Update on . . . Lance Stephenson- A Father's Perspective

Lance Stephenson has been the talk of America in the high school basketball world for quite some time. The class of 2009 6'6 superstar swingman at Lincoln (NY) has been talked about in New York City for much longer though. Yet even before the NYC circle began to discuss Stephenson, his father saw something in him. Lance Stephenson, Sr. has seen his son progress from a youngster all the way to one of the best players in America. I spoke with Mr. Stephenson at the Steve Nash Skills Academy, where he was taking in the action.

NB: What schools [are] Lance really considering?
LS: UCLA, Kansas, USC, and St. John’s . . . [and] Memphis.

NB: What do you think Lance needs to work on the most?
LS: A little bit of everything. He has an all-around game, . . . so he’s got to keep brushing up on everything, all his tools. . . . It’s not that one thing that I can say he needs to work on, just everything, just keep getting better.

NB: What do you see as the strongest point in his game?
LS: His strength, his agility, he’s real quick, he [has] got good lateral movement, he’s explosive, he’s got the complete package right now.

NB: What do you think helped him get to where he is right now? Other than just having the natural ability.
LS: Just working out, [a] lot of push-ups. . . . It’s a little bit of a mix of everything, natural ability, a lot of hard work, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, . . . a whole lot of advice, information, so he [has] known how to make the right plays from an early age.

NB: When Lance was young, did you see him having the potential to be such a talented player?
LS: Yes, yeah, from day one, I knew that he was going to be a real talented player, just like my other son.

NB: Other than you two, who’s going to be involved in the decision process for college?
LS: My wife, that’s about it. . . . His high school coach [Dwayne “Tiny” Morton of Lincoln (NY)] has a little bit on influence as well.

NB: Is Lance going to eventually make the final decision, or is it just going to be a group choice?
LS: I would say he [is] going to make the final decision. We [are] just going to give him all the information and let him decide what he wants to do.

NB: Is there a school . . . that you favor, that you think Lance should go to right now?
LS: Right now my favorite school is UCLA.

NB: What makes the Bruins standout to you?
LS: Well, the tradition, the conference, the style of play, they let the guards play pretty free.

NB: If not for the NBA age limit, would Lance be going pro next year?
LS: I think if you asked me that question . . . when that times [I would have a better idea], but an educated guess, I would say ‘yeah,’ he’s definitely got all the skills, and after looking at [Thursday’s NBA] Draft, all of those kids, all of the freshman that went, he’s playing against or with before, so we pretty much know some of the good players.

NB: You mentioned all the freshmen. Do you think Lance is a lock to be a one-and-done [player in college]?
LS: No, nothing is a lock, . . . he got to play the games. I wouldn’t say he’s a lock, he still has a lot of work to do.

NB: With all the attention that he’s been receiving since eighth grade, do you ever see it getting to him, kind of . . . bringing him down a little bit, having all that focus on him?
LS: No, nothing [is] bringing him down, he’s still rising. Heading into his senior year he has a lot . . . of accomplishments that he’s already done, wining three [New York] City [championships], two state [championships]. He’s still rising, next year I think will be the icing on the cake.

NB: What are you most proud of Lance for?
LS: Just staying with it, and really not folding, he’s kept the same . . . demeanor all the way through . . . high school. He’s kept the same demeanor, he hasn’t let the media change his game, he still has his attitude, he still has his . . . aggressiveness, and that’s really what I’m most proud of him [for]. He designed his game, and he’s sticking with it.

NB: What [are you most proud of him for] . . . outside of basketball?
LS: What am I most proud of him . . . [for] outside of basketball? I’m proud that he’s my son. I’m proud that he’s healthy. I’m proud that he’s [a] pretty good student in school.

NB: What are Lance’s plans for July during the evaluation period?
LS: He’ll be trying out for the USA . . . 18 and Under team.

The younger Lance Stephenson was by far the most impressive player at the Steve Nash Skills Academy. His play in the five-on-five scrimmage to end the event was fantastic. Lance's father certainly knows of the talent and potential that his son possesses. He definitely is proud of Lance's game, and he should be, as Lance is one of the best player in the United States. I'll make sure that I keep you updated on how things are moving along for the younger Lance Stephenson.

Scouting Report on Stephenson:

Lance Stephenson may well be the best player in America. He has a fantastic all-around game. The Lincoln (NY) stud is even talented enough that his teammates deferred to him at the Steve Nash Skills Academy to run the point in the scrimmage, despite being the only non-point guard on his team. Stephenson '09, a 6'6 swingman, can shoot the rock, with range that extends out to the three-point line. Lance can also get to the hole and has a solid handle. He is a spectacular athlete with great hops, and well-chiseled frame. The NYC phenom seems to have a good work ethic, as he chose to shoot around during the water break in the scrimmage at the Nash Academy. At times, Stephenson can be a bit too flashy. As well, his attitude is something that he needs to work on. He gets frustrated with lesser teammates when they make mistakes and is a bit cocky. Yet, that may well be from being "the man" in the Big Apple for so long. A change of scenery for college may be quite helpful for the gifted ballplayer. Attitude aside, Lance might have the most complete game of anyone in America, including graduating seniors from the class of 2008. Lance Stephenson is the real deal.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

MAJOR BREAKING NEWS!!! Update on . . . Isaiah Armwood

A source close to the Villanova program has informed me that 6'8 forward Isaiah Armwood of Montrose Christian (MD) has committed to the Wildcats. Northstar Basketball is the FIRST site to report this commitment. Again, Isaiah Armwood has committed to Villanova. He will pair with Maalik Wayns of Roman Catholic (PA) in what is looking like an amazing recruiting class. It will be interesting to see if the top-notch Big East programs can keep the commitments rolling in. I just got off the phone with Armwood. He told me that he officially committed "yesterday," and that “the past week . . . [he] wanted to get it done.” The Montrose Christian star told me this regarding the commitment: “Basically it’s one of the biggest decisions I’m ever going to make.” I asked Isaiah why he chose the Wildcats, to which he responded by saying that he reached his decision by “looking at how it was going to affect [him] in the long run and set [him] up for the future.” Armwood and Wayns already have a close relationship, so the two may well have great chemistry at the college level . "[We are] kind of like brothers. . . . [We] talk to each other all the time. We really have a good relationship because we talk so much,” is what Isaiah said about his relationship with Wayns. “Yeah, it’s possible, I don’t see why not. . . . I’m going to try to talk to them and see if I can have an impact on . . . [their] decision,” was what Armwood told me regarding whether he would try to convince players such as Montrose teammates Tristan Spurlock '09 and Terrell Vinson '09 to commit to Villanova. It seems that Vinson might be a good option for Armwood, as he told “I know Terrell a lot, we’ve played together all our lives,” though he did say, "I don’t think I can totally convince nobody." Regarding the timing of the commitment, I inquired of the stud forward whether he was always planning on committing the summer after his junior year, or if the timing just felt right this week: “I always told myself I was going to commit sometime during the summer, . . . [but I] didn’t know it would be this early.” Isaiah Armwood is a fine talent, and Jay Wright and Co. must be quite happy to have him headed their way.

Andre Gillette-Heading to the Atlantic 10?

Neumann-Goretti (PA) was missing its biggest star, Tony Chenault '10, over the weekend at the Hoop Group Showcase, but its number two guy was in attendance. The team's tallest player, class of 2009 power forward 6'8 Andre Gillette is the secondary player on the Philadelphia basketball powerhouse. The big man came late to his team's game against Brick Memorial (NJ), but the game was already well in hand at that point, despite it still being the first half. I chatted with Andre, who scored four points in the game all of which were in the first half, after his team knocked off the Jersey public school by a score of 61-31.

NB: What schools are you currently considering?
AG: Schools in the [Atlantic] 10.

NB: Such as?
AG: St. Joe’s, Xavier, [and] Temple

NB: What about some other schools? Is there . . . anyone outside of the A-10 that you’re thinking of?
AG: Not really, I’m just focused on right now, but there’s a couple schools in the Big East like Syracuse [and] Marquette [that are] recruiting me.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
AG: Facing up, catching it in the post, facing up. I can create off a few dribbles.

NB: What’s the weakest point of your game?
AG: Strength, probably.

NB: What are you doing to work on that?
AG: I’m in the weight room for like three days a week.

NB: What do you prefer to play . . . during the summer, high basketball in these team events or AAU ball?
AG: The traveling, it gets crazy, but I don’t know, I like AAU. I like both.

NB: What about overall as a whole, . . . just the game, do prefer playing a high school style game or the AAU [game], more of the running-and-gunning?
AG: I like to run, but either way, I . . . think my game is more running.

NB: Can you give me one word to sum up your game?
AG: Finesse.

NB: What schools do you currently hold an offer from?
AG: Like I said, mostly the [Atlantic] 10.

NB: Those schools have all offered you a scholarship?
AG: Yes.

NB: Do you have any leaders at this point? . . .[Are there any] schools at the top of your list?
AG: Those who are recruiting me hardest, [which right now] would be Xavier.

NB: What do you think the chances are [that] you end up at Xavier?
AG: Seven out of ten.

NB: Do you have a dream school?
AG: I like the Big East, any school in the Big East, like Syracuse or one of them.

NB: If you could pick one school to play for, who would it be?
AG: I would like a school that’s not too big, so I would like St. Joe’s, or Temple, or Xavier.

NB: What type of coach do you want to play for?
AG: One that’ll help me individually, work on me. . . . Yeah, that’s it.

NB: What’s your favorite part of playing basketball?
AG: Favorite part of playing basketball? A team, just playing with a team, . . . team effort, I just like playing with a team.

Gillette seems to be highly interested in the Atlantic 10, and many of those schools are in Pennsylvania, and close to Philadelphia. Thus, he may not have to go far away from home for college. Despite the fact that it's not in Pennsylvania, Gillette seems to be favoring Xavier, an Ohio school. Regardless of exactly where the big man ends up, it appears that the school will likely be in the A-10.

Scouting Report on Gillette’s Game vs. Brick Memorial:

The 6’8 big man needs to add some weight to his lanky frame, and much of it will likely need to be in the form of muscle. Right not, Andre Gillette just is not big enough, though he certainly has some time to get bigger. Adding about 15 pounds would work nicely for Andre. The class of 2009 power forward is long and does a solid job of blocking shots. He is powerful and aggressive despite his lanky build. On defense, there were some times when smaller players would get offensive rebounds over him. Gillette needs to develop into more of a scorer, but he does have talent and length.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Scouting Report on Mike Spence

The Nia School (NJ) had two teams at the Hoop Group Showcase this weekend. Mike Spence, a 6'10 power forward who played with the school's Blue team, was easily the squad's best player in its game against Lakewood (NJ). In the first half, Spence dropped 10 points, and his team was in a commanding lead, that went up to as much as 18 in the second 16 minutes of play. Although Nia Blue did blow its lead, Spence still performed well. The big man was strong in the post and always took the ball up with using his strength, yet the most noticeable part of his game had nothing to do with his talent. Rather, it was his extreme intensity. Spence was vocal, and got hyped up whenever he'd score, especially when the game got tight. Some people may take this as a negative, but I definitely saw it as a psotive, as Spence was really into the game. At points, Spence did seem a big awkward on the court, but he more than made up for it with his play. Physically, the soon-to-be post grad player was lanky with long arms. He is a pure low-post player without much of an outside game. Spence isn't juts big, he is smart on the court. He post ups prior to getting the ball to get into good position, and he is aware, specifically of the three second rule. Rebounding-wise, the Nia big man was solid on the offensive glass. Defensively, Mike was, not surprisingly, a quality shot blocker, as he utilized his size and long arms well. Spence's 13 second half points gave him 23 in the game as a whole. The 6'10 post player does not seem to be particularly raw, so its likely that he may not improve all the much in his season at Nia. I'd say that Mike would nice at a low-major DI school, but only time will tell.

Jordan Hamilton- "Smooth"

The LA Dream Team (CA) had a sub-par performance in their loss in pool play at the Rumble in the Bronx. Jordan Hamilton, Renardo Sidney, and Co. were knocked off by the NY Panthers and were outplayed from start to finish. Hamilton, a junior swingman from Dominguez (CA) did what he could in the second half to keep his team in it, but his shot just would not go in. Although he didn't have great showing, his talent was obvious. Following his squad's defeat at the hands of the NY Panthers, I caught up with the highly-regarded offensive weapon.

NB: What do you think went wrong . . . out there for you guys? Why weren’t you guys able to pick up the win?
JH: Well, we [are] not used to this heat . . . [in] California, but that’s no excuse. We still should have come out an executed. We came to the game late also, but we just came out [and] they played harder. I don’t think they were the better team, but they did play much harder?

NB: Why wasn’t your shot falling today? Was it something in your motion?
JH: As a matter of fact, I hurt my shoulder in the last game. . . . I banged it up pretty bad, but I’m going to come back tomorrow, and I think we are going to pull out the tournament [for a win].

NB: Do you have a diagnosis on that shoulder [of] what the injury is, or is it just hurting?
JH: Oh, no it just happened [in the] last game. . . . I didn’t really feel pain after the game, but as I was playing, as I was raising it up, I kind of felt it.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
JH: My strongest point is coming off the dribble, pushing it up court. Most guys wouldn’t think I would push it up court, but sometimes I can run the one, let my guards get out on the wings and I can kick it out to them so they can get open shots and get layups.

NB: What [is] . . . your weakest point?
JH: My weakest point right now is just guarding smaller people and guarding quicker people because usually I’m used to guarding the post, but I’m trying to get up there, and I’m trying to guard the wing.

NB: What position to you feel most comfortable at?
JH: The three and the two. . . . Most definitely, yeah.

NB: What schools are you currently considering?
JH: Texas, Syracuse, UConn, Kansas, Cal, and USC.

NB: A lot of people have been saying that you’re a big Texas lean. What’s the truth on that?
JH: Well, my options are still open. I . . . didn’t commit or anything like that, but I do like Texas. It’s [in] a great city. I had a chance to take an unofficial [visit] and I thought the coaches were great. The players were great, and they have a very young team, and I think . . . if I was to go there, I would make a big impact.

NB: When do you plan on starting to take official visits?
JH: I’m going to start [in] maybe December, October, and November probably.

NB: When do you think you’re going to end up committing? Is there a timetable?
JH: Right, I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do yet, but . . . when I do, I’ll let you know.

NB: What are some of the goals that you have for your senior season?
JH: Right now, just wining our league, winning our tournaments that we play in, winning CIS section, and then wining states.

NB: What’s it like for you putting on the jersey at that school [Dominguez in California]? It’s a prestigious high school basketball program. What’s that like for you?
JH: Well, Tyshaun Chandler and Tayshuan Prince came out of there, Bobby Jones, Kenny Brunner, Brandon Jennings went there for a while. I just think that they have great guys that go there, and I just think that I can be the next big thing coming out.

NB: Do you ever feel there’s too much pressure on you because of that, or do . . . you to deal with all that?
JH: Not at all, I like to live up to the hype and I’m going to live up to the hype, keep on working on my game, executing, and I’m [going to] do have to do what I have to do.

NB: Who would you compare your game to?
JH: Most people say Carmelo Anthony and Josh Shipp.

NB: What do you say?
JH: I’ll say Carmelo Anthony.

NB: Since he went to Syracuse, is that something that may bring you to Syracuse as well?
JH: Well, I like Syracuse a lot. [The school has a] great coach, Hall of Fame coach, and if I was to go there, I was told that I could make a great impact. They have a young team also, and they have great players.

NB: Give me one word to sum up your game.
JH: I would have to say smooth.

I completely agree with the word that Hamilton chose: "smooth." The junior is extremely athletic and quite flashy. He has a nice shooting motion and just an overall pretty game. Even though he struggled in the loss, you could sense that there was something special about him. His game is "smooth" and he has great talent and athleticism. Jordan Hamilton may be a star in the making.

Scouting Report on Hamilton’s Game vs. NY Panthers:

Although Hamilton definitely had an off game against the NY Panthers, it was evident why people are so enamored with the junior swingman. Although Jordan was lazy getting back on defense, and was even lazy points when he was back, it was evident that his has the ability to more than make up for that at the other end of the floor, though the defensive issues are still somewhat troubling. On offense, he attacked the basket quite well and displayed a nice handle. Some of Hamilton’s passes were overly flashy, and he is a big fan of the alley-oop, whether it be on the passing or catching end. Jordan has good height and length, and his extreme athleticism was apparent. He has nice ups, aggressiveness, and just that “it” factor that you can’t really pinpoint, though it certainly relates to his supreme athletic ability. Hamilton complained to the refs at different points during the game, and also did not always jump for rebounds. Although his shot was off from start to finish, he demonstrated a nice stroke. As well, he continued to shoot even when he kept missing, a positive trait in a quality shooter and scorer. Hamilton struggled at the free throw line, though that, like his shooting from the field, may have been a result of his injured shoulder. Hamilton did not do anything outstanding, yet due to his phenomenal athleticism, he clearly has great potential.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Renardo Sidney- What's All the Fuss About?

The award for the most disappointing player that I saw play at the Rumble in the Bronx would definitely go to Renardo Sidney, a junior power forward from Fairfax High School (CA). Sidney teamed up with Jordan Hamilton on the LA Dream Team (CA) to form one of the tournament's favorites. The squad, though, did not even win its pool. Sidney had a poor performance against the NY Panthers in what amounted the pool's championship game, and his sqaud was defeated. According to http://www.rivals.com/, the team did win the Silver Bracket title, though that's likely not what the boys from the Golden State were looking for when they arrived in New York. After the disappointing loss to the NY Panthers, I caught up with Sidney, one of the most highly touted players in the class of 2009.

NB: What do you think went wrong for [the team] . . . out there?
RS: We just came out and just played lazy and . . . the referee got in our head. We [are] from LA, [so] we don’t get no-- . . . they [are] in home cooking.

NB: What got you in foul trouble?
RS: Dumb fouls in front of [the] referee. I put my hands straight up and they call a foul on me. . . . I did wrong, on some plays there [were] some stupid fouls.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
RS: Right now, I got to work on . . . losing weight and just going down there in the post and being . . . big.

NB: What do you think you need to work on the most? What’s the weakest point of your game?
RS: Conditioning, once I get in condition and lose some . . . pounds, I’ll be . . . good.

NB: What do you think makes you stand out against some other big men in the country?
RS: I’m quick, I got good footwork, I’m smart, well sometimes I’m smart, and I play hard.

NB: What schools are you currently considering college-wise?
RS: Kansas, Louisville, USC, UCLA, Texas, Texas A&M, [and] Florida.

NB: What do you think the chances are that you and [your AAU teammate] Jordan [Hamilton] end up going to college together?
RS: Oh, that’s a big chance. . . . Jordan [and I] just talked the other night and we got one more year in high school, [and] we [will] just go [and] probably just make the decision together.

NB: What are you looking for in a college?
RS: I just want a team that . . . plays my style of basketball, up-and-down.

NB: What type of coach are you looking to play for, someone who is very vocal or someone who is kind of more laid back?
RS: A coach that’ll get on me when I’m . . . not doing [anything], that pushes me.

NB: With the NBA age limit, if that were something that wasn’t in place, would you consider making the jump straight to the pros [after next year]?
RS: Yes, I’d definitely make that jump because high school, . . . school-wise it’s just . . . hurting me, but I’d like to go to college, get that one year.

NB: Who are you saying might be a part of that package deal [that you are trying to work out with colleges]?
RS: Antonio Bigelow, Kawad [Leonard], . . . Eric [Swoopes], me, Lance [Stephenson], and then we got to find another big [man], oh and Jordan [Hamilton], might be Jordan.

NB: What are the schools recruiting all of you?
RS: Everybody . . . actually is recruiting us, but we just got to come as one and then pick the school we want to go to.

NB: What do you think the likelihood of that [package deal] happening is?
RS: I really don’t know right now. . . . Catch me next year.

Renardo's game against the NY Panthers did not lead me to believe that he should be thought of as even close to one of the best players in his class. The junior big man play lazily for most of the contest, and quite frankly, didn't do much. He could certainly develop into something special, as he has great height, and if he loses some weight he could be more affective. As of now, though, I'd consider Renardo Sidney to be one of the most overhyped players in the nation.

Scouting Report on Sidney's Game vs. NY Panthers:

After watching Renardo Sidney play, I was left wondering what makes him so special, as he did basically nothing against the NY Panthers. Yeah, he grabbed a few boards and scored some points, but he was not even close to dominant, and was not even remotely close to backing up his reputation, which is about as large as he is. Speaking of size, Sidney either needs to shed 15 or 20 pounds or just work on his endurance, stamina, and agility. The junior big man didn’t run back to play defense all that often, and even when he did, he seemed lazy and at some points uninterested. At points, he didn’t even jump for rebounds. As well, Sidney complained about referees’ calls, appeared tired even during the first half, fouled a lot, was even at halfcourt for free throws sometimes. In the second half, after Sidney fouled out, I didn’t even notice that the big man was off the floor, though that may be hard to believe. That explains just how nonexistent he was throughout the contest. There were some positives that the highly regarded big man did display in the game against the NY Panthers. First off, Sidney is a good free throw shooter and puts a lot of arc on his shots from the stripe. His has a solid handle and a stellar form on his jumper. Renardo was certainly aggressive at times, and even dove on the floor for the ball at least once. In the second half, for the little bit that he was in, the Fairfax High School star seemed to play better, as he was jumping more, and thus grabbed more rebounds. Overall though, Sidney wasn’t even one of the two best players on the floor . . . for his own team.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Update on . . . Justin Crosgile

If you will recall, back on April 28th, I first featured Justin in article entitled "Justin Crosgile- Soon to be St. Joe's Hawk?" It appears that I was right, as I first read on http://blog.zagsblog.net/ last night that 6'0 junior guard Justin Crosgile of DePaul Catholic (NJ) had committed to St. Joseph's. Also last night, I caught up with the future St. Joe's baller and discussed his decision with him. "Well, it's a great school, not too far from home, it's a guard school, it has my major, and I think it's a perfect fit for me," said Crosgile of why he picked the school, adding, "I feel comfortable with my decision. I'm happy and excited to be a Hawk. The coaching staff is great and I love everything about the school." I inquired of Justin what he planned on his major being: "Computer science or business and marketing." I asked the DePaul Catholic guard when he actually committed and when he really did make his decision, and he told me that he officially committed yesterday, but "decided about two weeks ago." After hearing that he waited two weeks to commit, I questioned Crosgile about the reason for the wait, to which he said: "My coach wanted to talk it over, and my mother wanted to a little bit after my brother's graduation." Justin, who told me that "family" helped him along the way to a decision informed me that his other finalists were "Virginia, Miami and [he] was looking at Indiana." I will keep you posted on Crosgile as he completes his high school career and continues off to St. Joseph's.

Omari Lawrence- Helping the NY Panthers Enter the Spotlight

The NY Panthers are sometimes over shadowed by other AAU programs in New York, such as the NY Gauchos, New Heights, Metro Hawks, and Juice All-Stars. Over the weekend, the NY Panthers' U-17 team thrust their name near the top of the list of the best programs in the Empire State with an impressive showing at the Rumble in the Bronx. Led by 6'4 junior guard Omari Lawrence of St. Raymond's (NY), the squad pulled off an upset over one of the the tournament favorites, the LA Dream Team (CA), a squad featuring Renardo Sidney and Jordan Hamilton. Lawrence paced the Panthers from start to finish in the game, keeping them out front almost the whole contest. Prior to the big win, I had the chance to speak with Omari.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
OL: My leadership and driving to the basket.

NB: What [is] . . . your weakest point? What are you going to need to work on the most?
OL: Extending my range.

NB: Do you have any goals for your senior year in high school?
OL: My goal is [to] hopefully become a McDonald’s All-American and just winning a championship, a national championship.

NB: What schools are you currently considering?
OL: Right now, I’m considering Marquette, UConn, West Virginia, Memphis, [and] Arizona. Schools like that.

NB: Have all those schools offered you scholarships?
OL: Yes.

NB: Is there a leader that stands out to you right now?
OL: No, nobody stands out to me right now. I’m just wide open still.

NB: Is there any school that you’ve always dreamed of playing at?
OL: No, I don’t have [any] dream school right now.

NB: When do you plan on starting to take . . . visits?
OL: I’m taking an unofficial [visit] next month to Marquette, and to UConn.

NB: When are you going to start taking official [visits]? Do you know?
OL: The beginning of my next year, before my season begins.

NB: Do you have a timetable for when you plan to commit?
OL: No, I don’t. . . . I’m just waiting for the perfect fit for me.

NB: What [is your team] . . . looking to accomplish in the tournament here?
OL: We [are] trying win it, win the whole thing, like everybody else.

Although the NY Panthers did not win the Rumble 2008, the team did make it to the title game before falling to the NY Gauchos. In addition, the team knocked off a New York squad, the Juice All-Stars, in the semifinals. As well, they were the only team to defeat the LA Dream Team, who would go on to take the Silver Bracket crown. A big part of the squad success was certainly Omari Lawrence. He is a player with a great game, major goals, and a bright future.

Scouting Report on Lawrence’s Game vs. LA Dream Team:

Omari Lawrence is a fantastic talent, certainly one of Big East caliber. The 6’4 junior guard is a bit lanky, quite skinny, and appears somewhat awkward on the court, as he has an odd shooting motion, which is evident on his free throws. As well, he even seems to dribble somewhat awkwardly, but it’s definitely working for him. Lawrence has solid athleticism: nice ups, quickness, aggressive, and some muscularity. As for his actual game, Omari has a solid crossover and attacks the basket extremely well, which is helped by his stellar head fake. At times, the St. Raymond’s (NY) stud appeared to be a bit too fancy. On a court of superstars (Kevin Parrom, Sterling Gibbs, Renardo Sidney, Jordan Hamilton), Lawrence may well have been the best player of them all. This NY Panther is destined for success.

Note- tournament info is from http://www.rivals.com/

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Kevin Parrom- What's Done is Done

Kevin Parrom has had an interesting past few months. The former St. Raymond's (NY) star was involved in an altercation with his coach (See http://njmg.typepad.com/zagsblog/2008/05/parrom-decks-an.html for details), and it seemed that Parrom was going to have to make some changes. Well, he has done so, and he was with his U-17 NY Panthers squad at the Rumble in the Bronx, where the team had a great showing. I spoke with the 6'4 junior forward before his team met and defeated the LA Dream Team (CA) in pool play.

NB: Could you discuss a little bit about the incident that happened with you recently, or do you not want to talk about that?
KP: It just happened. It could have been . . . handled a different way, but it happened. Everything happens for a reason, [I’ve] just got to move on from this.

NB: Are you and [St. Raymond’s Head] Coach [Oliver] Antigua on better terms now? Have you guys spoken since then?
KP: I haven’t spoken to him.

NB: Is that something you want to try to do, or no?
KP: I don’t want [any] bad blood with nobody, but if he wants to speak, I’ll speak. It . . . doesn’t really matter.

NB: What school are you planning on attending next year?
KP: South Kent.

NB: What went into that choice for you to go to South Kent?
KP: [Pause] It’s like a college campus. It’s going to help me get ready for college, so that was a main point. [It will be] my senior year [and it will] help me get ready for college.

NB: You mentioned colleges, what are some of the schools that you’re considering right now?
KP: Xavier, St. John’s, Pittsburgh, Clemson, Marquette, [and] South Carolina

NB: Have all those schools offered you a scholarship?
KP: Yes. . . . There are more, I just don’t feel like naming them right now.

NB: Do you have any leaders? Any top three of four schools?
KP: I plan on chopping my list down during the summer, but I . . . don’t have [any] leaders at this time.

NB: Do you know how much you’re going to cut it down, to about how many schools?
KP: I don’t know, I’m going to just decide on that during the summer, probably during August.

NB: Do you have a dream school [of] someplace you’ve always wanted to go?
KP: No, no dream school, just . . . to go to college.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
KP: My versatility, to be able to go in and out.

NB: What [is] . . . your weakest point?
KP: Defense on the perimeter, I need to improve on that.

NB: What are you looking to accomplish [during] your senior season?
KP: Become a better player every game, everyday I play, just get better over the summer.

Kevin appears to be past his struggles with Antigua. Although the situation is unfortunate, Parrom did sat that "everything happens for a reason," so maybe there will be some positive results. Evidently, Parrom had nothing blocking his concentration at the Rumble 2008, as http://www.rivals.com/ selected his a one of the event's top performers (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=818601). Kevin Parrom is clearly talented, and as long as none of these occurrences happen again, he is poised for big things.

Scouting Report on Parrom’s Game vs. LA Dream Team:

Flat-out, Kevin Parrom didn’t show the crowd all that much in the game I saw him play. He didn’t stand out at all. The 6’4 junior was almost non-existent in first half, when he scored just three points and was only 1/3 at the free throw line. In the second 16 minutes of play, Parrom was a bit better. He drove to the hoop and was aggressive. Overall, though, this was a poor performance for Kevin, and not a great game to judge him on.

Note- photo is from http://www.rivals.com/

Lance Stephenson- Where is he Headed?

After Lincoln (NY) defeated Rice (NY) at the Prime Time Shootout in February, I caught up with Lance Stephenson. I spoke with Lincoln's 6'6 junior swingman again this past weekend at the Rumble in the Bronx and I just got off the phone with him about 20 minutes ago. Stephenson's Raising Champions team had an extremely dissapointing performance at the Rumble 2008, and according to http://www.rivals.com/, the team did not even win a game. The squad featured Stephenson, Karron Johnson, Roberto Nelson, CJ Leslie, and Christian Kabongo, yet could not even pick up a win. Lance just told me this about the reasoning for the dissapointing showing: "I didn’t think we had the team chemistry, we never really practiced with each other. It was . . . our second time seeing each other." Despite the poor performance of the team, I still took the opportunity to chat with Lance on Saturday.

NB: There’s been a lot of reports lately about what colleges you’re considering. Can you just clear up the air and let me know what schools you are officially considering?
LS: UCLA, USC, and Kansas.

NB: What about Kentucky?
LS: Oh yeah, I like Kentucky, [it’s] a good school. I’m looking at every school, so if I just tell you a name of a school, that doesn’t really mean I’m actually going to really go there, I’m just looking at them real hard right now.

NB: Are there any other schools that are a little bit further behind . . . that you’re also considering? Anyone in particular?
LS: Memphis, St. John’s, [Pause] Indiana, and North Carolina.

NB: Does St. John’s have a bit of an edge in some ways because [it] is the home state school?
LS: Oh yeah, I was really looking at St. John’s. I think I can bring New York back [to prominence], so I’m really looking at that right now.

NB: What are going to be some of the factors in your decision?
LS: [A] good place surrounding and a good coach.

NB: You mentioned USC. What do you think about the whole OJ Mayo situation right now?
LS: I think that it’s real messed up, but [Pause] somebody did the wrong thing around him and I don’t think that should have happened, but . . . I don’t think I’m going to be in his league. I’m just focused on school and basketball right now.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of four game?
LS: Down low in the post.

NB: What [is] . . . your weakest point?
LS: I don’t think I have one. Right now, it’s my attitude, that’s it, but I can change that.

NB: What are you trying to do to work on that?
LS: Just relax, but sometimes it doesn’t go my way and I get real upset. . . . I’m trying to work on it now.

Since Saturday, it seems that Lance's list has changed a little bit. "USC, St. John's, Kansas, UCLA, and Tennessee," are the schools that Stephenson just told me he is considering. I asked if North Carolina, Memphis, Kentucky, and Indiana were out of contention, and he told me that they are not: "I’m still looking at [those] schools, but I’m more focused on the other [first five] schools, then I’m going to focus on the others." As for a favorite: "I don’t have a leader right now," said the New York superstar. The only schools that Stephenson mentioned upon first questioning both times were USC, UCLA, and Kansas, so it seems that although he won't publicly say it, they may well be the favorites right now.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Karron Johnson- Durham for High School and College?

Mt. Zion Christian Academy (NC) is one of the top prep school basketball programs in America. The school currently has a superstar on its hands in 6'7 junior forward Karron Johnson. Mt. Zion, which produced current Houston Rocket Tracy McGrady, is located in Durham, the same town as Duke University. This is interesting for Johnson, as that is the school he grew up rooting for. I learned this from the man himself when we spoke at the Southern Jam Fest after Karron's Richmond Squires (VA) U-17 team was knocked out of the event.

NB: Playing at a school, Mt. Zion [Christian Academy], that Tracy McGrady came out of, what is that like for you?
KJ: It’s okay. . . . It’s kind of hard playing in Tracy McGrady light, but [I] make it work.

NB: Do you ever think about that? Or do you just worry about yourself and your game?
KJ: I try to just worry what I got to do, what I got to take care of [and] get it done.

NB: What led you to playing with the Richmond Squires, going out-of-state [from your high school] for an AAU program?
KJ: Well, actually I’m from Richmond, Virginia. So, . . . I [have] been playing with them since I was like 13 or 14, and we just made the transition to Mt. Zion . . . for private school.

NB: What went into that decision?
KJ: It was kind of my AAU coach Tony Squire to get me out of Richmond because it’s a bad situation in the city of Richmond, so [I ]had to get out of there.

NB: What are some of the colleges you’re currently considering?
KJ: Syracuse, Kansas, USC, Miami, UVA, Seton Hall, Georgetown, Memphis, Maryland, it’s a lot.

NB: Do you have offers from all of those [schools]?
KJ: The majority.

NB: What are some of the schools that are showing interest in you, but have yet to offer?
KJ: Well, during the high school season, Duke was actually at a couple [of] our games, but I’m not really sure where that’s going. That’s about the only big school.

NB: Is that a school that you’d be interested in possibly going to, or because their not showing interest now, it’s kind of fallen off your radar?
KJ: No, I’m wide open right now, anything’s possible right now.

NB: Do you have any schools at the top of your list?
KJ: No sir, no sir. I’m wide open, anything can happen.

NB: Is there a school that growing up you’ve always dreamed of going to, when you were a little kid that you always rooted for them and they were always your favorite school?
KJ: Duke.

NB: What did it mean to you then, to have them come to actually watch your games and know that the school you’ve always rooted for was watching you play?
KJ: That was big for me, I was very excited, and I also had a good game, so I was happy.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
KJ: Being that I’m big and I can put the ball on the floor. If you’re smaller, I can post up, if you’re bigger, I can dribble.

NB: What [is] . . . your biggest weakness?
KJ: Jump-shooting.

NB: How are you trying to work on that?
KJ: I have been working out with Kent Greenway, who I’ve been working out with since I was 14, and we work on a lot of jump-shots, and shooting off the dribble, and off of screens, and stuff like that.

NB: What current NCAA or NBA player would you compare your game to?
KJ: Oooh, hmmm, maybe a David West.

NB: What makes you pick him?
KJ: Because he . . . has a nice mid-range game, and if you’re too slow, he can go past you.

NB: Who would you consider to be your favorite player?
KJ: Carmelo Anthony.

NB: Why Carmelo?
KJ: Because he’s just . . . an animal. I just love the way he plays. He plays in the post, shoots the jumper, goes past you, . . . however you want it.

NB: What’s your team looking to accomplish over the rest of the AAU season?
KJ: Hopefully get some tournament wins, hopefully, and get some guys into some schools.

NB: What exactly are you looking for in a college that’s going to make it your choice [as a] destination?
KJ: Well, of course, playing time, and also how the school is academically, and what kind of programs they offer. . . . I would like to take up business of something like that, so programs like that.

Duke certainly fits the mold of a quality academic institution, so should Mike Krzyzewski choose to offer Johnson a scholarship, it would be interesting to see if he would jump at the offer, considering that it's his dream school. Being so close to Mt. Zion will allow for Coach K to observe Johnson quite frequently and analyze whether he wants the 6'7 forward to be a Blue Devil. Even if he does, it's by no means a lock that Karron would stay in Durham. It would certainly be an interesting story, though, should Johnson decide to stay in the same town for high school and college.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Update on . . . Paris Bennett

Paris Bennett, a 2009 standout from St. Patrick's (NJ) has been drawing interest from some new schools recently. Yesterday, Paris informed me that George Mason, Rice, Boston University, and Siena are "starting to get in the mix." In addition, Bennett told me that "all" of them have offered him a scholarship. Paris, who will "be at the NBA camp next week," let me know that he is "not even sure" who his leaders are at this point in the race for his services. The 6'6 junior swingman runs with Team New Jersey ABC on the AAU circuit, and will continue to showcase his abilities with the NJABC team as the season progresses. I'll keep you informed on how Bennett's recruitment is shaping up.

Dante Taylor- Rising Senior is a Rising Star

Dante Taylor, a 6'9 junior forward from National Christian Academy (MD), has been one of the players who has boosted his stock during this AAU season. Taylor has shined on the grassroots circuit with his NCA team, and colleges are certainly taking notice. I saw bits and pieces of one of his team's games at the Southern Jam Fest. After the game, Dante was kind enough to take a few minutes to chat with me.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
DT: Probably my quickness and rebounding.

NB: What [is] . . . the aspect of your game that you’re going to need to work on the most?
DT: Probably playing with my back to the basket.

NB: What is it like for you [to be] playing with this National Christian Academy program in the way that it’s set up?
DT: Oh, it’s good because we pretty go to all the big tournaments. . . . It’s for me to show everybody our team and how I play, and plus, it’s a good environment for me.

NB: Is [NCA] . . . a high school that [has] you guys playing on the AAU level as well?
DT: Yeah.

NB: What is that like for you? . . . Not only do you play basketball with these guys, you go to school with them.
DT: Oh, that’s good because we maintain a friendship [and] relationship with each other, and we all [are] used to playing with each other on the court, so we know how each of us work on the court and what our strong points are on the court and what our weaknesses are on the court.

NB: How do you think it helps you guys to relate off the court as well?
DT: [It’s] good because . . . when we [are] off the court, we [are] in the classroom or walking down the hallways [and] we keep each other in line, make sure nobody gets in trouble.

NB: What made this school this school stand out to you over some of the other programs that do similar things, like IMG Academy?
DT: Pretty much because it was . . . a Christian school.

NB: Is that something you’re looking for in a college as well, a Christian background, . . . [like a school such as] Villanova?
DT: Yeah, it’s not really that important for real.

NB: What are some of the schools that are showing interest in you?
DT: Kansas, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Syracuse, UConn, Maryland, Georgetown, Seton Hall, [and] West Virginia.

NB: Who have you received a [scholarship] offer from?
DT: West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Maryland, UNC-Charlotte, [and] UConn.

NB: Do you have a leader at this point?
DT: No, not really.

NB: Do you have any schools that are at the top of your list, three or four maybe, that you’re the most highly considering?
DT: No, not really, pretty much everybody is [at] the same level.

NB: When do you plan on starting to take official visits?
DT: I don’t really know, probably the beginning of next year or something like that.

NB: Do you know where you want to visit?
DT: No, not really.

NB: Is there a school you’ve always dreamed of playing [at]?
DT: When I first started playing basketball, I wanted to go to UConn, but now since everybody’s looking at me, I pretty much don’t have a . . . favorite right now.

NB: A lot [has] been written about you during this short AAU season thus far. What has that been like for you . . . to have the national attention that you’ve been receiving?
DT: That’s good because then that gives all the coaches the opportunity to . . . see how I’m doing when they [are] not at the games, . . . and gives them the opportunity to see me, my name everywhere, so they know I’m making noise out here.

NB: What’s your favorite part about playing basketball?
DT: Offense.

Taylor is not only a rising senior, he is one of America's biggest risers on recruiting charts. His National Christian Academy squad as a whole has been making some noise as well. The team was the runner-up in the Gold Bracket at the Southern Jam Fest and will likely continue to win game throughout the summer. The team features numerous stars, including Taylor '09, Antonio Barton '10, William Barton '10, and Wilbur O'Neal '08. Taylor's stock may well continue to rise, and his recruitment will only heat up as his final year of high school ball comes and goes.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Update on . . . Lance Stephenson

Here is a quick and simple update for you on Lance Stephenson of Lincoln (NY). The stud junior is playing AAU ball with Raising Champions at the Rumble in the Bronx this weekend. I watched a little bit of his squad's game tonight, and witnessed a scary moment for the class of 2009 stud. Lance drove to the rack and laid it up, came down, and tripped on a rug that was sticking up from the floor. He writhed on the floor for a bit, grabbing his ankle, yet walked--rather, limped--it off and stayed in the game. Although Lance Stephenson appears to be fine, it will be something to keep an eye on.

Sherrod Wright- New to the Playaz, Not New to the Spotlight

Playaz Basketball Club (NJ) is one of the premiere AAU programs on the east coast, and the organization added a star junior recently. Sherrod Wright of Mt. Vernon (NY), a 6'3 guard, began playing with the Playaz, and he will only help their already stacked U-17 team that features players such as Dominic Cheek of St. Anthony's (NJ) and Brian Oliver of Oak Hill Academy (VA). I had a chance to speak with Wright at the Southern Jam Fest, and took the opportunity to discuss his game, his recruitment, and more.

NB: What led you to play for the Playaz this weekend? Have you been playing for them [for] all [of the] AAU season?
SW: Oh yeah, I just started [the] . . . AAU season. I was playing with [the] Metro [Hawks] first for one tournament, and then something happened, so I just decided I’m going to play with [the Playaz] for good now.

NB: Why the Playaz over some of the other AAU programs? What made them stand out to you as the best possible option?
SW: Oh no, I always wanted to play with the Playaz before because “Cheeks” [Dominic Cheek] . . . [and I are] good friends, and he was always like ‘Oh, come play for the Playaz,’ but I was loyal to the Westchester Hawks, but our team went down this year, the last couple years and we didn’t have a strong team, and I was like ‘I want to win championships this year,’ so I decided I’d come play with “Cheeks.”

NB: What do you think you add to the team?
SW: [A] little bit of everything, yeah, basically a little bit of everything. I bring more slashing ability [and help] . . . from the perimeter, stuff like that, I [am] . . . another two-guard, really.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
SW: My mid-range [game] and my slashing ability, my ability to create for my other teammates and for myself.

NB: [What is] your biggest weakness?
SW: I’d say my handle [is] my biggest weakness and [my] long-range [game] a little bit, but . . . mainly [my] handle, but I’m getting stronger with that, but basically [that].

NB: As of now, have you committed to a college, and if . . . not, what schools are you considering?
SW: Right now, I’m open with any schools, really. Virginia offered me, that’s why I came down here this weekend. Georgia Teach offered me [a scholarship], [as well as] Xavier and UMass. The rest of them just got interest [for me], so I’m just open mainly. [I’m not] committed to any college, . . . I’m just going to see how it is, see a couple campuses, [find out] academic-wise how the school’s going, and just go from there.

NB: What are some of the other schools that are recruiting you and showing you interest?
SW: Marquette, Syracuse, Pitt, Wake Forest, [North Carolina] St., Florida, Rutgers, Seton Hall, [and] Wisconsin. That’s all I can think of right now.

NB: Do you have a leader at the point? . . . A top choice?
SW: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no top choices yet.

NB: Do you have a dream school, someone you’ve always wanted to play for?
SW: My dream school was North Carolina because I was born there.

NB: If they were to start showing you interest in you, . . . what would your opinion on that be?
SW: I don’t know really. . . . If they [are] not going to show interest really, then I’m not going to really ride it like that, but if they do, then we’ll see how it goes.

NB: Do you have a timetable for when you plan to commit?
SW: Oh no, no. . . . I think I’m most likely, knowing me, I’m going to commit late.

Sherrod may be a new member of the prestigious Playaz organization, but he is certainly not new to the spotlight that comes with being a part of a quality basketball program. Playing for the famous Bob Cimmino at Mt. Vernon has likely has prepared him for the pressures that will come with not only being a member of the Playaz, but for the college game as well. It seems that Wright will likely end up in the Big East, ACC, or A-10. He will have to continue to work on his game to be successful in the NCAA. I'm sure, though, that playing with Mt. Vernon and the Playaz will only help him to succeed.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/

Update on . . . Antoine Allen

Last week, I caught up with Antoine Allen of the Cecil Kirk (MD) AAU program. Allen, who plays at the U-17 level, and is a 6'2 junior guard. As of now, Allen says that he is garnering interest from Auburn, Rhode Island, Rutgers, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, and Towson. In addition, Antoine said that there are "some others that like me, but I’m not sure how serious they are." Allen, who says that "most have offered," also told me that he has "no leaders." Thus, the chase for the class of 2009 member seems to be open right now. If you recall, when I posted my feature interview on Allen, he mentioned that he was going to transfer to a prep school for his senior year, yet was not entirely sure what school he would be heading to. Well, now he is sure, and it will be Notre Dame Prep (MA) that will be getting him. I will be sure to keep you updated on how the recruitment of Allen is progressing.

Update on . . . Derek Elston

If you recall, I recently reported that I got in touch Derek Elston's mother, who informed me that her son was "in recovery from surgery." She also told me that her son, a 6'8 junior, had his surgery on his "meniscus." On Saturday, I got in touch with the Indiana-commit himself. Derek told me that he was "feeling pretty good," but did not "remember a lot from the surgery." He informed me that his injury occurred "last Saturday [5/17/08] at [the tournament run by] Speice." Elston, who said the diagnosis was a "torn meniscus," got hurt "making a spin move [when he] just lost balance." Interestingly, Speice is actually the AAU program that the future-Hoosier plays for. His surgery was "Wednesday [5/21/08] at [about] 5:30," and he will be out of action for three months, meaning that he is "done for the year," on the grassroots circuit. Being the teammate that he is, though, Elston is "still going to go the [tournaments]."
Moving on to other news regarding Elston, I discussed the future of IU hoops with him and his part in that. I started by asking him what he thinking about new Indiana Head Coach Tom Crean bringing in so many new recruits in such a short time, and I specifically mentioned Maurice Creek. Derek had this to say: "Oh man, . . . Creek [and I] are good, we talk on facebook, getting to know each other, so I like him a lot. Plus, he's a real good player." Elston also said this: "I like [the new recruits], and [Tom Crean] has changed the program and put it in the right direction, and I can't wait to get there." Clearly, Elston has no worries about the IU program. I inquired of the class of 2009 stud whether or not he and Crean talk, and if so about what: " Yeah, just to talk and get to know each other, and lately about my knee." Derek informed me that it was he who made first contact with the new head honcho for Hoosier basketball, and not the other way around. "We talk all the time. I went down there to visit him and I call them a lot to talk, but now [since] . . . it was just recent, . . . [that I] just did hurt my knee, [we talk about that]," said Elston. The soon-to-be senior is doing physical therapy, and I will let you know how he is progressing. Derek may even be telling you himself, as he will be one of Northstar Basketball's Play Diary writers.

Update on . . . Derek Elston

Here is some interesting news for you all on Derek Elston. I contacted the 6'8 junior, and was informed by his mother that he is currently "in recovery from surgery." I had not heard that the Indiana-commit was to have surgery, so I inquired about what the surgery was on and how he is doing. Elston's mother let me know that he is "doing well." In addition, she informed me that her son's surgery was "on his meniscus." That is all the information that I have as of now on the matter. If I find out anything else on the topic, I will certainly let you know. As of now, all we can do is wish Derek the best.

Keith "Tiny" Gallon Correction

Upon reading on http://www.hoopscooponline.com/ and http://www.rivals.com/ that Keith "Tiny" Gallon was considering Mississippi St., I inquired of the Oak Hill (VA) 6'9 junior whether that was the case, or if it was indeed just Mississippi. He informed me that it was Mississippi St., so I would like to correct that. Thus, I want you all to know that Gallon is considering the Mississippi St. Bulldogs, and not the Ole Miss Runnin' Rebels, as previously reported. Sorry for the mistake, and thank you.

Update on . . . Keith "Tiny" Gallon

Keith Gallon, a 6'9 forward, is anything but tiny, though that is his nickname. "Tiny" is a member of the class of 2009 and played with the powerhouse Oak Hill (VA) Warriors last year. There had been some speculation on http://www.hoopscooponline.com/ that Gallon would be leaving the school, but I got in touch with Keith himself, and he cleared the air. “No, I’m staying at Oak Hill,” is what his comment on the topic was. Thus, Head Coach Steve Smith will have his big man in the middle next year, and will not have to worry about replacing him. As for Gallon's college options, he mentioned the following six schools as his possible destinations: Arizona, Baylor, Cal, LSU, Mississippi, and USC. "Tiny" says that all six have offered him a scholarship, and he puts Mississippi, Baylor, and Arizona at the top of his list. It will be interesting to see how the recruitment of Keith "Tiny" Gallon plays out, and I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it's coming along.