ to get shots up amongst the trees in the paint. The B-More product has kept getting better since we last saw him at the MiddleSchoolHoops Camp, which is why he already owns a handful of D-1 offers before entering high school.

Francis Okoro, 6-9, C, Bradley Beal Elite (MO) 17U, 2019

Simply a man amongst boys, Francis Okoro seems to be finding his calling as a prospect with the former St. Louis Eagles. Easily the best rebounder that we saw in LA, Okoro used his massive frame and motor to dominate the glass on both ends. Additionally, he showed off improved hands, had a number of powerful dunks, and averaged nearly three blocks per game on the weekend. Once (perhaps unfairly) donned as the top player in the class, Okoro has shown mad improvement since we first saw him two years ago.

Tyrese Maxey, 6-3, PG, RM5 Elite (TX) 17U, 2019

We got our first look at Maxey at the Pangos All South Camp in Dallas in the fall and he has just kept getting better. A super serous finisher with either hand, Tyrese can convert at the rack with the best in the class, yet also keep the D honest with his J. Maxey already has offers from schools in just about every bigtime conference and should continue to blow up as the summer rolls on.

Drew Timme, 6-9, PF/C, Pro Skills 17U (TX), 2019

While many of the top big men are ripping the rims off or blocking shots into the stands, Drew Timme simply gets it done. Not overly athletic or strong, but kills you with his IQ and ability to consistently get buckets on the block with either hand.‎ His steady play on the block is what every high major coach looks for in a no-nonsense big man.

David Roddy, 6-6, PF, Howard Pulley 17U (MN)

A straight up bully on the block, David Roddy was simply dominant against RM5. He did the bulk of his work at the rack via smooth spin moves, powerful moves through contact, or forcing defenders to send him to the line by hammering him. Though Roddy is undersized for a post player at the moment, he also is reportedly a high major prospect on the football field. Given his body and game, there’s no doubt that he’s got Tony Gonzalez or Jimmy Graham two sport potential for a BCS program.

Noah Williams, 6-5, SG/PG, Seattle Rotary 17U (WA)

Not a guy who put up huge numbers, Noah Williams was the type of guy whose talent didn’t necessarily appear in the box score. He used his slick handle to get in the paint at will, created endless scoring opportunities for teammates, and showed the raw talent that could make him next in the long line of big time guards that come out of Seattle. Williams already has an offer from Washington and should expect other PAC-12 schools to follow suit.

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It was 1996 when Tracy McGrady arrived on the campus and took the nation by storm. He postered Lamar Odom earlier in the summer and made the pilgrimage from Auburndale, Florida to Durham. In the process, he turned Mount Zion into a national power. Pastor Donald Fozard has seen league bound guys Amare Stoudemire, Marquis Daniels, Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, Cleanthony Early, Corey Hightower, and Steven Hunter pass through. While there aren’t any NBA players on the immediate horizon, they are still pumping out D-1 talent, as we saw at the Mount Zion Showcase of Champions.

Inviting many of the southeast’s top private schools (including SLAM’s #2 post-grad program), the Showcase of Champions had no shortage of seniors who were yet to make their college decision or still weighing their options with the schools vying for their services. The two day event was held at Mount Zion’s gym that is a piece of basketball history and while T-Mac played a number of games in this building, many of Mount Zion’s home games during the 96-97 campaign had to be moved to Durham School of the Arts in order to accommodate the massive crowds. All in all, the event provided a number of new names and a lot of stories about the legends who walked through the halls of Mount Zion Christian Academy.

Here are a few of the guys who balled out at the Mount Zion Showcase of Champions:

Brandon Knapper, 6-0, PG, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), 2017

Perhaps the most underrated scoring point guard in the senior class, Brandon Knapper stole the show against Mount Zion. Pouring in 52 points, he hit defenders with just about every scoring move in the book. He bombed deep threes, converted acrobatically at the rack, and pulled up at the drop of a dime. Despite averaging around 30 a game last year in West Virginia, Knapper slid under the radar, but WVU coach Bob Huggins still made it a point to lock him up in the early signing period.

Nicolas Claxton, 6-10, PF, Legacy Charter (SC), 2017

All it takes is one glimpse of Nicolas Claxton to see the immense upside that he offers. Standing every bit of 6-foot-10 yet weighing just around 200 pounds, he has a frame reminiscent of KD’s. The lefty face-up power forward has range out to the three point line, but is most effective going to work from the elbows, where he is able to consistently utilize mismatches. Claxton will need to bulk up if he hopes to bang in the SEC, but definitely has the upside that could make him a steal for UGA.

Darian Dixon, 6-7, PF, Mount Zion (NC), 2017

The best positional rebounder that we saw in the event had to be Darian Dixon. He used his broad shoulders and length to collect nearly 20 rebounds against a Hargrave front line loaded with D-1 talent. The DC product used his strong frame to finish through contact and given Mount Zion’s short bench, was forced to nearly play the entire game. Still wide open, Darian is a player who D-1 programs will want to take a look at for the late signing period.

Iran Bennett, 6-9, C, Hargrave Military Academy (VA), 2017

A native of North Carolina, Iran Bennett came back to Durham and dominated the paint against his old squad. He nearly brought down the hoop on the game’s opening possession, had amazing hands, and used his size to effect both ends of the hardwood. Conditioning has always been an issue with the 290-pounder, but as he continues to get in shape, could be a steal for Dan D’Antoni at Marshall.

Dre’Von Sweat, 6-0, PG, Mount Zion (NC), 2017

While Brandon Knapper was the game’s high man, Dre’Von Sweat wasn’t far behind, dropping 40 points in his own right. A relative unknown out of South Carolina, the post-grad year seems to have done good for the lead guard. He hit a number of deep three pointers, floaters in the lane, and did not back down against a backcourt filled with high major guys. Already having qualified, Dre’Von is still available to schools with open scholarships.

Big thanks to David Walker for the photos

The post 2017 Mount Zion Showcase of Champions Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Given all of the talent that is in the greater Atlanta area, it came as a huge surprise that Georgia teams went 0-5 in the event. The city showed love, coming out to the far north side of the city to see the best they had to offer. While Collin Sexton wasn’t in the event, just about every other top program in the state was there, along with defending state champions from other parts of the country. Needless to say, there was a high level of hoops being played at Norcross.

Here are a few of the guys who caught our eye at the 2017 Peachtree Corners Invitational:

Rayshaun Hammonds, 6-8, SF, Norcross (GA), 2017

Of all of the ballers in ATL, Rayshaun Hammonds is right near the top as far as long term potential and he showed that at the Peachtree Corners Invitational. The lefty stroked deep three pointers, punished the rim, and showed the versatility to defend countless positions on the court. Consistency is the only thing that has held him back from a higher ranking from recruiting services, but if he puts it all together at Georgia next year, watch out.

Ikey Obiagu, 7-1, C, Greenforest (GA), 2017 (above in white) 

Easily the best shot blocker in high school basketball, Ikey Obiagu proved why he will be the anchor of Florida State’s defense next year. Ikey has a massive frame, exceptionally long arms, and uses his outstanding timing to average eight blocks per game without committing a ton of fouls. His offensive game is still very raw and his hands need to improve, but the emerging jump hook and way that he change the game on D make us believe he’ll have an impact in the ACC.

John Newman, 6-5, SG, Greensboro Day School (NC), 2018

One of the funner players to watch in North Carolina, John Newman brings energy that you love to see out of a guard. The defending North Carolina private school champs put a hurting on Wheeler, who boasts a starting lineup of all high-major prospects. Newman was attacking from the jump, made a number of big time finishes, and made sick passes for a two-guard in transition. A big time player in his own right, look for the junior to make more of a splash on the national level playing in EYBL with CP3 All-Stars.

John McRae, 6-7, SF/PF, DeMatha (MD), 2017

A player who we weren’t hip to coming into the event, John McRae is the type of sleeper that you love to find in their senior year. Capable of playing either forward spot, McRae has the athleticism, motor, and ability to defend multiple positions that you love to see out of a combo forward. While his recruitment is still wide open, John brings the intangibles that every program needs out of a glue guy.

Quentin Millora-Brown, 6-9, C, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2018 (above) 

Another player that we hadn’t seen before, Quentin Millora-Brown is yet another serious prospect to come out of Joe Wooten’s perennial powerhouse. He was elite running the floor, had great hands, and showed soft touch out to around 12 feet. Already owning a number of D-1 offers, Millora-Brown has the tools to develop into a BCS prospect if he continues to develop.

The post Peachtree Corners Invitational Recap appeared first on SLAM.

“I don’t know if it’s fully registered,” says Dakota (who wears No. 12), the Lady Rebels’ leading scorer this season with 12.4 ppg, of the twins’ overnight stardom. “High school is when we really started and it became this snowball effect. It’s such a humbling thing to experience because we appreciate all of the love that we get. It’s an out-of-body experience to get that type of recognition from other people.”

The sisters initially opted to follow in their mother Angie’s footsteps by signing on to hoop at the University of Kansas. After a year there, they made the move to Sin City. While many speculated that transfer was made for reasons beyond the hardwood, they contend that it was simply about hoops. That’s not to say Vegas hasn’t had its benefits, though.

“Initially, it was solely for basketball purposes and we definitely weren’t thinking that far ahead. I wish that I could give myself that much credit,” Dylan (averaging 7.9 ppg this season) says with a laugh. “As we continued to pursue our music, we were like, ‘Wow, this is a serendipitous thing that we ended up here,’ because it’s an entertainment mecca out here.”

The opportunities have followed. Drake has been spotted at their games. Major labels have reached out. Major networks offered reality shows, but the NCAA shut all that down with the quickness. These two aren’t caught up in the fame. They’re steady grinding toward the future.

“Vegas is…Vegas. The city, the lights and all that stuff,” says Dylan, who cites Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill as musical inspirations. “We kind of tend to be homebodies. We’re not really about the nightlife or anything like that. We keep to ourselves and do the things that we really like to do: music and basketball.”

All photos courtesy of UNLV Photo Services

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John touched on why he became the title sponsor of the tournament, how unreal it was to have a tournament at the same high school he got cut from, and what the latest is on his sneaker situation.

SLAM: John, what made you decide to throw your name on the Holiday Invitational this year as the title sponsor?

John Wall: I just think that it’s a great tournament. I played in it and there are a lot of McDonald’s All-Americans, NBA players that came through there. For it to be in my hometown, it was great to put my name on it. I tried to get some big name guys to come back and play in it in the past to get it back to where it used to be when it was packed out every night.

SLAM: Is it surreal that you were cut in high school here at Broughton and now you are back here with your name on the biggest tournament in North Carolina?

JW: It’s definitely surreal. Every time that I go back in that gym, it’s surreal. I got cut, went to another school, and came back to win a championship every time I played here. I didn’t come in second place one time [after getting cut]. To have my name on it shows all of the hard work and dedication that I went through. I never gave up on anything. Everyone is still wondering why I got cut and I’m still wondering why I got cut, but that’s something I put past me.

SLAM: Were there any high school players that caught your eye here? Or maybe ones that you’ve seen on Instagram or YouTube?

JW: I don’t know the names of all of the guys there, but there are a lot of nice guys there. I don’t think basketball is the same as it used to be, but there are a lot of talented kids that you see on the college level or the NBA level killing. The Kevin Knox kid looked good, DeAndre Ayton, the kid going to VCU they played against (Lavar Batts), then the kid that was at Cannon. He’s pretty good. I like the way he plays.

SLAM: Speaking of guys that were here before and are at your alma mater, De’Aaron Fox has been putting in work. What do you think of he and Malik Monk’s NBA potential?

JW: They’re doing a great job. They’re probably the best backcourt in college basketball. They’re explosive, can shoot the ball, and are playing well. It’s exciting for me this year because I get to see them a lot because they play for Kentucky and are always on TV. Me and De’Aaron built a bond last year. When we were in Houston, I got there a day early and went to go watch him play in high school. I’m excited the way they’re doing and can’t wait to see them get to the pros.

SLAM: You’ve been rocking some interesting kicks on the court this year, man. How much are you looking forward to getting this shoe deal done? Do you have any clue when it’s going to happen?

JW: Nah, I have no clue. I basically banked on myself to see how well I play this year. I’m just sitting back and waiting. Maybe I’ll get one this year, maybe not. I’ll have one by this summer hopefully. I’m just doing the best I can to go out there, compete, and hopefully get my team to the playoffs.

Big thanks to David Walker for the photos

The post John Wall Reflects On Getting Cut From HS Team, Talks Kentucky Hoops appeared first on SLAM.

Now the John Wall Holiday Invitational, the event brought the bulk of the Research Triangle’s finest programs together with a number of national powerhouses that have sure fire NBA talent. A large portion of the proceeds benefit the John Wall Family Foundation, who strives to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged families through mentorship, basketball, and physical activity. Many of the aforementioned were able to see some of the nation’s top ballers throughout the four day event, including some of the top hoopers that will be playing high-major collegiate ball next fall.

“I just think that it’s a great tournament. I played in it and there are a lot of McDonald’s All-Americans, NBA players that came through there,” Wall said of becoming the title sponsor. “For it to be in my hometown, it was great to put my name on it. I tried to get some big name guys to come back and play in it in the past to get it back to where it used to be when it was packed out every night.”

Many don’t realize how ironic it is for Wall to put his name on a tourney at Broughton. After playing his first two years at Garner, he transferred to Broughton and was cut during his junior year. He then moved on to Word of God and the rest is history.

“Every time that I go back in that gym, it’s surreal. I got cut, went to another school, and came back to win a championship every time I played here. I didn’t come in second place one time [after I got cut]. To have my name on it shows all of the hard work and dedication that I went through,” the Wizards lead guard said of this serendipitous occurrence. “I never gave up on anything. Everyone is still wondering why I got cut and I’m still wondering why I got cut, but that’s something I put past me.”

Competition was strong throughout the weekend. The David West bracket had a ton of heated local rivalries, while the T.J. Warren bracket donned the bulk of the national power. Ultimately, it was Heritage who took the title for the West division, while Hillcrest Prep won the T.J. Warren crown. Games were lost, scholarships were won, and exposure was gained in North Carolina’s premier high school event.

Here are a few of the top seniors from the 2016 John Wall Holiday Invitational:

DeAndre Ayton, 7-0, PF/C, Hillcrest Prep (AZ)

After a slow start in his opening game, the nation’s top senior got progressively better, ultimately culminating with MVP honors of the John Wall Holiday Invitational. Blending a simply unique package of size, athleticism and ability to shoot the ball, DeAndre showed the sold out crowd why NBA execs consider him an elite prospect. When engaged, he got deep post position, straight ripped off the rim, and made some sick passes out of double teams. While he is an excellent shooter for a 7-footer, there were times in which he hung out on the perimeter a bit too much, but that still doesn’t change the immense long term potential that he has as a prospect.

Kevin Knox, 6-9, SF, Tampa Catholic (FL)

The most sought-after unsigned wing in the country showed everyone at The John Wall why he is a priority for the nation’s finest programs. At every bit of 6-foot-9, Knox has the size of a power forward and the skills of a guard. He drilled threes from NBA range, showed off remarkable agility as a finisher in transition, and used his length to block a ton of shots. Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky were all on hand to put in a little more face time for this future McDonald’s All-American.

Lavar Batts Jr., 6-2, PG, JM Robinson (NC)

The state’s top senior ‎lived up to the hype, even impressing John Wall with his dynamic play. Lavar’s end to end speed, crazy court vision, and ability to finish acrobatically with either hand made him a crowd favorite. The VCU recruit had one of the best dunks of the week with his swinging reverse and has the talent to make an impact in Richmond from the moment he steps foot on campus.

Alex Reed, 6-4, SF, Garner HS (NC)

A throwback of sorts, Alex Reed didn’t necessarily fit a particular position, but simply got it done all over the hardwood. He posted smaller defenders, slashed to the rim, and had a surprising handle for a guy his size. The old school wing has an offer from Western Carolina, but will be a full qualifier with plenty of options in the late signing period.

The post John Wall Holiday Invitational Top Seniors appeared first on SLAM.

Now the John Wall Holiday Invitational, the event brought the bulk of the Research Triangle’s finest programs together with a number of national powerhouses that have sure fire NBA talent. A large portion of the proceeds benefit the John Wall Family Foundation, who strive to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged families through mentorship, basketball, and physical activity. Many of the aforementioned were able to see some of the nation’s top ballers throughout the four-day event.

“I just think that it’s a great tournament. I played in it in the last year and there are a lot of McDonald’s All-Americans, NBA players that came through there,” Wall said of becoming the title sponsor. “For it to be in my hometown, it was great to put my name on it. I tried to get some big name guys to come back and play in it in the past to get it back to where it used to be when it was packed out every night.”

Many don’t realize how ironic it is for Wall to put his name on a tourney at Broughton. After playing his first two years at Garner, he transferred to Broughton and was cut during his junior year. He then moved on to Word of God and the rest is history.

“Every time that I go back in that gym, it’s surreal. I got cut, went to another school, and came back to win a championship every time I played here. I didn’t come in second place one time [after getting cut]. To have my name on it shows all of the hard work and dedication that I went through,” the Wizards lead guard said of this serendipitous occurrence. “I never gave up on anything. Everyone is still wondering why I got cut and I’m still wondering why I got cut, but that’s something I put past me.”

Competition was fire throughout the weekend. The David West bracket had a ton of heated local rivalries, while the T.J. Warren bracket donned the bulk of the national power. Ultimately, it was Heritage who took West’s title and Hillcrest Prep who won the T.J. Warren crown. Games were lost, scholarships were earned, and exposure was gained in North Carolina’s premier high school event.

Here are a few of the top underclassmen from the 2016 John Wall Holiday Invitational:

Vernon Carey Jr., 6-10, PF, University School (FL), 2019

There wasn’t anyone in Raleigh who showed more improvement than Vernon Carey Jr. Having first saw him around 18 months ago as a 6-foot-6 8th grader with plenty of baby fat, he was more reminiscent of his pops (former NFL lineman Vernon Carey) than he was of an elite prospect on the hardwood. Fast forward a year and we’re looking at the potential #1 player in the Class of 2019. Blessed with an exceptional frame and long arms, it’s hard to believe that Carey is still just 15 years old. He hit three pointers, punished the rim, and even came off of an Iverson cut to hit a pull-up. The combination of inside/out skill that he offers has him right there in the conversation for best in the class.

Josh Green (above), 6-6, SG, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2019

One of the most intriguing players of the event, Josh Green has been in the States for a year now, but still bringing his Aussie flavor on the hardwood. He captivated the crowd with his gliding one-hand dunks, made some great passes, and showed the ability to hit deep threes. While Green needs to get more consistent, it was easy to see why Sean Miller put a scholarship on the table for him so early in the process.

Jairus Hamilton, 6-8, SF, Cannon School (NC), 2018

There may not be a player who raised his stock more at the Holiday Invitational than Jairus Hamilton. Already known as one of the best players in North Carolina, he showed that he could hang with just about anyone on the national level. Utilizing mismatches at either forward spot, he killed slower forwards from the outside and bullied smaller ones with his strength. He had the dunk of the tournament, bombed deep threes, and hit the game winner in Cannon’s first game. Already with offers from UNC and Arizona, it should come as no surprise that Kentucky coach John Calipari was in the building checking him out.

Balsa Koprivica, 7-1, C, University School (FL), 2019

After a relatively slow start initially, Balsa Koprivica showed why he is the top center in the class of 2019. He made crazy passes from the high post, busted out a plethora of posts moves on the block, and showed agility that you don’t see out of most 7-foot-1 players of any age. Balsa visited Duke and NC State while he was in town, though Kentucky coach John Calipari made sure he was front and center for the sophomore’s final game.

Tai Strickland (above), 5-11, PG, Tampa Catholic (FL), 2018

The son of Bronx legend Rod Strickland showed that he’s not just another NBA player’s son. He has serious game too. With an old school shiftiness to his style, Tai was able to throw defenders off with his change of speed, yet keep them playing him honest with his ability to hit shots from deep.

Qon Murphy, 6-4, SG, Cannon School (NC), 2018

One of the more highly touted players coming into high school, Qon Murphy hasn’t become the phenom that some thought, but has continued to get better throughout his career. He is a dynamic slasher who has a great motor, makes solid decisions in the open court, and has a consistently developing perimeter jumper. Right now, he’s getting a lot of love at the mid-major level, but definitely has the tools to land at a high major program.

Jaren McAllister, 6-4, SG/SF, Heritage (NC), 2018

One of the bigger surprises in the underclassmen, Jaren McAllister led Heritage to the David West ‘chip and took home MVP honors. The lanky swingman locked down on multiple positions, was unstoppable slashing to the rack, and played with an energy that others could easily feed off. His raw talent showed why Virginia Tech locked him up early and if he improves on his J, could be an absolute steal for the Hokies.

Jayden Gardner, 6-7, PF/C, Heritage (NC), 2018

A physical beast, Gardner straight up controlled the paint through Heritage’s title run. He has a great frame, rebounded his area exceptionally well, and straight up crushed the rim a number of times. Though he is still a bit undersized for a big man, Gardner shouldn’t fly under the radar much longer.

Photo Credit: David Walker 

The post John Wall Holiday Invitational Top Underclassmen appeared first on SLAM.

With his squad trailing 69-68, Knox dribbled the length of the court and calmly hit a pull-up three in front of the sold out crowd at Broughton High School. Impacting the game with his NBA athleticism, deep shooting ability, and versatile D, Kevin’s performance was easily the most dominant of the John Wall Holiday Invitational.

Having narrowed his list to UNC, Duke, Kentucky, Florida State, and Kansas, Kevin has firmly established himself as the nation’s top small forward still left on the board.

Big thanks to our guys at Ballislife for the video

The post Top-10 Prospect Kevin Knox Scores 38 Points, Hits Buzzer-Beater appeared first on SLAM.

Perhaps the best athlete in high school hoops, Zion straight up captivated the crowed with his insane bounce. Not only does he get his head up to the rim, but he got it up in a hurry and with power. It was simply absurd the way that he was able to convert his acrobatic finishes throughout constant double teams. The 16-year old’s first step is out of his world, he has no problem finishing at the rim, and has a deceptively quick handle for such a powerful forward. With sold out crowds more than three hours before the game to see him, the legend of Zion Williamson continues to grow as he continues to break the internet.

Big thanks to our friends at Ballislife for the video.

The post Zion Williamson Breaks Chick-Fil-A Classic Scoring Record appeared first on SLAM.

Held at Hopkins High School, the Tip-Off Classic had just about every elite prospect that the state had to offer. Games were played in two separate gyms in front of a standing room only crowd. Sidelines were littered with college coaches and it gave some of the local high school fans a preview of what the state tourney should look like. Needless to say, there was no shortage of talent there in Minneapolis.

Here are a few of the guys who caught our eye at the BreakDown Sports Tip Off Classic:

Jalen Suggs, 6-3, PG, Minnehaha Academy, 2020

Perhaps the best freshman guard in the country, Jalen Suggs definitely lived up to the hype and showed why he’s been putting up serious numbers on the varsity level since he was a seventh grader. He made a number of Lonzo Ball-esque passes ahead of the pack, bombed threes from NBA range, and showed off his improved bounce via a number of dunks. Baylor, Iowa State, and the entire Minnesota coaching staff were courtside for his game, letting you know what type of a priority he is.

Nate Reuvers, 6-10, PF, Lakeville North, 2017

One of the more versatile players in the state, Nate Reuvers showed why Wisconsin made it a point to lock him up early in the process. Throughout his 35 point‎ outing against 6’10 Daniel Oturu, he displayed why he is a perfect fit in the Wisconsin “swing” offense. Nate shot the lights out from deep, made smooth moves with his back to the basket, and used his length to block a ton of shots. Many have already compared him to Pistons forward Jon Luer (also a Minnesota native and Wisconsin product) and with continued development, Reuvers could make that a reality.

Tre Jones, 6-1, PG, Apple Valley, 2018

Tyus Jones’ little bro may attend the same high school, but he is actually a fairly different prospect. While both of the Jones brothers are extremely heady lead guards, Tre is a bit more athletic and has no problem finishing above the rim. With Gary Trent Jr. transferring to Prolific Prep, Tre has shown that he is ready to run the show at Apple Valley, but as a scorer and a facilitator.

Theo John, 6-9, PF, Champlin Park, 2017

An absolute physical beast, Theo John showed why he is one of the best rebounders in all of high school hoops. He has a motor that doesn’t stop, rebounded the rock outside of his area, then also controlled the paint as a shot-blocker. Offensively, the Marquette recruit keeps getting better, especially facing the cup. Theo will immediately help out the college level on the defensive end, but could really be scary as he continues to grow on O.

Brad Davison, 6-4, SG, Maple Grove, 2017

By no means the flashiest dude on the court, Brad Davison probably brought the most excitement of the Tip-Off Classic. With the game tied and under five ticks left on the clock, the Wisconsin recruit calmly raised up to drill a deep three with a second left to give Maple Grove the W. His package of being a natural scorer, great shooter, and overall toughness make him a dream for Bo Ryan.

Isaac Johnson, 6-5, SG, Minneapolis North, 2017

Having already signed with Western Illinois, Isaac Johnson is showing why a lot of high major programs are going to be sorry that they missed out on him. Playing with a loaded Howard Pulley squad in the EYBL, he had to pick his spots and play a role. With North, he is dominant. Isaac was automatic from deep, has a nice pull-up off the bounce, and is better than you think putting the ball on the floor. As long as Isaac continues to develop, he should help out Western Illinois sooner rather than later.

Race Thompson, 6-8, PF, Robbinsdale Armstrong, 2018

A new age hybrid forward, Race Thompson has the ideal body of a big man, but is best suited going to work facing the basket. Facing constant double teams throughout the event, the junior was most effective when he got the rock around the elbows and made plays from there. The son of former Minnesota football star Darrell Thompson is another huge focus for Richard Patino’s staff.

Ishmael El-Amin, 6-3, PG/SG, Hopkins HS, 2017

The son of UCONN legend Khalid El-Amin is a serous prospect in his own right. A well put together combo guard, Ishmael was the catalyst for Hopkins in their blowout dub. He showed off a sick pull-up, hit floaters over the top of the D, and dropped pinpoint dimes in transition. Heading to Ball State, El-Amin has the chance to be a difference maker at the mid-major level from the jump.

Matthew Hurt, 6-9, PF, Rochester John Marshall, 2019

One of the more highly touted sophomores in the nation, Matthew Hurt definitely did his part in his squad’s blowout loss to Hopkins. Having played varsity since middle school, Hurt surpassed the 1,000 point mark during his sophomore year with his inside-out play. He stroked it out to the NBA line, posted smaller defenders, and even helped out as a secondary ball-handler. The consensus top-10 prospect is one of Minnesota’s biggest recruiting priorities (his brother Michael plays for the Gophers) and this was evident with Richard Pitino sitting courtside for his game.

Joe Hedstrom, 6-10, C, Hopkins HS, 2018

A guy who we were not hip to coming into the event, Hedstrom was an integral part of an array of Hopkins players who took turns guarding Matthew Hurt. He played good positional defense, was great running the floor, ‎and converted at the rim. Only having two D-1 offers on the table, the more colleges see Joe, there will be many more that follow suit.

The post Breakdown Sports Tip Off Classic Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Run by Chris Williams, the Nike sponsored ‎event brought not only the best from the Peach State, but of the entire country. It two of USA Today’s top eight teams in the Super 25 and had virtually every powerhouse in ATL. Who’s Got Soul Cafe hooked up media and college coaches with the chicken, macacroni, and southern BBQ that is a staple of the south. Once you throw in the hype atmosphere becausee of the standing room only crowd each night and the fact that a portion of the proceeds go to the Atlanta Children’s Hospital, it’s easy to see why Holiday Hoopsgiving has quickly risen to the top of turkey day tourneys.

Here are a few of the top seniors who caught our eye over the weekend:

Emmitt Williams, 6-8, PF, IMG Academy (FL), 2018 (above)

An absolute man amongst boys, Emmitt Williams held down the paint in the most hyped game of the event. The vocal big man had over a half dozen dunks and blocked shots, making sure to let everyone know about it in the process. His warrior type mentality got the squad jumping and his ability to call out screens on D helped his guards from getting blasted. Even though Emmitt isn’t going to hit you with an array of moves on the offensive end, the impact that he has on the game with his tenacity and hustle has made him one of the 15 best players in the junior class.

Ashton Hagans, 6-3, PG, Newton Co. (GA), 2019 (below)

In a simply dominant performance against Auburn bound high flyer Davion Mitchell, Ashton Hagans left no doubt in the A why he is one of the best in 2019. Finishing with 32 points, 7 boards, 5 dimes, and 0 turnovers in Newton’s blowout dub over Liberty, he had the standing room only crowd buzzing. The Georgia Stars PG controlled the tempo of the game, used his size to finish in the paint, and was consistently knocking down jumpers from the outside. Consider the fact that he helped put the clamps on Mitchell and it’s easy to see why he is one of the more sought after sophomores in the south.

Elijah Weaver, 6-4, PG, Oldsmar Christian (FL), 2018 (below)

One of the more physically put together point guards in the junior class, Elijah Weaver straight up dominated the first day of Hoopsgiving. The lefty showed nice pace coming off of ball screens, made some sick pocket passes, and used his length to create countless deflections on D. The 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists that he dropped showed why Rick Pitino just put a scholarship on the table for him.

Donovan Gregory, 6-4, SG/SF, Carmel Christian (NC), 2019

Playing all over the floor for Charlotte Christian, we got to see Donovan Gregory everywhere from the two through the five in ATL. The natural wing changed the game on both ends with his athleticism, had extremely active hands, and banged everything in the paint. Toss in a developing J and you see why he is one of the emerging prospects in North Carolina’s sophomore class.

Dalvin White, 5-10, PG, Norcross (GA), 2018

Playing on a team loaded with high major forwards, Dalvin White was the catalyst who got in the lane to create scoring opportunities for them. He was fearless getting to the paint, was arguably the quickest dude at the event, and had no shortage of heart finishing amongst the trees. Right now, he’s getting a lot of love at the mid-major level, but could certainly go higher if he grows.

Big thanks to Ty Freeman for the photos

The post 2016 Holiday Hoopsgiving Top Underclassmen appeared first on SLAM.

In front of a sold out crowd at Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta, the top two PG’s in the country had one of the best battles of the last few years. Ultimately, it was Duval and IMG that walked away with the dub, but both players definitely showed out. Trevon finished with 24 points, 6 dimes, and 5 steals. Sexton went for 39 and 5 boards on a super efficient 11-18 from the field and 12-13 from the line. This was expected.

“I knew he was gunnin’ for 40,” Duval said with a laugh after the game. “He played good and did everything I expected him to do.‎”

He added “One shot he hit was kind of surprising. He came off a ball screen, was double teamed, two guys were in his face with their hands straight up….and he knocked it down. He’s a tough player and a tough kid.”

Despite the fact that they were up in each other’s grill throughout the game, the soft spoken Sexton also showed mad love to the super shifty Duval after catching a tough L.

“He just kept pushing me and I just kept pushing him. We just kept pushing each other,” Sexton explained post-game. “We was going at it all game. You can’t take nothing away from him.”

Big thanks to Ballislife East for the video and Ty Freeman for the photos

The post Top Two PGs Face Off: Trevon Duval vs. Collin Sexton appeared first on SLAM.

Part scouting service, part news outlet, part mixtape company, HoopMIA encompasses everything that you look for in today’s 21st century mixed media platform. Not only do they provide recaps of local games for free, but they then give you the highlights and send scouting reports out directly to college coaches. Colin Campbell and Jon Eisenman’s latest venture is now holding events for their city, hence The Warmup.

Held on the south side of Miami, “The Warmup” brought over 20 of South Florida’s finest programs together for somewhat of a pre-season tournament. With each team playing at least three games, scouts and coaches alike were able to get multiple looks at the 30+ D-1 prospects in attendance. Sunday ended with a playoff format, so not only were guys going for the college looks and exposure, they were playing for pride of the city. Ultimately, it was West Oaks who took home the ‘chip. However, there were still a number of other guys not on West Oaks who balled out over the weekend.

Here are a few of the top performers from HoopMIA’s “The Warmup”:

Ibrahim Doumbia, 6-7, PF, Miami Country Day, 2017

The most highly touted senior of the event, Ibrahim Doumbia showed why Frank Martin locked him up to play at South Carolina early in the process. The super bouncy forward crushed the rims in transition, controlled the paint as a shot-blocker, and showed potential as a pick and pop shooter out to the three point line. As the SEC level athlete continues to develop on the offensive end, he will certainly have

LJ Figeroa, 6-5, SG, West Oaks Academy, 2017

The best pure scorer in the event, LJ Figeroa straight got buckets no matter who was guarding him. The smooth two-guard shot the ball well from deep, pulled up off the dribble, and had a number of teardrop floaters over the top of the D. ‎Figeroa has firmly established himself as a high major recruit and will help in the scoring department from the jump at his next destination.

Nicholas Stampey, 6-6, PF, Branche Ely, 2017

Perhaps my favorite player I saw in Miami, Nicholas Stampey was a straight up beast in the paint. He controlled the glass on both ends of the floor, ran the floor like no other, and simply punished the rim with his dunks. Stampey has the motor and work ethic that every coach dreams of from their enforcer in the paint. While some may be concerned with his lack of height, he makes up for it with his length and grit in the three second area. There is no doubt that Nicholas will find himself a home at the D1 level when it is all said and done.

James Strong, 6-8, PF, Westminster Academy, 2017

A player who we had never seen coming into the event, it was immediately evident after one game that Northeastern got themselves a straight up steal in James Strong. The power forward finished well at the rim with either hand, showed off really nice vision out of the post, and has nice touch out to mid-range. If he continues to develop at this rate, there is no reason why Strong shouldn’t be an all conference performer by the time it is all said and done.

Selton Miguel, 6-4, SG, West Oaks Academy, 2020

A member of Angola’s U-16 national team, Selton Miguel showed that he could play with some of the finest that the US had to offer. He was virtually unstoppable going to the rim (especially going right), created his own shot, and exhibited nice vision when he gave it up. Just a freshman, Selton Miguel has already shown that he is someone that you are going to want to follow.

Bryce Sanchious, 6-5, SF, Northeast, 2017

Another surprise that we saw in South Beach was Bryce Sanchious. The younger brother of Murray ‎State forward Brion Sanchious, Bryce definitely carried on the family reputation. He shot the lights out of the ball, used his size to rebound well for a wing, and had a couple of big time blocks. Wide open as far as his recruitment is concerned, Sanchious is a sleeper that is going to make a college coach very happy.

Angel Smith, 6-6, SF, Northeast, 2018

One of the more athletic dudes of the event, Angel Smith put a hurting on the rims as Northeast went to the title game. The explosive wing dunked everything in the paint, showed off an explosive first step, and made his presence felt on the defensive end. As Angel continues to evolve on the perimeter, look for his recruitment to really explode.

Tony Sanders, 6-4, SG, Gulliver Prep, 2020

One of the more intriguing long term prospects that we saw in South Beach was Tony Sanders. Running with Jamal Mashburn Jr., Sanders played both guard spots and used his length to create chaos on the defensive end. The package of size for his position and raw talent have gotten Sanders attention locally, but that should change as he is seen more on the national level.

The post WATCH: HoopMIA “The Warmup” Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Dinos’ Pangos All-American Camp in June, Fab 48 in July, and Tarkanian Classic in December are three staples on the grassroots scene. Throughout the remainder of the year, he holds a number of smaller events that still attract top talent, albeit usually from a particular region of the country. We saw this first hand at the Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp in Dallas.

Blending players from all over the deep south, the Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp gave us a glimpse of the future. The bulk of the top talent was from the Lone Star State, but there will still a number of sleepers who emerged from other areas as well. Phones were blowing up, offers were getting handed out, and there were a number of players who certainly raised their stock over the two day event.

Here are a few of the underclassmen who caught our eye:

Charles Bassey, 6-10, PF, St. Anthony’s (TX), 2019

Rivals top player in the class of 2019 definitely lived up to the hype at Pangos. At 6-foot-10, he has a unique blend of perimeter skill and athleticism that make him such a special prospect. The Nigerian product is most effective going to work from mid-range a la KG, where he creates mismatches with his ability to rip and take slower bigs off the bounce. Bassey is the face of Jeff Merritt’s emerging program at St. Anthony’s, which certainly has the potential to be one of the very best in the Lone Star state.

De’vion Harmon, 6-2, PG, Guyer HS (TX), 2019

Fresh off of an impressive showing at the USA Basketball trials, De’Vion Harmon showed why he might be repping the stars and stripes. The tough playmaker was in attack mode the entire camp, constantly putting pressure on the D and finding the open man when the opportunity didn’t present itself. Harmon has established himself as not only one of the top lead guards in Texas, but in the entire south for the sophomore class.

Tyrese Maxey, 6-3, PG/SG, South Garland HS (TX), 2019

A serious talent, Tyrese Maxey showed the natural ability to play both guard spots down the road. While he is a natural bucket getter, Maxey is able to create on just about anyone and showed off ‎ nasty court vision in transition. When you throw in the fact that he is a big time athlete who can finish with either hand, it is easy to see why the bulk of the Big 12 is recruiting him.

Tyreek Smith, 6-8, PF, API (TX), 2019

If you built the prototype for a power forward physically, Tyreek Smith would be that dude. Blessed with a great frame, long arms, and crazy athleticism, Smith has all of the tools college coaches dream of. As his offensive skill level continues to grow, expect Tyreek’s recruitment to blow up.

Avery Anderson, 6-3, PG, Northwest HS (TX), 2019

Perhaps the flashiest player the event had to offer, Avery Anderson set the crowd on fire with his exciting style of play and crazy finishes. He was able to break down defenders with ease, showed off a nasty crossover, Avery needs to continue to grow as a decision maker, but has all of the talent that you desire in a big lead guard.

Montavious Murphy, 6-7, SF/PF, Klein Collins (TX), 2019

One of the more versatile players in attendance, Montavious showed a rapidly developing perimeter game with ideal size for a swingman. He’s got a silkly smooth J out to three, is a good straight line driver, and is a solid athlete for a player who is far from being done developing physically. Murphy is undoubtedly one of the biggest sleepers in not only Houston, but the entire state of Texas.

Obi Prosper, 6-8, PF, St. Anthony’s (TX), 2019

Starting in the frontcourt for St. Anthony’s next to Charles Bassey, Obi Prosper is another post with tremendous upside. The super athletic forward plays with a great motor, is consistently improving, and has shown flashes of range out to the three point line. Far from a finished product, Obi still needs plenty of refinement, but has all of the makings of a high major prospect.

Cade Cunningham, 6-5, SG, Bowie HS (TX), 2020

Perhaps the best freshman in the event, Cade Cunningham showed off a skill set that extended well beyond his years. He bombed deep three pointers, had no problem getting his own shot, and used his strength to finish through contact. Cunningham is definitely one of the more polished 2020’s in the DFW

The post 2016 Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp Recap appeared first on SLAM.

It seemed like nearly all of Dobson’s 1,586 people showed up to the game based on the parking lot when we first pulled up. Despite the fact that it was a neutral site, the game was about as hyped as you could get. The players certainly did not treat things like a scrimmage either. Ultimately, Oak Hill won the two halves (since it was a scrimmage, they reset the score at halftime) 49-43 and 49-46. They ran a third period for the reserves (which gave us a chance to watch the youngsters) that resulted in a 13-13 tie.

Here are a few of the guys who stood out in the Battle of Virginia:

Matt Coleman, 6-2, PG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

While he’s been on the block for a while now, Matt Coleman showed everyone in Dobson why he is one of the best point guards in the country. Matt showed off a simply ridiculous change of pace, had a number of Brandon Jennings no-look passes, and nearly banged on a dude who was trying to take a charge on him. On the defensive end, the Hampton native played killer on ball D and used his quick hands to create tons of steals. Down to Duke, Stanford, Kansas, Texas, and Syracuse, Coleman is undoubtedly one of the most sought after players in the country.

Billy Preston, 6-10, PF, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

The most highly touted player in the game lived up to the hype by dropping an easy 27 points. At 6-foot-10, there aren’t many things that he can’t do on the hardwood. Preston nailed a pair of deep threes, helped handle the rock against Oak Hill’s press, and used his prototypical NBA size to create mismatches. What was most impressive was the effort that he put in on the defensive end. Standing 6-foot-10 and a lean 230 pounds with a 7’1 wingspan, Preston has gifts to be a game changing defender if he wants to. Lockdown D or not, the Cali product is an undoubted top ten prospect in the class who is working towards top five on a daily basis.

Justin Brown, 6-6, SF, Hargrave Military Academy, 2017

While he wasn’t the most talented player in the game, Justin Brown was probably my favorite player in the game to watch. At 6-foot-6, he was the ultimate utility player for Hargrave. He rebounded on both ends against taller foes, defended multiple positions, and used his crafty play to finish above the Oak Hill trees. The lefty showed range out to the three point line and his gritty, versatile play will make him a dream for a college coach with a four out, one in offense.

Brandon Knapper, 6-1, PG/SG, Hargrave Military Academy, 2017

A guy who I had admittedly never seen going into the game, Brandon Knapper showed why home state West Virginia locked him up. A super shifty guard, he played primarily off of the ball next to Ohio State bound Braxton Beverly, but you could see that he was able to create off of the bounce. He showed off deep range, ran the pick and roll well, and had a straight natural scoring instinct. The grit and heart that he has will make him fit in perfectly with Bob Huggins at WVU.

Ty-Shon Alexander, 6-3, SG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

Creighton has been killing it for a decade now and the reason that they do that is by getting steals like Ty-Shon Alexander. The tough shooting guard straight up attacked everyone who was guarding him with a killer instinct, shot it well from deep, and showed off a nice handle for an off guard. At the mid-major level, expect big things from the Charlotte native.

Kenneth Nwuba, 6-9, C, Oak Hill Academy, 2018

While there were a number of players who put up better numbers, Kenneth Nwuba impacted the game in a number of ways that don’t necessarily show up in the box score. The 6-foot-9 man-child was outstanding running the floor, intimidated opposing players who dared to come in the paint, and often times took up two defenders to box him out. While his offensive game is still very much a work in progress, Nwuba is the type of physical inforcer in the paint that every college coach dreams of.

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Friday night’s ‘Primetime With The Pack’ started off with NC State coach Mark Gottfried going through a simulated boxing match with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder. From there, a brief scrimmage ensued and despite putting up a rather pedestrian 12 points and 5 assists, Dennis Smith Jr showed why there is so much optimism surrounding the 2016-17 Pack.

The uber athletic 6-3 point guard threw down a number of ridiculous dunks in various fashions. He caught oops, split pick and rolls down the lane, and even threw it between a defender’s legs before throwing down a dunk. Reaffirming what we saw at CP3 Camp, his J from beyond the arc looks a whole lot more consistent, making the Steve Francis comparisons that he’s been given look spot on.

Check out highlights above via Ballislife.

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Held in Indianapolis at the same spot that Nike held the EYBL at, the MSHTV Camp brought talent from coast to coast. With campers coming from over 30 different states and three countries, competition was insane. Not only were there a lot of campers, but there were some immensely talented ones. The camp boasted the top players from the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively. While it is a bit premature to make long term conclusions or don anyone “the next”, it is always good to get familiar with the names that you’re bound to be hearing about in the near future.

Here are a few of the ballers who caught our eye at the 2016 MSHTV Camp:

Kyree Walker, 6-5, SG, Moreau Catholic (CA), 2020 (above)

The best player in the class of 2020 not only lived up to his reputation, but also shut down the internet with his ridiculous dunk on night one at the camp. Over four million views on Instagram and nearly three million on YouTube explain the type of pandemonium that the 6-foot-5 man-child set off in Indy. He displayed his above average handle for a wing, made some ridiculous passes, and showed much improved consistency on his J from the last time that I saw him in Houston. His blend of size, strength, and unique perimeter skill are unparalleled in the freshman class. Toss in the fact that his pops is nearly 6’9 and he already has an offer from Arizona, it’s easy to see why there aren’t any better in the class of 2020.

Julian Newman, 5-5, PG, Downey Christian (FL), 2020 (above)

With well over 20 million hits on YouTube, Julian Newman is undoubtedly the most well known prospect in the class of 2020. Having been a starter on the varsity level since fifth grade, Newman scored his 1,000th point as a seventh grader and hasn’t looked back. In what was the most hyped matchup of the camp, Newman dropped 52 points against Kyree Walker (Kyree had 40 himself) and straight up set the building on fire.

Zion Harmon, 5-9, PG, Bowling Green HS (KY), 2021 (above)

After setting the EYBL on fire late this spring by dropping 19 points in his first 17U game as a seventh grader, Zion Harmon firmly cemented himself as the top player in the class of 2021 and showed that at the MSHTV Camp. The 5-foot-8 lead guard drilled a number of threes from beyond NBA range, ‎got to the rack at will, and showed off the flare that has already made him a fan favorite. Having already played a year of varsity ball this past season, Harmon will be playing up yet again this year at Bowling Green, where he should add to a list of offers that includes Jacksonville State and New Mexico State.

Emoni Bates, 6-6, SG/SF, Ypsilanti (MI), 2022 (above)

As crazy as it sounds, Emoni Bates truly is a 6’6 wing…who is still 12 years old. He’s already received over 1.5 million views on YouTube and rightfully so. The lanky swingman has been compared to KD and while it is a bit early to compare anyone to one of the best pure scorers we’ve seen in the past decade, one can certainly see the similarities. The slithery Michigan product has a filthy handle for a guy his size, a smooth stroke from beyond the arc, and is already getting up to bang on the break. While many presume that it’s easy to be donned the top player in the class when you’re 6’6, the guys at Home Team Hoops show you how much work Emoni put in to get there.

Adam Miller, 6-3, PG/SG, Peoria Manual (IL), 2020 (above)

The next up at Illinois powerhouse Peoria Manual is Adam Miller, an incredibly talented combo guard. While he received notoriety for being on the receiving end of Kyree Walker’s vicious poster, he took the challenge of strapping up on him on D and showed that he was a serious prospect in his own right. The lefty showed off deep range, a slick handle, and a wicked step-back throughout the camp. When you add in how much he’s matured athletically, you can’t help but throw the D’Angelo Russell comparisons out there. Despite not having played a high school game, Illinois has already put a scholarship on the table and many more will be joining soon.

Elijah Fisher, 6-3, SF, Crestwood Prep (CAN), 2023 (above)

Ro Russell has done it again. The man who had the likes of Denham Brown, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, and Andrew Wiggins early in their careers has yet another phenom: 6-foot-3 sixth grader Elijah Fisher. It was simply surreal watching him go up against a number of players a foot smaller than him and not beat them with his size, but with his speed and agility. Despite being in the sixth grade, Fisher will play his first season of varsity hoops this year and could very well be next in line from Canada.

Demon Clowney, 6-6, SF/PF, St. John’s (DC), 2020

Doubling as the best defensive end in the country for his age, Demon Clowney is also a beast on the hardwood. He defended Kyree Walker better than anyone in the camp, using his package of strength, length, and athleticism to contain the phenom. On the offensive end, Clowney is still a bit raw, but has a motor that doesn’t stop and simply attacks the rim. While it is clear that football is calling, there is no question that he has the potential to be a serious hoops prospect as well.

Ryan Conway, 6-0, SG/PG, Baltimore (MD), 2021

Perhaps the best natural scorer at the camp, Ryan Conway simply filled it up in a variety of ways. The super shifty guard showed off a great change of pace, converted through contact with both hands, and created plenty of space for his J. Conway still needs to improve as a facilitator, but in terms of filling up the scoring column, you won’t find many better in the class.

KT Raimey, 6-2, SG, Olathe East HS (KS), 2020

One of the biggest surprises of the camp, KT Raimey came to Indy unknown to most outside of KC and left with a nearly 100,000 view mixtape. It wasn’t just for his flare either, as he was straight getting buckets throughout the entire weekend. He used his slick handle to get his own shot at will, bombed threes from close to the NBA line, and had a number of no-look passes on the break. Going into the weekend, KT was one of the best freshmen in Kansas. Leaving Indy, he showed that he could go with just about any 2020 in the Midwest and beyond.

Amari Bailey, 6-3, SG, Chicago (IL), 2022 (above)

One of the Windy City’s best young prospects showed that he could play with anyone at the MSHTV Camp. Already owning ideal size for a college swingman, Bailey was an insanely smooth finisher in transition with either hand, made sick passes for a two-guard, and shot it well from beyond the arc. Running with We All Can Go on the AAU circuit, the Chicago product has established himself as a top ten player in the class.

Barrington Hargess, 5-11, PG/SG, Los Angeles (CA), 2022

A guy who we were not hip to before the event, we got a tip to check out this youngster from the left coast and he definitely lived up to the hype. A well put together seventh grader, Hargess used his strength to put the clamps on people on D, finish through contact, and rebound the ball at a high rate for a young guard. Once you add in his shifty style of play and ability to consistently see the floor, you see why he is one of the better PG’s for his age group.

Photos courtesy of Ty Freeman

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It’s a phrase used too often, but there are a number of guys who you can truly throw the rock up and have them go get it. DeAndre Jordan is one of those guys.

Leading the League with 227 dunks last year (Dwight Howard was the next closest at 177), Jordan straight up put a hurting on the rims. Oops, tip dunks, rim runs in transition. You name it, he did it.

But when you really watch DJ’s game, you realize that he is far more than a dunker.

In today’s NBA game that is ever so reliant upon pick-and-roll play, DeAndre Jordan is the king of post players. He constantly flips the angles of screens, reading the D and then adjusting to the reaction of the opposing PG who he is about to lay out with a screen. After setting the screen, the 28-year-old knows how long to hold the pick before jetting to the rim for a potential lob. This is just one of the area of his game that don’t necessarily show up in the box score.

Another area of Jordan’s game that is vastly underrated is his ability to rebound the rock. Not only does he do a great job of finding his man to box out, but he then explodes up to grab the pill well above the rim with both hands. The commitment and dedication that he has put forth on this side of things is evident, especially when you look at the numbers.

Having never averaged more than 8 boards a game throughout his first five years in the League, he shot up to nearly 14 a night in the ’13-14 campaign and hasn’t looked back. He has solidified himself as one of the truly elite rebounders in the league and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon.

On the defensive end, Jordan is just as dominant. His ability to protect the rim goes far beyond the ridiculous blocked shots that he sends into the crowd. Jordan knows how to wall up on defenders, altering shots that he doesn’t block without committing fouls. In pick-and-roll coverage, he is a quarterback, constantly being vocal and calling out screens. The 2.3 blocks a night that he averaged don’t tell the full story of how much of an impact that he has on the game.

Offensively, DeAndre doesn’t receive a huge number of touches with his back to the basket, but has shown flashes of development. Nearly 75 percent of his field-goals made were dunks, which is wild given the fact that, as one of the best players in the League, he only attempted 6.6 shots a night.

DJ’s field-goal percentage has been right at or above the 70 percent clip for the last three seasons, and he’s led the League in the same category for the last four. While no one is expecting the Houston native to start busting out dream shakes any time soon, his back to the basket game is far from a finished product.

Everyone hates on Jordan’s struggles at the free-throw line and rightfully so. Shooting just 43 percent is atrocious, but what’s even more puzzling is that the form on his shot is far from broke. Having been to multiple Clippers pregames, I personally can say that DJ will be in the arena hours before tip working from the stripe. How and why he has not shown improvement is beyond me, but it certainly has nothing to do with lack of effort or desire to improve.

The ’16-17 season is going to be a crucial one for the Clippers. Given Golden State’s reign of terror, it’s going to be tough for anyone else to get out of the West. The Clippers’ core has been consistent with getting them to the post season, but this year may be the year that the band may have to be broken up if things don’t go as planned. Whatever happens with the squad itself, as long as history repeats itself, expect to see a big jump from L.A.’s blossoming 7-footer this season.

DEANDRE JORDAN SLAM TOP 50 HISTORY

2015: 26
2014: 43
2013: NR
2012: NR
2011: NR
2010: NR
2009: NR

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2016-17—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

Follow the entire #SLAMTop50 countdown.

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At the age of 16, he made the difficult decision to leave his family (which included 17 siblings) to start a new life in Spain. Not having an immense formal education or speaking the language in his new home, times were super rough at first.

But Ibaka persevered, learned very quickly, and within two years found himself a first-round pick by the Thunder. After seven years in OKC, it is time for another change, as he found himself dealt to the Orlando Magic.

What makes Ibaka’s trade to Orlando so interesting is that it was just a few years ago that the franchise was so enamored by the 6-11 power forward that they made the ever-so-difficult decision to keep him over James Harden.

Over the last few seasons, his role changed numerous times. Ibaka went from being rim-protector and finisher to being a legit stretch big man. His new home in Orlando reunites him with Magic GM Rob Hennigan, who was there in Oklahoma with Serge throughout the early years of his career, making one wonder what role the franchise will come up with for their talented big man.

While Serge has proven that he can drop 14-15 points a night throughout his tenure with the Thunder, there was very little offense ran through him. He was deadly spacing the floor, not only shooting 36 percent from the three-point line in his final campaign with OKC, but also opening up the court for guys like Russ and KD to get to the rack.

If defenders flew out at him, Ibaka’s offensive game had grown to the point that he could beat slower defenders off of the dribble. Once you add in the fact that he has great hands, keeps possessions alive on the offensive glass, and is always a threat to bang on you, it is easy to see why there is so much optimism in for a fresh start in Orlando.

On the defensive end, the drop that Ibaka saw in ’15-16 was moreso due to Billy Donovan’s varying defensive strategy than it was due to Air Congo’s lack of production. Instead of keeping him near the three-second area as a rim protector, Billy D had Ibaka out on the floor hedging/switching countless pick and rolls.

This change in philosophy allowed Steven Adams and Enes Kanter to hold down the paint with Serge’s numbers sliding in the process. Anyone who watched the game beyond the box scores realized that Serge was making just as big of a difference containing ball screens on the outside that he was two years ago manning the paint. Both Frank Vogel and Rob Henningan saw that, hence immediately making a move.

“To me, I love defense. In the game, some people like to score, some people like to assist, but for me, it is defense,” Ibaka said at his introductory press conference with the Magic. “I thank God with my hard work that I can now play both ends of the floor, but it started with defense. I have had the opportunity to play in the League for seven years now and it started with defense.”

More important than the impact that Ibaka makes on the hardwood is the one that he makes off of it. In addition to the varying projects he was involved with in the local OKC community, he has been the face of basketball in the Congo.

His inspiring documentary, entitled Son of Congo, gave everyone a glimpse of his efforts in his home nation. Ibaka provided an opportunity for some of the top players in the Congo to play in front of college coaches on the adidas circuit via the Serge Ibaka Dreams Academy.

Among the varying philanthropic efforts the he has with the Serge Ibaka Foundation, he recently reached an agreement with his former club in Spain (Manresa) to set up a pipeline for Congolese ballers to both study and develop. Given all of this and with a new home, Ibaka is beyond elated for the new start.

“Right now, though, I feel like a rookie again.” Ibaka told the Players Tribune. “I’m thrilled to be in Orlando. I know that might sound crazy to some people, that I’m excited to go from a contender like the Thunder to a rebuilding team, one that hasn’t made the Playoffs in four years, but playing now for Frank Vogel, a coach who prides himself on defense, is very exciting for me.”

—

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2016-17—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

Follow the entire #SLAMTop50 countdown.

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Event director Steven Reece could care less about what programs kids played for. He wanted to make the matchups that everyone wanted to see. Plugging teammates against each other, in fact. The event was not about one particular AAU program. It was about the entire state of Florida and giving players the opportunity to get exposure on the national level. As one can imagine, competition via local rivalries was fierce and because of that, recognition was earned and scholarships have already been given because of that.

Here are a few of the guys who showed out at the E1T1 Premier Exposure Showcase:

Ronaldo Segu, 6-2, PG, Orlando Christian Prep, 2018

Straight up stealing the show with his exciting style of play, Ronaldo Segu showed everyone in the building why five million people have watched his videos on YouTube. ‎His shifty handle, blazing quickness, and ability to change speeds let “Rondo” get in the paint any time he wanted. At just 6-foot, he had the play of the event, banging on a taller defender who shall go nameless. Needless to say, it was clearly evident why Segu is a high-major playmaker at the collegiate level.

Darius Days, 6-7, PF/SF, The Rock School, 2018

Easily the best rebounder that we saw in Orlando, Darius Days also showed that he’s a lot more skilled than people give him credit for. He has a great frame, a early career Kenneth Faried motor, and surprising range out to the three point line. Already owning offers from numerous big time programs, Days definitely has the package to develop into a high energy face-up four down the road.

CJ Walker, 6-6, SF, Orlando Christian Prep, 2019

A guy who has been simply blowing up as of late, we saw what the countless big time programs have been seeing in the emerging wing. The big time athlete defended multiple positions, crushed the rim in transition, and got to the rack easily as a straight line driver. Throw in the fact that he shot it well from beyond the arc and it is evident why Walker is one of the hottest names in the 2019 class.

Michael Devoe, ‎6-4, PG/SG, Oak Ridge, 2018

One of the smartest players in the event, Devoe had to make an early departure to workout for Stanford at his high school later in the evening. Not only does he boast a 4.5 GPA, but can really go on the hardwood as well. The lefty lead guard has outstanding vision, shot the ball well from deep, and made some perfect reads coming off ball screens. With nearly a dozen BCS offers, it’s evident that Michael Devoe has an incredibly bright future, on and off the hardwood.

Antwann Jones, 6-6, SG/SF, Oak Ridge, ‎2018

The most highly touted player in the event only played one game due to a practice for college coaches later, but it was evident why is ranked in the top 25 by just about everyone for the class of ’18. A natural bucket getter, Jones had no problem scoring from all three levels. He shot it well from deep, showed off a nice pull-up off the bounce, and banged out anytime that he got near the rack. The physically punishing wing also posted smaller defenders and simply went through them when attacking the cup.

Zimife Nwokeji, 6-7, PF, Maclay School, 2019

A player that we were not hip to coming into the event, Zimife Nwokeji immediately stood out to us with his package of size, athleticism, and motor. Watching him a second game, we saw that he had some intriguing skills, too. Zimife handled the ball well in transition, showed off potential shooting to mid-range, and the ability to go by slower big men. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that immediately following the event, Virginia Tech became the first of many high major schools to offer Zimife a scholarship.

Tre Mann, 6-2, PG, The Villages Charter, 2019

One of the players that everyone told me that I needed to check out was Tre Mann and it was easy to see why. The cerebral lead guard shot it well from the perimeter, had some crafty finishes at the rack, and made heady plays with the ball in his hands. Still a bit unknown on the national level, Mann is known as one of the better young playmakers in the Sunshine State.

The post Nike Premier Exposure Showcase Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Current and former NBA players such as De’Andre Bembry, Taurean Prince, Rodney Hood, Josh Powell, Cameron Payne, Matt Barnes, Stephen Jackson, Christian Wood, Lou Williams, Meta World Peace, and Andre Drummond all made appearances throughout the weekend. Eventually it was Team MMG that got a three-point W, but it was all in good fun.

“It was a good game, but ya’ll pulled it off by three points,” Luda said to Ross before a handful of media after the game. “I’m not mad at him. We did it for the charity and we did it for the people of Atlanta, Georgia.”

With a nearly sold out crowd for the basketball game and close to a dozen events going on throughout the weekend, it was truly a philanthropic event, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the Ludacris Foundation. The foundation’s primary focuses are leadership, education, community outreach, and living a healthy lifestyle. Blending hoops and hip-hop together, the game not only raised both capital and awareness, but it gave the people of ATL the chance to see some of their idols in the flesh.

Here are a few of the players who showed out:

Andre Drummond, 6-11, C, Detroit Pistons

The biggest name to play in the game on the NBA side didn’t look to hold anything back. Every single time he got the rock on the break, he looked to bang on someone. There were a few close calls and missed dunks, saving a few celebrities from YouTube infamy.

Christian Wood, 7-0, PF, Charlotte Hornets

One of the most talented 7-footers that you may not have heard of, Christian Wood spent last season bouncing between the 76ers and their D-League affiliate after going undrafted out of UNLV in 2015. This summer, the 20-year old showed out in Summer League and earned a two-year guaranteed deal from the Hornets. Wood showed off his legit bounce, crazy length, and perimeter game at Ludaday. He certainly needs to bulk up and continue to refine his game, but Wood has the package of size and talent that you look for  a developmental big.

Dylan Gonzalez, 6-0, SG, UNLV

While her sister Dakota led UNLV in scoring, it was Dylan who stole the show against the NBA ballers at Ludaday. By dropping a nameless defender with a spin dribble, Dylan generated a ton of buzz on the ‘net and set the gym on fire with the top play of the game. Well-known for her social media presence and musical talents, Dylan reminded everyone that she can really go on the hardwood, too.

Stephen Jackson, 6-8, SF, Free Agent

After two years out of the league, Captain Jack is attempting an NBA comeback and physically looks the part. At Ludaday, Jackson shot the lights out of the rock from well beyond the NBA arc, and still had the swagger that made him a 20 point per game scorer a few years ago. As he told us, it’s NBA or nothing, so it will be interesting to follow Jack as the start of training camps inches closer.

Lou Williams, 6-2, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

An ATL native, Lou Will has been a fixture in the game for a decade. It’s been a busy summer for Williams, who broke the AEBL scoring record and shockingly did not win another ‘chip in the A’s top summer league. He’s been training on the regular with Thunder guard Cameron Payne, not only taking him under his wing, but getting his own game right to make an even bigger impact for the Lakers this season.

Photos courtesy of David Walker

The post 2016 Ludaday Recap appeared first on SLAM.

While at the Ludaday game in ATL, where he played with the likes of Dwight Howard and Lou Williams, we talked to Stak5 about his comeback attempt, what he can bring to a team and if he is considering other options if the League does not work out. Check it:

SLAM: What’s the grind been like for during this comeback attempt?

Stephen Jackson: My whole career, I’ve never had no serious injuries or no surgeries. These last seven months, I’ve been doing two-a-days to get ready. I know I have a good two years left and hopefully I can help somebody.

SLAM: You’ve been a fixture down here in Atlanta lately. Why here and not back home in Texas?

SJ: I’ve been living here most of the time since I played for the Hawks. I’ve been here for around 10 years and I moved out to Alpharetta for my two-a-days, so I’m feeling good.

SLAM: Have you considered the D-League or possibly going overseas? Or is it NBA or bust?

SJ: NBA or nothing, man. I don’t need the money. I just want to give back to the game. Anything else is a step down, so I just want to give the NBA a shot.

SLAM: After having a couple of years away from the game, what made you all of a sudden decide to try to get back to the League?

SJ: I’ve been been playing basketball at a high level and my body feels great. I got calls from different coaches who have seen me work out and they know I can still play. I’ve got two years left, so why not give it back to the game?

SLAM: The younger generation knows you more for the Steve Francis incident than they do for your game itself. Is that part of the reason that you want to get back on the court?

SJ: The thing is, I’m one of those rare competitors in everything I do. Guys don’t compete as well as they used to. I’m one of those rare competitors who care about locking down on defense and doing what I’m supposed to do.

—

Photo courtesy of David Walker

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Playing alongside NBA guys such as Andre Drummond, Lou Williams and Christian Wood, both of the Gonzalez twins proved that they could hold their own. Straight up setting the place on fire, Dylan caught a nameless defender reaching and then dropped him with a spin move, then hit a step-back J.

Benches cleared, the crowd was live, and Gonzalez couldn’t help but show off the smile that has made her a household name. Drake has been spotted checking the twins out and if the way they showed out in ATL is any indication of what the upcoming season holds, expect many more to come out to see the Lady Runnin’ Rebels.

Video courtesy of Atlanta Hoops TV.

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In its relative infancy, the AEBL has grown in each of its four seasons. In a city in which hip-hop and basketball are completely intertwined, the two cross paths on the regular and this was no different. Quavo from Migos and MMG artist Stalley were a couple who popped in during finals weekend. NBA players such as Dwight Howard, Lou Williams, Cameron Payne, Adreian Payne, Jarrett Jack and Anthony Morrow made appearances throughout the season.

“It’s been really great seeing how big of an impact that we’re making in the community with our support. My squad is 22 staff members including college interns that I want to give hands on experience to. We put over 200 hours in during the summer, not including game time,” AEBL founder Jahi “Jah” Rawlings explained. “Mountain Dew really believed in the vision. Atlanta is a hotbed and everyone lives here, so we have the advantage.”

Final Four weekend brought some upsets, with Goodlife Music Group winning their first AEBL title in a 67-65 victory over 2 Commas Clothing. Here’s a look at the top performers from the Final Four:

Lorenzo Brown, 6-5, PG, Detroit Pistons

After bouncing around with a few NBA teams early in his career, Brown seems to have found a home in Detroit and is taking his game to new heights for ’16-17. The MVP of the AEBL not only led Goodlife‎ to the title, but he almost took the roof off Grady HS with his filthy behind-the-back move that nearly dropped his defender. Zo got to the rack at will, showed off his shifty handle, and made some crazy finishes at the rim. Brown needs to continue to sure up his J to take the next step in his game, but definitely has shown the talent ideal for a developing lead guard.

Lou Williams, 6-2, SG, L.A. Lakers

Just a week after setting the AEBL record by dropping a cool 54 points, Lou Williams saw himself sitting in the final four. Surprisingly, his team took an upset L and he wasn’t able to add another title to his growing list of ATL accolades. The Lakers scorer was automatic from deep, ‎got to the line with ease, and showed off a better handle than you see in the League. A staple of ATL summer hoops, don’t expect Lou to stop playing any time in the near future.

DeAndre Bray, 5-5, PG, Ball Up Streetball

The most exciting dude in the league has received notoriety for his DeAndre Jordan-esque blocks and nearly brought his team to the crown at AEBL. In his squad’s two point loss, “Mosquito” showed off his insane quickness on both ends, drew a ton of offensive fouls, and was the catalyst for 2 Commas. A fixture with Ball Up, you’ll be able to catch Mosquito when he’s on tour next.

Anthony Morrow, 6-5, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

After losing the perimeter scoring of both KD and Dion Waiters to free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a huge void to fill shooting the rock. Based on his play at the AEBL, Anthony Morrow looks like he may be able to help stop that gap. He showed off effortless range well beyond the three-point line, posted smaller guards, and utilized his size on the glass. The opportunity will definitely be there for Morrow to bomb and get his scoring average back into double figures in ’16-17.

Damien Wilkins, 6-6, SF, Overseas

With his Uncle Dominique watching courtside, Damien showed the why grizzled vets like himself can do work against younger foes in pro-ams. He was killing people from the mid-post, used his size to overpower wings, and was simply craftier than any other player over the weekend. Wilkins provided the veteran leadership that GoodLife needed to take the AEBL crown.

Photos courtesy of the AEBL

The post 2016 AEBL Championship Weekend Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Given his love for the AAU game, it was only fitting that he established The 8.

Held annually in the midst of the chaos that is AAU season in Las Vegas, The 8 brings NBA guys back to their roots to support the programs that they played for. With a ridiculously dope Jordan Brand floor, this year’s version of the tourney focused more on Jordan Brand athletes. Guys like CP3, Carmelo Anthony, and Victor Oladipo came out to support their former programs and were right there on the bench coaching them up.

Ultimately, it was CP3’s team who took home the crown and a fired up Paul was front and center going at the refs throughout the weekend.

Here are a few of the guys who showed out at The 8:

Wendell Carter, 6’10, PF/C, CP3 All-Stars, 2017

One of the truly elite big men in the class of 2017, Wendell Carter showed how dominant he can be when all of the pieces are put together. At every bit of 6-10 and 250 pounds, Carter has the prototypical frame for an NBA big. His crazy footwork, great hands, and ability to control the glass give him the total package.

Having recently narrowed his list to eight schools, Carter‎ appears to be taking his time and enjoying all of the love that the nation’s top programs are showing him.

Darryl Morsell, 6’5, SG/SF, Team Melo, 2017

One of the hottest names of the summer, Darryl Morsell straight blew up over the last few months and lived up to the hype at The 8. The power wing locked up multiple positions on defense, ‎was a beast attacking the rim, and had no problem finishing over or through defenders at the rack. Toss in the fact that he will drill the open three and it’s easy to see why the BMore product is such a hot commodity. The class of ’17 forward picked up an offer from Villanova while out in Sin City.

Lavar Batts, 6’2, PG, CP3 All-Stars, 2017

A pass first point guard, Lavar Batts was outstanding getting the rock to his scorers in all of the right places. He made pinpoint passes with both hands, finished at the rim with the right or left, and used his super quick hands to create a ton of steals on the defensive end. ‎North Carolina’s best senior has no shortage of ACC offers and will be landing at a bigtime program when it’s all said and done.

Kevin Knox, 6’9, SF, E1T1, 2017

While his squad got bounced early by a gritty Team Melo squad, Kevin Knox left no doubt in anyone’s mind why he is widely considered one of the best wings in the rising senior class. He posted up smaller defenders, went to work off of the bounce, and showed range extending out to the NBA three-point line.

At just 16-years-old, Kevin is one of the younger players in the senior class, but that hasn’t stopped the Kevin Durant comparisons or every major college in the country from offering him a scholarship.

Javonte Smart, 6’4, PG, Elfrid Payton Elite, 2018

Perhaps the best lead guard in the junior class, Javonte made his return to EP Elite after running on the Under Armour Association. He showed off a more consistent jumper from deep, had his head on a swivel to find the open man, and had no problem finishing at the rim through contact against his older foes.

The Baton Rouge, LA product keeps getting better, making it no coincidence why just about every program in the nation is recruiting him.

Michael Hueitt, 6’3, SG, CP3 All-Stars, 2017

One of the most electric shooters in the country, Hueitt showed at The 8 that he can hit you with a 20 piece in a hurry. His quick release, effortless range, and ability to shoot off of the bounce has made him the top shooter in North Carolina. Owning countless mid-major offers, ‎high majors are quickly knocking on the door.

The post Show And Prove appeared first on SLAM.

Concluding the adidas Gauntlet as part of the adidas Uprising campaign, the Gauntlet Finale brought many of the nation’s finest from the adidas umbrella all under one roof to play for keeps. Games were intense, college coaches were everywhere, and media swarmed players after each game to hear about their latest offers. Mass Rivals took home the 17U crown and while they won the ‘chip, every player in attendance was a victor in some regard because of the looks that they got from college coaches.

Here are a few of the top players who caught our eye:

Nick Weatherspoon, 6-2, PG, MBA Hoops, 2017

As far as individual performances were concerned, there wasn’t anyone in South Carolina who touched Nick Weatherspoon. Against Dream Vision, it wasn’t just the 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists that he posted. It how he got them. Weatherspoon was electric with his pull-up J, was a truly elite finisher in transition, and put the clamps on people defensively. Ranked around #75 in the nation by most, Weatherspoon is vastly underrated and should be right there in the mix for a McDonald’s All-American selection by the time that it’s all said and done.

Zion Williamson, 6-6, SF, Game Elite, 2018

While there is no denying that Marvin Bagley III is the top prospect in the class of 2018, if you need someone to win you a game today, there may not be anyone better than Zion Williamson. A powerfully built 6-foot-6 forward, Williamson has the ability to overpower most wings and the athleticism to take bigger forwards off the bounce. His ability to play both forward slots made him an absolute man-child for Game Elite, even though he is only 15 years old. As Zion continues to develop his perimeter game, he will assuredly make an even stronger push for top player in the class.

Evan Battey, 6-7, PF, Dream Vision, 2017

While there were a lot of players who were vying for spots in the McDonald’s All-American Game, there may not have been a more unique player than Evan Battey. At 6-foot-7 and 285 pounds, there wasn’t much that he didn’t do on the hardwood for Dream Vision. Battey shot the ball well in pick and pop situations, used his heady play to finish over bigger defenders, and made a number of sick passes as a playmaker from the high post. As Battey continues to get in better shape, expect many new programs to grow the more than a dozen that have already offered this versatile big a scholarship.

Dwayne Cohill, 6-3, PG/SG, Ohio Basketball Club 16’s, 2018

Making the transition over to lead guard, Dwayne Cohill showed college coaches all over the nation what people in the Midwest have known about for quite some time. He was a truly special finisher at the rim with either hand, coming with crazy finishes with either hand that would remind you of Kyrie. The Cleveland native is growing as a playmaker, played intense on the ball D, and provided the leadership that OBC needed to get a couple of big W’s. Already with offers from Ohio State, UNLV, and Xavier, programs such as Michigan State and Stanford picked up their recruitment after the Gauntlet.

Tamenang Choh, 6-6, SF, Mass Rivals, 2017

While Makai Ashton-Langford put up monster numbers, it was the little things that Tanemang Choh did that helped the Mass Rivals to the Gauntlet crown. The versatile forward was his team’s best defender, kept a ton of possessions alive on the offensive glass, and threw down a number of sick dunks. As Choh’s perimeter skill level continues to evolve, expect his recruitment to take off.

Matt Lewis, 6-5, SG, Baltimore Elite, 2017

Arguably the best shooter that we saw all weekend, Matt Lewis was on fire for Baltimore Elite. He has legit size for his position, shot it well on the move or from the catch, and had no problem busting out a pull-up off the bounce when defenders were flying at him. Already owning a handful of D-1 offers, look for the DMV product to keep earning more as the summer goes on.

AJ Green, 6-2, PG, Iowa Barnstormers 16’s, 2018

At the 16U level, there may not have been a better pure point guard than AJ Green. He was outstanding distributing the rock to his scorers, had no problem making passes with either hand off the bounce, and straight up controlled the tempo of the game every time that he was on the hardwood. The son of Northern Iowa assistant Kyle Green, AJ already has big time offers to play for others besides his Pops.

Johnny Juzang, 6-6, SG/SF, Compton Magic 16’s, 2020

Just an eighth grader, Johnny Juzang showed that he cold hold his own with many of the nation’s elite rising juniors in South Carolina. Owning ideal size for his position already, Juzang was tough on the offensive glass and had no problem converting amongst the trees when he got to the rim. Add in a deadly J from beyond the arc and it’s easy to see why Alabama coach Avery Johnson offered him a scholly before entering high school.

The post adidas Gaunlet Finale Recap appeared first on SLAM.

The player who would ultimately achieve the most success for Muskegon coach Keith Guy was a gangly 6-7 sophomore.

“He’s come so far,” exclaimed Guy from the BDA Sports pro day. “From the time that I got him in 10th grade to this point, I don’t think there’s a player in the country that has improved this fast.”

By the time Deyonta’s junior year rolled around, his high school coach knew that he might have something special on his hands. He started to hit up scouts in the region and throughout the country to them that he had something tucked away far from the D.

I first got wind of him early during his junior season, and by the time the 2014 EYBL season came around, he was a priority to check out. But his transformation from under-the-radar big to elite prospect did not come easily.

“Honestly, we worked on all phases of the game every day,” Guy said. “We worked on rebounding, his timing, pick and pop, pick and roll. Low post stuff. Running the floor. Some people are born with it and he is. We just had to get it out of him.”

Not only did the coaches at Michigan State see that during his lone season in East Lansing, but NBA likes did too. With all 30 teams in the building, Deyonta did a one-on-none workout that allowed him to show some of the things we didn’t quite see at Michigan State.

He shot the ball well from mid-range and once you saw him in the flesh, you realize how big of a dude he is. At 6-11 and approaching 250 pounds, he has a simply massive frame that has plenty of room to fill out.

Toss in a 7-3 wingspan and emerging offensive game, and you see why there is lottery potential all over him.

“I think that he’s going to be able to shoot the ball and will be able to stretch the floor. He’s going to be able to play a little pick and pop,” Guy said. “He’s going to be able to get more rebounds than people think and will help out from day one in transition.”

While there has been immense levels of improvement, Deyonta is far from a polished prospect. He is still rough around the edges, but what one team may find as a weakness, another may find as a strength due to his work ethic and ability to improve rapidly.

In today’s generation in which many players are unwilling to accept hard-nosed coaching, Davis is a bit of a throwback. Not only will he take it, but will embrace it, leading many to believe the sky is the limit for his developing big.

“You can get him and get after him, and you know what? He’ll take it,” his high school coach said. “I was in his face all of the time and then he went to college to play for a coach who was double what I was. He responds and he doesn’t mind you getting on him with tough coaching.”

Previously:
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Stefan Jankovic
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Mamadou Ndiaye
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Henry Ellenson
Henry Ellenson: Just a Kid From Rice Lake
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Fred VanVleet
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kellen Dunham

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Deyonta Davis (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

From the time that he made it to the states at Kiski Prep (along with the Bhullar brothers), I made the journey to the small private to school in Western Pennsylvania to see the three near 7-footers (Stef is 6-11) from north of the border.

Stops at Huntington Prep, Missouri and Hawaii rounded out his amateur basketball career. Following a junior season that earned him Big West Player of the Year honors as well as a trip to the NCAA Tourney, it was time to make a move.

Stef was 22 and with a diploma in hand, could have literally went to any school in the country. But his desire to continue to develop made leaving to the NBA the right move.

“I wanted to respect Hawaii for giving me a second chance and for everything they’ve done for me,” Jankovic said as to why he never considered a grad transfer. “I also felt that it was my time to enter the NBA Draft on a developmental side and that being a professional would be so much more productive for me than staying in college anywhere for another year. Just going up against all of these guys in the pre-draft process has gotten me so much better and I’m not exactly a young guy.”

Jankovic was incredibly appreciative of the opportunity given to him UH and it showed with his game. At Missouri, he was much skinnier and primarily used as a spot-up shooter.

At Hawaii, he was a playmaking power forward who created mismatches all over the court. The change of scenery proved to be beneficial for both Stafan and Hawaii, as seen by both the team’s success and his personal accolades.

“At Missouri, I was basically just a shooter,” he said. “At Hawaii, I was able to show my whole game. In high school, I wasn’t known as a guy who just shot the ball. I mean, I could shoot, but I wouldn’t even say that was a strong point of my game. Being away just kind of turned me back to the Kiski days and I was free. I was just out there hooping and enjoying the game.”

We saw the 22-year-old at the BDA Sports Pro Day in L.A. He showed no problem adjusting to the NBA three-point line with his fluid J and displayed a skill level that will make him a problem to guard for many power forwards at the next level.

The Canadian finished with an incredibly soft touch, showed how deadly he could be in the pick and pop game, and even showed his skill level on the block in front of scouts from all 30 NBA teams.

The main knock on Jankovic over the years has been his toughness, or lack thereof. This past season, he did a great job of disproving those notions, but the concerns are certainly still there.

That said, we are still looking at a skilled 6-11 forward with a Serbian passport. Why is the passport so important? Many teams in the second round have been drafting college guys and stashing them overseas in order to develop them or simply not take the cap hit.

Toss in the fact that he has plenty of experience locking up with former teammates who are in the League, and you see why he isn’t just your average college player.

Jankovic is willing to go overseas or do anything that it takes to make his dream of playing in the NBA a reality.

“Obviously, I’m going to fight and do whatever I have to do to make it to the League. I’m going to do whatever a team wants me to do, whether it be go to the D-League or overseas,” Jankovic said. “I’m playing one-on-one with Andrew Wiggins in the summer. He was the No. 1 pick in a pretty strong draft and Anthony Bennett was too. Just a couple of years ago, we were on the same team.”

Come next Thursday, Jankovic hopes that he’s going to be the next name on that list of players North of the border rocking an NBA uni.

Previously:
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Mamadou Ndiaye
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Henry Ellenson
Henry Ellenson: Just a Kid From Rice Lake
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Fred VanVleet
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kellen Dunham

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Stefan Jankovic (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Seven-foot-six Mamadou Ndiaye looks to add his name to that list.

A native of the Senegal, Ndiaye was actually an afterthought for many. Former Cleveland State player and D-1 assistant coach Amadou “Pape” Koundoul went back to his homeland to recruit other players and stumbled upon this giant.

“I was actually going back to see another big kid who wound up going to Boston College,” Koundoul tells SLAM. “Someone told me to go take a look at him and I had never seen an actual 7-6 kid before. I saw him practice and the one thing that he had was great hands. A lot of Senegalese kids don’t have great hands or awareness, and it was pretty amazing that he was so great catching the ball.”

Ndiaye started off of Stoneridge Prep (CA), which was home to Enes Kanter, Nikola Vucevic, and a flurry of other elite International players. Senegalese basketball icon Babacar Sy opened the pipeline to the Simi Valley, California school and it was there that Mamadou first set foot on the hardwood in the USA. From there, he transferred to Brethern Christian (CA) before ultimately spurning big time colleges to stay in SoCal and play at UC-Irvine. After three years of being the tallest player in the NCAA, it was time for Mamadou to bounce to the League.

We got a chance to evaluate Mamadou in the flesh at the Octagon Basketball pro day in LA. At 7-6 with an 8-3 wingspan, he has length that is unseen in the NBA. There were times in which he looked like he was playing on a 9-foot rim during the simulated pick and roll drills. Aside from his sheer size, the Senegalese big man showed off a surprising touch, drilling 11 straight J’s from mid-range at one point, evidence of the work that he’s been putting in as of late.

“My footwork and moving quickly,” Ndiaye says of the biggest improvements that he’s made in his game. “Blocking shots and shooting too. I’m getting better every time that I go to the gym. I’m working out every day, maybe twice a day.”

Though his skill level is improving, that is not what Mamadou Ndiaye’s NBA chances will hinge on. He has the potential to be a gamechanger on defense, even if only for 8-10 minutes a night. Mamadou’s consistently increasing agility and speed have helped him defend in space and while there will certainly be challenges guarding ball screens initially, many feel that there are ways to work around it.

Just as important of an asset as Ndiaye will be on the defensive side is the impact that he will have in the locker room, which is why many are confident that he’ll land on an NBA roster when it is all said and done.

“Mamadou is simply a great human being with a personality bigger than he is,” Koundoul says of his former pupil. “He is very smart and appreciates every opportunity that the game of basketball has given him.”

Previously:
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Henry Ellenson
Henry Ellenson: Just a Kid From Rice Lake
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Fred VanVleet
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kellen Dunham

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Mamadou Ndiaye (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Since signing with Jay Z’s Roc Nation agency, Ellenson has spent the bulk of his time in NYC and LA, which has been a culture shock to say the least. “LA and New York are way different from Rice Lake, that’s for sure,” Ellenson says after a workout on UCLA’s campus. “I’m just adjusting to the big city and getting used to traffic because you don’t get that much on Main Street back home.”

Putting in work with trainers Travelle Gaines and Chris Johnson, Henry looks to encompass all facets of pre-draft training. Gaines is the expert in the strength and explosion department, while Johnson handles all of the work with the pill. Both work with Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler year round and saw the immense potential in their 19-year-old pupil.

“I’ve had an opportunity to work with different NBA pros such as Tristan Thompson, Big Baby, and Tobias Harris. They’re in the league doing extremely well,” Johnson says post-workout. “One of the skill sets that Henry has that sets him apart from those guys is that he’s a tremendous shooter. To me, he is going to be a modern day Dirk Nowitzki or maybe Keith Van Horn. He has those types of skills that separate him from everyone in this Draft.”

On the floor, it was clear that Henry’s trainers are trying to mold him into a hybrid Dirk. They spent a ton of time doing work out of the mid-post to utilize the size advantage that Ellenson will have over most forwards. There were no shortage of Dirk/KD-esque one-legged fadeaways and it was crazy to see the amount of separation that he was able to create. Gaines made it a focus to get Henry to work on dropping his hips, while Johnson was a tactician teaching his understudy the essentials and tricks of proper footwork. After the workout, we got to see him practice his new skills—against an NBA All-Star.

Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler was in the City of Angels training with the duo and while he didn’t even have any basketball kicks with him, wanted to get in on the action with his fellow Marquette alum. The two played H-O-R-S-E and then even got in a heated game of one on one (which you’ll see tomorrow). We won’t say who won just yet, but it was clear that it was an invaluable experience for Ellenson.

“Jimmy has been great,” says Henry after their battle. “Being able to talk to a fellow Marquette guy about the NBA, learning things about the physicality, and how teams will play you. He teaches me about a lot of off the court stuff, too.”

With the Draft two weeks away, Henry’s stock is all over the lottery. After Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram come off the board, it’s anyone’s guess. He could find himself as high as No. 3 to the Celtics, but is also willing to work out for teams towards the back half of the top ten.

At 6-foot-11, Henry is insanely coordinated and shoots the ball much better than his stats from Marquette reflect, especially from the NBA 3-point line. While there is a lot of uncertainty, Ellenson really seems to be enjoying the process.

“It’s a crazy process to go through to be going to the NBA Draft, the Combine, the lottery, and then trying to work out for teams,” the soft-spoken freshman admits. “I’m just a kid from Rice Lake trying to live out his dreams and it’s been a fun process for sure.”

Previously:
Henry Ellenson: Just a Kid From Rice Lake (VIDEO)
NBA Pre-Draft Workout: DeAndre’ Bembry
NBA Pre-Draft Workout: Fred VanVleet
NBA Pre-Draft Workout: Kellen Dunham

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Henry Ellenson appeared first on SLAM.

Needless to say, its been a bit of a culture shock for the 6-11 19 year old.

We got up with Henry on UCLA’s campus and got a closer look at the work that he’s putting in to get ready for the Draft. Trainers Chris Johnson and Travelle Gaines are putting him through a serious grind that focuses on improving his skill set and making the talented big man more explosive. Along with his trainers, Bulls star Jimmy Butler is giving him pointers on what to expect when he hits the big stage and bright lights of the NBA.

Not a bad day for a kid from Rice Lake.

Check back tomorrow for Henry’s full pre-draft workout video and article.

The post Henry Ellenson: Just a Kid From Rice Lake (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

We got up with Dunham in Indy, where he was training alongside Wichita State All-American point guard Fred VanVleet. After some light plyometric and ball-handling work to get loose, he got to work with Chris Thomas of World Domination Basketball. Thomas, who also runs the Nike Asia Skills Academies, brought Dunham back to his bread and butter: His J.

“His skill is his jumpshot,” Thomas says with confidence of his client’s biggest strength. “He’s getting a lot of reps on the NBA three, the corner three, the transition three. We’re hoping to find a situation where he can show that he is a catch and shoot skilled player.”

Coming off of simulated pin-downs and dribble hand-offs, Dunham straight shot the lights out. He showed very little trouble transitioning to the NBA 3-point line and did not need to take an exaggerated step to gather the strength to let it fly. The ease in which the 22 year old transitioned to the land of 23’6″ was quite impressive, but wasn’t something that everyone saw all of the time at Butler.

“Probably how well he can shoot,” says Thomas of what Dunham will surprise teams with in workouts. “To Kellen’s credit, he is the ultimate team player. He’s a very positive type of kid and you’re never going to know that he’s pissed off. I feel that his last two years at Butler, they didn’t really put him in a position to show his strength, which is catch and shoot.

“Jimmer [Fredette], JJ [Redick] and those guys usually get a couple of screens and for some reason, he didn’t get that at Butler. Now he’s back to that.”

While the two spent a bit of time working on one dribble pull-ups and creative finishes at the rim, it will ultimately be Kellen Dunham’s ability to bomb from deep that will potentially land him on an NBA roster. At 6-6 with a silky smooth jumper, he is exactly the type of floor spacer that just about every NBA team could use. His defense and ball-handling are still very much works in progress, but given his gritty mentality, it’s clear that Kellen Dunham is going to do whatever it takes to fulfill his goals.

“The kid works harder than most to prove that he really loves basketball,” Thomas explains. “He’s willing to do whatever it takes to be a professional basketball player.”

Previously:
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Fred VanVleet
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kellen Dunham appeared first on SLAM.

When his father was murdered, VanVleet made it out of the streets instead of turning to a life of crime. Even though he was destroying people on the AAU circuit with Illinois Pryme Time, most scouts told him that he was too small to play at a high-major level. And once he got to Wichita State, he had to wait his turn behind Malcom Armstead.

But by the time his sophomore campaign rolled around, VanVleet had the keys to the castle.

During his three years as the full-time starter for the Shockers, all the Rockford, IL, product did was win. With VanVleet running point, the Shockers won two Missouri Valley Conference titles and went undefeated in the regular season and conference play during the ’13-14 campaign. Their 94-14 record under VanVleet’s leadership was better than any other point guard in the country.

But at just 6-foot, he is fighting to show NBA teams that his size will not be an issue. This took him to Indianapolis.

While finishing up his college degree, VanVleet bounced to Indy to train with Chris Thomas of World Domination Basketball. The two gave SLAM a glimpse of the daily grind that the 22-year-old is going through in the pre-draft process. Blending plyometric work to improve athleticism and series of drills to prepare VanVleet for the NBA Combine, the three-a-day workouts certainly seemed to be paying off.

“I think Fred was able to show the NBA types exactly what he’s about by the end of his college career. Now he’ll be able to prove it,” Thomas explains. “People say, ‘Wichita, they don’t play anyone, they’re mid-major.’ Now all playing fields are equal, and it’s a matter of showing how he can compete. He’ll prove his point.”

With a ton of emphasis on ball-handling, it was immediately evident that Fred had the handle to play the point guard spot in the League. He kept the rock low and tight, changing speeds to constantly throw the defense off once the live action started. VanVleet was great at creating separation, automatic shooting the rock from mid-range, and utilized the Eurostep move to slide past secondary defenders looking to step up.

“The biggest thing for me is his conditioning and athletic performance enhancement,” Thomas says. “One of his knocks is size and average athleticism, so if we can use these weeks to build up his strength, speed, agility and quickness, he’s going to present himself as a real good point guard. We’re also working on his shooting with the NBA ball and from NBA distance.”

Like most players fresh of out of college, VanVleet is still adjusting to the NBA three-point line and new ball. Many scouts have also raised concerns about whether or not he has the foot speed to guard the game’s fastest lead guards. But once you factor in intangibles, work ethic and the high character that Fred VanVleet offers, you realize that he’s going to be just fine at the next level.

“He’s beaten the odds all of his life. I’m from the same hometown and it’s a tough deal. It’s the backyard of Chicago and is known for great point guards,” Thomas says. “Through high school, college and AAU, he has always had a chip on shoulder. He’s proven his point and backed it up. What you see is what you get.”

Previously:
NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry Workout

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Fred VanVleet Workout appeared first on SLAM.

This year, St. Joe’s forward DeAndre’ Bembry is that guy.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Bembry moved to New Jersey with his mother, who relocated for a new job opportunity. He played his final two seasons of high school ball at the legendary Patrick School (formerly known as St. Patrick’s), but he still flew under the radar. A few high-major schools entered the picture late in the game, but Phil Martelli and St. Joe’s won him over with their loyalty.

In return, Bembry just kept getting better. By the time that his sophomore year rolled around, he was on the NBA radar. By the time that his junior year rolled around, he was widely considered an NBA prospect.

Averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4.5 assists during his junior season, the versatile 21-year-old played all over the floor in Philly. To get his game right for the NBA Draft, he enlisted the services of Joe Abunassar and Drew Moore of Las Vegas-based Impact Basketball to take his game to new heights.

“I felt like I pretty much got to show everything I have. If you just watched me off one game, you wouldn’t see that. If you watched me more, you saw my all-around game,” Bembry says. “Coach put the ball in my hands, he let me play off of the ball, I played in the post, and I played point guard. I showed my all-around game, but not a lot of people got to see my all-around game.”

SLAM watched Bembry workout in Sin City and in Los Angeles during his pro day, and we were able to get a great feel for his game in the flesh. He showed off an above-average handle for a wing, weaving through cones during drills and creating for himself at will. Shooting the rock from the perimeter, he showed range out to the NBA three-point line, and while no one is going to be touting him the next Brad Beal, he can hit it when left open. When it comes to finishing at the rack, DeAndre’ can rise above you at the rim, but has an old-school feel with some of the creative takes that he has at the tin.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Bembry’s game is his ability to utilize his size and play with ball screens at 6-6. Throw a smaller dude on him and he will go to the block or pass right over the top. Throw a slower guy on him and he has the ability to create off of the dribble.

“I played point guard at times and ran numerous amounts of pick and rolls. I’m very comfortable running point guard, coming off, making the right read, and potentially getting myself a shot,” says Bembry. “These last two or three years in college really helped me coming off of screens and playing read and react basketball.”

In order to reach his highest potential, Bembry must improve on defense and continue to bulk up so he can defend the bigger wings that the League offers. While he is an adequate shooter from deep, improved consistency on his jumper would only make his creative drives to the basket much easier. Still, we are looking at a 6-6 shot creator who will be taking his game to the League and bears a striking resemblance to He Got Game‘s Jake Shuttlesworth.

“I’ve heard it all from Jesus Shuttlesworth’s Dad to Dr. J,” DeAndre’ says with a laugh in regards to his ‘fro and facial hair. “In college, the fans were ruthless.”

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: DeAndre’ Bembry Workout appeared first on SLAM.

Held at Maple Grove Middle School, the gym looked more like a basketball complex than a place where 10-year olds go to school. The decked out structure had five full courts with over 30 different side basketball hoops. Howard Pulley took the crown at both the 17U and 15U divisions, while a visiting team brought home the 16U ‘chip. KC Run GMC’s 15’s decided to play up an age bracket and not only did they hold their own, but they left Minnesota with the title.

Needless to say, there was a ton of big time talent, so here are a few of the guys who caught our eye:

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, 6-8, PF, KC Run GMC 16U, 2019

It’s crazy to think that the most dominant player in the event was a freshman, but this was certainly the case at the Howard Pulley Invitational. Bol Bol’s running mate at the high school level controlled the paint defensively, showing why he has to be considered the top rebounder in the class of 2019. On the offfensive end, Robinson-Earl crushed a number of powerful dunks, showed off great agility with drives to the rim, and converted with either hand in the proper situation. Already with an offer from Kansas in hand, you can rest assured that you’ll see Jeremiah in the debut 2019 national rankings.

Tre Jones, 6-1, PG, Howard Pulley 17U, 2018

With five star two-guard Gary Trent Jr. absent for the weekend, Tre was able to do that he wasn’t just the pass first guard that everyone thinks he is. Tyus’ little bro was forced to take on more of a scoring role and showed a different side than we often see in the EYBL. He made sick plays coming off of ball screens,shot the ball well well from deep, and showed off more bounce than his big bro ever has. Already owning an offer from Duke, Tre hasn’t said whether or not he will follow Tyus’ footsteps in college, but certainly will as the top lead guard in the state of Minnesota.

Zach Harvey, 6-4, SG, KC Run GMC 16U, 2019

After killing the 15U division of the Under Armour Association, Harvey put on a show with Run GMC in Minny. The young shooting guard with a Kansas offer showed off a super smooth J from beyond the arc, dropped some nice dimes in transition, and utilized his size to finish at the rack. Making serious strides athletically over the last year, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Zach develop into a nasty combo guard by the time it’s all said and done.

Theo John, 6-8, PF/C, Howard Pulley 17U, 2017

A guy who has constantly gotten better throughout his high school career, Theo John took his game to new heights at the Pulley Invitational. The physical specimen changed the game with his shot-blocking, dominated the glass, and had no problem finishing at the rim through contact. Theo used his chiseled 235 pound frame and KG-esque blocks after the whistle to pose as an intimidator in the paint, which he also has the potential to do at the high major level in college.

Trae Berhow, 6-5, SG, Minnesota Powerhouse, 2017

One of the better scorers in the state, Trae Berhow showed why he is approaching 20 D-1 offers with his 35 point outing against Run GMC on Saturday. The athletic wing drilled a number of deep J’s, was automatic with his pull-up, and had no problem making straight line drives to the rack. Owning an abundance of mid-major offers, Berhow is showing why he is fighting for that first offer from a BCS program.

Sy Chatman, 6-5, SF, Howard Pulley 16’s, 2018

Even though he didn’t start for Howard Pulley, it was immediately evident that Sy Chatman had just as much as anyone on the 16’s. A super long swingman, Chatman changed the game with his length and showed flashes of some serious athleticism. Constantly getting bigger, Chatman made the move to Cretin-Derhim Hall and should flourish.

Elijah Childs, 6-7, PF, KC Run GMC 17’s, 2017

Playing on a talented squad that starts five guys who will all play college ball at least the mid-major level, no one is really putting up huge numbers. However, it’s the way that Elijah Childs got his numbers that make him such an intriguing prospect. The lanky forward showed off some legit scoring moves on the block, used his motor to rebound the ball well out of his area, and utilized his length as a shot-blocking presence. With just one offer from St. Louis, it is only a matter of time before more programs jump in the picture.

Goodnews Kpegoel, 6-3, SG/PG, Howard Pulley 16’s, 2018

Owning the dopest name of anyone at the tourney, Goodnews showed that he was not just another dude with a cool name. Doubling as the best on-ball defender in the event, he used his crazy length and solid athleticism to create chaos atop of Pulley’s zone defense. On the offensive side, he was great finishing in transition and had the vision to find the open man when need be. This sleeper combo guard still doesn’t have a D-1 offer, but if colleges know better, that will change very soon.

Big thanks to Tony Anderson of Northern Exposure Preps for the photos

The post 16th Annual Howard Pulley Invitational Top Performers appeared first on SLAM.

Running with Cal Supreme’s 16U squad, Shareef showed off his full arsenal of skills. On the offensive end, he converted around the rack at a high rate and ran the floor like a deer in transition. When it came to creating for himself, he showed off a reliable J out to the collegiate three point line and converted everything at the rack. On the defensive side, Shareef used his huge wingspan to hold down the paint as a shot-blocker. While he’s not quite as big or as massive as his Dad, the younger O’Neal is already showing the makings of a big time prospect.

At a mere 16-years old, Shareef already has offers from his Pops’ alma mater (LSU), Baylor, UCLA, USC, and Kansas State.

The post Shaquille O’Neal’s 16-Year-Old Son Continues To Show Potential (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Running with the North Coast Blue Chips, the fifth-grader showed once again that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. He was a simply dynamic playmaker, throwing no-look passes on the regular and pinpoint passes in transition. It was easy to tell that he was a cut above the other players his age, as James had some ridiculous finishes at the rack and sent a few shots packing into the stands. Add in the fact that he was bombing a ton of three-pointers and you see why the Blue Chips had a super hyped atmosphere at every one of their games throughout the weekend.

Bronny’s team was ultimately bounced in the semi-finals. His Dad is hoping that the Cavs don’t have that same result.

Previously:
LeBron James Watches His Sons Destroy Youth Tournament (VIDEO)
WATCH: New Mixtape of LeBron James’ Sons
10-Year-Old LeBron James Jr. Has Another Highlight Reel (VIDEO)

Big thanks to Daren Scarberry of NextUpRecruits for the video.

The post 5th-Grader LeBron James Jr. Shows Out at King James Classic (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Players like Victor Oladipo, Tyler Ennis and Cody Zeller all played in the game before springboarding to the League. Last year, Diamond Stone played in the game and will be a first round pick in two months. With plenty of talent and size on the floor, onlookers watched the game wondering who would be next. Under Armour fitted the players with some fresh neon jerseys that were loud, but not too loud in what proved to be an sick night of hoops for hoopheads of the Bluegrass State.

Unlike most all-star games, the 2016 group of ballers at the Derby Classic took the game quite serious. They ran a ton of set plays, were calling out different defensive coverages against pick and rolls, and played with an effort that you simply don’t see in most laissez faire exhibitions. The white team walked away with a 141-132 W in a contested game and plenty of players showed out.

Here are a few of the standouts from the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic:

Mustapha Heron, 6-5, SG, Sacred Heart (CT)

The leading scorer, Mustapha Heron dropped 32 points in straight up dominant fashion for the winning white squad. The lefty did his best James Harden impression with getting buckets via a series of euro-steps, deep J’s, and step backs that got the crowd buzzing. The highest ranked player in the game clearly lived up to the hype and showed why he’s going to be a program changer at Auburn.

Micah Thomas, 6-7, SF, Huntington Prep (WV)

After really opening our eyes at the Chance Harmon Memorial Classic, Micah Thomas showed some steady improvement leading up to the Derby. At 6-foot-7, he has legit size for a small forward and the athleticism to match. He shot the ball well from deep, locked down multiple positions on the perimeter, and is deceptive off of the bounce. The big time athlete is off to Maryland next year and already caught the attention of NBA scouts with his play at Derby.

Joey Brunk, 6-10, C, Southport HS (IN)

In most all-star games, big men don’t get much love. Joey Brunk disproved that notion with 21 points and 9 boards in Louisville. A late bloomer who didn’t receive much attention until transferring to Southport for his sophomore year, Brunk showed the level of productivity that should allow him to put in work in the Big East. He exhibited great hands, the ability to convert out of the post, and even stretched the D to hit a number of J’s from the perimeter. While he’s not a mind boggling athlete, Joey has the size and skill to help out at Butler from the day he steps foot on campus.

Curtis Jones, 6-3, PG, Huntington Prep (WV)

Straight up hounded by the media after the game, Curtis Jones showed off his continual growth at the lead guard position. The Huntington Prep star showed off a great burst, really nice court vision, and was a beast finishing in transition. Given Yogi Ferrell’s graduation, the 25 points, 6 boards, and 4 dimes that Jones put up definitely gave the IU faithful a sneak peek of what the future has in store at the lead guard spot for the Hoosiers.

De’Riante Jenkins, 6-5, SG, Hargrave Military Academy (VA)

A former stud on the gridiron as a quarterback, De’Riante Jenkins switched to the hardwood and things have definitely paid off. Still raw, Jenkins showed off the ability to get buckets in so many ways and create for himself at the Derby Classic. The wiry swingman’s D and ability to score points in a hurry will make him a perfect fit for Will Wade’s uptempo scheme.

CJ Walker, 6-0, PG, Arsenal Tech (IN)

After dropping times to Trey Lyles for his first two years of high school, it was CJ Walker’s turn to take over at Arsenal Tech and he showed how far he’s come at the Derby Classic. He showed off his sneaky athleticism, is extremely confident, and constantly had his head on a swivel to find the open man. Once committed to Purdue, Walker is the type of point guard that will fit in perfectly at Florida State.

Eron Gordon, 6-2, SG, North Central (IN)

The lone unsigned recruit in the game, Eron Gordon showed why someone needs to lock him up quickly. Eric Gordon’s little bro didn’t do anything too flashy, but his 29 points and 10 boards showed how he simply gets it done whenever he steps on the hardwood. Eron finished at the rack with a bump and like his brother, showed that he could put the clamps on either guard spot. Marquette, Missouri, Seton Hall, Butler, Nevada, and Memphis are currently vying for the combo guard’s services.

Derek Funderburk, 6-9, PF, Hargrave Military Academy (VA)

While numbers can be deceiving, the 14 points, 6 boards, and 3 assists that Funderburk put up gave everyone in Louisville a glimpse of exactly what he can do. The Cleveland product was super bouncy off the court, ran the floor better than any big in the game, and showed some intriguing skills facing the rack. The Ohio State recruit has prototypical size and athleticism, but needs to continue to develop his game out of the post in the gritty Big Ten.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Rabjohns) 

The post 2016 Derby Classic Top Performers appeared first on SLAM.

“In college with everything that went on, it really affected my NBA Draft stock. Now you’re starting to see my talents,” ‘Bazz explained after a March game in Minnesota. “I think I’m really talented, and that’s something that I’m really starting to show, so now people are starting to change their minds and believe that I can really play in this League.”

While those with‎in the Minnesota organization have seen that for a while now and basketball fans throughout the globe saw it during his 35-point outing in an overtime win at Golden State, it took the 23-year-old a while to amass the sum of his many talents. Different roles throughout his three years in the League and inconsistent playing time plagued him. Now, notably in this second half of the season during which he has been one of the League’s better sixth men, Muhammad has become an essential piece in one of the NBA’s rising franchises.

“It’s great. I’m definitely starting to get the minutes I want,” Muhammad admitted.‎ “I’m playing pretty well on both ends. That’s something [defense] that I’ve really been working on, and it’s starting to pay off for me.”

Against Golden State, T-Wolves boss Sam Mitchell used the 6-6 forward in a variety of ways. When he was guarded by a smaller wing, Muhammad was sent to the post to exploit match-ups with his strength and quick moves on the block. When Steve Kerr went to his patented small ball, Muhammad slid to the four and despite being locked up by Draymond Green, used his quickness to easily get to the rack.

Coming into the League at 230 pounds after not reaching the near impossible expectations many had for him with the Bruins, there were questions about Shabazz’s commitment to the game. He had been an extremely highly touted prospect since before he played a high school game. In college, many NBA scouts openly questioned his willingness to defend and whether he could defend at this level. A slimmer ‘Bazz has certainly put those doubters to rest.

“My body,” he immediately responded about his biggest improvement since entering the League in ’13.” I’m really serious about my body now, and my vertical has really improved because of that.”

“Physically, I’m getting a lot stronger and am starting to notice that I’m a lot stronger than guys at my position,” he added.‎ “That’s something that is really helping me. I can post up smaller guys, but then take guys outside off the drive with my quickness.”

Much of the natural explosion that Shabazz is regaining came due to the rigorous work that he and his father, Ron Holmes, put in when he was a youngster.‎ The father/son duo put in countless hours in the gym, and SLAM was invited to check out one of these sessions prior to his arrival in Westwood. Holmes, in the midst of a 37 sentence that will see him a free man in 2017, still manages to give his son advice on the regular.

“He just tells me to go out there and play hard. He knows what he did throughout the years and that is something that we have to deal with,” Muhammad admitted after a deep gulp. “It’s an adversity that I have to overcome, but ‎I’m happy where I’m at and I think I’m in a good position right now.”

Shabazz later said, “He watches as many of the games that he can. He tries to ask me how my shot’s looking and stuff like that. I just need to stay positive and keep doing what I’m doing.”

On the biggest stage possible for a non-playoff squad and knowing that Pops was watching, Shabazz did exactly that in what will certainly serve as a building block for one of the League’s most promising youthful franchises.

“It’s sweet for us. We’re a young team, and that’s something that we really need,” explained Muhammad with a clear sense of confidence in his voice after dropping a new career-high against the best team in the NBA. “It’s a good win for our resume this year. And next year, the sky is the limit for us.‎”

The post Breakthrough ‘Bazz appeared first on SLAM.

LeBron James Jr.—better known as “Bronny”—has developed quite the following on the AAU circuit, and that continued in Ohio’s capitol. Running with the North Coast Blue Chips, Bronny showed off his crazy court vision and unselfishness that he learned from his Pops; it’s clear that he’s following his father’s footsteps in preferring to get a triple-double in a win than drop 50 in a loss. The King gave his stamp of approval a number of times, to both 5th-grader Bronny and little brother Bryce, who is in 3rd grade.

Previously:

WATCH: New Mixtape of LeBron James’ Sons
LeBron James Unhappy With Colleges Recruiting His 10-Year Old Son
10-Year-Old LeBron James Jr. Has Another Highlight Reel (VIDEO)

The post LeBron James Watches His Sons Destroy Youth Tournament (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

“Too many kids have NAIA talent and are waiting on UK and Duke letters. Well, it’s not happening. Embrace your talent level and keep working,” the 62-year old Lucas told the participating players. “I wish kids would try to just be good players first. Too many players think they can just go from good to great overnight.”

With players from over 20 different states, the talent in Houston was legit. Games spanned from 8AM until close to midnight, giving everyone a preview of what the AAU grind was going to have in store. Many players were already hearing from schools participating in the Sweet 16 before entering high school, so it was evident that everyone in attendance was getting a sneak peak of the next wave of elite high school recruits.

Here were a few of the standouts from the 2016 John Lucas Enterprises All Star Weekend Tournament:

Kyree Walker, 6-4, SG/SF, God First AAU, 2020

Making a switch from his running with the Oakland Soldiers, the buzz surrounding the event was going to be Walker’s debut with God First. The big wing did not disappoint with his ridiculous court vision, ability to finish through contact, and versatility on the defensive end. Already receiving interest from a number of high major programs, Kyree has firmly supplanted himself amongst the top 5 players in the class.

Jabri Abdur-Rahim, 6-6, SF, Play Hard Play Smart, 2020

Shareef’s son may not be as tall as his Pops right now, but definitely carries the Abdur-Rahim smoothness on the hardwood. Jabri shot the ball well from beyond the arc, took slower defenders off of the bounce, and used his size to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Much like his Pops, he wasn’t necessarily killing people with his physical style of play, but more so with the extremely advanced skill level that he already owns.

Greg Brown, 6-7, SF/PF, D1 Premier, 2020

Considered by some to be the best player in the event, it was easy to see why so many scouts were in love with Greg Brown. Approaching 6-foot-8, the Texas product has the physical profile of a power forward with the game of an emerging wing. He showed off nice vision, range out to the three point line, and the ability to control the paint with his athleticism. There is still a lot of work to do with Brown, but all of the tools are there for him to be one of the best in the class.

Stayve Thomas, 6-7, PF, God First AAU, 2020

While Slim Thug was rumored to have some game of his own, it’s been verified that his son can definitely go on the hardwood. Running with the most loaded team of the event, Stayve Thomas proved that the talent pool didn’t end with his father. He was active on both ends of the court, made surprisingly nice passes, and had no problem getting buckets once he got to the rack. Like many young big guys, he is still rough around the edges, but has the makings to be a legit prospect.

Isaiah LeBlanc, 6-2, PG, God First AAU, 2020

After dropping 51 points in a middle school game this year, Isaiah LeBlanc has made himself one of the more sought after incoming freshmen in the country. He already owns great size for the position, shoots the lights out, and can finish at the rack amongst taller guys. The son of former UCONN player Michael LeBlanc has basketball in his blood and should only continue to get better.

Eric Butler, 6-1, PG, Team Blackout, 2020

One of the guys that many were not hip to prior to the event, Eric Butler immediately showed that he belonged. Blessed with legit size and nice athleticism, the Washington native was able to get to rack at will and locked down on multiple positions on the defensive end. Butler had the drive to compete against just about anyone and proved that he is in the upper echelon of lead guards for the class.

Ace Baldwin, 5-10, PG, Select One, 2020

Playing on a team loaded with future D-1 prospects, Ace Baldwin didn’t necessarily stand out with his numbers, but it was the things that didn’t show up in the box score that made him so valuable. The smooth lefty consistently made the right pass, didn’t turn the rock over, and made his teammates better throughout the weekend. Once you add in the fact that he was tough to stop going to the rack when he opted to score, it’s clear why he was one of the biggest sleepers that the event had to offer.

Zion Harmon, 5-8, PG, Select One, 2021

With a year of varsity ball under his belt as a seventh grader, Zion Harmon played up a year and helped lead a stacked Select One squad to the 14U ‘chip. His array of deep three pointers, pinpoint passes, and exciting takes to the rim made him the catalyst for the DMV based unit. Already owning an offer from New Mexico State, expect to hear a lot about Zion Harmon in the future as he continues to grow.

Chris Moore, 6-5, SF/PF, Team Thad, 2020

A physical beast, Chris Moore showed some big time improvement in his skill level since we last saw him. Showing off an explosive first step, great motor around the boards, and bounce around the rim, he straight up changed the game with his athleticism. Considered a top 25 player in the class, Moore definitely has the size and athleticism to become a big time college player.

Chris Edgehill, 5-10, PG, New England Playaz, 2020

Despite not having the pure talent or sheer size of God First, it was the New England Playaz who came through with the upset of the tournament. Edgehill showed crazy guts down the stretch, drilling countless deep three pointers and seemingly always making the right play when he had the rock in his hands. Edgehill should easily be one of the better freshmen point guards amongst the loaded prep schools that the Northeast has to offer.

The post John Lucas All-Star Weekend Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Considered the nation’s top senior by some scouting services, Jackson played three games at home over the weekend in wine country. In the finale against Pacific Coast Prep out of Canada, not only did he dominate the game, but gave us one of the better dunks of the high school season. Dropping a triple double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, it was two of his points that stole the show. Shortly after tip-off, the 6-foot-8 Detroit native jumped in the passing lanes to get a steal and then crushed a between the legs dunk on the break. While guys like Zach LaVine have been killing different variations of eastbays in dunk contests, it’s been a minute since we’ve seen one of the nation’s finest throw one down in game.

Far from making a college decision, Josh is still considering Michigan State, Kansas, Arizona, UNLV, and Maryland.

The post Top Unsigned Recruit Josh Jackson Does Between-The-Legs Dunk In Game (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

This was different. This was Kobe Bryant vs. Andrew Wiggins.

At the two-guard position, MJ passed the torch to a kid Kobe when he was just 18 years old. As arguably the most highly touted No. 1 pick to come to the league since LeBron, Andrew Wiggins had the weight of the world on his shoulders and has—albeit quietly—so far lived up to the hype. A late night national game on NBA TV, those who stayed up saw a passing of the torch.

From the tip, it was clear that the Black Mamba was going to show who owned the shooting guard slot for nearly the last quarter-century. Bryant started off cooking with deep three-pointers off of the bounce and was practically seeing red off the rip. Highly criticized for his shot selection early in the season, he let the game come to him initially with Wiggins draped all over him, hitting a handful of deep J’s. When a second defender came even a step or two towards him, he gave up the pill for his young teammates to get open looks. The attention that he received from the Minnesota D based off his ability to make shots made the game easier for a team looking to snap a ten game losing streak.

“Everything is revolving around my jumpshot,” Kobe explained in a packed press conference after the game. “If shots are falling, my game kind of builds from there.”

As the game went on, the electricity grew every single time that Bryant touched the rock. Similar to an NBA playoff game, the sold-out crowd at the Staples Center was on their feet for every offensive possession in the fourth quarter. Getting some favorable calls from the refs every time that the 20-year-old Canadian even grazed him with his hands, the illustrious vet was able to create enough space to get his jumper off. When he checked back in with around six minutes left in the game, Kobe let it be known that he would be the one locking down Wiggins for the remainder of the game, eventually leading his team to a 119-115 W with a performance that he didn’t think anyone should have been shocked by.

“You’ve seen this for twenty damn years. What are you impressed by?” Kobe asked the media after putting up 38 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. “Tonight, I made the open shots that I was supposed to make. Once you make those, you get in a rhythm and tend to make a little bit more difficult shots.”

It wasn’t like Wiggins didn’t go to work himself, though.

Finishing with 30 points on an efficient 13-of-20 from the field, you were able to see the reigning Rookie of The Year’s full arsenal. He exploded past people with his amazing first step, used his size in the paint to finish over the top of smaller defenders, and exhibited NBA 2K-esque body control when finishing at the rack. On the defensive side, while he picked up some cheap fouls, Andrew accepted the challenge of defending Bryant and forced him in to a number of super difficult shots. The competitive nature of Wiggins earned Kobe’s respect, but it was one move in particular that really caught his eye.

“I was really impressed with his turnaround J in the post. When he first got in the League, he was off-balance and exposed the ball too much,” the ever-so confident 37-year-old KB admitted of his young foe. “Now, it’s textbook. He hid the ball well, elevated well, and faded well. I was impressed.”

Having lost ten in a row, this win couldn’t have come fast enough for a young Laker unit loaded with talent yet lacking in experience. On the flip side, this was the fourth loss in five games with a shot to tie the game within the last 60 seconds for a vigorous young Timberwolves squad [Minnesota bounced back with a 108-102 win over the Clippers on Wednesday night. —Ed.]. Getting 81 points dropped on him when he was coaching the Toronto Raptors stung, but losing a close one like this on the road seemingly stung even more for Wolves head coach Sam Mitchell.

“I hate him,” Mitchell half-jokingly said after the game of Bryant. “If I don’t ever see him again, it won’t be too soon.”

Ultimately, while Wiggins showed why he’s the future, it was Kobe who showed that he’s not quite in the past.

“He’s the greatest of my generation,” admitted Wiggins after the game. “He perfected the game of basketball.”

—

Photo via Getty Images

The post Passing the Torch appeared first on SLAM.

Bringing many of the nation’s elite recruits in to go to war with NC’s finest, the HighSchoolOT Holiday Invitational was expected to have a even more stacked field. The transfer (and then ultimate season ending injury) of Harry Giles to Oak Hill Academy and decision of Dennis Smith Jr. to head to NC State a semester early took away two of the bigger names, but there was still some serious talent in both the John Wall and David West brackets of the event. Though seniors like De’Aaron Fox and Edrice Adebayo definitely stole the show, there were a number of young bucks who stood out.

Here are a few of the top underclassmen who caught our eye at the 2015 HighSchoolOT Holiday Invitational:

Lavar Batts, 6-2, PG, JM Robinson HS (NC), 2017

Arguably the best junior in the Tar Heel State, Lavar Batts held his own against UK bound De’Aaron Fox. He was a straight up beast converting at the rack with either hand, made some jaw dropping passes in transition, and almost sent the crowd into a frenzy with some of his near-poster dunks. Batts got a little wild with a few of his passes at times, but his ability to create for himself and others has made him a priority of a number of ACC programs.

Thomas Allen, 6-2, PG/SG, Garner HS (NC), 2017

Well known on the local level, Thomas Allen straight balled out at the Holiday Invitational, scoring 94 points in three games. In attack mode every time he got his hands on the rock, Allen was a beast in transition, hit tear-drop floaters, and used his athleticism to get into the paint with ease. Running with Garner Road in the Adidas Gauntlet, Allen will continue to add to his growing list of offers this spring.

Luguentz Dort, 6-4, SG, Arlington Country Day (FL), 2018

A guy who we were not hip to prior to the event, Luguentz Dort made the journey from Montreal to Florida and has not looked back one bit. Built like Rawle Alkins, Dort used his punishing style of play to get buckets against older foes. He showed off a nice handle for a two-guard, finished through anyone in his path, and was able to lock down multiple positions. While those in the states are just getting their first glimpse of Dort, college coaches and scouts are certainly taking notice.

Michael Hueitt, 6-3, SG, High Point Christian (NC), 2017

A straight gunslinger, Michael Hueitt came out blazing in High Point Christian’s title run. He shot it from NBA range, hit J’s on the move, and had no problem letting the D know about it afterwards. With over a dozen D-1 offers on an expanding list, Hueitt will only get more attention as High Point Christian makes their case for a state title this year.

Joey Baker, 6-7, SF, Trinity Chrstian (NC), 2019

While Trinity Christian struggled, you could see that their future didn’t end when Dennis Smith Jr. went down with a torn ACL. Having started varsity as an eighth grader, Joey Baker is the next high major player to come out of the program. The swingman has some serious bounce, can bomb from three, and showed off a nice floater in the paint. While he still has a long ways to go, the tools are all there for Baker to become a big time prospect.

Jared Garcia, 6-7, PF, Cypress Falls (TX), 2019

One of the better freshman in the state of Texas, Jared Garcia proved that he could hold it down against NC’s best. While he wasn’t quite ready to go up against grown men like Bam Adebayo, but still showed the tools to be a real nice player down the road. He was great running the floor, made solid rotations on D, and showed off nice touch shooting the ball.

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Bringing many of the nation’s elite recruits in to go to war with NC’s finest, the HighSchoolOT Holiday Invitational was expected to have an even more stacked field. The transfer (and then ultimate season ending injury) of Harry Giles to Oak Hill Academy and decision of Dennis Smith Jr. to head to NC State a semester early took away two of the bigger names, but there was still some serious talent in both the John Wall and David West brackets of the event.

Here are a few of the top seniors who caught our eye at the 2015 HighSchoolOT Holiday Invitational:

Edrice Adebayo, 6-8, PF, High Point Christian (NC):

A guy who simply keeps getter better and better, Edrice Adebayo made his case for top power forward in the country with his MVP performance in the John Wall bracket. Once a guy who didn’t do much more than rip the rim off on the offensive end, “Bam” showed a pretty reliable J from mid-range and even helped handle the ball against pressure. He still had his same tenacity on the glass, was a beast running the floor, and straight up crushed the rim throughout the week. Playing in front of Coach Calipari, the future Wildcat showed why the Big Blue Nation is so excited for him to arrive in Lexington.

Jay Huff, 6-11, PF, Voyager Academy (NC):

One of the more interesting players in the event, Jay Huff is not known by many outside of the Tar Heel State. Opting not to attend national events and having played very little AAU, you likely weren’t going to see this 6-foot-11 sharpshooter unless it was in a Voyager jersey. At HSOT, he showed off his gorgeous stroke from deep, made great passes, and showed off remarkable time as a shot-blocker. While he certainly needs to get stronger and improve on his post game, the Virginia recruit showed everyone in attendance his big time potential in the way of a triple0-double on Day 3 of the event.

De’Aaron Fox, 6-4, PG, Cypress Lakes (TX):

Perhaps the most highly touted player in the event, De’Aaron Fox came to North Carolina and did not disappoint. The Houston product hit countless NBA threes, got to the rim at will, and easily posted smaller guards. With Coach Cal sitting courtside, he made his case for top lead guard in the country by dropping an easy 35 in a loss to future Kentucky teammate Edrice Adebayo.

Ty Graves, 6-1, PG, High Point Christian (NC):

Making the move back to North Carolina after running with Montverde Academy last year, Ty Graves is another one of those players who seemingly keeps getting better. He shot the ball well from deep, made some Kyrie Irving-eque finishes at the tin, and was super efficient creating scoring opportunities for others. Heading to Boston College, Graves has type of chip on his shoulder that will make him a perfect fit for coach Jim Christian.

Ian Boyd, 6-3, SG, Apex HS (NC):

Having led his squad to a state title as a freshman, Ian Boyd made his mark in North Carolina very early. Now a senior, he’s putting the final stamp on what has been an amazing high school career. The power guard used his strength to finish through defenders, locked down on countless positions, and used his athleticism to rebound the ball at a high rate. Heading to George Mason, Boyd had the chance to develop into the type of mid-major prospect to help them get deep in the tourney again.

Jordan McKenzie, 6-2, PG/SG, JM Robinson (NC):

Arguably the best unsigned senior in the event, Jordan McKenzie showed that he could hold his own with some of the nation’s finest. He had no problem getting to the rack, showed off a filthy crossover, and used his IQ to seemingly always make the right play. With interest from low D-1 schools, he’s going to be a nice get in the late signing period.

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Though there were just four games, the competition was fierce. Every single game had two five star recruits going head to head, with the grand finale being the much anticipated matchup of 7-footers Thon Maker and DeAndre Ayton. Viewing no less than 30 D-1 players over the course of the weekend, one can imagine the high level of basketball that took part at The Grind Session Bluegrass Showcase.

Here are a few of the top players who stood out:

Rawle Alkins, 6-4, SG, Word of God (NC), 2016

In what was simply the most dominant showing of the weekend, Rawle Alkins turned up to the tune of 51 points against Victory Prep. He bombed NBA threes, punched out sick dunks on the break, and used his linebacker frame to straight punish guys. Louisville and Indiana were in the building courtside to make their best attempts of landing one of the nation’s finest at the two.

DeAndre Ayton, 7-0, PF/C, Hillcrest Academy (AZ), 2017

After straight killing it at the Houston stop, DeAndre Ayton came strong again in Lexington. In hyped matchups with Thon Maker and Jarred Vanderbilt, he did more than hold his own. Over the course of two games, the 7-footer stepped out and hit 8 three pointers, including 5 against Thon. He showed off improved moves on the block, made great passes out of the high post, and was a rim protector on the defensive side.‎ The 24 points and 17 rebounds that he had against Thon served as yet another reminder why many NBA scouts already have him pegged as the top pick in the 2018 Draft.

Thon Maker, 7-0, PF, Athlete Institute (CAN), 2016

While we’ve seen Thon Maker since he first arrived in the US as a seventh grader at John Lucas Camp, this was right up there with the best that we’ve ever seen the Australian import play. The immensely talented 7-footer spent a few years trying his best to emulate Kevin Durant on the perimeter, but seems to understand that he is most deadly playing both inside and out. He dropped dimes from the high post, hit countless mid-range jumpers, and even made a nameless defender stumble with his step back. Arizona State and Indiana were sitting courtside to see Maker, a player who could immediately make an impact at either program.

Wenyen Gabriel, 6-9, PF, Wilbraham & Monson (MA), 2016

Playing in front of the Big Blue Nation, more UK fans pumped through the doors to see Gabriel than anyone else. The future Wildcat started the game off slow, but then flicked the switch in the final ten minutes of the game. Scoring 11 straight points via a flurry of moves from the perimeter and in the paint, Wenyen brought WMA back for a come from behind dub against Athlete Institute. While he didn’t show everything in his arsenal, the 6-foot-9 forward already seems to be a bit of a UK fan favorite because of his non stop motor.

Chris Childs, 6-0, PG, Wilbraham & Monson (MA), 2018

It was our first time checking out Childs, but he definitely showed that he could hold his own against some of the nation’s best. With no shortage of confidence, the shifty lead guard hit countless tough shots, stroked it from deep, and had no problem leading as a young point guard. Not ranked by anyone right now, it wouldn’t surprise us at all if he started popping up on top 100 lists soon if he keeps this level of play up.

Channel Banks, 6-2, SG, Hillcrest Academy (AZ), 2016

It was my first time seeing Channel Banks, but the performance that he showed left me simply floored why no one has locked him up yet. TheVegas native got to the tin with ease, hit deep J’s when he was open, and was a threat to score the rock every time he touched it. Given the confidence that he has, he’s going to be a nice boost both on the hardwood and in the locker room to whatever school he lands at.

Brandon Huffman, 6-8, PF/C, Word of God (NC), 2016

Making the serious journey from Alaska to North Carolina, Brandon Huffman proved that he could square up with some of the nation’s best at Grind Session. While he is not a crazy athlete, Huffman uses his massive wingspan and nice timing to control the paint on the defensive end. While he didn’t get a ton of touches offensively, his ability to finish at the rack and provide an interior presence on D has made him a priority for countless D-1 programs looking for a big late in the game.

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It was 1996 when Tracy McGrady arrived on the campus and took the nation by storm. He postered Lamar Odom earlier in the summer and made the pilgrimage from Auburndale, Florida to Durham. In the process, he turned Mount Zion into a national power. Pastor Donald Fozard has seen league bound guys Amare Stoudemire, Marquis Daniels, Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, Cleanthony Early, Corey Hightower, and Steven Hunter pass through. While there aren’t any NBA players on the immediate horizon, they are still pumping out D-1 talent, as we saw at the Warriors Roundball Classic.

Inviting many of the Bull City’s top private schools, the Warriors Roundball Classic had no shortage of seniors who were yet to make their college decision or still weighing their options with the schools vying for their services. The two day event was held at Mount Zion’s gym that is a piece of basketball history and while T-Mac played a number of games in this building, many of Mount Zion’s home games during the 96-97 campaign had to be moved to Durham School of the Arts in order to accommodate the massive crowds. All in all, the event provided a number of new names and a lot of stories about the legends who walked through the halls of Mount Zion Christian Academy.

Here are a few of the standouts from the 2015 Warriors Roundball Classic:

Larry McLeod, 6-5, SF, Bull City Prep, 2016

A simply ridiculous athlete, Larry McLeod showed scouts and college coaches that he could hold his own with some of the nation’s finest in the Adidas Gauntlet, and has carried that over at Bull City Prep. With a motor that never stops, McLeod is a best on the offensive glass, punishes the rim in transition, and provides the type of energy that every team needs. While his perimeter game is still evolving offensively, Larry’s ability to lock down three positions on D has made him a hot commodity for the late signing period

Keandre Cook, 6-5, SF, Mount Zion Christian Academy, 2016

Making the trip down I-95 from Baltimore, KeAndre Cook proved that he could hold his own with some of North Carolina’s best. The lanky swingman created his own shot at will, shot it well from beyond the arc, and has some big time finishes at the rack. Cook got a little wild at times on the hardwood, but there was no denying the immense amount of talent that he owned.

Kardon Edwards, 6-1, PG, Mount Zion Christian Academy, 2016

Making his way to Durham from north of the border, Kardon Edwards wasn’t quite as flashy as Cook, but still managed to produce at a similar rate. The scoring point guard played the game at his own speed, had range well beyond the three point line, and was a threat to put points on the board anytime that he had the rock in his hands. While his recruitment is wide open right now, he will have no problem inding a home at the D-1 level.

Justin Jones, 6-1, PG, Bull City Prep, 2016

Running with the post grad team, Justin Jones showed the type of talent that will land him on a D-1 roster. He used his‎ athleticism to get to the rack, shot the lights out from deep, and was productive at either guard slot. Given his college ready body, his transition to the next level should be pretty smooth.

Devante Barker, 6-3, SG, Faith Assembly, 2016

Another bouncy athlete, Devante Barker was the top scorer for a solid Faith Assembly squad. He was a big time finisher in transition, hit open three pointers, and had some filthy dimes for easy buckets. Toss in the fact that he has the potential to be a lockdown defender at either guard spot and you see why he is one of the bigger sleepers in the area.

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With events in twenty cities throughout the country, The Grind Session pegs top players such as Josh Jackson, De’Andre Ayton, Thon Maker, and Miles Bridges against each other throughout the year. Rivalries are both made and settled, while also giving fans an opportunity to see some of the best high school basketball players in the USA without leaving their home turf. The Houston stop just was just another example of this, as fans, scouts, and college coaches all saw throughout the eight game slate in South Houston at Victory Prep.

Here are a few of the players who stood out from the Houston leg of The Grind Session:

DeAndre Ayton, 7-0, PF/C, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2017

The top player in the class of 2017 may have lost his running mate in Marvin Bagley due to transfer, but that didn’t stop him from showing out in Houston. A simply ridiculously fluid 7-footer, Ayton showed the type of inside/out game that made him the consensus top dog in the class. He showed off a soft jump hook, was exceptional running the floor, and hit countless jumpers out to the three point line facing up. While the KG comparisons may be a bit premature right now, the 36 and 14 that he put up certainly got the conversation going.

Onuralp Bitim, 6-5, SG, Huntington Prep (WV), 2017

A heralded overseas prospect, Bitim was a lade addition to this year’s Huntington Prep squad that looks like a whole new group than when we saw them against Oak Hill last month. At 6-foot-5, he showed off crazy court vision, had no problem creating his own shot, and proved that he could get up well above the rim on finishes. Onuralp’s high IQ and super skill level should make him one of the more highly sought after 2-guards in the class of 2017.

Curtis Jones, 6-3, PG/SG, Huntington Prep (WV), 2016

This was a totally different Curtis Jones than we saw versus Oak Hill, as he made it a point to let all onlookers know how serious of a prospect he is. “CuJO” shot the lights out from beyond the arc, was unstoppable going at the rack with his right hand, and seemingly got wherever he wanted on the court. Finishing up the night with 33 points and 5 dimes, Jones showed why Indiana fans are so excited to get him to Bloomington.

JJ Caldwell, 5-11, PG, SATCH (TX), 2016

One of the better pure point guards in the country, JJ Caldwell made it a point to get absolutely everyone the pill during SATCH’s upset victory over Hillcrest. With a build similar to that of Kyle Lowry, Caldwell busted out a great change of pace and was incredibly shifty attacking the rim. Not coincidentally, the Texas A&M recruit was named MVP after posting 14 points, 12 dimes, and 6 boards against Hillcrest.

Miles Bridges, 6-6, SF, Huntington Prep (WV), 2016

One of the better small forwards in the country, Miles Bridges came out on top of his matchup with top-5 junior Jarred Vanderbilt. The powerful lefty crushed the rim with his dunks, finished at the rim with both hands, and was a physically punishing defender. Bridges’ hard nosed style of play will allow him to fit in perfectly in East Lansing.

Jachai Taylor, 6-5, SF, Planet Athlete (AZ), 2016

A product of Waukegon, Illinois, Jachai Taylor made the move across the country for a post grad year and it has certainly paid off. Taylor showed off his crazy bounce on a number of dunks, has an explosive first step, and had no problem knocking down threes when left open. Still on the board, Taylor should have a chance to blow up for the late signing period.

Justin Whitfield, 6-5, SF, SATCH (TX), 2017

Another addition to the SATCH program, Justin Whitfield brought the type of diverse game that Hillcrest didn’t know how to match. He hit open three pointers, showed off nice court vision, and showed the ability to lock down on multiple positions. Things are just getting started in the recruiting process for Whitfield, who has heard from programs such as Rice, Stanford, and Tulsa.

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Held on the luxurious campus of Forsyth Country Day, the event had it’s fair share of excitement. Marquee players posted big games, elite recruits battled against each other, and serious upsets went down. The one that shocked everyone was a crazy athletic 22 Foot Academy squad beating Oak Hill Academy, who was ranked 3rd in the national high school rankings. All in all, it was just about as good of an event as you could ask for to get the high school season popping off right.

Here are a few of the players who stood out:

Eli Wright, 6-5, SG, 22 Foot Academy (SC), 2016

‎Ranked outside of the top 100 by virtually every major recruiting service, Eli Wright showed that not only should that he belonged, but that people have definitely been sleeping on him. The explosive lefty got to the tin at will, finished high above the rim, and put the clamps on people defensively. Eli will have to continue to improve upon his handle, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s firmly placed himself amongst the top 50 seniors in the country with his performance on the national stage.

Sacha Killeya-Jones, 6-10, PF, Virginia Episcopal (VA), 2016

The most highly touted player playing in the event (Harry Giles is out with a torn ACL), Sacha Killeya-Jones lived up to the hype by doing a number of things that you just don’t see out of your average guy standing 6-foot-10. He drilled three pointers, made plays from the high post, and used his length to hold down the paint as a shot-blocker. Though he tends to settle for his J a bit, Killeya-Jones is a guy who has consistently improved throughout his career and should not stop in Lexington.

Mario Kegler, 6-7, SF/PF, Oak Hill Academy (VA), 2016

‎The MVP in Oak Hill’s win over a gritty Providence Day squad, Mario Kegler showed why he was the recruiting priority of a number of BCS programs. Ultimately deciding to stay home and play for Mississippi State, Kegler brings a sharpshooting forward who can play inside and out. While he will likely be forced to play power forward in the SEC, Mario’s ability to create mismatches and get buckets as a shooter should allow him to make an impact right away.

Godwin Boahen, 5-10, PG, Hill Academy (CAN), 2016

Canada’s prep basketball is taking off and Hill Academy made it a point to show that Athlete’s Institute isn’t the only elite program north of the border. Led by their blazing point guard Godwin Boahen, Hill Academy was able to knock off a stacked Mountain Mission squad that owned a handful of high major players. Boahen was a straight blur in transition, hit deep jumpers, and locked up on D. Still wide open from in the recruiting process, Niagara, Nicholls State, and Eastern Kentucky are just a few of the growing list of programs vying for his services.

Devon Dotson, 6-1, PG, Providence Day (NC), 2018

Arguably the best sophomore in the state of North Carolina, Devon Dotson definitely lived up to the hype against Oak Hill. He showed that he could create his own shot whenever he wanted against the national power, showed off excellent court vision, and played the game with poise well beyond his years. Running with Team Charlotte on the AAU circuit, Dotson has already gotten the attention regionally and is getting ready to blow up on the national stage.

Harold Baruti, 6-5, SF, Mountain Mission (VA), 2016

A straight up physical specimen, Harold Baruti was one of the more impressive athletes we saw in Winston. He displayed an explosive first step, punished the rim on dunks, and defended multiple positions on the hardwood. A guy who is wide open as far as recruiting is concerned, he’ll be a nice grab for someone in the late signing period.

Szymon Walczak, 6-4, PG/SG, Mountain Mission (VA), 2016

Possessing one of the better basketball IQ’s that we saw throughout the weekend, Szymon Walczak showed that he can hold it down from either guard spot. The Polish lefty dropped a few sick dimes, made nice pick and roll reads, and was a threat to score just about any time that he had the rock in his hands. After his performance over the weekend, Walczak will have no shortage of D1 attention.

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Likewise, his contract with Nike was up, and all things being relatively equal financially, he wanted a shoe deal that would also offer him a better opportunity to achieve his goals. Carroll will try to achieve those with a new brand: adidas.

Both Carroll and adidas have confirmed to SLAM that the Raptors forward has joined the brand.

“My ultimate goal is to have my own shoe,” Carroll told us last month at his house in Atlanta. “If I have to go to another company to do that, that’s something I’m willing to do because I’m a sneakerhead and that’s always been one of my dreams.”

While DeMarre doesn’t have his own sneaker quite yet, if you’ve been watching closely you already know that he’s been rocking adidas in every game this year. Wearing both the Crazy 8 and D Rose VI, Carroll is another key addition to a growing stable of stars donning the three stripes on the hardwood.

Photo via Getty Images

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“The guys’ assist-to-turnover ratio was good and I thought we had some good shot making, but the other side of that is that we didn’t fight,” Cal said of his team following their annual Blue/White scrimmage in Lexington last week. “If you play like we did today, people will know we aren’t that good right now.”

Playing two 20-minute halves, the 2015-16 Wildcats experimented with different lineups throughout the Blue/White scrimmage that had players playing for both teams at particular points of the game. It appears like Coach Cal is going to implement facets of the dribble-drive offense that he used during the D-Rose era at Memphis with this group, especially when playing Isaiah Briscoe, Tyler Ulis, and Jamal Murray on the hardwood at the same time. Ultimately, it was a great preview for what the season has in store for UK, with the White team walking away with a 74-66 dub.

Check out the highlights above. Here are a few of the players who stood out:

Tyler Ulis, 5-9, PG, Sophomore

The key returner from last year’s squad, Ulis looked like he was ready to not only be the top lead guard in the SEC, but perhaps the top lead guard in the country. He played the game with such poise that it almost seemed as if everything was going in slow motion for him. Incredibly patient, he very rarely came close to forcing the issue and constantly had his head on a swivel looking to find open teammates. The sophomore finished with 10 points and 15 assists, making a number of big-time pick-and-roll reads for the NBA scouts in attendance. Highly touted since he was a youngster in Ohio (before making the move to Chicago), Tyler has gotten better every year and doesn’t appear to be stopping now.

Skal Labissiere, 7-0, PF/C, Freshman

Considered by some to be the potential top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Skal Labissiere showed what made scouts drool over him at the Nike Hoop Summit. He showed off a gorgeous jump hook in the paint, hit face-up J’s from mid-range, then provided a shot-blocking presence on the defensive end. The intriguing Haitian posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks while facing constant double-teams, so it’s safe to say that he lived up to the hype.

Isaiah Briscoe, 6-3, PG, Freshman

Splitting time between both teams, we were able to see the type of dynamic talent that Isaiah Briscoe is. He played both guard positions, shot it well from deep, and had a number of creative finishes high off the glass. Toss in his potential on D (he owns a 6-10 wingspan) and it’s easy to see why he was arguably the top point guard prospect in the Class of 2015.

Charles Matthews, 6-6, SG

One of the seemingly forgotten players in Kentucky’s freshman class, Charles Matthews showed why he was considered one of the top ten players in the country early in his high school career. After going through a number of nagging injuries, he appears to be back. The Chi-Town wing looked showed a super explosive first step, hit open J’s, and finished above the rim in transition. While some of the others may have received more buzz initially, Matthews has firmly supplanted himself on the NBA radar.

Jamal Murray, 6-5, PG/SG, Freshman

A late addition to the Wildcats’ recruiting class, Jamal Murray comes to Lexington after a ridiculous summer with the Canadian National Team that took his on-court swag to another level. Able to play either guard spot, he displayed the ability to stroke it from deep and make some really solid passes in transition. Murray will have to continue to cut down on his turnovers (like most freshman lead guards), but certainly has the talent to be one of the next wave of UK one-and-dones.

Marcus Lee, 6-9, PF, Junior

Perhaps the most improved player on the roster, Marcus Lee showed that UK is just not a place for those one-and-dones. He looked infinitely more confident offensively, was outstanding running the floor, and has the potential to be a big-time rim protector. As his offensive game continues develop, his NBA stock should follow.

Alex Poythress, 6-8, PF, Senior

Coming off of a torn ACL that forced him to miss the vast majority of last season, Alex Poythress showed that he’s getting back to normal. Playing without any type of bulky brace, the senior looked confident on the court and the results backed that up. He shot the ball well from deep, finished in transition, and provided the versatility to play either forward spot. This year will be essential for Poythress, who looks to regain the form from his intriguing freshman campaign.

The post Kentucky Blue/White Scrimmage Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Pegging national powerhouses Oak Hill Academy and Huntington Prep against each other, the event literally brought just about everyone out of tiny Floyd, VA (population 425). With all proceeds going to the Chance Harman Memorial Fund, it was a charitable event that also served as a serious evaluation opportunity for scouts and coaches alike. Maryland, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Virginia all had coaches spotted in the crowd. There were numerous scouting services there and the remote gym was nearly packed wall to wall. Oak Hill ended up taking the two halves (the scoreboard reset at halftime) 47-32 and 53-37 respectively without the nation’s top senior, Harry Giles. The depth that this year’s Oak Hill unit showed was straight up ridiculous, but at the end of the night, it wasn’t about the score of this game; It was about celebrating Chance Harman’s life and finding a cure to cancer.

Here are a few of the players who stood out:

Khadim Sy, 6-10, C, Oak Hill Academy, 2016

With Harry Giles out, there wasn’t a single player who benefited more than Khadim Sy. Making the most of his opportunity, he showed out with a variety of nice moves on the block and was able to convert with either hand over the top of the D. He was also great running the floor, controlled his area of the glass, and played with confidence that we had never seen before out of him. Given his crazy improvement over the last few months, it should come as no surprise that he has a growing list of high major offers waiting for him.

Micah Thomas, 6-7, SF, Huntington Prep, 2016

Aside from Sy, Micah Thomas was the other guy who had some of the college coaches buzzing. The bouncy athlete drilled a number of deep three pointers, was elite finishing in transition, and had no problem getting to the foul line. Coming from Memphis to play for one of the country’s top prep powers should only allow Micah to add to his growing list of potential suitors that include Baylor, Memphis, and Iowa State.

Braxton Key, 6-7, SF/PF, Oak Hill Academy, 2016

The man formerly known as Braxton Blackwell showed why Avery Johnson was so ecstatic to get him locked up early in his senior year. A versatile player who can play either forward spot, Key let the game come to him and created mismatches all over the hardwood. He posted smaller defenders, drilled open three pointers, and played the game with a super smooth demeanor. Braxton and Terrance Ferguson will serve as two crucial pieces for the Little General turning things around in Tuscaloosa.

Matt Coleman, 6-2, PG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

One of the fastest point guards in the country, Matt Coleman decided to take his game to one of the nation’s perennial powers for his junior campaign. The Hampton native is still learning how to control his pace, but the talent that he brings to the table is undeniable. He put the clamps on people defensively, had the ball flying up the floor in transition, and had no problem stopping on the dime full speed for pull-up J’s. As Matt continues to grow as a lead guard and learn how to change gears, he should see himself near the top of the 2017 point guard rankings.

Devontae Shuler, 6-3, SG/PG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

A fearless scorer, Devontae Shuler made the move from tiny Irmo, SC to Oak Hill and showed that he could ball with the nation’s finest. The junior was great in transition, created scoring opportunities easily, and put the clamps on guys from either guard spot. Since exploding this summer, Shuler has picked up no shortage of BCS offers and will only continue to add more.

Miles Bridges, 6-6, SF, Huntington Prep

With Giles out, Miles Bridges was the marquee name of this matchup of prep powers. The Michigan State recruit started the game very slow by settling for too many contested J’s and turning it over attacking the rack. Midway through the second half, the top ten recruit turned it on and showed why he’s one of the nation’s best. He got to the line frequently, attacked the offensive glass, and threw down a few ridiculous dunks. All in all, it was an off night for Bridges, but he still showed glimpses of how special he can become.

Big thanks to Richard Shumaker Photography for the photos

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Bringing in a ridiculous recruiting class to join a solid group of returning vets, Coach K’s crew has a chance to go deep in the NCAA tourney yet again. He recently sat down with our own EIC Ben Osborne for an exclusive interview and twelve practices in to the year, it’s clear what the emphasis of the 2015-16 Blue Devils is going to be: Defense.

“Our defense is ahead of our offense. We’re very big and we’ve been concentrating on our defense,” Krzyzewski said following Duke’s Countdown to Craziness last Saturday. “I thought Marshall and Amile set a really good tone defensively. They are men.”

Playing two twelve minute halves, the squad split up and went to work against each other. Unlike most midnight madness festivities, the Countdown To Craziness scrimmage was far more like a real game than an exhibition for fans. Charges were taken, bodies were on the floor, and guys went all out as if it were opening night at Cameron. The white team took both halves in what turned out to be a great preview of the new-look Blue Devils.

Here are a few of the players who stood out:

Brandon Ingram, 6-9, SF, Freshman

The most highly touted player in Duke’s 2015 recruiting class, Ingram showed the type of potential that had NBA scouts drooling throughout the high school all-star circuit. He played both forward spots, creating mismatches all over the court. The Kinston product even did some work as a pick and roll ball-handler, exhibiting the playmaking skills that made him one of the more versatile players in the high school class of 2015. NBA scouts will be flocking to Durham to get a glimpse at this wiry forward throughout the season.

Grayson Allen, 6-5, SG, Sophomore

One of the darlings of last year’s NCAA tourney appears to be ready to take that next step in his game. Playing a bit of combo guard, Grayson Allen showed that he is a lot more than the athletic shooter that we saw last season. Allen showed off great vision, an improved game off of the bounce, and the type of hard-nosed play that we saw last season. It’s obvious that Grayson is really going to have an opportunity to blow up this year, which will be essential in Duke’s attempt to repeat.

Luke Kennard, 6-5, SG, Freshman

Passing LeBron James on Ohio’s high school scoring list was one of the countless accolades that Luke Kennard achieved in his storied high school career, but now he’s ready for a new challenge. The lefty showed off his pure J countless times during the scrimmage, showed off sick vision for a 2-guard, and was impossible to stop coming off of pin-downs. Look for this heady guard to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils during his debut campaign.

Marshall Plumlee, 7-0, C, Senior

The youngest Plumlee hasn’t developed quite as quickly as his big bros, but appears ready to turn that corner as a prospect. The 7-footer was great running the floor, hit a pair of left hand hooks, and threw down the dunk of the night over David Robinson’s son (Justin). Miles didn’t really emerge as a prospect until his senior campaign and Marshall seems to be following in his footsteps as a late bloomer.

Derryck Thornton, 6-2, PG, Freshman

One of the best lead guards in the class of 2016, Coack K convinced Derryck Thornton to come to Durham a year early to run the show for the Blue Devils. It took some summer school at Findlay Prep, but Thornton made the move and was given the keys for the defending national champions. During the scrimmage, he made some insane passes with his left hand, got into the paint at ease, and had every single assist for his team. Thornton did have a few too many unforced turnovers and while there will be growing pains, Thornton has the talent to soften the blow of losing Tyus Jones to the league after one year.

The post Duke ‘Countdown to Craziness 2015’ Recap appeared first on SLAM.

As the video shows, there aren’t many seven footers in the world who can do the things that Thon Maker can do. He has a great handle in the open floor, crazy vision, and the ability to shoot the ball out to the NBA three point line. While some people prematurely threw out Kevin Durant comparisons, Thon’s game more closely resembles that of a young Kevin Garnett as a face-up power forward. Throughout his time on the AAU circuit this spring and summer, he took that next step as a prospect and showed that not only can he do work facing the rack, but is continually improving with his back to the basket as well.

With no time table set for a decision for Thon, sources close to the situation told SLAMonline that Arizona State, St. John’s, and Notre Dame have been recruiting him the hardest as of late.

The post 7-Foot Recruit Thon Maker Shows Off Guard Skills (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Held at Knightdale High School in Raleigh, the one day event was just about everything one could ask for to get a glimpse of the future. Dope color programs, a smooth schedule that ran on time, and a hospitality room sponsored by Zaxby’s were a few of the added perks that were offered. With Nike jerseys and former camp alumni such as Kentucky bound Sacha Killeya-Jones coaching the squads, it was just as enjoyable for the hoopers themselves. Naturally though, the best part of the event was the immense amount of talent that was all under one roof.

Here are a few of the top players from the 2015 GetMeRecruited SE All-Freshman Invitational:

Wendell Moore, 6-5, SF, Cox Mill HS (NC)

One of the youngest players in the class of 2019 nationally, Wendell Moore picked up an offer from Tennessee a few weeks ago at just 13 years old. At 6’5 with a the body of a senior, Moore is the type of physical specimen that you don’t see too often. He created his own shot at the will, finished above the rim, and used his athleticism to defend multiple positions all over the floor. Fresh off of killing it at the SE All-Freshman Invitational, Wendell received yet another ACC offer from Wake Forest.

Christian Brown, 6-6, SF/PF, AC Flora HS (SC)

There wasn’t a player who played with more energy than Christian Brown. With a motor that simply didn’t stop and dreads flying around everywhere, Brown was the type of active forward that every coach dreams of having. The explosive athlete took home the dunk contest crown and was much improved creating his own shot than when we last saw him in the spring. Both UNC and NC State hosted Brown, who is one of South Carolina’s best freshmen, on unofficial visits.

Marquise Walker, 5-11, PG, Chicago St. Joseph’s (IL)

While most players came to the event were within driving distance, Marquise Walker flew to North Carolina for the one day event to get some run with the Southeast’s finest. The super shifty lead guard already has a year of high school experience under his belt and it showed when matched up against his own peers. He got in the lane at will, finished creatively at the rack, and constantly got teammates the rock in scoring positions. Already hearing from the likes of Baylor and LSU, Walker visited UNC before flying back to the CHI.

Jamal King, 6-4, SF, Wayne Country Day (NC)

Jamal King was one of those guys who straight blew up over the weekend. Showing that he could hold his own against the region’s finest, King was tough attacking the rack and kept the D honest with his ability to shoot it from deep. As Jamal continues to improve as a ball-handler, it will only make him more of a problem as a one-on-one scorer.

Deantonio Gordon, 6-7, PF, Leflore HS (AL)

As far as long term potential is concerned, there weren’t many guys that offered more than Deantonio Gordon. Following in Demarcus Cousins’ footsteps at Leflore, Gordon has the raw ability to follow in his footsteps to the highest level. He was a simply unbelievable shot-blocker, blending nice timing with some serious bounce. Toss in the ability to finish above the rim and you see why programs such as UNC and NC State are already vying for his services.

Khalil Shaheed, 5-11, PG, Wheeler HS (GA)

A player that I definitely wasn’t hip to before the event, Khalil Shaheed immediately made his presence felt from the first game over the weekend. He used his blazing speed and flashy style of play to get by most defenders on the way to the cup, yet also locked down to the point that he was named the camp’s MVP on the defensive side of things. Playing for one of Georgia’s finest high schools, expect Shaheed to get plenty of attention moving forward.

Josh Nickleberry, 6-4, SG/PG, Northwood Temple (NC)

Already having a year of varsity hoops under his belt, Josh Nickleberry had more preparation than most rolling into the event. A volume scorer, he showed that he could light it up in a hurry with his crazy J and advanced scoring moves. He’s one of those guys who is already receiving D-1 interest and should have his first offer in no time.

JC Tharrington, 5-11, PG, Charlotte Christian (NC) The best shooter that we saw in the event, JC Tharrington was straight feathery with his touch from beyond the arc. He bombed from NBA three, made really nice decisions with the rock, and was a threat to shoot it off of the bounce. Word on the street got to college coaches about this shooter too, as NC State hosted Tharrington on an unofficial visit following the camp.

The post 2015 GetMeRecruited SE All-Freshman Invitational Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Samartine Bogues is already approaching his Grandpa’s height, despite just starting the fifth grade. The 4-foot-6 point guard is making waves in Baltimore, where Muggsy was a legend at Dunbar High. Affectionately nicknamed “Fatman”, he has a devastating handle that allows him to create his own shot against most of his peers and can already bomb from well beyond the three point line. Running with Baltimore’s Finest and Team Thrill (Will Barton’s new squad) on the AAU circuit, Samartine has already spent a considerable amount of time balling against some of the nation’s finest in his age group and appears to be putting in the work to carry on the family legacy in the Charm City.

Big thanks to MiddleSchoolHoops for the video.

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He scored 85 points in a charity game in Alabama, then killed it in both the LudaDay Game and the UK/UNC Alumni Game over the last two weekends. If his play there was in any way an indication of what the season has in store, things could be scary in Phoenix.

Fresh off of getting a max contract last summer, Bledsoe walked into an interesting experiment. The Suns had three incredibly talented lead guards on their roster in Isaiah Thomas, Goran Dragic and himself. By mid-season, it was clear that the experiment had gone wrong.

The team dealt Thomas and Dragic, and while they did bring in another lead guard in Brandon Knight, it was clear that it was Bledsoe’s team moving forward.

Finishing off the year with averages of 17 points, 5 boards and 6 dimes per night, it was a solid start for Bledsoe’s first full season in Phoenix. The simply overpowering point guard established himself as one of the best finishers through contact at the rim for his position.

He is able to get to the rim via his remarkable explosiveness and shifty change of pace, throwing defenders off big time in the process. Not necessarily known for his J, the 25-year-old shoots it quite well from three with his feet set, making him at least a threat to defend from the arc.

Given all of the natural talent that he possesses, Bledsoe has consistently added a thing or two to his offensive repertoire throughout his career.

On the defensive end, his immense physical gifts give him the potential to be one of the League’s shutdown defenders. Built like an NFL running back, his massive strength allows him to hold his own, even against bigger guards. The lateral quickness that he brings to the table keeps him in front of even the NBA’s speed demons.

His 6-8 wingspan allows him to get a ton of deflections and contest shots against anyone. Simply put, all of the tools are there for EB to be one an All-Defensive Team player for a number of years down the road.

While Bledsoe has all of the talent and physical gifts that you could dream of, it hasn’t always translated on the court. There are times in which he needed to take over games and has nowhere to be found due to him being unselfish to a fault.

Since he struggles to shoot off of the dribble, opposing point guards often go under most ball screens in attempts to bait him into a deep three. And while all of the makings are there for him to be a lockdown defender, there are clearly mental lapses at times.

Moving forward to the 2015-16 campaign, Bledsoe has the potential to be one of the League’s breakout players. He’s got all of the talent to take over games, but it’s a matter of whether or not he can consistently do so.

The Suns have added the NBA Draft’s best shooter in Devin Booker and brought in Tyson Chandler to help groom intriguing (yet injury plagued) center Alex Len. Jeff Hornacek has given Eric Bledsoe the keys, and the franchise will be following right behind him.

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2015-16—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

The post SLAM Top 50: Eric Bledsoe, no. 40 appeared first on SLAM.

Led by Harrison Barnes, UNC didn’t quite boast the star studded lineup of their Kentucky counterparts. Fellow NBA champ James Michael McAdoo joined the party along with former NBA star Jerry Stackhouse. The Wildcats boasted a lineup that included DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, the Harrison Twins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Trey Lyles amongst others.

(You can see the full box score here.)

Anthony Davis didn’t suit up, but was on the sidelines as the Wildcats’ honorary coach. While Kentucky ultimately won the game 122-115, all of the guys had a little fun. In fact, some even thought Coach Cal jokingly did his best to hold back DeMarcus Cousins, again.

“I don’t really want to get into it too much. He had his day, so I’m going to keep his shine,” explained Cousins. “But yeah, he held me back.”

Calipari presented the UNC players with a $50,000 donation to the UNC Children’s Hospital and then another $200,000 in Dean Smith’s legacy. The proceeds from the event raised over $1.5 million for various charities. Great basketball (both teams actually went hard), a hyped environment, and a lot of philanthropic efforts made for what was an outstanding night in Lexington.

Here are a few of the NBA players who stood out in the game:

DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, C, Sacramento Kings

The Kings’ franchise player lived up to his billing, posting 33 points, 18 boards, and 6 assists. Boogie even hit 5 three-pointers, seeming more intent to show the Big Blue Nation what he could do on the perimeter as opposed to doing work on the blocks. With owner Vivek Ranadive and GM Vlade Divac in attendance to show love to their star, it’s safe to say that Cousins won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Harrison Barnes, 6-8, SF, Golden State Warriors

While the UNC squad didn’t have anywhere near the star power of their rival counterparts, Barnes did just about everything in his power to keep his gang of guys in the game. The NBA champ led the game in scoring with 39 points, effortlessly stroking threes and showing more of his game off of the bounce than we saw in a GSW jersey. After the game, Barnes stated his desire to bring a game of this nature to Carolina and after seeing the absurd of capital raised for an amazing cause, this should come to fruition sooner rather than later.

Devin Booker, 6-6, SG, Phoenix Suns

Many considered Devin Booker to be the best shooter in the 2015 NBA Draft and he showed why against the UNC alumni. He was an effortless catch-and-shoot guy, never even remotely contemplating where the three point line may be. The 18-year old’s size allowed him to shoot over anyone, he exhibited a quick release, and actually was a bit deceptive off of the bounce. Every NBA team could use more shooting and that should give Booker an opportunity to receive some burn as the League’s youngest player this year.

Andrew Harrison, 6-6, PG, Memphis Grizzlies

Though he slipped into the second round of June’s NBA Draft, you would never know it with the swagger that Aaron Harrison played with against UNC. He showed off his slick handle, drilled a number of deep bombs from three, and made pinpoint passes in transition. There is definitely a ton of opportunity for Andrew in Memphis, especially given Coach Joerger’s love for big guards who can defend.

The post Kentucky vs. UNC Alumni Game Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

The tenth annual LudaDay Weekend popped off this past Labor Day in Atlanta and lived up to its well-earned rep. The five-day event brought concerts, a block party, and countless promotional events, culminating with the LudaDay X Celebrity Basketball Game. In front of a sold-out crowd at Georgia State, the DJ kept the atmosphere live with hot tracks and once the game started, the amount of NBA talent on the court could vie for the ‘chip against just about anyone.

John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Victor Oladipo, Cameron Payne, Iman Shumpert, Terrence Jones, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nick Young, Kenneth Faried, Josh Powell, Jarrett Jack, Cameron Payne, Quinn Cook, Reggie Evans, and KJ McDaniels were amongst the NBA ballers in the game. Chris Brown, Trinidad James, Dej Loaf, and Omarion were a few of the musical artists who laced ’em up. Ultimately, it was Team Luda that walked away with a 121-117 win over Team Breezy in a dope event that benefited The Ludacris Foundation.

Here are a few of the names who stood out in the relaxed LudaDay X Celebrity Basketball Game:

John Wall, 6-4, PG, Washington Wizards

After what was a breakout season, John Wall appears to be in great shape and while he wasn’t going full go, he still showed his ridiculous burners a time or two throughout the game. A regular at the LudaDay festivities throughout the past few years, the Wizards star was the biggest name amongst the NBA players and ended his birthday evening with a party at ATL’s Gold Room, where he was given a $20,000 painting of himself.

Lou Williams, 6-1, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

The League’s reigning sixth man of the year has been a permanent bucket-getter over the years at the LudaDay games. Able to bomb from 30 feet and finish above the rim, Lou is the type of guy who can easily drop 50 in these types of games. While he’s used to coming in and being an electric scorer with the ultimate green light, one has to wonder if he’s going to be given that same freedom playing with Kobe in LA.

Chris Brown, 6-1

Playing in the Drew League over the years, it was always known that Breezy could go a little bit on the hardwood. Running the point with the Oreo IVs on, he showed off a slick crossover and hit 6 three-pointers in his squad’s narrow defeat. While putting out hit records is what has made him a multi-millionaire, he certainly showed that he is likely one of the better-hooping R&B singers out there against a myriad of NBA players.

Victor Oladipo, 6-5, SG, Orlando Magic

While most players went through the game at less than half-speed, that was not possible for Victor Oladipo. A guy known for his insane work ethic, he looked to rip the rim off virtually every time he got the rock in transition. Oladipo nearly sent Georgia State into a frenzy when he back-rimmed an eastbay during the game, showing off the explosive athleticism that has made him one of the league’s emerging young guards.

Nick Young, 6-7, SG, LA Lakers

Fresh off of battling James Harden at the Drew League, Swaggy P made it to ATL to run with some of the League’s best. He was Iggy-less, but still showed off his handle and bombed a flurry of deep threes. With Kobe pack and the Lakers offseason acquisition of Lou Williams, it’s going to be interesting to see what type of role the ’15-16 season will bring.

Josh Powell, 6-10, PF, Milwaukee Bucks

Making one of the more interesting career transitions, Powell went from the hardwood in 13-14 to an assistant coach with the Rockets for the 14-15 campaign. Fast-forward a year and the 6-10 big man still has that itch to hoop, signing last week with the Milwaukee Bucks. A seasoned vet, Powell looked to be in great shape and should provide the same interior toughness to an emerging Milwaukee squad that he used to help the Lakers win two rings.

Big thanks to David Walker for all photos

The post LudaDay X Celebrity Basketball Game Recap appeared first on SLAM.

Passing through NapTown, I immediately hit up “CT” to see what guys he was going to have in the gym. Having trained the likes of Gary Harris, Glenn Robinson III, and RJ Hunter, it was more often than not that he was going to have some pros in the building. The Nike Elite Basketball trainer who does the LeBron and Kobe Camps in China gets the bulk of the city’s finest young players in the gym together on the regular, whether they’re in high school, college, or the league.

“It’s all about world domination,” Thomas explained. “You might not get to that level [the NBA], but the benefit is that this is a way to come in and play against pros without any obligation at all.”

The format of Thomas’ open gym is quite intriguing as well. Players start off playing one-on-one, two-on-two, etc before concluding the night with four-on-four full court play. Spacing was emphasized as were making sure ball screens were set on each possession to simulate the NBA game. Players only used the NBA three point line and proper rotations on D were constantly stressed. More than an open run, it seemed as if the players were merely practicing the principles that were being reinforced.

“That’s what we do all week. Real basketball is not that hard, but you just know how to play it,” he explained. “San Antonio and Atlanta both got 60-plus wins this year playing real basketball.”

With legit talent and even more legit disciplines being exhibited on the hardwood, it was simply a great night of hoops. Here are a few of the guys who caught our eye:

Gary Harris, 6-4, SG, Denver Nuggets

With most rookies picked in the back half of the first round spend some time in the D-League, the Denver Nuggets took a different approach with Gary Harris and it looks like it’s paying off. He didn’t get much burn early in the year, but as the year went on and the squad struggled, saw his PT skyrocket. Gary looked much more confident playing with the ball in his hands, made some great reads out of pick and roll situations, and finished above the rim. Despite the fact that we were still sitting in the summer, the 20-year old looked like he could play an NBA game today. With a new coaching staff in order in Denver, there should be plenty of chances for Gary to show his stuff in his sophomore campaign.

Trevon Bluiett, 6-5, SG, Xavier, Sophomore

With Matt Stainbrook having graduated, Xavier will be led by 6-foot-9 beast Jalen Reynolds and Trevon Bluiett. A straight up scoring machine, Bluiett can simply score the ball much more efficiently than the vast majority of wings at the college level. The Indy native was sick creating off of the bounce, effortlessly creating space with a series of jab moves. His mid-range game was automatic and transitioning to the NBA line is going to be no problem whatsoever. The sophomore is going to need to continue to improve on D, but as far as getting buckets is concerned, he should be right there amongst the Big East leaders this season.

Marquis Teague, 6-2, PG, Free Agent

Things haven’t necessarily gone as planned for Marquis Teague, but he’s definitely been putting in the work to change the future. After bouncing to the league following Kentucky’s national championship season, he was a first round pick in the NBA Draft, only to see himself play sparingly over his two years with the Nets and the Bulls. Still with the same devastating speed and change of pace that got him to the league, Marquis showed off a lot more confidence in his J and finished creatively at the rim with both hands. At just 22 years old, he is still younger than many rooks in this year’s Draft and will surely get another opportunity to prove his talents in the league.

Kellen Dunham, 6-5, SG, Butler, Senior

One of the best shooters in the college game, Kellen Dunham showed that he can do a lot more than just scorch the nets from long range. He was great coming off of pin-downs, hitting two dribble pull-ups, and was even quite surprising creating for himself off of the bounce. The Butler senior hopes to make it into the league as a specialist, but adjusting to the NBA three point line will be no problem whatsoever with the type of range that he owns.

Julian Mavunga, 6-8, PF, Overseas pro

While plenty of the other guys were much more well known amongst American basketball circles, it was the overseas vet Mavunga that straight dominated the comp. He played the game at his own pace, stretched the D with his ability to shoot it from three, and gave everyone a post footwork clinic when he got it on the block. Having won a title last year in Kosovo and having a number of workouts with the Pacers, Julian appears destined to take his talents back across the water, albeit with a hefty raise.

Gavin Schilling, 6-8, PF, Michigan State, Sophomore

Schilling looked like he was destined for a breakout sophomore campaign in East Lansing. With a body like Blake Griffin and some serious bounce to match. He was a role player on last year’s Spartans, but is surely destined for a bigger role this year. He is impossible to stop going to the rim at full speed, is a beast on the glass, and brings more skills to the table than you’d think out of a player his stature. Coming off of a strong trip to Italy with MSU, Gavin appears destined to back it up his performance in the Big Ten.

The post Indy Open Gym Notebook appeared first on SLAM.

After simply dominating his freshman year at Corona Del Sol in Tempe, there was little more for Marvin III to prove at the local high school level. He led his squad to an undefeated record and state title while rarely facing players near his 6-11 stature. Spurning offers from national powers such as Findlay Prep to stay home for a year, the Bagley family wanted to give their son at least one year of the traditional high school experience.

“We wanted to give him a chance to have that normal high school experience with regular students, cafeterias, changing lockers, and all of that,” his father Marvin II told SLAM. “It was an easy decision [to attend Corona], especially with him being so young.”

At Hillcrest, Marvin III will be with his entire family. His father will be an assistant coach and his younger brother Marcus, a 6-5 eighth grader, will be playing right next to him on the varsity team. Hillcrest will play a national schedule that includes games against junior colleges and many of the nation’s elite high school programs. With Arizona Interscholastic Association bylaws not allowing middle schoolers to play varsity ball, the opportunity to play next to his baby bro was just too much to pass up.

“It was Marvin’s decision,” his father explained. “Marcus wanted to play and compete as an eighth grader, and Marvin wanted to play with him. It was a tough decision for him, but after discussing it and going through Hillcrest’s schedule, it just provided a great opportunity to continue to get better and play on the national level right at home.”

The post Five-Star 2018 Forward Marvin Bagley III Transfers To Hillcrest Hoops appeared first on SLAM.

The new EYBL program that is home to top 2018 prospect Marvin Bagley and freshman sensation Tyger Campbell cruised through the 2021 bracket, winning almost every game by at least 20 points. Their 6-3 leaper was the recipient of a number of dimes from YouTube sensation Zion Harmon, was an imposing force as a shot-blocker, and incredibly unselfish with the rock, giving WACG the inside presence to cruise to victory.

Big thanks to MiddleSchoolHoops for the video.

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After having already played seven seasons of high school basketball, Thornton opted to bump up a class and attend college in the Class of 2015, albeit only for two programs with legendary coaches: Duke and Louisville. A student of the game, the opportunity to play from the jump while picking up a vast array of knowledge from one of the game’s most legendary coaches. Ultimately, he decided to attend summer school to graduate early so he could ride with Coach K at Duke.

“I feel like that everything happened perfectly,” Thornton admitted of his decision to jump from high school to college early. “Tyus leaving, where I was at, and with what I had done at Findlay Prep. It’s the best coaching staff in the country and they encouraged me to come early, so that’s what I did.”

When the Thornton fam was contemplating the jump to the college game, they were initially planning on approaching things with a unique strategy. Derryck Sr.—better known as “Tank” within the basketball community—and his son were planning on coming in and redshirting his first year so that he was able to immediately step in and make an impact during his second year. This would give him time to get acclimated to both the college life and the college game itself. Then, he got a vote of confidence from Coach K and it all changed.

“I feel like the confidence that I have in myself and the confidence that Coach K has in me is what made me change my mind [on redshirting],” he explained. “I feel like all the work my father and I have put in over the years has prepared me for this.”

Continuing that aforementioned grind, Thornton has spent the last few summers training with Joe Abunassar, Drew Moore, Tyler Ward and Co. at Impact Basketball in Vegas. Working out alongside future pros like Kristaps Porzingis training for the Draft, his game and self-assurance grew together. The workout gurus showed him how to attack pick and rolls at different angles, then finish above 7-footers at the rim. He did all of his catch-and-shoot work from the NBA three point line, making one-dribble pull-ups from the college line a thing of ease. Then working with Ward, he took his explosiveness to another level to the point in which he was routinely crushing 360s in the middle of drills. And that’s just the on-the-court work.

A vast student of the game, Thornton and his pops spend hours watching film of the NBA’s best lead guards. The way that they approach the game, lead their teams, and control the game. They watch edits given to them by former NBA coaches of guys like CP3, Kyrie, Steph and Steve Nash. Just as important as the gains that he has made on the court, if not more, were the ones that he has made mentally. Learning under Coach K, this is just the beginning of his advancement as a playmaker.

Still, the progression that he has made on the court since the season ended at Findlay Prep is apparent to anyone who has gotten a glimpse of him.

“First, we’ve been doing lot of lifting and getting stronger. I’ve made lot of gains both physically and athletically,” he said before describing his on-court workout plan. “We’ve been doing lot of shooting off of the dribble—500 a day off the bounce, to be exact. A lot of catch-and-shoot, off dribble, explosion to rim, and pick and roll stuff.”

Chilling with Coach K over the last couple of days in Vegas has only made the 6-2 incoming freshman’s firmness in his decision grow even more. If the head coach of Team USA believes that you can come in and make an impact a year early, why not give it a shot? After hooping against countless pros throughout the summer in Vegas and working out as many as four times in certain days, Derryck too believes that he can come in and help the Blue Devils from day one.

“I’m better than a lot of people. I’m someone who is going to come in and compete next year. Being able to come in and be dominant against pros makes me feel like I can go in and be dominant against anyone.”

The post Future Duke PG Derryck Thornton Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

“First of all, nothing has ever bothered me about what people think of me,”  Williams says after a practice. “My teammates know what I’m about and that’s all that matters.”

Spending close to three weeks around the player whose moves I practiced countless times in my driveway, it was immediately evident he was still doing everything his own way. When payment didn’t come on time before one of the exhibition games, he apologized to all of his teammates before telling the coach that he couldn’t suit up ‘til he got his money. The first person in the lobby each morning before embarking on long days filled with promotional appearances and youth basketball clinics, the then-38-year-old set the tone for young bucks like Aquille Carr on the tour, showing the transformation that has taken place since he started turning heads with his wild play as a youngster in Belle, WV.

“My father never pushed me—I pushed myself,” Jason says one morning over breakfast in Chengdu. “When I was 11 years old, I loved the game. I loved it more than half of the guys in the League.

“I just spent hours in the gym working on my craft,” says Williams, who attended DuPont High School and played alongside legendary wide receiver Randy Moss, who was quite the baller, too. “I’ve never been one to like to shoot the ball. I don’t really see myself as a good shooter. Playing pick-up growing up, the only way that I was able to get on the floor was to be able to pass because I couldn’t really get my shot off since I was smaller than everyone.”

The aforementioned work helped Jason earn a few collegiate offers, but in the pre-internet (and pre-mixtape) recruiting generation, he didn’t receive anywhere near the attention that he’d get today. Having briefly committed to Providence and spending a second at Fork Union Military Academy, things were up in the air. In fact, if it weren’t for his pops, he probably would have wound up at a traditional Big East power.

“I didn’t get recruited too heavy, man—Virginia Tech, Providence and St. John’s, really,” he says of his recruitment. “I really wanted to go to St. John’s. Me and my father drove to Providence and went through New York. My dad said, ‘Nah, you ain’t living in New York. No way.’”

A young Kentucky assistant had been recruiting him lightly, but the Wildcats didn’t think enough of him to offer him a scholarship. When that same assistant got a head-coaching job right down the road in WV, though, JWill’s college destination was a wrap.

“The only reason that I went to Marshall was because of Billy [Donovan],” he admits. “I grew up 45 minutes from Marshall. I used to tell all of my friends that there was no way that I was going to West Virginia or Marshall. But everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t change nothin’.”

When Donovan left Marshall to take the job at Florida,  Williams followed. The ability to get on the court immediately not only gave him even more confidence in his game—it was enough to draw the eyes of NBA scouts.

“I tell these kids nowadays, Why do you want to go and sit on the bench at Kentucky for four years? Go to the Central Floridas and Marshalls so you can get minutes,” he says. “If you’re good enough, the scouts are going to find you.”

Williams was indeed good enough, and he took that swagger and talent into NBA Draft workouts. Questions surrounded him, though, both on and off the court. His truncated career at Florida lasted just 20 games before he was kicked off the team for a marijuana violation. All of his focus turned to an NBA career.

The Kings selected Williams seventh in the 1998 Draft. “I didn’t really expect to go that high,” he says. “I went to these different workouts with teams and I was in the best shape of my life. I was killing everyone that they put in front of me.”

From the second he took the court with Sacramento during his lockout-shortened rookie year, Williams captivated fans and coaches alike with his unique style of play. “White Chocolate” was born, and his No. 55 Kings jersey quickly became one of the highest selling in the League. His deep threes, filthy crossovers and endless no-look passes got basketball enthusiasts of all ages hyped. Success came, too. The Kings made the Playoffs all three seasons he spent there. The freedom that Rick Adelman gave his young lead guard was all he needed to take his game to the next level.

“It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says of being handed the keys from the jump in SacTown. “Rick Adelman told me the first game, If you come down and throw one behind-the-back that goes out of bounds, don’t worry about it. The next time, throw it with your left hand. I told him, Shit, that’s all I need to hear.”

That brash confidence and freedom allowed us to see plays that we have never seen before in the NBA. The elbow-pass in the Rising Stars Challenge. The double crossover that led Gary Payton to try to trip Williams on his way to the basket. The fake behind-the-back hop-pass against Mike Bibby that left you puzzled as to what you had just seen. The stuff he did in games was so dynamic that the refs themselves didn’t even know when to blow the whistle.

“A lot of people say it was a carry, but in ’98, it wasn’t a carry,” he says of his legendary move against Bibby. “That just comes from all of those hours in the gym, man. That’s not the first time that I did that move, but it may have been the first time that anyone had seen it. I practiced that thing and probably did it thousands of times. Everything you seen me do, with the exception of the elbow pass, I practiced thousands of times.”

“JWill had a unique ability to do things with a basketball that most people only dream of doing, and then he’d go out there and do them in games,” former teammate and current Cavs sharpshooter Mike Miller says. “He was the best ballhandler I have ever seen.”

After three years with the Kings, Williams was dealt to the Grizzlies for Bibby, accepting a far different role in the process. The 30-foot three-pointers in transition weren’t as frequent. The no-looks and behind the backs were still there, albeit selectively. He had improved on his decision making to the point that he was among the top five in the League in assist-to-turnover ratio when he played in Memphis.

“When I was in Sac, we had all these guys and that’s how we played, with all of the flare and flash. When I got to Memphis, my teammates weren’t like  C-Webb and Vlade,” he says. “They were good players—we won 50 games my third year there—but you know, you have to change your style. My role was different. I had to come down and get guys the ball in positions that they could score. I couldn’t do what I did in Sac.”

In the summer of 2005, JDub was dealt to Miami as part of what was then the largest trade in League history, with 13 players changing to five different franchises. Playing alongside Shaq and Dwyane Wade, Williams had to change it up again. And again, success followed. He took the backseat to the aforementioned duo and improved his shot selection. The Heat would go on to win the 2006 NBA Championship.

“Winning takes care of everything. As long as you’re winning, all of the other bullshit is set aside,” he says. “I’m playing with Hall of Famers, man. I just sat back, accepted my role, and we got a ring. Can’t nobody ever take that from me.”

A stop in Orlando and a return trip to Memphis rounded out a 12-season NBA career that closed with career per-game averages of 10.5 points, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals. Today, White Chocolate makes close to seven figures working around a month a year on overseas tours. He is a father, husband and well-off businessman who owns a handful of Five Guys restaurants.

Ask him what his proudest moments in the League were, and he won’t mention that 2006 Finals victory—or anything else that took place on the court. “Just getting drafted and being able to take care of my grandmother. Just making it, really,” he says with a smile. “I give my grandmother $400 a month and she thinks it’s $4 million. Shit like that makes me happier than anything.”

images via Getty

The post The Road Less Traveled appeared first on SLAM.

He wound up following in KD’s footsteps at Montrose Christian and playing for legendary coach Stu Vetter. A commitment to Maryland followed, but upon Gary Williams’ retirement, the top-50 recruit pledged to play his college ball at Virginia. It was here that he went from prospect to NBA player.

Always blessed with the physical gifts, it was in Charlottesville where Anderson went from prospect to NBA player. He was essential in UVA’s rebirth from middle of the pack ACC team to national power.

He embraced locking down on the defensive end and took his jumper to new heights. All throughout, the Cavaliers were winning. Despite suffering a broken finger and having an emergency appendectomy within the last two months of the season, Anderson still had high enough stock to forego his final year and enter the 2015 NBA Draft.

It was at Impact Basketball in Vegas that we got up with Justin. Strength coach Tyler Shaw got his already jacked frame completely right and despite the fact that he shot 45 percent from three in his final college go-around, spent countless hours working on his J. With NBA teams all dying to have “three and D” threats, extending his range beyond the NBA arc was essential to his Draft status.

“He had a great year shooting the ball, but we still wanted to get him more comfortable from NBA three,” explained Impact trainer Drew Moore. “We also did a lot of work on his ball-handling. He’s probably not going to come off of ball screens right away, but simple moves for a shooting guard.”

The improvements that he made on his range were evident immediately when we watched his workout. He transitioned effortlessly to the NBA three-point line and worked diligently to improve his pull-up J. Not a guy who is going to hit you with any wild AI-esque crossovers, there was a ton of work on straight line drives, and you could see that his handle was tightening up.

He looked more comfortable putting the ball on the deck than he did at the college level. One thing that the workout didn’t show was the biggest attribute that Anderson will bring to his future NBA destination: defense.

At 6-6 and 230 pounds, he has the size to defend either wing position. Not only can he move his feet, but the Boo Williams AAU product knows how to use his hands on the defensive end.

His 7-foot wingspan allows him to contest shots against bigger guys and gives him the flexibility to play a step off on lead guards. To top it off, this is a guy who truly understands the intricacies of the art of defense and brings an energy that rubs off on teammates each time he hits the hardwood.

‎While there are a number of guys who are considered wildcards in this Draft, Justin Anderson is not one of them. He’s going to lock down on D, hit open threes, and based on his track record thus far, continue to get better. Factor in the intangibles that he brings leading by example and as a locker room guy, and it’s no wonder why he’s been one of the fastest risers in the 2015 NBA Draft.

“People don’t understand how much of a teammate he is. Justin loves being around gym competing in shooting drills, he picks the vet’s brains, and is eager to learn,” Moore said. “He is a great teammate and a great locker room guy. The transition will be pretty seamless for him.”

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Jerian Grant
Karl-Anthony Towns

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Justin Anderson Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Those who arrived late to the party may not know that, though. Attempting just 8 three pointers throughout his freshman campaign at Kentucky, the 7-footer didn’t have the chance to showcase the J that he was known for throughout his high school career because that wasn’t what the Wildcats needed him to do.

With his college days behind him and the madness of being the potential No. 1 pick ahead, he set aside time between two engagements to invite us over to the Joe Craft Center to check out a quick shooting workout.

Starting off with bombs from well beyond the NBA line, Towns looked over and said “See, I can still shoot.”

Grinning ear to ear, he effortlessly drilled jumper after jumper. The ease at which he shot the ball from 23 feet and beyond was simply amazing for any player, much less a center. It left the mind thinking of the endless possibilities of how whatever team lands Towns will ultimately use him in pick and pop situations, or as a trail big man. Any way that you look at it, it’s safe to say that the Jersey native will be shooting a lot more threes in the League than he did in Lexington.

For good measure, we tossed in a video of Karl shooting the lights out at various events throughout his high school career so you can see how things translate to game situations.

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Karl-Anthony Towns Shooting Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

“You’re going to have to outwork the next guy,” Jerian told us after a grueling two-hour workout with Seth Cooper. “That’s something that Vic and I have worked on since‎ we were freshmen in high school—waking up at 6 a.m. and putting that extra work in—because we knew we weren’t the guys who were going to get the ball handed to us like that. So we were definitely have to put in the work.”

Having the option to bounce to the League after his junior year, the 22-year-old opted to come back to Notre Dame and helped himself mightily in the process. Aside from firmly putting himself in the mix for the Lottery, he helped take the Fighting Irish to heights that they haven’t reached in quite some time.

Brey’s squad took home the ACC crown and was a missed three-pointer away from giving Kentucky their first loss of the season. Grant thrived in his coach’s spread pick-and-roll offense, too. Averaging 17 points, 7 dimes and 3 rebounds per night, he was able the show his stuff to NBA personnel while also pacing the Fighting Irish to a memorable campaign in his last go-around.

“It was great, man,” he said of his senior season in South Bend. “Playing with guys who are so unselfish and committed to winning is rare.”

Cooper added, “If you watched this year, Notre Dame’s offense was great in terms of spread-court pick and roll along with spacing. You could see him be able to take it off of pick and roll to score, hit the roll guy, and hit shooters. That will be a big thing for him at the next level.”

We got up with the pair in South Bend shortly before Jerian was set to take his last final exam. Making the time for us late on a Sunday night, we were able to see the intensity that fuels him. He performed every drill as if he were preparing for Game 7 of the Finals. You could not only see the talent that he had, but the genuine desire to get better.

There was considerable ball-handling work, both from stationary and static positions. Jerian is not the type of cat to hit you with a big AI crossover, but maintained a crisp handle that you aren’t going to be able to take away. Once he got to the rack, you were able to see some athleticism and creative finishes that you didn’t really see throughout his college career on the regular. He showed off a floater with either hand, euro-steps, and even threw down some serious dunks.

The biggest thing that the duo focused on was Jerian’s jumper. After a sizzling junior season (52% FG, 41% 3PT, 86% FT), his numbers flattened out a bit as a senior. He had the ball in his hands more and was the team’s primary shot creator, so there simply weren’t many catch-and-shoot opportunities. With some fine-tuning, Grant showed that he is going to be just fine. He hit 23-25 NBA threes at one point and was simply automatic with his one- and two-dribble pull-ups. It’s not the flashiest stuff in the world, but it’s exactly what you’re looking for out of a steady lead guard.

“The big thing with him is that we’ve really been getting his jumpshot going. He’s so good shooting the ball from mid-range that we’re just trying to get him consistent from NBA three every time,” explained Cooper. “That’s going to be the big thing for him whether he’s the primary ball-handler or the secondary ball-handler. Being that he can play both spots, shooting in the NBA is such a coveted thing and that is something he can bring to a team.”

Ideal size, experience running the pick and roll, and a consistent J. If you’re a team drafting in the teens looking for a guy to plug in right away, this is your guy. Bloodlines are on his side and while some players need a coach all up on their ass to get them going, Jerian Grant is the one pushing himself.

“I can do it all. I can knock down shots, something that all point guards are going to have to do, and I can definitely defend,” Jerian confidently said. “It’s the toughest position, but I’m definitely ready to go out there and show what I can do in the League.”

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Larry Nance Jr
Aaron Harrison
Sam Thompson
Andrew Harrison
Cliff Alexander
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Kelly Oubre
Stanley Johnson
Myles Turner
Jarell Martin

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Jerian Grant Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

A breakout year with New Orleans Elite on the AAU circuit landed him a top-20 ranking, then he stayed at home to play his college ball at LSU. Two years later, he finds himself on the brink of being a first-round pick.

We got a chance to see Jarell in Las Vegas, where he was training with the guys at Impact Basketball. Joe Abunassar and Drew Moore worked on his face-up game, while Tyler Ward took his explosiveness to new heights in the weight room.

The new found heights that he reached in his game and athleticism were on center stage during the ASM Sports Pro Day, where he showed his stuff to the 150-plus NBA executives in attendance.

Having played both the small forward and power forward positions during his time in Baton Rouge, Martin brought plenty of versatility to the table. Put a post on him, he’ll go to work on the perimeter. Throw a smaller wing on him, he’ll take you to the blocks.

While most would view this type of ability to bring so much to the game as a benefit, some viewed it as a detriment. At Impact, he needed to establish an identity as to if he was going to be packaged as a wing or a post.

“Shooting,” responded Moore when asked about what they’ve focused on in the pre-Draft process. “We’ve been doing a ton of catch and shoot off of pick and pop. With his speed and athleticism, he’s going to have an advantage against a lot of 4s. He’s lightning fast up and down the floor, especially in transition.”

The workout that we saw catered toward showcasing both his jumper and athleticism. There were endless amounts of simulated pick-and-pop situations in which you could see his ability to stroke it.

Though Jarell isn’t necessarily going to be known as a stretch 4 from the jump, he has the potential to continue to develop into a nice shooter. Doing some full court work, he glided up down the floor before crushing the rim with a number of windmill dunks.

Another facet of his game that we were able to get a glimpse of was his developing post up game. Martin has the size at 240 pounds and the touch to exploit people in the pivot, but simply wasn’t given that many opportunities to showcase this part of his game in the Tigers’ system. The touch that he showed with both hands and ability to shoot over the top of the D surprised some evaluators.

“Jarell’s got a little bit more post-up game,” said Moore. “He’s got good footwork and can finish with both hands.”

Firmly in the mix from the teens all the way to the late first round, Martin has a fairly wide range for Thursday’s Draft. Believe he’s going to be a face-up power forward full time, expect him to be off of the board in the teens. Think that he may take a little bit more time, it may be closer to the end of the first.

Either way, don’t let Jarell’s calm demeanor on the court fool you. He’s got a mean streak inside of him.

“He’s humble and composed,” explained Moore. “He doesn’t show a lot of emotion, but is fiery competitive on the inside.”

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Kelly Oubre
Stanley Johnson
Myles Turner

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Jarell Martin Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Running with Dion Waiters and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the AAU circuit with Team Final, there were often times when Christmas was the star of the team. He was 6-9, long as a giraffe, and would often send shots into the stands. You could see that his offensive game was behind his defensive acumen, but it looked like things would come along. They did, eventually. But it took three years. It all came together for Rak (pronounced “rock”) during his final campaign, when he was named All-ACC as part of a Syracuse squad that was banned from the postseason. That didn’t come overnight, though.

The Philly native spent the past two summers working with Joe Abunassar, Drew Moore, Tyler Shaw, and Co. at Impact Basketball in Vegas. Abunassar and Moore unlocked some of the hidden talent in him, while Shaw helped sculpt his 240-pound frame. Going up against guys like Serge Ibaka and Timofey Mozgov on the regular made him believe that he could not only hold his own, but dominate guys at the collegiate level.

“A lot of it was getting his confidence back to where it was in HS. He was physically capable of doing a lot more than even he realized,” explained Moore. “He got here March 15th and had two solid months with us before the Combine, where he was arguably the best player.

Along with 150-plus NBA executives, we had the chance to check him out at the ASM Sports Pro Day at Impact. Working alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner, and Jarrell Martin, he was the least-hyped guy of the group, but you definitely wouldn’t know that based off of the workout. He flew up and down the floor, showed off his agility, and impressed onlookers with his ridiculous attacks on the rim. While he’s not the type of guy who is going to hit you with a flurry of counter moves on the blocks, he showed off a jump hook with either hand. To top it off, he was was thrilled to show off the latest weapon in his game: His jumper.

“His mid-range shot,” responded Moore on the primary focal point of his pre-draft work. “He used it little senior year, but it wasn’t his bread and butter. He has a nice first step and good footwork, so he’s skilled enough to attack.”

One thing that the workout didn’t show was Christmas’ defense, which is arguably his biggest strength. He has freakish length, solid timing, and good explosiveness as a shot-blocker. Tough and well put together, he is a good positional defender who is not going to give up space easily on the block. And while he didn’t face a ton of pick-and-roll, he showed the mobility to get out on the floor and hedge ball screens. Simply put, he is exactly what you are looking for from the defensive standpoint of a backup big man.

Many NBA teams frown upon Christmas’ age when evaluating him. He’ll be 24 years old early in his rookie campaign, but as he has shown over the last yea and a half, is just scratching the surface on how good he can become. Some feel that he is nearly a finished product, but if you ask the guys who work with him daily, they will tell you that there’s a lot of talent still hidden in his now 6-10 physique.

“His age is a benefit. He is mature, composed, focused,” Moore confidently said. “Rakeem will be able to step in right away and contribute. Look at the level of improvement he made before his senior year of college at 23, so he can still add things to his game.”

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The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Rakeem Christmas Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

During the spring of 2013, there was no bigger story than Myles Turner. The near 7-footer was bombing threes, blocking shots and playing above the rim on the AAU circuit. On his off weekends continuing throughout his senior year, he would make the three-hour commute to Dallas to learn from former NBA head coach John Lucas in Houston.

The strides that he made in his game were remarkable, and by the time that he made it to Austin to begin his collegiate career, he was right there for top player in the nation. Though he didn’t dominate from the jump at UT, he showed enough to be firmly in the Lottery mix.

Still, people constantly worried about his health based on the way that he ran the floor. There were, at times, that he looked like he was hurt getting up and down. After watching him in person in Las Vegas, that is a thing of the past.

“It was a concern that we heard from evaluators. His biomechanics were great. He was medically cleared and we put in extensive work on how he runs,” his trainer Drew Moore explained. “Naturally he’s a 19-year-old kid who is going to get stronger. As he develops a better core, the body is going to improve how he runs. We broke it down to every basic movement.”

Working with Moore, Joe Abunassar, and the rest of the staff at Impact Basketball in Vegas, that was evident. In fact, during the ASM Sports Pro Day, they made it a point to show the 150 NBA executives how much he improved in this facet. They put him through full court drills that allowed him to glide up and down the hardwood. He crushed dunks in transition and showed off much more bounce than we saw in Austin. These improvements alone were enough to take NBA scouts aback, much less his ability to shoot the pill.

Always known for being equipped with a nice J for a big man, Myles really showed how much of a threat that he can become on the perimeter. He made over half of his threes from the NBA line and his ability to stretch the D has coaches dreaming of him as a trail big man. In pick-and-pop scenarios, he can quickly create separation and really hit it from mid-range. His role at Texas didn’t quite call for him to do this on the regular, but once he got to Sin City, it was a focal point of workouts.

“We’ve been working on his mid-range shooting. He can shoot it out to NBA three, but we worked out from mid-range,” Moore said. “Scoring one-on-one in the low post against defenders, too. Simple isolation moves and their counters on the block.”

With his back to the basket, he is still a work in progress. Myles’ moves are a bit mechanical and it’s immediately evident that he’s more comfortable facing the rim. His 240-pound frame will need to continue to add strength if he hopes to defend some of the more capable back-to-the-basket cats in the League, and his foot speed will need work to lock up on today’s 4s who go to work facing up. Still, his combination of size, shooting and upside will find his name called very early one week from now.

Comparisons to LaMarcus Aldridge and Chris Bosh have run rampant. After all, the three are all near 7-footers from the Dallas area who can stroke it out to the NBA three-point line. They all were exceptionally long with slender frames that had the ability to fill out. Likewise, the trio all had significant development to make as back-to-the-basket scorers at the next level.

His physical gifts should warrant a lottery selection, but if you ask Moore, it’s something else that is going to make him thrive at the next level.

“His sheer size and explosiveness are going to make him successful in the League. He’s at a point where he’s going to get a lot better in all facets of his game. You’re going to be able to teach him a lot and he’s just going to keep getting better and better.”

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The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Myles Turner Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

But NBA executives and draftniks have been well aware of the 19-year-old for quite some time. Having worked out in front of 150 NBA executives on Friday morning, he will be a household name sooner rather than later.

The 7-1 forward was the headliner of the ASM Sports Pro Day held at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas. Fresh off of completing his second full season in the ACB with Sevilla, he made his way to the States to put in work with Joe Abunassar, Drew Moore and Co. before what will be his only audition for NBA teams.

Adding a few new weapons to his arsenal and getting adjusted to the NBA ball (far different than the one he played with in Spain), the Latvian sensation was ready to show out to the League.

“I think that I showed my range and how big I am in person,” the monstrous Porzingis confidently said following the workout. “I’m 7-1 with good mobility, am pretty quick for my size, and have good athleticism. I’m really long and can block shots on defense, too.”

There was a definite sense of modesty in Porzingis’ voice, but to keep it real, he killed it. NBA scouts threw around the D-word (Dirk) like it was going out of style, though he said he patterns his game after Anthony Davis and KG. You just don’t see legit 7-footers who can shoot and move the way that he can.

Going through a lot of pick-and-pop drills, the trainers put his talents as a face-up power forward on full display. Kristaps drilled NBA threes with a smooth, crisp release. He hit one-dribble pull-ups off of the bounce from mid-range. When he makes a second move, he can softly hit you with a pull-up off the glass. He showed off a devastating first step when attacking the rim. That’s not even mentioning what he did once he got to the rim.

In today’s age of finishing over the top of people, Porzingis fits right in as a new age power forward because of his explosive leaping ability. There were a number of times in which he nearly got his head to the rim on the dunks that followed his drives to the basket. Chopping it up with SLAM afterward, Porzingis told us that he was determined to show scouts that he could jump with some of the best in this year’s Draft.

“I’m not the stiff European that everyone thinks I am,” he said with a chuckle.

While there were so many things that took your breath away, it is imperative to remember that he still needs to add substantial weight to his frame if he hopes to make a huge impact on the defensive end.

On the offensive side, while he is a beast facing the cup, Porzingis didn’t show a ton from the low post in this workout or the film that I have watched online. No one who watches him thinks that he is a finished product, but don’t expect him to come in and drop 20 a night as a rook either.

Having met with the Lakers, Jazz, Blazers, Timberwolves, and three other teams that he wouldn’t specify, it’s safe to say that things are looking pretty good for Kristaps Porzingis. The level of intrigue he offers brought Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, Stan Van Gundy, Flip Saunders, and an abundance of others to Vegas.

His brother Janis has been guiding him along throughout this process and is perfectly fluid (engaging, in fact) in English. He is five years removed from his home and is already a pro, albeit a young one. After testing the waters and reportedly receiving a promise in the late lottery last year, he’s now a dark horse for the No. 1 pick in the Draft.

There will certainly be some growing pains, but the simply unique blend of size, skill and athleticism that Kristaps Porzingis brings to the table should make him special in the NBA.

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The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kristaps Porzingis Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Fresh off of working out for the Lakers and the Knicks, Mudiay held a private workout to showcase the work that he’s been putting in over the last few months. Having played only 12 games with Guangdong in the Chinese Basketball Association before suffering an ankle injury, and was forced to return to the States to recover before making a surprise return to the Far East to help his squad attempt to advance in the CBA playoffs. While Guangdong did not ultimately advance, he showed the type of heart that every team hopes for out of a lead guard. Thursday in L.A., we were able to see that he had the game to match as well.

Training with Geo Aispuro out of Impact Basketball‘s Los Angeles branch, Mudiay went through an hour long workout that started with showcasing one of the biggest concerns of his game: His jumpshot. It was obvious that he made some tweaks in his form. While he didn’t shoot many NBA three-pointers, the revamped mechanics lead you to believe that the 34 percent that he shot from three this past season in China was not a fluke.

“I’m a better shooter. My work ethic has changed,” Mudiay said. “You always feel like you can improve. Watching Steph Curry and ‎how he shoots…everyone wants to shoot like that.”

Doing a ton of full-court work, Mudiay was able to highlight the type of explosion that the Prime Prep product offers. He changed speeds exceptionally well, flew down the floor, and exploded off of the ground to throw down a number of absurd dunks. With end-to-end speed that is special and the ability to burst off of ball screens, he will be deadly in transition and coming off of ball screens. That wasn’t all that he brought to the table physically, though.

Standing 6-5 with a chiseled 209-pound frame, Mudiay will enter the League as one of the more physically imposing point guards. Guys will simply bounce off of him once he gets into them on both ends of the floor. Dating back to his high school days, E-Man has shown the ability to post smaller guards. Defensively, he already has the size and strength to lock down on either guard slot.

“I’ve always loved to post up. My brother teaches me a lot of post moves because he was a big, so having someone like that really helps,” he said while rocking a fresh pair of Under Armour kicks. “I feel like it’s a point guard’s job to elevate your teammates and get everyone involved.”

Mudiay is set to make trips to show his stuff to the Sixers on the 16th and Timberwolves on the 20th. Competing in one-on-none workouts like most potential top-five picks, Mudiay will show NBA GMs just about everything that we saw today. As is the case with all workouts of this nature, there are also a number of things that you won’t be able to see. Though the sample size will be small for these four teams, the Dallas product feels that his body of work is enough to get him a spot in the top-four come June 25.

“You never know what you’re going to get in these workouts, especially when you’re by yourself. There’s only so much you can do‎,” Mudiay said. “If teams do their homework, I”m pretty sure that they know about me.”

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The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Emmanuel Mudiay Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Coming from my hometown of Cleveland, I was hip to Larry during his high school career. Playing at Revere HS about a half-hour outside of downtown, he didn’t necessarily play any of the areas power programs and wasn’t anywhere near the player that he is today. In fact, Wyoming was the only D-1 school to extend a scholarship offer to him, hence he made the journey across the country to play his college ball.

“I was 6-6 and I was real skinny. Our high school team wasn’t very good. If I was a coach, I wouldn’t have recruited me,” explained Nance Jr. on his journey to Wyoming. “Coach Shyatt came and started recruiting me late, and they were my only offer so I had to take the visit. Then I fell in love with the place and have loved it ever since.”

Larry had a career as a Cowboy that certainly surprised many fans and scouts alike. He posted averages of at least 15 points and 7 boards per night over his final two seasons. The 22-year-old also paced Wyoming to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in the last decade. All throughout the process, he threw down some ridiculous dunks and firmly placed himself on the NBA radar, despite tearing his ACL during his junior campaign.

We got up with Nance Jr. while he was doing his pre-draft training with Priority Sports. Training alongside the likes of Hunter, Sam Dekker, Cliff Alexander, Jonathan Holmes, Kevin Pangos and Bobby Portis, he was able to go up against just as much NBA talent on a daily basis as he did throughout his entire season at Wyoming. Then, working with Tim Anderson and Ryan Thompson in the skills department, he has been able to expand his game on the perimeter to new levels not seen before.

“I’m looking to translate to the pro game,” he responded when asked what he has been looking to work on in Chicago. “I’m a little bit undersized to be strictly a four, so we’re working on getting my ball-handling right to improve on my shots off of the dribble so that I can maybe do some work as a three. Guarding Sam Dekker is awesome for that.”

At 6-8, he is a bit smaller than most NBA teams hope for out of their ideal power forward. However, in the workout that we witnessed in the Chi, he displayed something everyone missed in college: his outside jumper. Larry showed off a smooth jumper with range out to the NBA three-point line and while no one is donning him to be an immediate sharpshooter, you can’t help but notice the potential that he has as a stretch four.

Jumper aside, Nance Jr. still seems to be regaining the explosiveness that he showed before his injury in college. He is incredibly quick off of the floor vertically and displayed a really high motor throughout all of the drills. The intangibles that he brings to the table with his work ethic along with the high IQ and character that he can offer a franchise make him an ideal developmental prospect for a team picking in the second round. Ultimately, Larry will have to convince a franchise on the court that he will be able to continue to evolve his game on the perimeter while maintaining the same type of energy that got him in this position.

As it stands today, Larry has been grinding his way through more than a dozen workouts with NBA teams. Not projected to be selected on any of the mock drafts, that doesn’t faze him one bit. In fact, it only motivates him more to carry on the family tradition of proving the doubters wrong.

“No one is projecting me to be drafted, but no one expected me to be here coming out of high school,” he says, “so I’m just hoping to surprise people again.”

Previous NBA Pre-Draft Tour Videos:

Aaron Harrison
Sam Thompson
Andrew Harrison
Cliff Alexander
Bobby Portis
Frank Kaminsky
Kelly Oubre

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Larry Nance Jr Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Established last year, the Josh Level Classic popped off yet again Saturday at in Greensboro, NC. Kevin Graves of the Karolina Diamonds AAU program did an amazing job of putting things together to benefit the Josh Level Foundation, which strives to limit bullying and gets student athletes involved with special needs students. Two of the nation’s top five juniors, Harry Giles and Dennis Smith Jr., headlined a who’s who of North Carolina basketball that will be took part to remember this talented prospect. Big time players Brandon Ingram, Brandon Childress, Kwe Parker, and Jalen Harris also joined in what was an outstanding night of hoops. Hornets two-guard PJ Hairston was in the building too, offering a few words about his fallen friend.

“I remember when I first met Josh. I was a junior and he was a freshman,” reminisced Hairston. “He had the most heart of any young player that I ever played with and was the most spirited.”

It was ultimately the white team that walked away with a 157-153 W in an up and down contest that provided no shortage of sick highlights. Here are a few of the guys that stood out from the 2015 Josh Level Classic:

Dennis Smith Jr, 6-2, PG, Trinity Christian (NC), 2016

The best junior point guard in the country lived up to his rep in Greensboro. With a style of play that is meant for an ‎all-star game, Smith used his ridiculous bursts to explode to the rim, often finishing with a dunk.  Still nowhere near making a college decision, expect Dennis’ last go-around in July with Team Loaded on the adidas circuit to be attended by just about every major coach in the country.

Harry Giles, 6-10, PF, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2016

Big men don’t get too much touches in games of this fashion, but the nation’s top junior made it a point to get his. He punched countless dunks in transition, showed off his superb handle for a 6-foot-10 big man, and even stepped out to knock down a few J’s. Having narrowed his list to Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Kansas, UNLV, and UNC, you will see college coaches lining the sidelines during the month of July for his CP3 All-Stars games.

Jatarious “JJ” Smith, 6-5, SG/SF, EE Smith HS (NC), 2017

One of the most athletic sophomores in the country, JJ Smith put his aerial attack on display for the nearly sold out crowd at Southeast Guilford. He crushed ridiculous dunks in transition, converted a number of sick oops, and took the challenge to lock down on D when things got competitive. As JJ continues to improve upon his J, expect him to rise up the national rankings for the class of 2017.

Jalen Johnson, 6-6, SF, Wesleyan Christian Academy, 2016

Another dude who was tailor made for an all-star game was Jaylen Johnson. The lanky swingman from Durham straight put a killing on the rims. Seeming like he gets more athletic by the day, there were a number of times in which he got near head level with the rim and shut it down with his between the legs dunk in transition.‎ Running with the most exciting team in the state of North Carolina, Johnson has no shortage of potential suitors at the college level.

Brandon Childress, 5-10, PG, Wesleyan Christian Academy (NC), 2016

The son of ACC legend Randolph Childress is really beginning to build his own reputation. Already committed to play for Danny Manning and his Pops at Wake Forest, he showed that he could get his own shot on just about anyone. Like his Pops, he was fearless attacking the rack and was a constant threat to score every time he had the rock in his hands. The level of improvement that he’s shown over the last few years make us believe that he should be just fine carrying on the family legacy at Wake.

Xavier Hill-Mais, 6-7, PF, Greensboro Page, 2015

Every all star game needs that guy who is going to play harder than anyone on the ocurt and Xavier Hill-Mais was that guy. Built like a football player, he played the Josh Level Classic as if it were the state title game. He blocked shots, ran the floor, and broke up countless attempted oops that were thrown his way. Heading to Oakland for his college ball, Hill-Mais brings the type of physicality that will allow him to fight right in immediately with the MAC’s style of play.

The post Josh Level Classic Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

A native of New Orleans, Kelly’s family was uprouted during the massive evacuations that took place during Hurricane Katrina. He was running with New Orleans Elite on the AAU circuit, but like many families in NOLA, Kelly rolled to the Houston area with his Pops following the disaster. Ultimately settling at Bush High School, he started to become the serious prospect that he is today.

It was in Fort Bend that I first got a glimpse of Oubre myself as a sophomore. You could see that he was oozing with talent, but that talent didn’t always mirror his productivity. There were times in which he settled for threes too often, but he really started to turn the corner during his junior go-around. He led the Fort Bend area in scoring and then made the move to national power Findlay Prep. By the time that his high school career ended, he was a top 10 player in the class and expected to be one of college basketball’s new freshmen faces. Things didn’t go quite as planned in Lawrence, though.

Posting averages of nine points and five rebounds per night, Oubre didn’t stand out statistically in the Big 12, much less amongst NBA Draft prospects. While there were lapses in both the effort and production department, the freshman didn’t have the same leash as many of his other one-and-done counterparts. He got things going towards the end of his debut campaign with five straight games in double-digits, only to end his career with four consecutive games in single-figures in the scoring column.

“Every GM and scout that saw him during the season told me that I needed to get with Oubre because he was lazy and inconsistent,” admitted Oubre’s trainer Drew Hanlen. “We’re trying to do the same thing with we did with Andrew Wiggins and teach him how to work to capitalize on his upside. He’s been great to work with since day one. I think a lot of the criticism that he has gotten has motivated him to show the player he is.”

‎Working out with Hanlen at the BDA Sports pro day, it was easy to see why Oubre is in the lottery mix despite his pedestrian averages in college. He shot the ball effortlessly from the NBA three-point line and while his percentages weren’t that of an immediate sharpshooter in the League, the effortless way that he was able to get to the ball to the rim leads you to believe that with continued reps, he’ll be just fine. Still a work in progress, Kelly’s jumper was one of the focal points that Hanlen set out in their pre-draft training.

“We’ve been doing a lot of on ball work to use his length to disrupt ball-handlers. Number two is that we changed his shooting mechanics. He was a big twister, so we’ve changed things to get him more balanced and have changed his release point to develop a more consistent shot,” he explained as to what they have been working on the most. “Number three is working on adding live ball moves so he can feel more comfortable on attacking from the wings. Number four is making sure that he can finish at the rim with both hands.”

The latter two on that list were areas of concern by some NBA scouts that we spoke to in attendance. However, once Oubre got to the rim, he showed the ability to finish the way that most NBA guys dream of. His effortless bounce got him well over the rim and it was almost like you were watching a video game at times with the way that he was able to explode so easily. There were still questions about his ability to go right and create off of the dribble, but it was clear that he had made some serious strides between his last game as a Jayhawk and this workout in front of over 150 NBA executives.

With Kelly Oubre, it’s clear that you’re drafting a player whose best days of basketball certainly lay ahead of him. If you want someone to come in and start for a playoff team next year, he may not be your guy. But if you want someone with just as much potential as top five picks towards the middle of the Draft, look no farther.

“There aren’t many two way players in the league anymore. His ability to defend right away and his upside offensively separate him from a lot of the other players in the Draft,” Hanlen said. “If you do a re-draft three years from now, he’ll be a top five pick.”

Previous NBA Pre-Draft Tour Videos:

Aaron Harrison
Sam Thompson
Andrew Harrison
Cliff Alexander
Bobby Portis
Frank Kaminsky

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Kelly Oubre Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Joining Stanley Johnson, Kelly Oubre, the Harrison Twins, and a host of others, “Frank The Tank” showed his stuff to over 150 NBA scouts during the BDA Sports Pro Day. His one-on-none workout gave a glimpse of the ridiculous potential that the 7-1 power forward has not just as a shooter (he shot 42 percent from three last year), but as a playmaker from the post position. Throughout my decade in the scouting industry and endless talks with NBA scouts, there are few things that translate to the NBA level, but shooting is one of them.

“Shooting and rebounding translate at any level you play at. Frank, he can do them both,” his trainer Charlie Torres exclaimed. “We do a lot of Dirk stuff, a lot of one-leg shots. He loves it and is working with it…and he can shoot off of one leg from 25 feet. He’s as smooth as watching a surfer come off a wave.”

While Torres is by no means donning him the next Nowitzki, you could certainly see some similarities in their game. While most 7-footers are forced to man the middle, it’s evident that Kaminsky’s talents will be best utilized facing up, where he can not only create mismatches for himself, but also create scoring opportunities for others. He is a coach’s dream in that you can imagine endless opportunities to utilize him in the pick-and-pop game. You can use the 22-year-old as a trail big, and despite the fact that his 234-pound frame isn’t packed with bulging muscles, he is still able to hold his own defensively. This wasn’t always the case.

Growth spurts from 6-2 to 6-6 to 6-9 to 7-1 followed Kaminsky during each year of high school. Playing on a stacked Illinois Wolves squad that was led by Chasson Randle, Tracy Abrams, and Nnana Egwu, the gangly center wasn’t exactly a guy who showed out. In fact, I had to dig through my notes from years ago and all I had for him was “nice J from mid-range.” Owning offers from Northwestern, Bradley, Southern Illinois, and Bradley, this isn’t the school list that you usually see out of a future lottery pick. Then again, this isn’t your usual future lottery pick.

The size, stroke, and improvement that Kaminsky has made in his game over the last half decade make you believe that he’ll be just fine at the next level. He has consistently proved all of his doubters wrong from the high school level to today and should continue to do so once he hits the league. Just as much as what he brings to the table on the hardwood, the contributions that he’ll make to the cultural dynamic of a franchise make him a lock for the top ten come June 25 in Brooklyn.

“Frank’s approach to the game is going to make him successful and is very professional. He’s going to make a lot of money with his personality and charismatic manner,” explained Torres. “His want to get better at any aspect in life and energy make him fun to be around, both on the court and off the court. Frank is a pro.”

Previous NBA Pre-Draft Tour Videos:

Aaron Harrison
Sam Thompson
Andrew Harrison
Cliff Alexander
Bobby Portis

The post NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Frank Kaminsky Workout (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

At The League‘s latest stop in Dallas, it was LeBron James Jr. who paced his Gulf Coast Blue Chips squad to the 11U ‘chip. The final stop of The League’s regular season, word traveled fast at the Hype Sports Summer Jam and fans completely filled out the bleachers to get a glimpse of young Bronny. Owning the ridiculous court vision of his Pops, he routinely threw one hand bullets off the dribble and no-looks for exciting assists. He made some deep three pointers, saw over the top of the D, and used his athleticism to create countless turnovers in the Blue Chips’ deadly press. However, he wasn’t doing this alone.

Like LeBron Sr.’s Miami Heat championship teams, this wasn’t just a one man show. People familiar with the middle school basketball scene tell SLAMonline that Khoi Thurmon, Paul Dual, Wesley Yates III, and Zyon Little all made major contributions during the title run. In fact, head coach Alex Franklin went 11 deep with every guy playing substantial minutes on the weekend. Still, it was 10-year-old Bronny who stole the show by adding another title to the James family mantle.

Video courtesy of CityLeagueHoops

Click here to check out another of LeBron James Jr’s highlight tapes

The post 10-Year-Old LeBron James Jr. Has a New Mixtape Out (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.