Update on . . . Austin Rivers

It seems that I got to Austin Rivers at just the right time. The rising sophomore from Winter Park (FL) pulled the trigger on his recruitment recently. The 6'3.5 guard, the son of the Boston Celtics' Head Coach Doc Rivers, has committed to Florida. I spoke with Austin today to discuss his decision. "I felt real comfortable with the coaches [and it's a] . . . beautiful campus," said the up-and-coming class of 2011 stud. Rivers is one of the few committed players in his class, with superstar Aaron Ross (Arkansas) being another. I inquired of the young Rivers whether he was always planning on committing so early, and he told me this: "I really didn't know at first. . . . I knew I should look at some other schools, . . . [but there is] no way a college could be any better." Picking a school at such an early age will make it so that Rivers won't be able to fully enjoy the recruiting process. I asked if if he wishes that he would have had the opportunity to do so, and he told me this: "No, I . . . think it'll be a lot easier doing what I'm doing. . . . [It feels like a] weight has been lifted from my shoulders." I found it interesting that Austin committed to UF, as he had told me that he planned on visiting Memphis, as well as some other prestigious basketball schools. I asked Rivers what he story was on this, and he told me that he "ended up not doing it' because "when it comes down to it, it's going to be the same," adding that he "didn't need to look at the other places in [his] mind." To give you an idea of how great it felt for the young guard to commit, he informed me that "it was more exciting" than when his dad won the NBA Championship with the Celtics. His reasoning was that his "dad won," and not him, whereas he was the one who committed. Austin Rivers is a player to watch down the road, and I'll make sure you can keep track of him right here on Northstar Basketball.

Austin Rivers- Making a Name for Himself

In the basketball world, Rivers is a big-time last name right now, as Doc Rivers just coached the Boston Celtics to the NBA title. The head man in Beantown has another star in his family. Doc's son, 6'3.5 guard Austin Rivers of Winter Park (FL), was one of just two players in the class of 2011 at the Steve Nash Skills Academy, along with Tony Wroten. Rivers, Wroten, Michael Gilchrist, LeBryan Nash, and LaQuinton Ross will likely be battling for the top spot in their class as time progresses. I had a chance to speak with Austin after he finished up his final workout at the Nash event.

NB: What was it like watching your dad coach the Celtics to the NBA Championship?
AR: Man, it didn’t really sink in until the next day. It was crazy, it was probably the craziest thing, probably the best day of my life so far. [It] was crazy.

NB: Do you kind of felt a weight off of his shoulders, finally winning that title, getting that playoff [series] win and all that?
AR: Yeah, I think he can actually relax now, now that he’s at least won one and he has none of that pressure about having all those great players and not succeeding, so I think he’s more relaxed now.

NB: What’s it been like for you being around NBA players all the time, with your dad always being around those guys?
AR: It’s different. . . . It’s helped me a lot because they teach you a lot of stuff. I don’t train with them or play with them that much, I just go in my backyard and play, but it’s a lot different. They teach you stuff and it’s fun.

NB: You’ve really come on strong during the spring and summer. What’s went into that for you?
AR: It’s been good so far. I’ve been working, I think I’ve been playing a lot better because I’ve been getting a little bit . . . stronger, and . . . I’m trying to get a lot more stronger, and I just can’t wait until the Peach Jam.

NB: What’s the biggest strength in your game?
AR: I’d say my jump-shot because it can open me up, and when they have to play close, I think I [am] quick enough to go by a lot of people, and I can penetrate or score. . . . Just, the jump-shot, I think [it] opens me up.

NB: What’s your biggest weakness?
AR: I’d say my strength. Compared to these dudes, these dudes are pretty big. You got Lance [Stephenson] and Tommy [Mason-Griffin] over there [that] look like football players. . . . I need to get a little bit . . . bigger. I think that’s my weakness, strength.

NB: What schools are you currently considering?
AR: Florida, right now. . . . University of Florida, that’s most likely.

NB: Is that your dream school?
AR: It’s one of them. I’ve always liked them and Texas, and North Carolina, and Kansas. Those are the . . . four right there.

NB: Who do currently have an offer from?
AR: Florida, [Central Florida], and . . . I’m going to try to go visit Memphis, Kansas, and Texas.

Austin Rivers is not only a nice and genuine kid, he is a talented ball player. That's evident merely from the fact that the rising sophomore was invited to the Steve Nash Skills Academy, a top-notch Nike event. Rivers is a player with a of potential, as he is still young and lanky. Once he begins to fill out his frame, Rivers will be a load for any defender to handle. Austin was one of just three or four players who kept shooting around during the water break in the scrimmage I saw him. His work ethic will take him a long way, and it will help him to be more than just Doc's son.

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

Tony Wroten- The Best in the Class of 2011? He Says "Yes"

The Steve Nash Skills Academy featured some of the best players in America. The invitees included Lance Stephenson '09, John Wall '09, Tommy Mason-Griffin '09, Maalik Wayns '09, Doron Lamb '10, and Trae Golden '10. One of the biggest names at the event, which was full of superstars, was class of 2011 big-timer Tony Wroten of Garfield (WA), a 6'4.5 guard. After the last workout of the event, I had the opportunity to catch up with Wroten, one of only two players in his class at the event.

NB: What schools are you currently considering?
TW: Man, there’s a lot. I got long [list]. . . . It’s Louisville, Syracuse, [Villanova], Memphis, Maryland, Seton Hall, [and] Washington. I can go on and on. . . . I don’t even know what my top five [is] yet.

NB: How many offers do you have at this point?
TW: I only got one.

NB: From who?
TW: Washington

NB: What’s it like for you getting so much attention? You’re . . . going to be a sophomore next year, yet you have so much national attention.
TW: It’s great because . . . a lot of people come to your games, all eyes are on you, but then again, . . . I can’t think all about me, it’s about my team, and then my game will follow. So, it’s a nice privilege to have people come see me [and] have [my] games [be] packed.

NB: What’s the strongest point of your game?
TW: My vision. . . . I’m an all-around player. . . . I’m like Magic Johnson basically.

NB: What’s the weakest point of your game?
TW: Right now, I’d say, my opposite hand, my right hand.

NB: Are you the best player in the class of 2011?
TW: Yes, by far. . . . I’m not saying that to be cocky, I’m just saying it to be confident. The reason why is because I can do it all, shoot, dribble, go to the hole, play defense. I always want to guard the best player on the . . . opposite team, that’s why a few days ago I wanted to guard Lance . . . Stephenson and John Wall [because] they [are] the best. That’s why I think I’m the best in [the] class.

Wroten is certainly confident, and rightfully so. The young guard has a bright future ahead of him, and it appears that he has many options as to where he wants to go in his future. Wroten's cousin, Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks, can likely give him some secrets to success and some tips on how to handle pressure. Tony Wroten is a player that you will be hearing much more about as his years in high school move along.

Scouting Report on Wroten:

Tony Wroten was the second tallest player at the camp, behind Lance Stephenson '09, who is actually a swingman. Tony has a nice build and a big frame. The star from Washington is a top-notch athlete. It was this aspect of the the class of 2011 guard's game that made him stand out the most. He is a great dunker and has great hops. Wroten's size, athleticism, and overall talent will take him a long way.

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

Update on . . . Khalid Lewis El

Class of 2011 swingman Khalid Lewis El just finished up a big weekend in San Diego, California. The 6'3 star from Trenton Catholic (NJ) was at the adidas Phenom 150 event in the Golden State. He had a big-time weekend and busted out in a major way. Khalid was ranked by http://www.hoopscooponline.com/ as the number three player at the camp, which had around 360 kids in the rising 10th graders division. Lewis El was the top ranked wing forward, and the highest finisher of all players from the New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania basketball powerhouse area. I'll keep you posted on how things are coming along for the TCA soon-to-be sophomore.

Tavon Sledge- Young Speedster Wants to Improve

St. Benedict's (NJ) seemed to have the game in lock during their matchup with PCTI (NJ) at the Hoop Group Showcase. The Gray Bees, who led by 14 at halftime, and were up by double digits for most of the contest, let the squad from PCTI slowly creep back into the game. The game was all tied up with under a minute to go and PCTI had the ball, but was unable to convert. St. Ben's took advantage of the opportunity and hit a close-range shot as time expired. During the hard fought contest, Tavon Sledge, a 5'10 point guard, stood out as one of the premiere players for either side. I had the opportunity to chat with the class of 2011 star after the win.

NB: What happened with [the team] out there? You guys had a big lead, [but] fell apart. You guys had to win it on the last second shot. What went wrong?
TS: We just got too ahead of ourselves, started throwing turnovers. We weren’t settled. We were trying to rush our shots, and just [did] not listen to the coach really.

NB: How did you personally contribute to the letdown at some point during that game?
TS: I threw some crucial turnovers, too. I tried to push the issue and tried to get my team involved when we weren’t supposed to, and that’s pretty much it.

NB: How did you then help your team rebound and get the win?
TS: I tried to stay down low as much as possible and try to double down on the big man because he started killing us at the end and started getting more rebounds.

NB: What do consider to be the strongest point of your game?
TS: My speed and my ability to score.

NB: What’s the weakest point of your game?
TS: My jump-shot.

NB: What are you doing to improve your jump-shot?
TS: I’m working a lot on my jump-shot with my trainer, . . . so I’m trying to get to him as much as possible every week and work on the shot.

NB: What do you see as some of the similarities between playing in a high school game during the summer and an AAU event during the summer?
TS: AAU is more of a run-and-gun game. [In] high school [games] you got to be smart and listen to the coach because [in] AAU, coaches don’t really coach, they just let you play. [In] high school [games] you got to run sets and just follow what the coach is saying because if you don’t listen he’ll take you out.

NB: Which one do you prefer?
TS: High school.

NB: Which one do you think you play better in?
TS: I think I play better in AAU.

NB: Then why [do] you prefer high school [basketball]?
TS: Because I think it’s going to get me better more [than AAU is] in the future. . . . I like to run a lot and play, but high school teaches me how be smart as a point guard and play . . . [like] the coach is telling me to.

NB: You brought up the future. What are some of the colleges you’re considering right now?
TS: I don’t even know yet.

NB: Have you been receiving any interest?
TS: I got letters from Marquette, Seton Hall, Villanova, . . . Syracuse, and that’s pretty much it.

NB: Are you interested in . . . [at] some point playing in the Big East?
TS: Yeah.

NB: Do you have a dream school?
TS: Not really.

NB: Is the Big East the conference that you want to play in though?
TS: Yeah.

NB: What are you looking for in a college?
TS: Something just to get me better, to be a smarter student. . . . That’s pretty much it.

NB: How important will academics be in your decision?
TS: Very important.

It's evident that Tavon, a speedster with great hops, wants to improve his game. The floor general will definitely get some playing time for the Gray Bees this year, despite the crowded point guard situation. With seasoning and practice Tavon Sledge may well become one of the best point guards in his class. It seems that getting him to practice won't be an issue, as the St. Benedict's guard is a baller who wants to become as good as he can.

Player Diary: Stevie Taylor '11

Since my last entry I’ve been to a lot of camps and AAU tournaments. First I would like to talk about the Bob Gibbons TOC in North Carolina. My dad and I took a plane to North Carolina and as soon as we landed I told my dad that I was going to make the all- tournament team. I did! The first game I had 15 points and 5 assists, and when we went up by 20, they had to stop the game with 4 minutes to go in the 4^th quarter. Throughout the whole tournament we were blowing teams out by 20 points.

In the championship game we played the M33M Memphis, which also was the team we played in the U-14 AAU Nationals last summer. I’m happy to report that we beat them by 15 points for the second time in a row. In that game I had 23 points and 6 assists. The experience was unbelievable, and all of the universities that we played at were top notch. We played at Duke, North Carolina, and NC State. Me personally, I liked North Carolina the best because it was so big and everything was painted baby blue. I have to say, the Gibbons was the best tournament I’ve been to ever.

A few weeks back I attended the Xavier Elite Camp in Cincinnati. At Xavier, I played really well. The first game I played on the main court against some top players. The coach at Xavier spoke to me at the camp and told me he liked my game and was going to start recruiting me really hard. I like Xavier a lot and I hope they keep watching me.

I had to leave early on Saturday morning because I had to go play with my high school team at Ohio State. The Ohio State Team Camp was another great experience for my team and I. We went 2-2 the first day and we got the 5^th seed going into the playoffs. We won the first game on Sunday, but then we lost the next game.

This past weekend I played in the RBK Breakout Underclassmen Camp in Chicago, Illinois. The breakout camp was invitation only and everybody there could play. I played really well in every game. In the first two games I went for 20 points each game. There were a lot of individual match-ups that people wanted to see and most of them turned out really well and were fun to watch. I got hurt the last game on Saturday so that kept me from playing in any games on Sunday, including the all-star game. The Reebok Camp was great and I think I made a big impression.

During the last couple of weeks I have been playing in a summer league that features pro and college level athletes. Last week I led my team in scoring with 12 points, but we kind of got blown out. Next week is a big showdown between my squad and my brother’s team. I hope my thumb is better because I plan on going at my brother for real.

I was supposed to be attending the Cincinnati Elite Camp this week but I didn’t make it because of my thumb injury. However, I will be going down to the UC Team Camp on Friday with my high school team. I was hoping to get an offer from UC but that may be tough now that I missed the elite camp.

Well that’s all for now. Look for my next entry in the next couple of weeks. The next time we talk I will tell you what went down at the Adidas Take Five Classic in Cincinnati, the Adidas Super 64 in Vegas and of course the NCAA First Team Program in early August. See ya.

Sterling Gibbs- Hard Work Could Make Him a Star

Seton Hall Prep (NJ) is losing one Gibbs, but has another one that seems to have a bright future. Ashton Gibbs will be heading to Pitt next year, leaving the squad to his younger brother Sterling Gibbs, a rising sophomore. The younger of the two is a 6'1 point guard, and is a well thought of player. At the Hoop Group Showcase this weekend, I had the opportunity to see the younger Gibbs play. I also was able to speak with Sterling after his team defeated Lakewood (NJ).

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
SG: Playmaking, getting everybody involved, getting everybody in the flow of the game.

NB: What’s your weakest point?
SG: My strength, quickness, and just [my] pull-up jump-shot.

NB: What are you doing to work on those three attributes of your game?
SG: Oh, just working out everyday at Sports University with players like Andre Barrett and different big-time players to try to get stronger and better.

NB: What’s it like for you [to be] working out with those guys, being just a freshman . . . [and] now a soon-to-be sophomore, working out with some big names?
SG: Oh, it’s good. They mentor, they just the stuff that I’m doing wrong, and then at the same time it gets you confidence up, that when you play against kids your age, then you just kind of dominate.

NB: Do you ever work out with your brother [Ashton Gibbs ‘08, a Pitt-signee]?
SG: Oh yeah, I . . . work out with him all the time.

NB: What do you see as some of the similarities and differences between your game and his?
SG: I don’t really think that we play anything alike. He’s more of a spot-up shooter, he’ll shoot it in your face, but I’m more of a playmaker, and then mainly I hit the shot if I’m open.

NB: What colleges are you currently considering?
SG: Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Florida, and Maryland.

NB: Have any of them offered you a scholarship?
SG: Oh no, I haven’t had any scholarship offers yet.

NB: Is Ashton being at Pittsburgh going to impact your decision in any way?
SG: I can’t really say yes to that question because I won’t know until the time comes around.

NB: Will the way he performs at Pittsburgh have an impact in what you think of the school?
SG: No, I can’t say yes because we don’t play anything alike, . . . his style of play is different than mine.

NB: Do you have a dream school?
SG: My dream school . . . would be Arizona because they’re more of a guard-based school.

NB: If the Wildcats were to start getting involved with you and down the road they did offer you a scholarship, is that the kind of thing that you’d jump at on the spot?
SG: I would have to measure the decision because I would have to see how many guards they have, how many guards [I would be] coming in with, and different things like that.

NB: Does all the turnover in their program worry you at all, . . . with [it] being your dream school?
SG: Not really, not really, I can’t really say yes to that.

NB: Have you received a letter from them or anything of that matter?
SG: Oh yeah, that was my first college letter that I received, in eighth grade that I received from them.

NB: What was that like for you?
SG: Oh, it was exciting, it was exciting. I got it in the mail and then told my dad about it. Everybody got excited.

NB: What are you looking to accomplish throughout your high school career?
SG: Win a TOC [Tournament of Champions] Championship. That’s the main thing I want to do.

NB: What about personally?
SG: I don’t really have any personal goals. I just want to win the TOC Championship, and that would be good for me.

The Seton Hall Prep (NJ) point guard is clearly a talented player with the ability to put the ball in the hoop. Yet, it is also clear that he has a lot left to work on to be the player that he can be. Right now, he is just a solid guard, though it is hard to fully judge his playmaking and distribution skills as he is not on a particularly great team. Gibbs will be a player to keep an eye on. It should be interesting to see how he develops and what type of player he becomes.

Scouting Report on Gibbs:

Park (NJ) in a 61-39 win, finishing with 20 points, 14 of which came in the first half. Gibbs scored almost a third of his team’s point in the game, yet did so somewhat quietly and The class of 2011 point guard was so-so and inconsistent at the Hoop Group Showcase. I caught the majority of two of his team’s game. Gibbs, who is listed at 6’1, but looks at least two inches below that, had a solid showing when his Seton Hall Prep (NJ) squad manhandled Ridgefield (NJ), yet didn’t do anything all that special to standout. He certainly displayed some fine qualities in his game, such as driving strong to the hole, good court vision, and nice quickness, all of which are important are important in a modern day point guard. I did notice a few attributes in Gibbs’ game that will require some work. When heading down the court for offense, he would occasionally break early, though many times he would lag behind the play. When he did catch up to the play, there were times Gibbs would stay behind the three-point line standing around. Sterling, who has nice hops and takes contact well, did seem a bit awkward on the court at times, though part of that may have been a result of him running slowly at times, rather than actual awkwardness. He rarely went down low on either offense or defense, unless he was driving to the rack. Gibbs is the type of player who would likely need to play on a team that utilizes zone defense, as when his man went down low, Gibbs seemed lost. He needs to be able to hang up top, where he seemed quite comfortable. In fact, Sterling would actually play D well above the three-point line on some possessions. In a zone defense, Sterling could certainly excel as a premiere defensive player. Against St. Patrick’s (NJ) in the other game I saw him play, Gibbs had a rough game, dropping just eight points, half of which came at the line, where he was 4/6. He seemed frustrated for much of the game, as the Celtics ran all over them to a 54-41 win. Overall, Gibbs is a player with talent and potential. He needs two or three inches, a more developed all-around game, especially on offense, and needs to give full effort at all times. Assuming he does what he can to improve, Gibbs has a great shot of making some noise throughout his high school career and taking his game to the high DI level.

Keith Lumpkin- An Athlete who Just Loves to Play

St. Peter's Prep (NJ) has a solid big man from the class of 2011 on its hands right now, in forward Keith Lumpkin, and he shines on the gridiron as well. The 6'8 big man is a top-notch football player. Keith was with the Playaz Basketball Club at the Southern Jam Fest recently, and I saw his U-17 squad take on the Petersburg Elite Stars (VA) in Gold Bracket play, a game that they won. I spoke with the two-sport phenom after the contest.

NB: What do you think [are] some of the ways that your football and basketball abilities help you to compete in both sports?
KL: It makes you work harder. In basketball, you got to sometimes foul a person hard, and in football you’re always going hard, so . . . the aggressiveness kicks in in both sports.

NB: What position do you play on the football field?
KL: I play defensive end and right tackle.

NB: Which one do you prefer?
KL: Defensive end.

NB: Why is that? . . . Is it hitting people rather than blocking [that you prefer], is that what it is?
KL: Yeah, I like to hit people instead of blocking them.

NB: What do you plan on playing in college? Is it something you’ve thought about?
KL: I’m not sure, I’m not even sure. I’m just going to weigh my options.

NB: Are there schools that are recruiting you specifically for one sport or for both sports, or is that not something that you’re even thinking about?
KL: I’m not even thinking about that right now.

NB: What schools have been showing you interest?
KL: Penn St. for football, . . . and [also] West Virginia for football.

NB: What are your opinions on those two programs?
KL: I would go there, yeah, definitely.

NB: Do you have any offers at this point?
KL: I’m not even sure.

NB: Is there a school you’ve always dreamed of playing [at] for either sport that you’ve always just wanted . . . to go to?
KL: I would have to say probably Syracuse.

NB: For [which sports]?
KL: For both sports.

NB: What makes the Orange stand out to you?
KL: I [have] always wanted to play in the Carrier Dome.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your basketball game?
KL: My drop step.

NB: [What is] your weakest point?
KL: My jump shot and my dribbling.

NB: [What is] your strongest . . . point [in] football?
KL: I’m stronger than everybody, so I’m able to blow past everybody on the line and I like to hit people.

NB: What [is] your weakest point [in] football?
KL: I’m probably a little too slow, and I got to stay low, so that’s really it.

NB: What sport do you prefer to play?
KL: I’m not sure, I like to play both. I love, just love playing both of them.

It's evident that Lumpkin just loves sports. He is the type of kid who genuinely enjoys athletics, and isn't just in it for money somewhere along the line, publicity, or popularity. Since the Southern Jam Fest, I caught up with Keith, and it seems that his recruitment has begun to heat up. Rutgers, Boston College, Pitt, Florida, Nebraska, West Virginia, UConn, North Carolina, Illinois, Penn St., and Notre Dame are all showing interest in him for football. As for basketball, Lumpkin is being looked at by Baylor, Penn St., Rutgers, Seton Hall, West Virginia, St. Joseph’s, UCLA, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Boston College. The 6'8 freshman claimed offers from Rutgers, Boston College, Pitt, Florida, Nebraska, West Virginia, UConn, North Carolina, and Illinois for football. It does seem unlikely, though, that such prestigious programs would offer a freshman a scholarship. I think it's possible that Keith may have just misinterpreted the recruitment of these schools. Either way, Lumpkin is primed for a successful career in whichever sport, or sports, he chooses, and I'm sure he will love every minute of it.

Christian Leach- 2011 Baller is a Flat-Out Scorer

Christian Leach, a 6'1 guard for National Christian Academy (MD), is a talented basketball player, and the freshman knows how to put the ball in the hoop. I saw part of Leach's U-15 NCA squad's wins against D-One Sports (NC) and the Fairfax Stars (VA) in pool play at the Southern Jam Fest. In both contests, Leach had 20+ points, dropping 27 against D-One and 20 versus Fairfax. Clearly, the rising sophomore is a talented offensive player. I spoke with him after his team's win over Fairfax.

NB: Where does your scoring ability come from? [You have scored] . . . 20+ points in two straight games. How do you have that ability just to put the ball in the hoop?
CL: Well, I try to get my teammates involved first, but . . . it just comes naturally I guess.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
CL: My ability to score.

NB: What do you think you need to work on the most?
CL: Defense.

NB: With the defense, what specifically is it? Is it more of the perimeter defense, down low with the bigs, . . . what specifically is it that you have to work on so you can help out on both sides of the court?
CL: Staying up close with my man.

NB: Have you been receiving any college interest at this point in any form?
CL: No, not yet.

NB: Do you have a school that you’ve always dreamed of going to?
CL: [The] University of Connecticut.

NB: Why UConn? What puts [it] at the top of your list?
CL: [Pause] Well, the amount of players that go to the NBA that come through that school, . . . and I [have] just always dreamed of going there.

NB: Do you have a player that you compare yourself to skills-wise in the way you play either in the NBA or in the NCAA?
CL: No, I don’t [have one].

NB: Do you have a favorite NBA team as well that you also watch and [and whose players] you try to emulate some of the guys on that team?
CL: [The] Los Angeles Lakers.

NB: Who are some of the players that you try to [emulate and] pick up some of their moves and try to use that in your game?
CL: Kobe Bryant.

NB: What makes basketball . . . an enjoyable sport for your to play? What makes it appealing for you to just go out and play basketball, . . . get to all these tournaments [and] take up your spring [and] summer and just play basketball?
CL: Oh man. [Pause] . . . Just [to] work hard. I [have] always dreamed of playing since I was young, [and] my father . . . brought basketball in my life.

NB: If you had to give me one word to sum up your game what would it be?
CL: Shooter.

It is good to see that Leach knows he needs to work on his defense, and assuming he does so, he may well develop into one of the top guards in his class. The scoring ability is already there for Christian, and once he develops a more well-rounded game on both ends of the floor, he will be a scary player. It's hard to tell right now whether or not he will become a UConn-caliber player, but every team needs a scorer. Christian Leach is just that, a flat-out scorer.

Robel Hurui- Seven Footer is Only a Freshman

Robel Hurui of National Christian Academy (MD) is in the class of 2011. The freshman, though, already checks in at 7'1. Hurui doesn't play much for NCA becasue he is rail thin and likely lacks the stamina to play for an extended period of time. Hurui reminds me of current SMU Mustang Bamba Fall when I saw him play as a member of Oak Hill Academy (VA) a few years ago; tall, thin, and lacking stamina. I caught up with the lanky big man at the Southern Jam Fest after his team knocked off D-One Sports (NC) in pool play.

NB: How do you feel that being so tall at such a young age has both helped you and hurt you basketball-wise?
RH: Well, it helped me . . . [because] it’s a big advantage in basketball. . . . It’s hurt me because [Pause] . . . I’m not used to . . . I don’t know.

NB: What do you consider to be the strongest point of your game?
RH: Probably in the middle, [at] center.

NB: Do you feel more comfortable playing offense or defense?
RH: Really, defense.

NB: Why defense?
RH: Because I’m not that good on offense. . . . I’m still in the process of getting better.

NB: What do you consider to be the weakest point of your game?
RH: [Pause] Offense.

NB: When did you first start playing basketball?
RH: About a year ago, in middle school.

NB: And what led you to choose to start playing then and not earlier, or what led you to choose to start to play in the first place? . . . Why did you pick up the ball and start playing?
RH: Back in my country, . . . I was playing with my friends and . . . I liked it and I just started playing.

NB: And where is that? What country?
RH: Atria, it’s in east Africa.

NB: And when did you come over to America?
RH: In 2000.

NB: Playing at National Christian, with this program, . . . how do you think it helps you to develop your basketball game?
RH: [Pause] It’s a really good school, I like it. . . The coach really helps me a lot, . . . and I’ve gotten a lot better since I started going there.

NB: What do you like most about the game of basketball?
RH: In basketball, [Pause] you got to use all [of] your body, . . . you got to run, and I like that. . . . It’s really challenging.

NB: Have you been receiving any college interest yet?
RH: Oh no, not yet.

NB: Do you have a dream school that you’ve always wanted to go to?
RH: Not really.

NB: [Are] there some goals that you’ve developed for yourself? Whether it be what you want to do in college, . . . what you want to accomplish at the high school level [or at the] AAU [level]?
RH: Well, it’s to be good [at] basketball [and] hopefully play pro [ball] one day.

NB: Do you have a favorite team?
RH: [The] Lakers.

NB: [Who is your] favorite player?
RH: I’d say Kobe [Bryant].

Hurui was correct in his assessment that right now his offensive game is not where it needs to be. I saw part of a couple of NCA's game at the Southern Jam Fest, and in those two, he managed just two points in total, scoring both against D-One Sports. In addition, stamina was evidently a problem for him. The offensive skills will come with time for Hurui, and his stamina will also improve as the years progress. The big man will likely play college ball regardless of how fast that progression comes along, because, as they say, "you can't teach height." Robel Hurui will be a name to keep an eye out for over the next few years.

James McAdoo- A BWSL Star

James McAdoo is 6'9, and he's only a freshman. That will grab anyone's attention, and it appears colleges are already starting to take notice of the class of 2011 star forward from Norfolk Christian (VA). McAdoo plays for the Boo Williams Summer League (VA) U-15 team, a squad that won the Gold Bracket Championship at the Southern Jam Fest a few weeks ago. On the second day of the event, I spoke with James after his team's big win over the Delaware Sharks.

NB: What does it mean to you to play for the Boo Williams Summer League team, one of the most highly-regarded programs in the country?
JM: It means a lot. . . . It just shows you how hard work can really pay off. If you work for what you can get and you set goals, hopefully if . . . God looks out for you, you’ll get there.

NB: Do you ever feel [that] there’s too much pressure on you, being a freshman and having the national attention that is already on you? Is that ever too much to handle?
JM: No, no, I just go out there and play for myself, just go out there and try to play. God has given me the ability to play ball, so I just go out there and do . . . what He gave me [the ability to do], just go out there and play.

NB: What colleges have been showing interest in you thus far?
JM: Clemson, Duke, . . . Florida, North Carolina, [North Carolina] St., [and] UCLA, that’s it.

NB: Do you have a dream school, someplace that you’ve always wanted to go?
JM: I’ve always wanted to play at North Carolina I’d say.

NB: If they were to eventually offer you [a scholarship] down the road, would that be something that you would just jump at and [accept] on the spot?
JM: It depends the program [is] because the programs are up and down all over the nation, so it depends on . . . how the team’s doing at that point.

NB: Is there an coach . . . that you most admire? Whether . . . it’s [because of] the way that his players play, whether it’s his tenacity, whatever it might be, . . . which coach [at] the NCAA level would you say is the one you most admire?
JM: I would say the head coach for Florida, . . . Billy Donovan. I really like the way he coaches [and] how his relationship with the kids [is].

NB: You said Florida [has] been showing interest in you. When Billy Donovan and his team did show that interest in you, what was that like for you? Was that . . . extra-special for you?
JM: Yeah, that was a big surprise, that he would come and see me after they had just won those two National Championships, but it actually showed my how down-to-earth he was, and how they [are] just ballplayers just like us.

NB: Do you have a timetable for when you plan to commit?
JM: Not really. . . . I haven’t thought about that yet.

NB: What do you consider to be the biggest strength of your game?
JM: Probably my ability to handle the ball and shoot the jumper at my height, being a big man, . . . and being able to run the floor.

NB: [What is] your biggest weakness?
JM: Probably my strength, I got to get stronger [and] be able to go up stronger with the ball.

NB: What do you plan on doing to work on that?
JM: I [have] been lifting weights ever day [and] working on my agility to increase my strength.

I caught up with James last week, and he mentioned four more schools that are showing him interest: Old Dominion, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech. He told me that "they all [have] expressed a lot of interest, but [I have] no real offers." In addition, the big man told me that "his leaders are Florida and North Carolina,” which makes sense considering that he is an admirer of UF Head Coach Billy Donovan and lists UNC as his dream school. McAdoo is just a freshman, so you may not have heard of him yet, but he is making some noise on the AAU circuit, and you will be hearing his name a lot in the future.

Update on . . . Stevie Taylor

Class of 2011 stud Stevie Taylor is one of the Player Diary writers here at Northstar Basketball, and his first entry can be seen if you check the archive. Last week, I caught up with the 5'8 guard from Ohio. Taylor, a member of the Ohio Basketball Club U-15 team informed me that he is being recruited by Cincinnati, Dayton, Georgetown, Tennessee, Ohio St., Akron, and St. Joseph's. As for scholarship offers, Taylor has one thus far, from the Zips. "Akron offered, but the leaders are Georgetown, Tennessee, [and] Cincinnati," said Stevie. I asked Taylor if Akron has a shot at eventually landing him: "I [don't know] because they offered [another] pg in my class." As for his reasoning on why the Hoyas, Volunteers, and Bearcats are in the lead: "[They are] the leaders because they [are] showing the most interest in me." I will keep you updated on Steve Taylor's recruitment, and hopefully he will as well in his Player Diary entries.

Player Diary: Stevie Taylor '11

Hey whats up? This is a day in my life. Each day I start my day off the same way. First, I wake up figuring out what I’m about to wear to school in the morning. After that I get a ride to school with my brother (Robbie). At school for me its fun because I get to see my friends and get to further my education. Everyday during my lunch period I go in the coach’s office to get a basketball and go in the gym to get some shots up by myself. While I’m there I work on free throws, pull up jumpers from both wings. After that I put my school clothes on and go to class.

My daily basketball schedule has been crazy the last couple of weeks. Normally, after school, I lift weights then Coach Vic picks me up from school and I work out at the local YMCA for a couple of hours with some of the other top guys around Columbus. We work on lots of shooting drills from every spot on the court and then we play one-on-one, three-on-three or some other games. After that, we usually go to an open gym where we get a good run for a couple of hours. After that, my brother and me either work out with Coach PJ, or my dad works us out at the high school. Because my dad has a key to the high school gym, we workout almost every day. We do skills and drills for a couple of hours then I go one-on-one with my brother a little bit. Oh yea, I’m beating my older brother now, but not all the time just yet.

I have been real busy so far this AAU season. I just got back form a tournament in Italy a number of weeks ago. We finished second and I got the tournament MVP. My team, the Ohio Basketball Club, won the Pittsburgh Jam Fest a few weeks ago and I made the all-tournament team. We lost in the elite eight the last two tournaments, then we took a two-week break from tournaments.

Tomorrow [Friday 5/23/08] we are heading down to the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions in North Carolina. The competition is going to be crazy and we have some really tough teams in our pool. It looks like we got Rich Soil in our pool with my boy Najee Whitehead who played with me on Team Phenom last summer. They also got D. Grace and Tavon Sledge so you know it’s going to be hot. We get to play at Duke, NC State and maybe North Carolina.

Yesterday [Wednesday 5/21/08] my dad took me and my brother down to an open gym at the University of Dayton and we ran with the team. Those guys did not give me the basketball that much but my shot was falling when I got it. The rest of the summer is real busy. I’m going to team camps with my high school at the University of Cincinnati and Ohio State, plus some elite camps at UC, West Virginia and Akron. I may get an invitation to the Reebok Underclassmen Camp in June then I go to the NCAA First Team event in Arizona sometime in August.

Now you know whats up with my crazy schedule but you know I have to do it to make it. Well that's all for now. I will get back at you soon. Keep ballin y'all.

Shaq Stokes- Future Big East Baller?

St. Patrick's (NJ) is one of the most well-regarded high school basketball programs in the United States. Head Coach Kevin Boyle seems to re-stock his talent every season, and this year was no different, as he brought in three of the premiere freshman in America, 6'5 forward Michael Gilchrist, 6'1 guard Derrick Gordon, and 5'10 guard Shaq Stokes. Not that long ago, I spoke with Stokes, a member of the Metro Hawks' U-16 squad on the AAU circuit. As of now, Shaq says that he doesn't have any scholarships offers, though he is receiving interest from UCLA, Cincinnati, Villanova, North Carolina St., and Xavier. Right now, the freshman says that "probably . . . Xavier" is in the lead right now because "the program is building up, they've really had success over the past year, [and he] really likes that school." Although he has yet to get to Ohio to take a look at the school, he "would like to." Shaq's dream schools are UConn and Georgia Tech. "I like Connecticut because the coach is tough-nosed," said Shaq, who later added that the Huskies' "Jim Calhoun" is the coach he most admires at the NCAA level. As for Georgia Tech, he said: "I like [the school] because great guards from New York City come [out] from that school, [such as] Kenny Anderson [and] Stephon Marbury. I [feel like I can] . . . be the next one." Stokes, who ended up at St. Pat's "to follow Corey Fisher because he came out of New York City, . . . [and] it's a great school to go to." Stokes did not get to play much on the varsity team this year, primarily running with the JV squad. On not getting to play with the varsity all that much, Stokes said that he "was frustrated a lot," and there were even "a few times [that he wanted to transfer], but [he] wanted to stick it [out]." Stokes is definitely toughing it out, as he does "plan on going" to St. Patrick's next year, and continuing his career as a Celtic. "Going to the basket, . . . [and] making other people better," is what the undersized guard says is his forte. Meanwhile, he claims that his major weakness is "listening, . . . not following directions," by which he means that "sometimes the coach [will] tell [him] to do something and [he] wants to do [his] own thing. That's the only reason [he] thinks [he] didn't play at St. Pat's." As for the future, Stokes plans on "working hard in practice everyday [and] listening to the coach." If you'll recall, earlier in the article, I mentioned that the coach Shaq most admires is Jim Calhoun, well, his favorite player is "Carmelo Anthony" because "he's smooth on the court," and the player he compares his game to is UConn-bound Kemba Walker. As well, from reading the rest of the article, you can likely tell that Stokes likes current Villanova Wildcat Corey Fisher. All four of these people--Calhoun, Anthony, Walker, and Fisher--have Big East ties. Thus, it seems that Stokes is likely to end up playing ball in that conference, and he agrees: "Yeah, I think . . . a Big East school, [but] only time will tell." Assuming Shaq Stokes lives up to his potential and the high expectations that have been place upon him, then a Big East school may well be in his future.

Davontay Grace- Big Guard's Got Game

Davontay Grace is a well-known player in the New York area. The freshman at Jefferson (NY) is not only highly-regarded, but highly-skilled. Although it may seem that these two would always go hand in hand, that's just not the case, as many kids get the hype, but don't play up to that level. Grace is 6'2, but has a body frame that makes him look bigger. His size allows him to get to the hoop. Davontay is a skilled combo guard on the AAU level with Rich Soil from New York. I caught up with the linebacker-esque guard after his team was defeated by Team New Jersey ABC at the Providence Jam Fest.

NB: What do you consider to be the forte of your game?
DG: I think I improved my jump-shot, and my ability to make my teammates better, and my playmaking ability.

NB: What do you think is your biggest weakness?
DG: I got to get in better shape and work on defense more.

NB: What player [that is currently] in either the NBA or the NCAA . . . would you compare your game to?
DG: I think, . . . probably if I was two more inches taller, . . . I think I play like Baron Davis a bit.

NB: Have you been receiving any college interest at this point?
DG: Yeah, I [have received] from Seton Hall, Marquette, Rutgers, Tennessee, [and] I think Cincinnati too.

NB: Have any of the schools offered you yet?
DG: Not that I know of.

NB: Do you have a school that growing up you’ve always rooted for that you’ve always wanted to go to?
DG: Yeah, I like North Carolina and . . . Georgetown.

NB: Why [those two]?
DG: Just the tradition that they have and the NBA players that they breed.

NB: [Has] there ever been a coach that you’ve always wanted to play for?
DG: Not really. . . . I just like basketball, and wherever I go, I just want to be taught basketball and get better [by] whatever coach I play for.

NB: What do you like most about playing AAU basketball?
DG: The competition and the traveling.

NB: What’s your least favorite part?
DG: The early morning games.

Grace has a balanced game on offense. He drives to the rack, but also pulls up for jumpers. The frosh's range extends to beyond the three-point arc. Although Davontay had an off-day shooting that ball when I saw him play, his talent was evident. You may not know who Grace is yet, but the New York guard will be big in the hoops scene as his years in high school move along.

Note- photo is from Generation Next Basketball, at http://hstrial-spulliam.homestead.com/

Ashcraf Yacoubou- He's For Real

American Christian Academy (PA) is losing its best player, senior Tyreke Evans, but replacing him will be a talented freshman. If you recall, in an earlier article on Northstar Basketball, I reported ACA Head Coach Tony Bergeron's high praise for the class of 2011 star: "The only thing that held him back [this season] was that Tyreke Evans played the same position." I had the opportunity to see Ashcraf, a 6'4 guard, in action this past weekend at the Providence Jam Fest. Although his U-16 Rich Soil AAU squad was throttled by Team New Jersey ABC in the silver bracket quarterfinals, Yacoubou stood out amongst the talent on the Rich Soil team. I spoke with Ashcraf after the game.

NB: What was it like for you playing behind Tyreke Evans [this] year?
AY: It was good, it was good, I learned a lot.

NB: How do you think it’s going to help you prepare for next season when you’re stepping into more of an . . . [important] role at American Christian?
AY: I really don’t know. . . . This year, . . . I played some games [and] some days I didn’t, but the game I didn’t play [in], I learned. [It was a] learning experience.

NB: What was it like for you having to sit out some of those games? Did you ever consider heading to another school where you could play more, or were you always just focused on ‘I’m learning and I’m getting better’?
AY: Yeah, I always focused on ‘I’m learning, I’m getting better, and I’m a freshman, so I got to wait my turn.’

NB: What do you think the team’s going to be able to accomplish next season? . . . I know you . . . are moving out of the prep level, what are you going to be able to do at the high school level?
AY: I think we [will] do alright.

NB: What do you consider to be the forte of your game?
AY: How I can shoot the jump-shot.

NB: What do you think you need to work on the most?
AY: My defense and my stamina.

NB: Have you been getting any college interest as of now?
AY: Yeah.

NB: What schools have been showing interest in you early [on]?
AY: Memphis, Oklahoma St., Villanova, and some more.

NB: Has anyone offered you [a scholarship] thus far?
AY: Memphis.

NB: What was it like for you when that first offer came in?
AY: I was just happy, I was relieved. I just, I felt like committing my freshman year, but it’s too early.

NB: Where do you think you want to go?
AY: I don’t know yet.

NB: Is there . . . either a team or a conference, anyplace you’ve always dreamed of playing [for]?
AY: No, not really. Let me see, I think [the] Big East [or the] ACC. That’s it, that’s about it.

The Rich Soil team features four of the top 30 freshman, as ranked by The Hoop Scoop Online (http://www.hoopscooponline.com/), in 5'10 guard Tavon Sledge of St. Benedict's (NJ), 6'2 guard Najee Whitehead of Mt. Vernon (NY), 6'2 guard Davontay Grace of Jefferson (NY), and Yacoubou. Thus, it's impressive that Ashcraf was easily the best of the bunch against NJABC. Although he did not score that many points, Yacoubou was solid at the point, had a stellar shot, got to the rack, has good height, and is nice playmaker. Yacoubou might not be able to fill Tyreke Evans' shoes next year, but he is certainly mightily talented and will cause a stir as his recruitment heats up over the next three years.

Terrell Johnson- A Rising Star?

Terrell Johnson is a 5'9 guard for the Hunting Park Warriors (PA) AAU program. Johnson, a freshman, is part of the U-15 squad. Although the team had a rough showing at the Pitt Jam Fest this past weekend, it was clear that they have a solid nucleus of players, including Johnson and 6'7 Eric Copes. The Warriors had a tough loss to Team New Jersey ABC, blowing a big lead late in the game. The defeat, though, couldn't stop Terrell Johnson from shining for Hunting Park. I caught up with him after the game.

NB: That was a tough loss out there, but you played . . . well. What went into your performance personally?
TJ: [I] played [well], but at the end it really didn’t mean nothing because we lost. With the bad call at the end, we didn’t get the call.

NB: What do you think happened down the [stretch], . . . other than that? . . . The team . . . had an 11 point lead with two minutes to go. What went wrong?
TJ: The trap came on, and I guess . . . our team wasn’t ready for it.

NB: What high school do you attend?
TJ: Imotep Charter High School in Philadelphia.

NB: Have you been receiving any college interest at this point?
TJ: No.

NB: Are you interested in playing college ball in the future?
TJ: Yes.

NB: Is there a college that you’ve always been dreaming of going to, that growing up you’ve . . . rooted for?
TJ: North Carolina or Memphis.

NB: What makes those two stand out to you?
TJ: [They stand out] because Memphis plays fast, and I like to play fast.

NB: Playing AAU basketball compared to [playing] high school basketball, what do you see as some of the differences and similarities?
TJ: The intensity [is] always high, and you [have] always . . . got to be physical.

NB: How do you think it helps you to be able to work on your game throughout the entire spring and summer, after the [high school] basketball season is over? What do you think is the main [thing that] it does for you? Is it conditioning, is it your shot, what’s the primary way?
TJ: Conditioning.

NB: What do you think is the [biggest] strength of your game? If you had to pick one things that you think stands out and . . . puts you above others, what would it be?
TJ: My leadership.

NB: What about your biggest weakness?
TJ: Probably [my] . . . physical attributes.

NB: Why do you think . . . that’s something that bring you down a notch?
TJ: Because I’m little, and sometimes bigger guards try to push me around, but it don’t work because I know how to handle it.

NB: Do you think there’s any ways that being a smaller guard can help you?
TJ: Yes, because I can dip through [traffic], and my jumping ability helps me.

Terrell Johnson might not be a hot commodity right now, but he may well be next summer. He has nice moves, good quickness, and scoring ability. Johnson had over 15 points against NJABC, and he showed a solid overall game. Terrell Johnson is the real deal, and although this may be the first you are hearing of him, it won't be the last.

Stevie Taylor- Playing for His Pop

Freshmen do not always garner national spotlight, but Stevie Taylor is not your average ninth grader. The 5'8 guard from Ohio Basketball Club is regarded as one of the top players in the class of 2011 in America. Despite Taylor's height, he can flat-out play basketball. Ohio Basketball Club, which is led by Taylor and 6'10 Zach Price, took the U-15 title at the Pitt Jam Fest. After Taylor's team throttled Indiana Elite in pool play, I took a few minutes to catch up with the star freshman.

NB: Playing AAU basketball in front of all those [college] coaches out there, what’s that like for you?
ST: Well, it’s really an adrenaline rush because you [would] never think that all these college coaches [would] come out to watch you, so you always want to put on your best [game], so you got to bring it, every game you come out and play.

NB: What does it mean to you to have so many big names out there? You got a coach from Ohio St. [and one from] Michigan St. looking at you. What does it feel like to be playing and know that they are there watching you?
ST: Well, it makes [me] feel like I got to bring my A game, and hopefully . . . when I leave the gym . . . I feel like I played my best ball.

NB: Do you think you played your best ball today?
ST: Yes sir.

NB: It looked like you were limping a little bit out there. Do you . . . have an ankle injury?
ST: Yeah because when I was over in Italy, I hurt my leg, and that’s why it’s been hurting, and then I got kneed on that last play, so it kind of hurt a little bit, but I fought through it.

NB: For your team with Ohio Basketball Club, you’re playing for your father [Rob Taylor], and what’s the like for you? What’s the experience like of playing for your father?
ST: Well, I’ve been playing for my father ever since I was a little kid, so I’m kind of used to it now. He yells at me, but I take it all in and use it . . . the best I can.

NB: Do you think it works better to be able to live with you coach as well as play for him, and not just see him twice a week?
ST: Yeah, it’s much easier because we work out everyday, so he’s yelling at me constantly.

NB: Do you have any offers at this current point?
ST: Yeah, I have [an offer from] Akron.

NB: And what other schools are currently showing interest in you?
ST: Tennessee, Georgetown, Cincinnati, Ohio St., and that’s it.

NB: Is there a dream school that you’ve always wanted to go to?
ST: Louisville, Louisville.

NB: Why Louisville?
ST: Well, because my family’s from there, I know everybody from there, and I like their style of play.

NB: So, if they were to offer you, would that be something that you would just take on that spot?
ST: Yes, . . . I’d commit like that.

Taylor's routine of playing basketball for his dad certainly seems to be working. Stevie is a high-caliber player, with nice moves, and solid floor-leading ability. Although he may be a bit too fancy at times, Taylor can certainly hoop it up. Stevie and Rob Taylor, along with the rest of the current U-15 OBC squad, have a bright future, as the father and son will work to keep the team in spotlight. With Stevie's talents, they might not have to work all that hard.

Note- photo is from http://buckeyeprepreport.com/

Jabarie Hinds- This Freshman is Clutch

Jabarie Hinds of Mt. Vernon (NY) is a 5'10 freshman point guard, but he sure doesn't play like your everyday freshman. Hinds hit the game-winning free throw with three seconds left in his squad's at the Prime Time Shootout against Roman Catholic (PA). Jabarie knocked down one of two, and his team slipped by with a one-point victory. I caught up with the superb freshman not too long after his late game heroics.

NB: So you’re only a freshman. You had the game on the line with three seconds left. How’d you focus on the free throws, . . . and not let the pressure get to you?
JH: Well I didn’t really have [any] pressure. . . . [Head] coach [Bob Cimmino] called a play for me and I just executed, and got to the free throw line.

NB: How about at the line? What did you do to not let the pressure get to you and knock the . . . shot [down]?
JH: I was just thinking about making a free throw because it was a tie game. I just wanted to make the free throws.

NB: When you hit the first, . . . what was your thought process [about the second shot]?
JH: I still wanted to make the second one, but as long as I made one, then we had to play defense.

NB: When the second one rimmed out, what did you guys draw up in the huddle to try to counteract their inbounds play?
JH: Guard number 10 [Maalik Wayns].

NB: Wayns had a great game against you guys. In the first quarter, he had . . . five threes. You guys really shut him down from the second quarter [on]. He really slowed down some more in the second half. What did you do to neutralize him?
JH: We wanted to make him get as few touches as we [could], keep the ball out of his hands, and just play defense.

NB: How helpful is it for you being on such as good team, having the upper-class talent that you guys have, with Sherrod [Wright] and Kevin [Jones]? How does it help you to develop?
JH: Well, they push me in practice, always working hard. They [are] always on my case, so I’m getting better as the season goes on.

NB: You’re only a freshman, but have you started thinking about colleges yet? Any schools [that] you’ve always wanted to go to? Any schools sending you mail?
JH: Yeah, it’s Seton Hall and Marquette, that’s it. They [are] the only ones that sent me [anything]. I’m not thinking about what school I want to go to yet.

NB: [Are you] just focusing on high school?
JH: Yeah.

NB: How are you liking it so far, [with it] just being [your] . . . freshman year?
JH: It’s good.

NB: Do you have any goals for this season and then [in the] bunch of years left . . . while you’re in high school?
JH: Just play hard, just play hard.

Hinds was without a doubt one of the premiere players in the class of 2011 at the event. This is evidenced by the fact that he was on the court with the game on the line, and that he took matters into his own hands by driving to the rack as the clock ran out. Jabarie did not crack under the pressure despite his youth. Hinds' game-winner at the stripe was an impressive feat, displaying that the freshman can come up big in the clutch. My hunch is that is won't be the last time you hear about a key play from Jabarie Hinds.

Khalid Lewis El - Freshman Phenom

If I had to pick out the most impressive player on the court for either squad in Trenton Catholic/Lenape match-up, I’d have to go with Khalid Lewis El, a freshman for TCA. Lewis didn’t do much in the first half, but was dominant in the second half of play. He was the primary point guard in the fourth quarter, and that’s the spot where he seemed to excel. At one point in the fourth quarter, Khalid setup back-to-back threes that helped ice the game for the Iron Mikes. In addition, Lewis was solid on defense, and his height is key. Khalid is already 6’, and is only a freshman. By the time his grows to his full height, Lewis will be flat-out awesome. Khalid took some time to chat with me after his impressive performance against Lenape.

NB: You had 16 points today, led the team in scoring. That is pretty impressive, especially for a freshman. What went into that? What was your focus on the game? What were you looking to do to help out the team?
KL: Just Win.

NB: You seem to have a versatile game. . . . What’s your favorite spot to play on the court?
KL: The 1, the 2, and the 3.

NB: You’re only a freshman, but have you started looking at colleges yet? Have you ever had a dream of where you want to play?
KL: My favorite college is Duke.

NB: Have you started hearing from any schools yet?
KL: Rutgers sent me some mail.

NB: What’s your outlook for the rest of the season? What are you guys looking to accomplish the rest of the way?
KL: Go all the way.

As you can tell by the interview, the first thing on Khalid’s mind is winning. Who doesn’t love that? Anyone like Khalid with a team-first mentality, is a player destined to succeed. Lewis is a great player, a first-class kid, and a future star.