By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Delaware State @ NC A & T

Delaware State wins 67-52

Box Score

Kendall Gray (C, 6’10”, SR)

Stats

34 min, 4-7 FG, 2-2 FT, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 TO, 10 TP

Strengths

Terrific shot blocker who controls the paint. Gets most of his blocks from the weak-side partly because of his athleticism but mainly because of his good timing. Stays down and creates a wall until offensive player goes into his shot then he jumps for the block.

Grabs rebounds with 2 hands and controls it. Rebounds in traffic and is strong with the ball. Talks and directs traffic on the back side of the zone. Showed he could close out on shooters and move his feet.

Capable of knocking down the midrange jumper from different areas including the elbow and corner. Has a soft touch and a good looking stroke. Good FT shooter for a big man. Underrated skill level- solid passing skills and is a good shooter for a big man 15′ and in.

Solid back to the basket game. Loves to go into slide dribble moves where he can spin move, right hook, or the up and under.

Unselfish player who will pass out of the double team and then repost. Doesnt complain even when a teammate misses him.

Weaknesses

Is a mobile big man, but doesnt run the floor extremely well, he doesn’t have long strides- is more of a shuffle.

Needs to be more aggressive offensively and demand the ball- allows himself to be fronted and taken away in the post too easily.

Overview

Is currently averaging a double-double to go along with 3 blocks per contest. Skilled bigs who can also block shots and rebound are not easy to find, and that what Gray does. He should receive an invite to the Portsmouth Invitational and with a solid showing could earn an invite to the NBA Summer League.

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

Derek McKnight handles most of the point guard duties for Gaston Day

Date: January 27, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Gaston Day School (Gastonia, NC)
Video Broadcast: NetCast Sports Network (LINK)

Preview: Conference leader First Assembly travels to Gaston Day School for a late season battle. While First Assembly boasts the best conference record, Gaston Day has only a single loss at home and a roster with multiple college prospects.

Players to watch

Gaston Day

Derek McKnight (PG, 6’2, 2015) – an elite crossover and an ability to beat the press with the dribble are two significant facets of McKnight’s game, but he also runs the offense effectively and finds open teammates in both the half court and on the break.

Aidan Richard (PF/C, 6’10”, 2015) – great hands and an array of post moves make Richard an offensive option in the post. Committed to Belmont Abbey, Richard can play either the center or power forward positions.

Trevor Anderson (PG, 6’1″, 2015) – strong bodied combo guard who can effectively play point but often slides to the off guard position as McKnight handles the PG duties. Anderson can shoot from deep and finish through contact; has a high motor and likes the transition game.

James Lewis (F/C, 6’8″, 2016) – Lewis has great hands and rebounding timing, patrols the lane and uses good footspeed to cover much of the baseline on both ends. Has been playing primarily at the center spot and has a bright future.

Adam Koziol (SG, 6’3″, 2015) – Koziol can pour in the points, and that’s primarily because he’s a deadly outside shooter with a great square up and release. Teams have to pay special attention to limit any open looks, but Koziol has been solid getting buckets this season.

Nate Hinton (SG, 6’4″, 2018) – Hinton adds a major spark of athleticism and awareness, a slashing player with a very bright future ahead of him. Excellent size and natural ability to work with and a good handle from the off guard or small forward spots.

First Assembly

Charles Minlend (G/F, 6’4″, 2015) – An athletic wing who can find soft spots in the defense, Minlend already boasts 12 Division I college offers and recently garnered interest from College of Charleston, Rutgers and Butler. Minlend leads the team in scoring and is an impact player.

Matt Wheet (G, 6’1″, 2015) – The second leading scorer on the team, averaging 16 points per game, Wheet provides an offensive option that gives Minland more room to operate.

Nico Payne (PF, 6’7″, 2016) – Post player who has started getting Division I college interest and should be a good matchup at the 4 spot against Gaston Day’s Aidan Richard.

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Marcus Shockley has scouted high school, college and pro players for multiple outlets, and his work has appeared on major media publications including CBS Sports, EuroBasket and Slam. He also operates the Southeast Summer Showcase, which has been featured on ESPN. You can , right now.

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected 17 outstanding players for its2015 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List. Members of the association’s board of directors chose the players to be included on the list as contenders for the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

The award is to be presented to the national player of the year at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Awardwill also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Six players from the Atlantic Coast Conference – including Justin Anderson andAnthony Gill of unbeaten Virginia – headline the list. Two other pairs of teammates are also mentioned: Gonzaga’s Kevin Pangos and Kyle Wiltjer and Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky. Top-ranked and unbeaten Kentucky is represented by Willie Cauley-Stein.

Anderson and Wiltjer have earned Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honors this season. The watch list includes nine juniors to go with four seniors, three freshmen and one sophomore.

Following is the complete watch list:

While these standout players are the leading contenders to be named to the USBWA’s All-America Team and as finalists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, all Division I players remain eligible for postseason honors from the USBWA. The association will announce its 2015 All-America Team in mid-March. At that time, finalists will also be chosen for the player of the year. Once finalists are announced, the entire USBWA membership will vote for the winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

Tickets and sponsorship information for the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards are available atcollegebasketballawards.com or by contacting Scott Hill (405-749-1515, scott.hill@access-sports.net). The April 14 banquet will also honor Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim as the recipient of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Related link:
• Oscar Robertson Trophy

By: James Blackburn

Game Notes

North Carolina was able to get a key conference road win over Wake Forest 87-71 to move to 5-1 in league play. Wake Forest dropped to 9-10 overall and 1-5 in league play. The game notes and scouting reports of the top players are below.

Box Score

1st Half

• Game started off sloppy for both teams with neither team able to establish any real momentum. Both teams struggled with TO’s in first 10 minutes or so.
• Wake shot several quick and contested shots early on, which was uncharacteristic of them and this lead to some easy transition points for UNC.
• Wake was able to stay in the game by really battling on the offensive glass and showing good energy.
• Devin Thomas had a couple of scores near the middle of the 1st half that tied the game up a few times.
• Wake was staying in it by winning the battle on the boards and forcing turnovers on defense.
• Both of these teams are really struggling to shoot from the perimeter but because the pace is so fast, they are still able to score. Most of the points are coming from the FT line, offensive rebounds, and transition.
• The half ends with a lay-up for UNC to put them up 40-34

2nd Half

• Wake started off the 2nd half shooting perimeter jumpers and UNC started in by pounding the ball inside and getting easy points from Kennedy Meeks.
• UNC played some 2-3 zone in both halves because of Wake shooting woes but had trouble rebounding from it, so reverted back to man.
• Andre Washington is providing some good energy off the bench rebounding and blocking shots.
• With 10:00 minutes left in the game, Wake is still struggling to make any shots from the perimeter. The crowd has grown quiet but Devin Thomas has shown a lot of energy on the boards.
• Wake has been able to get some of UNC’s bigs into foul trouble and is trying to capitalize by making their FT’s (have made about 50% up to this point).
• Every time Wake scores, UNC seems to answer- with around 6 minutes to go and UNC leading by 16 pts, some of the fans start to empty out.
• Wake made a run with about 3 minutes to go and closed the deficit to 12 pts after a Madison Jones lay-up.
• UNC gets the win over Wake, which is solid considering that Wake is dangerous at home. They had Duke and Louisville beat and has proven they can compete with anyone in the ACC at home.

Scouting Reports

Wake Forest

Devin Thomas, JR, 6’9″, 255 lbs

Stats: 4-8 FG, 4-7 FT, 12 reb, 12 pts, 31 minutes

Having trouble finishing and scoring over Kennedy Meeks early on and didnt show the willingness or ability to score with the right hand.

To give him credit he was still able to get points from his energy. Had a big dunk of an alley-oop and had an offensive board too.

Had trouble scoring with back to basket over Meeks, but was able to get points other ways. UNC couldnt keep him off the boards.

Codi Miller-McIntyre, JR, 6’3″, 205 lbs

Stats: 6-14 FG, 1-3 3 pt, 7-11 FT, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 20 pts, 31 minutes

Up and down play in the first half. Dangerous in transition with the basketball where he can finish with contact. Needs to improve 3 pt shooting. Makes some head scratching decisions and needs to improve PG decision making in general. Has been really aggressive lately which I like.

UNC

Justin Jackson, FR, 6’8″, 193 lbs

Stats: 6-8 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 4-6 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 17 pts, 34 minutes

Doing a great job of attacking the rim and drawing fouls. Needs to improve his ability to finish w/ contact and needs to add weight. I like his energy though on both ends. Has a lot of potential. Great length and athleticism- makes him  a solid defensive player.  Terrific in transition. Needs to improve shooting consistency and footwork to a degree.

Marcus Paige, JR, 6’1″, 175 lbs

Stats: 4-8 FG, 2-4 FT, 2-2 FT, 1 rebound, 8 assists, 3 steals, 12 points, 35 minutes

Can score in creative ways inside.

Made some poor decisions in transition early on and had slow start. Terrific ball handler who can break down his man off the dribble.

Super quick player who is smooth. Can turn the corner on P/R. Can hit the 3 coming off of staggered screens. Had several plays late that were impressive.

Was playing off the ball at times when Nate Britt was in the game.

JP Tokoto, JR, 6’6″, 200 lbs

Stats: 4-8 FG, 0-2 3 pt, 0-4 FT, 6 rebounds, 8 pts, 3 assists, 2 steals, 28 minutes

3 pt shot has hitch in it and needs to improve shooting in general. Showed some ability to create own shot this game with a nice change of direction dribble and spin move. Great motor.

Strong and athletic. Dangerous in transition where he is able to finish above the rim.

Makes plays defensively off the ball. Underrated passer who had several on target up-court passes. Good rebounder on both ends.

Kennedy Meeks, SO, 6’9″, 270 lbs

Stats: 8-11 FG, 8 rebounds, 1 blk, 16 pts, 22 minutes

Excellent hands- can catch anything. Showing better bounce in his step and energy. Tremendous rebounder on both ends. Showed some nice touch from 15′ and in. Runs the floor well. Foul prone.

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Davidson vs Dayton

Davidson wins 77-60

Box Score

Tyler Kalinoski (G, 6’4″, SR)

Stats

40 min, 9-14 FG, 3-4 3 PT FG, 4 reb, 6 assists, 1 blk, 2 steals, 21 TP

Strengths

Tyler is an efficient and poised player who does a lot of things well. He played a great game today and it wasnt easy finding weaknesses with his play. He moves very well without the ball and has a high understanding of the game and a good basketball IQ.

He is able to score the ball without forcing shots. Does a great job of reading how to come off of staggered screens and off the ball screens. Is a knock down 3 pt shooter who can hit the shot with consistency- gets feet set and doesnt need much room to get shot off. Gets a lot of his buckets off of back-cuts and curls to the rim.

Can finish with contact and is stronger then given credit for. Doesnt have the quickness to break defenders down off dribble, but changes speeds and directions decently well to still get to rim. Solid ball handler with both hands and is able to control the ball under pressure with out turning it over. Is a good enough enough passer and ball handler to handle some PG duties if needed, but is better at the SG. Unselfish player who makes others better. Doesnt get rattled with and has great poise and patience.

Has terrific endurance and was able to play all 40 minutes tonight without any noticeable dropoffs.

Solid rebounder on both ends and has a nose for the ball.

Solid defender who wont wow you on this end with speed or athleticism but plays hard and uses his instincts and smarts to know what offensive player will do. Excellent defender off the ball who is in the right position to make plays.

Weaknesses

Is a below average athlete and this affects his ability to get by quicker players on the perimeter.

Struggles to create his own shot. Is a system player. How well can he score off the pick and roll or turn the corner?

Overview

Team player and a winner. Fundamental player who plays the game the right way. Coachable and the ultimate teammate.

Came into this game averaging 16.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 3.9 assists, also 1.1 steals per game. I think Tyler is on pace to being named either 1st or 2nd team All-Conference and having a chance to be selected to play in the Portsmouth Invitational this year, where the top 64 years across the nation are invited to compete in front of scouts and team personnel. Perfect player for a 1st division European club to check out.

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected the Gardner-Webb forward Jerome Hill as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Jan. 18. The USBWA’s weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.

As the Big South Conference Player of the Week, Hill was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week. This is the sixth season that the USBWA has selected a national player of the week.

Hill, a 6-5 junior forward from Adel, Ga., averaged 25.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game while recording his eighth and ninth double-doubles of the season.

Hill opened the week with 20 points and a game-high 16 rebounds in an 84-72 loss to High Point, connecting on 6-of-11 from the floor and 8-of-10 at the free throw line. He followed with one of his best offensive performances of the season on Saturday, registering game-highs of 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Runnin’ Bulldogs to an 82-67 win at league-leading Coastal Carolina. With the effort, Hill became the third player in the program’s Division I era to record both 1,000 points and 600 rebounds in his career, surpassing both marks just over a minute apart.

For the week, Hill shot 17-of-33 (51.5 percent) from the floor and 17-of-20 (85.0 percent) at the free throw line. He currently leads the team in both scoring (19.1) and rebounding (9.6), and leads the nation in free throw attempts. Hill is also ranked ninth in free throws made and 11th in both total points and total rebounds.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy will be presented at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14, 2015, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Henry Iba Coach of the Year Awardand the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, the most comprehensive college basketball publication in the world, returns for its 34th season. Blue Ribbon – long-known as “The Bible of College Basketball” – gives its readers the most thorough, up-to-date and timely evaluations of every Division I team in the country. For more information about Blue Ribbon Yearbooks, visit blueribbonyearbookonline.com.

2014-15 Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week
• Week ending Dec. 7: Justin Anderson, Virginia (Atlantic Coast Conference)
• Week ending Dec. 14: Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga (West Coast Conference)
• Week ending Dec. 21: Troy Williams, Indiana (Big Ten Conference)
• Week ending Dec. 28: Christian Wood, UNLV (Mountain West Conference)
• Week ending Jan. 4: Tyler Harvey, Eastern Washington (Big Sky Conference)
• Week ending Jan. 11: Travis Trice, Michigan State (Big Ten Conference)
• Week ending Jan. 18: Jerome Hill, Gardner-Webb (Big South Conference)

NetCast Sports Network is broadcasting a nice matchup between Northside Christian and Gaston Day tonight at 7pm EST, in a battle to decide which will win between an unstoppable force and an immovable object. The broadcast will be streamed live and you can catch it by clicking here to watch the game and here’s some of the reasons why this contest should be one to catch:

• Northside Christian defeated Gaston Day by only two points just a week ago at Northside. However, Gaston Day hasn’t lost at home this season. Something’s gotta give.
• Both teams have several college prospects, some of which include the speedy Derek McKnight, Trevor Anderson, Aiden Richard (commmited to Belmont Abbey) and Nate Hinton for Gaston Day, while Northside boasts Rayjon Tucker (committed to Florida Gulf Coast), Lysander Bracey and several others
• Gaston Day comes into tonight’s game having won 4 of their last 5.
• Northside Christian comes into tonight’s game riding a 5 game winning streak.

So while a lot of people would like to tune in to see if explosive dunker Rayjon Tucker takes one of the rims back with him on the team bus, there are several great matchups here and the added fact that Northside is bringing their winning streak in to play a team that hasn’t lost at home. Add in the fact that both teams have winning records and solid conference records and you’ve got a solid on court battle shaping up. Be sure to tune in at 7pm and watch here.

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Winston-Salem State vs Virginia State (CIAA Game)

WSSU wins 61-58

WyKevin Bazemore (F, 6’4″, SR)

Stats

34 min, 3-5 FG, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 TP

Strengths

One of the best motors I have seen in a player this year in college basketball. Bazemore plays harder than anyone on the floor. He attacks the offensive glass relentlessly, he dives on the floor for loose balls, and he defends. A good mix of athleticism, length, and motor help him on the defensive end, where he can guard up to 3 positions. Does a great job of closing out with a high hand and also takes away driving lanes. Is routinely asked to guard players much taller and he does more than hold his own. For the season, he is averaging over a steal and a block a game- is a playmaker on this end. Terrific rebounder on both ends- makes contact w/ opponent and chases the ball with 2 hands. Rebounds outside of his area.

Showcased the capability to score from the mid-post area w/ some solid footwork and head fakes. Efficient player who can score around the basket. Aggressive slasher.

Has a high basketball IQ and is unselfish. Had a couple of nice assists tonights in critical times that lead to lay-ups for teammates.

Weaknesses

Needs to improve ball handling, particularly his left hand and the ability to attack left. Jump shot has improved but needs to continue to get better. Needs to increase range out to the 3. Is a tweener for size and needs to be able to play from the 3 pt and in, shooting 3’s and attacking the basket from the perimeter. He is strong but would be best suited to add some more muscle weight especially since he is an inside player at this stage.

Overview

Down game statistically for Bazemore, as he entered the game averaging a double-double, but you could tell what he can do. Bazemore plays his tail off on both ends and makes winning plays. He is the type of player that every coach wants to have on his team. Good teammate and is unselfish, sometimes to a fault. Terrific rebounder and defender, who needs to continue to improve his offensive skill set. Is in excellent shape (played entire 2nd half)- capable of playing hard with no dropoffs. A player with Bazemore motor is going to be able to find success at the next level. His longevity ultimately depends if he is going to be able to make the jump from a primarily inside threat to more a perimeter swingman.

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

Armani has been involved with European professional basketball for quite some time, and this week reached an agreement with Euroleague to extend that relationship:

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that Giorgio Armani S.P.A., the iconic Italian fashion house, has renewed its global partnership with the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.

The partnership includes deals which integrate with the Euroleague Game of the Week, as well as the Euroleague Final Four properties.

“The whole world recognizes Giorgio Armani S.P.A. as a symbol of excellence in the fashion and cultural fields,” Roser Queralto, Chief Business Development Officer, said. “We at Euroleague Basketball know there is more than Armani’s elegance to admire after having shared in Milan important moments that touched the lives of children and needy people of that community. To have the Armani name associated again with our Final Four and Game of the Week is just an honor.”

By James Blackburn

James Blackburn was able to attend and scout Rabun Gap HS who made their way up from Georgia to take on Charlotte Christian on Friday night.

Game Notes

Both teams got off to a slow start early on, while Charlotte struggled to figure out Rabun Gap’s zone defense, and Rabun Gap struggling to hit outside shots. Charlotte led 7-4 after 1. The 2nd quarter was a little more up and down, as Charlotte was able to generate some offense behind senior PG Trey Phills (19 pts). Rabun Gap struggled to utilize their bigs and turned the ball over numerous times. Charlotte did a great job of staying patient until they could get the shot they wanted. At the half, Charlotte led 22-16.

Rabun Gap made adjustments at the half, and Senior F, Dusan Kovacevic (22 pts), took over. Rabun controlled the boards, hit FT’s, and defended the ball to pull away for the 51-37 lead.

I must say that both of these teams were well coached and there were numerous college prospects in this contest.

Scouting Reports

Charlotte Christian

Trey Phills, 6’2″, G, 2015

Trey is one of the best pure scorers I have seen this year. He came into the game averaging over 20 ppg. He can beat you with the jump shot and he can finish in traffic at the rim. He is quick and shifty and has a lethal first step. He can create his own shot, but showed unselfishness last night, getting his teammates involved and not forcing shots. He showed his athleticism in the first half with 3 dunks. He attacks the gaps and is a terrific ball handler. He needs to improve set shooting but is a D1 prospect.

Rabun Gap

Dusan Kovacevic, 6’10”, F, 2015

Dusan has a terrific feel for the game and did it all on the floor tonight. He can rebound the ball and push it ahead in transition. He plays at his pace and is never hurried or bothered by ball pressure. He struggled to his his jumper this game from the outside but was able to score with his back to the basket and off the dribble. He is a good FT shooter as well. He has solid court vision and is a good teammate. A player who HM schools need to be on.

Luka Majstorovic, 6’9″, F/C, 2015

Luka was hands down the best rebounder in this game. He controlled his area and did an excellent job of chinning and securing the ball after getting the board. He uses his big body well to score inside and showed nice touch from the FT line. He seals off inside the post and keeps the ball high. Fundamentally sound. Luka has already signed to play D2.