This is the full game replay from the Phenom Hoop Challenge AAU tournament, featuring East Coast Fusion 17U vs. Brand X 17U. This game took place during elimination play on Sunday, April 13, 2014.
You can watch all of the day’s broadcasts in replay at NetCastSports.com
Harry Giles (PF, 6’9″, 2016) and PJ Dozier (CG, 6’4″, 2015) are two of the top basketball recruits in the nation, with Dozier holding offers from North Carolina, Kansas (among many others) and Giles holding offers from Duke, UNC, Kentucky, Georgetown and pretty much everyone else.
But the recruiting world hasn’t seen them in a while; both had serious injuries that have kept them off of the court for some time. That will change this weekend, as both are participating in the Phenom Hoops Challenge with their respective AAU teams in Greensboro, NC.
While it’s just their first time back in uniform, with such sought-after recruits, there is a lot of interest in how their recovery has gone thus far and how they look on the court.
For fans of Kentucky, Duke, UNC, Kansas or any of the other far-flung schools that are actively recruiting the two players (among several other high profile recruits), many of the games on the final day of the event (Sunday) will be broadcast online at NetCastSports.com.
Full schedule of the day’s broadcast coming soon, and we’ll have more information about the broadcast times – the games being broadcast on Sunday are several of the playoff games for the 17U teams at the tournament, so the final matchups won’t be set until the teams finish pool play. But we’ll work to keep everyone updated. You can also follow @NetCastSports on Twitter for more updates.
The 2014 schedule for tournaments hosted by the Garner Road AAU program for 2014 has been released. For more information, check out the J.D. Lewis Center site.
Top recruit Isaac Copeland and the Adidas-sponsored Garner Road Bulldogs will be in attendance.
One of the biggest myths in college recruiting is that in order to get exposure, you should play AAU basketball, and that will automatically get you “seen” by college coaches and scouts. But the reality is that not all AAU events are created equally. Some are valid, big time events with many college coaches and scouts in attendance. Others are held in empty gyms with little competition and do little to impact players’ recruitment.
Finding quality AAU events is not always easy, and AAU teams are constantly looking for good places to travel which will not only have good competition but hopefully some exposure as well.
This is one of the events that accomplishes both of those things.
The inaugural Basketball Elite Early Bird Review AAU Tournament will be held at the J.D. Lewis Center in Raleigh, NC on March 15-17, 2013. Cost to enter the tournament is a mere $200 and several high profile teams will be in a attendance. Not only that, but it’s the same weekend as the North Carolina High School state championships – also held in Raleigh – which means that the college coaches who descend on those games will be able to hop over and catch as many recruits as they can in one weekend.
In addition, Basketball Elite will have multiple scouts covering all courts at the event – looking for players who colleges should be recruiting and tracking. We will have more scouts at this event than any event we’ve ever covered in the past.
Even better, NetCastSports.com will be broadcasting this tournament live as well. NCSN has broadcast high profile high school and AAU including nationally ranked teams such as Oak Hill and Wesleyan, and brings high definition broadcasting into the gym, giving the players even more visibility. This is not just a fuzzy camera phone catching some action (usually with someone’s head in the way), but a full HD broadcast with play by play, multiple camera angles and color commentary.
You can sign up your AAU team for the tournament at this link, which shows all of the upcoming tournaments at Garner Road, or contact:
Byron Solomon
Cell: (919) 395-6243
Email: grbasketballclub@yahoo.com
Sign up today! The deadline to get in on this is fast approaching!
By Marcus Shockley
Once again some of the top high talent in the nation descended on North Augusta, SC for the Nike EYBL series championships. I’ll have evals coming soon for more of the tournament, but here’s a report on the Final Four 17u match up between MoKan Elite and CIA Bounce.
This year’s EYBL Final Four included MoKan Elite vs. CIA Bounce and Oakland Soldiers vs. CP3 All Stars.
MoKan Elite vs. CIA Bounce
CIA Bounce 81
MoKan Elite 67
MoKan Elite has the talented Semilore Ojeleye (SF/PF, 6’7″, 2013), a physically strong player who is agile and has great hands. He can play the SF or PF spot effectively and is a solid rebounder. However, CIA Bounce also has their own superstar in Andrew Wiggins (SF, 6’7″, 2014), a player who might just be the #1 NBA draft pick when he gets the chance. Wiggins has a pro level first step, and he likes to push the ball into the mid range, spin, and get off a shot. He’s explosive and dynamic – there aren’t going to be many players at the high school or college level who will be able to guard him effectively. Wiggins scored 23 points in the win, leading all scorers.
CIA Bounce also has a talented combo guard in Tyler Ennis (G, 6’2″, 2013), who can score from inside or outside and plays with great awareness. Ennis is a combo as opposed to a true point, but runs the team effectively but also moves well without the ball. A player who I had not seen before but has blistering speed is Lourawls Nairn (PG, 5’10”, ’14) who came in off of the bench and showed he has elite speed and can finish with contact. Nairn is one of the fastest guards in the country and has a deft handle. Definitely a player to watch.
Xavier Rathan-Mayes (SG, 6’4″, 2013) of CIA Bounce showed good poise with the ball and that he can shoot under pressure. Solidly built and effective with the shot or pass, Mayes and Ennis create problems for defenses because they cannot double Wiggins without leaving one of them open. Duane Notice (SG/SF, 6’4″, 2013) also provides tough, hard-nosed play for CIA Bounce on both ends of the floor. Notice is also a kind of ‘glue guy’ for the team, getting loose balls, a solid free throw shooter and all around worker.
O’Shai Clark (SG, 6’1″, 2013) of MoKan Elite is an active rebounding guard who often drew the toughest defensive assignments. He also can put the ball on the floor and attack. Andre Sands (PF/C, 6’7″, 2013) is a capable big who is mobile and has good hands around the basket.
In the second half, CIA Bounce pulled away behind the scoring of Mayes, Ennis and Wiggins and put the game out of reach, sending them to the EYBL Championship.
Basketball Elite sponsored two feature games at this year’s Queen City Showcase, and the first was the Upward Stars 16u versus Swish City Elite 17s. Check us out as Marcus Shockley adds color commentary to the broadcast.
By Justin Byerly
The Big Shots Organization ran by the Father-Son duo of Kevin Schneider and Jeff Schneider, is a top-notch event. Everyone involved in the event did a great job, and the talent level at this tournament was on an extremely high-level. Around 30-40 Division One, Two, Three and NAIA college coaches were at the event (NCAA Certified Live Event). Here is the first take on some of the first teams I saw on Saturday. (Part 1 of 5)
Players to watch: Recap for Team Vision Big Shots Clemson
Matthew Woods
6’2
2014 Class
Point Guard
Asheville Christian Academy, Swannanoa, NC
Saw Matthew when Asheville Christian Academy played Gaston (Gastonia, NC) Day earlier in the year in Asheville and he was one I wrote down.
This guard turned a lot of heads with his maturity on the court and ball handling skills. In three games in Big Shots Clemson he averaged 13 points, 8 assits and 4 rebounds. He has great range and can score the basketball. Sees the whole court very well, makes the right pass to his guys, loves to push the ball. He makes everyone around him better. His AAU Coach tole me, ” DI coaches have been talking about this guy since he was in the 8 grade.”
Patjoi Twagirayezu
6’7
2013 Class
Small Forward
Asheville Christian Academy, Swannanoa, NC
I saw Twagirayezu, a few times this season. He was impressive every time.
Very athletic wing, who handles the ball well. Efficient scorer, a starting member of the Rwanda Junior National Team. 2012 CAA All conference. This was his first receiving major exposure since coming to The United States. . He did not disappoint. Lead the team in scoring in 2 of the 3 games played at Big Shots Clemson. Averaged around 15 points and 6 rebounds for the weekend. Getting some interest from mid-major programs as of late.
DyAngelo Washington
6’4
2012 Class
Shooting Guard
Rabun Gap Naccoochee School, Rabun Gap GA
Best athlete on the court. Left handed shooter with extreme jumping ability. Can score points in a variety of ways and gets it in the cup quick. Had a great weekend. He had a big second game with 24 points and played very steady basketball all weekend. These are the kinds of stories that make this job fun, DyAngelo came into this weekend as an unsigned 2012, on Saturday night USC-UpState offered a scholarship and he accepted. Congratulations to DyAngelo.
Ben Phelps
5’10
2013
Shooting guard
Asheville Christian Academy, Swannanoa, NC
One of the best shooters at the Clemson Big Shots event that not a lot of people saw. A little bit undersized at his position but makes up for it. Left-handed. His is in range when he gets out of the bus. Super shooter. His AAU Coach informed me that he has some DII interest . ” I had several DIII and NAIA coaches ask about him. He is a gym rat loves the game.”
Dusan Kovacevic
6’9
2015
Center/ Power Forward
Rabun Gap Naccoochee School, Rabun Gap GA
Very nice block to block, with some good post moves. This guy has a chance to be a big time college player. Strong finisher at the rim and takes the ball strong in the lane and either gets fouled or makes the basket.
Had two big games with 17 points and 20 points
Jeff McIlwain
6’8
2015
Center
Asheville Christian Academy, Swannanoa, NC
Has great hands, & a soft touch around the basket. Kid has a shot to be mid-major player with a chance to develop into a high major player. Great size, has 3 more years to keep working. Will be one to watch in the Class of 2015. Strong and can finish at the basket. Averaged 12 points & 11 rebounds for the weekend at Clemson Big Shots.
Devante Saxon
6’0
2015
Point guard
Rabun Gap Naccoochee School, Rabun Gap GA
Great player, understands the game this guy will turn some heads with his NY playground style of play. Did that to a few heads this weekend. Handles the ball on a string. Will be one to watch out for the Class of 2015.
Bunyon “BJ” Tyson
6’3″
PG
Anson County High School (NC)
Averaged 12.0 ppg 4 apg 3 spg. Can knock down the pull-up jump shot with ease and knock down the open 3 ball, very active on defense and floor general. Low Major-D1 recruit
Isaih Cureton
6’4″
SG
(Cuthbertson HS, Waxhaw, NC)
Averaged: 12.0 ppg 5 rpg…all around player who did a little of everything this weekend…very long and athletic wing. Low-Major D1 to D2 recruit. Has another year and can improve and make a shot as a Mid-Major Recruit.
Jerrin Morrison
6’3″
SG
(East Meck)
Averaged: 10 ppg 5 rpg…Very effective when knocking down his mid range shot, Very athletic wing. Threw down a thunderous dunk over a 6’6″ post player as his knee hit the kid chin. Low Major-Mid-Major Division 1 prospect.
Chris Wray
6’6.5″
SF
(Shelby, NC High School)
Averaged 9 ppg 7 rpg. Very long and athletic wing, who can slash his way to the basket, active on the glass. Can knock down some 3 point shots.Low-Major-Mid Major Divison 1 recruit
Logan Jackson
5’11”
PG
(Marvin Ridge, NC High School.
Averaged 8.6 ppg 4.3 apg. Uses his quickness to beat opponents off the dribble. Good passer and a floor general. Low-Major D1 recruit.
Keith Workman 2014
Fairfield Central High, Winnsboro, SC
The MVP on a very balanced team. Shot the ball with range, which was displayed all tournament. Also did not shy away from finishing at the rim. Rebounds well and did not hesitate to start the fast break.
Britton Reed 2013
WJ Keenan High, Columbia, SC
Passionate leader with a high motor. Very active defender with deceptive quickness. Midrange shot is excellent. Willing to penetrate and find the open man which he showed in the semifinals where he had 12 assists.
Quin Brunson 2014
Batesburg-Leesville, Batesburg, SC
One word – Explosive. Very speedy player with a nice stroke out to the 3. Pesky defender.
Kendall Ratliff 2013
Sun Valley High School Monroe, NC
6’4 wing
12 pt avg. 8 rebounds per game 45% from the field
Nayquan Wilson 2013
Gaston Day School Gastonia, NC
5’10 guard
12 pt. avg. 6 three’s 3 steals per game
Shontrell Hopper 2014
Gaston Day School Gastonia, NC
6’2 guard
11 pt. avg. 6 three’s 4 rebs per game
Jimmy Hudgens
2014
Sun Valley High School Monroe, NC
5’10 guard
10 pt. avg. 4 assist per game 3 steals per game
Trevor Singleton
6’6-
2014
Fayetteville (NC) South View HS
Trevor had 18 points in a losing effort to the Georgia Stars Elite 16U. He is the leader on the floor and is all over the court. Rebounds it really well and very versitle.
Ridell Camidge
6’1
-2014
Ridell had 17 Points in the win against the Carolina Cougars. He is a wing. Good passer and 3 point shooter.
Shawn Robinson
5’9
-2014
Shawn is a really good PG. Runs the offense to a T. Great kid. Plays extremely hard.
Quodorole Hardy
5’10
-2014
PG/SG
Very quick, good defender, getting better with his perimeter game. Very consistant all weekend at Clemson Big Shots. Averaged 8 points per game in this showing. One to watch in that 2014 Class.
Austin Schoenleber
6’0
PG- 2015
Solid player. Decent shooter, good passer.
Shannon Washington
6’0
SG- 2014
Does all of the little things that don’t show up in the stat book. Guards best perimeter player. Avg. 6 ppg this weekend.
Andre Session
6’6
PF/C-2015
Avg 4 blks per game. Good rebounder. Never has played organized basketball before this year. Progressing extremely fast.
Our good friends at Garner Road’s AAU program have proven that they can develop elite talent. Witness this year’s crop of players such as T.J. Warren, who was named as a McDonald’s All American, plus Terry Henderson, who is headed to West Virginia. Then there’s 2013 forward Isaiah Hicks, who has committed to UNC. But that’s not all Garner Road has in the cupboard, and that’s why we keep up with what they do down at the J.D. Lewis Center on our scouting circuit (plus a little bit of Warren showtime as well).
Here’s a quick update on some of the players that are the Next Wave of Garner Road players that you should know about.
Video: Top 10 Plays from the 2012 Carolina Challenge & Garner Road Tourney
NEW Video: NC High School Elite Open Run (4-5-2012) Recap! featuring Anton Gill, Terry Henderson, Quinton Ray, & others
Chapel Hill HS guard Denzel Ingram’s signing day will be held Thursday (4/12/12) at 4pm in the CHHS main gym.
Video: Garner Road Bulldog C/O 2014 William Walker
New Video: NC High School Elite Open Run Dunk Session Recap from last week. featuring Shaq Dance, Trevor West, & Others.
New Video: GRBC Elite 2013 Marcus Bryan Elite Mixtape!
NEW Video: GRBC Elite 2013 Devonte Graham Lights It Up; Drops 36 Points in 2 Games
Video: Garner Road Bulldog C/O 2013 Jaquon Brownridge
New Video: GRBC Elite Daron Gipson “Junior Year Highlights”
New Video: GRBC Elite T.J. Warren playing in the Derby Classic
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Hey! Have you heard about the Southeast Summer Showcase? It’s a premier individual players’ showcase, taking place on May 5 at Forsyth Country Day in Lewisville, NC. Top players, college coaches and scouting services will be on hand for this high level, high competition basketball showdown. Click here and get more information today. |
Codi Miller-McIntyre is a point guard from the class of 2012 who has committed to play his college basketball for Wake Forest. We caught up with Codi recently to get his thoughts on why he chose the Demon Deacons, what he’s working on over the summer, and what one thing he recommends all players do to try and move to the next level.
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By Marcus Shockley
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Dave Telep said something a few days ago that echoes my own thoughts regarding some high school basketball stars. There is a lot of talk among high school players as to ‘who’s number 1’ and it culminates in rankings, lists and mix tapes which feature the next superstar. Telep said that the players who were the most concerned last year with their rankings and mixtape highlights are the very players struggling in college this year.
Hey, there isn’t anything wrong with highlight tapes or mixtapes. But it needs to be said, many times, that high school ranking doesn’t mean a thing in the long run. Nothing. |
 Flikr/TruthAboutIt |
When I spoke with Ryan Blake a few days ago, the NBA Director of Scouting, he said that if you watch high school players’ highlight tapes, everyone looks like an NBA All-Star. Then you see the player on the college court and they start looking very, very human.
The worst thing that can happen to anyone, not just basketball players, is to peak in high school. If you are playing in all-star games, getting listed in basketball magazines and have 3,000 Twitter followers as a high school senior, it’s all too easy to think you’ve made it. Got people hanging on your every word and college fans repeatedly clamoring to know where you are going to college?
That doesn’t mean anything. Yet.
Sure, you’ve got potential. But too many players think that a top high school ranking is going to guarantee them a lottery pick and a 15 year NBA career. All a top ranking guarantees you is that college fans are going to expect you to be amazing. They are going to expect to see what they saw in highlight films. They aren’t going to be happy if you can’t dribble to the left or can’t do the footwork in the paint. Suddenly, you’ll be just another college project, not a future NBA All-Star.
People can be very fickle. No, check that, they are fickle. They will love you as a high school player until you commit to their rival school. Then the fans of your school will love you until you step on the out of bounds line at a crucial moment in a game and they’ll call you a bust. Are you ready for that? You’ll have to have the focus and toughness to remember that even though the fans come and go, you are the same player and same person you always were. You need to be your own biggest fan and harshest critic.
To be fair, today’s top basketball high school players have more knowledge and experience against college and pro players than in the past. But playing high school and AAU doesn’t make you a pro, or even college ready. There’s a big difference in playing against high schoolers and playing against guys your own size, who are more than likely stronger and more experienced. It takes a lot of work and mental toughness to succeed, which too many players take for granted.
I’ve said it before, high school player rankings serve more for entertainment than real meaning. People love mock drafts and rankings, but in the end, none of it will matter if you get to college and never play defense or can’t hit a hook shot. Most players need a few years of work in college before they even make an impact, and the vast majority of players in the top 100 high schoolers never even sniff the NBA.
Don’t peak in high school. There are a lot players in college right now who aren’t any better than they were their junior year of prep varsity. They haven’t put in much work and they aren’t listening to their coach. Don’t be another ‘sob story’.
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