March 2015

Micah Smith baskteball Phenom Hoops 150 Spring 2015
Micah Smith, unsigned 2015 player, showed outstanding athleticism at the showcase

With over 200 players in attendance, the Spring NC Phenom 150 for 2015 organized by Phenom Hoop Report was a great way to kick off the Spring basketball season, although, technically, the Winter basketball season was actually not over until the same day.

Even though I set out with the goal of watching every single player in attendance, the reality is that I did not get a chance to see every team. However, here are my notes from the players I was able to catch. Some solid players on hand, although this year the one skill I saw missing was consistent outside shooting. I did not see a player today that was knocking down deep shots with regularity. The good news for players is that skill can be improved. There were, however, quite a few athletic slashing players on hand with explosive ability and a few really solid point guards as well.

Michal Seals (PG, 5’11”, 2016) High Point Christian Academy (NC) – I’ve seen Seals multiple times over the past 3 years and I really like his heads-up play and elusiveness under the basket. A true PG who has excellent handles, puts pressure on the defense with the dribble drive but also can finish in traffic. Being actively recruited by several colleges.

Phillip Roach (G, 6’2″, 2017) Cape Henry Collegiate (VA) – has an excellent crossover dribble both in transition and in the halfcourt and has an ability to create his own shot. Tends to fade a bit on his shots but was able to see weaknesses in spacing on the defense and exploit them.

Micah Smith (SG, 6’2″, 2015) Eastern Wayne HS (NC) – had one of the best performances of the camp, showed explosive first step and slashing ability, plays above the rim, has a high motor and plays both ends relentlessly. Seemingly involved on every play regardless of defense or offense. Good shot blocker from the guard position. Definitely a player colleges looking to shore up their 2015 class should be taking a look at.

Kody Shubert (PG, 5’11”, 2018) Lincoln Charter (NC) – one of the best point guards in attendance, quick feet, handles the ball extremely well, deadly passing vision. Great on ball defense even against the other solid guards in attendance today. Really enjoyed watching him matched up against DeShawn Patterson, another solid PG. Shubert has eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head passing and already has solid ballhandling. Would not be surprised to see him quickly become one of the most sought after guards in NC.

Definitely a college prospect with some upside. Colleges should be actively scouting him now.

Kody Shubert baskteball
Kody Shubert, PG, 2018 Class

Dujuan Waters (G, 5’9″, 2018) Wayne Country Day (NC) – heady player, athletic guard who looks like a ‘true combo’ right now, being able to run the point with his eyes up and working the offense, but also effective off of the ball.

Tyrik Ingram (G, 6’2″, 2019) Southern MS – coaches and scouts know that I rarely mention middle school players but I liked Ingram’s potential and his fluid play already. Definitely a player I will want to keep an eye on for the future.

Nicholas Tolbert (G, 5’9″, 2018) Asheville HS (NC) – solid handle with both left and right, understands how to run the offense while also looking for gaps in the defense.

Justin Myers (SF, 6’5″, 2016) North Iredell HS (NC) – immediately liked what I saw from Myers, plays hard and has great length from the small forward position. Was knocking down mid range shots and also putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Plays through contact, good awareness. Definitely see Myers as a college prospect and looking forward to seeing him in AAU and high school.

Logan Vosburg (PF, 6’6″, 2017) Orange HS (NC) – Shot was falling early and was forced to defend on the perimeter early, being matched up against SF Justin Myers. Closes on the shooter well and has some range, should be considered a stretch 4 at this point and is most effective in the half court but is mobile with good hands.

Omari Wilson (G, 6’3″, 2017) Fayetteville 71st (NC) – a lot of potential here and upside, excellent wing player who puts a ton of pressure on the defense, especially in transition. High motor, was paired with several athletic wings on his team and at times they ran the other teams off of the floor. Colleges should definitely be taking a look now.

Brian McElveen (SF) New Hope Christian (NC) – good shot blocker and solid passer. Pretty quick first step and has a good understanding of the game. Showed a decent handle slashing from the wing.

Ubong Okon (C, 6’10”, 2017) Prominance Academy (NC) – fantastic hands and runs the floor harder than most guards. Great build already and will continue to add strength and muscle. Soft touch and a good passer, and as much as I love a big man who knows how to pass out of a double team, Okon could probably have easily padded his point totals by just powering over his smaller defenders. A Division I big man prospect with some signficant upside. Probably a MM prospect now.

Javier Rogers (PG, 5’5″, 2017) Kestrel Heights (NC) – small but deadly PG, incredibly quick, star handles and gifted passer. Size is an issue but is a flat out baller.

Elijah Manley (G, 6’3″, 2017) Uwharrie Charter Academy (NC) – solid athlete who can play both the SG or SF spots. Still a bit raw in some areas but another player to keep an eye on.

Tyler Maye (G, 6’1″, 2017) Greenfield School (NC) – Excellent motor with a quick shot release and good form. Really gets it done in transition – saw him get 3 transition layups in a row just because of his awareness.

Blan Hodges (G, 5’11”, 2018) Alexander Central HS (NC) – Has gotten bigger, moves well without the ball and understands spacing. Really did a good job playing off of the ball in the guard-dominated transition play of the showcase.

Taveon Ross (PG, 5’6″, 2017) Graham HS (NC) – Undersized but skilled guard, good handle and really solid passing vision.

DeShawn Patterson (PG, 5’11”, 2016) Victory Christian (NC) – have seen Patterson multiple times over the past two years and he’s a really solid and flashy pure PG, can shoot from outside and often makes the game look easy. We broadcast two of his high school games in November at the Phenom National High School showcase. Full game replay of his game versus Kennedy Charter is below.

I have yet to see a game where Patterson turns the ball over much, a solid ball-control type of point guard who I’ve also watched go against Terrence Phillips of Oak Hill earlier this season.

College prospect who has several colleges interested.

DeShawn Patterson basketball
DeShawn Patterson, PG, 2016 Class

DeShawn Patterson: Full Game Replay, Victory Christian vs. Kennedy Charter (2014-15 High School Season)

Michael Wade (PF/C, 6’7″, 2017) – Big bodies post player with soft hands and a good passing touch. Looks like he has some good upside and already possesses the toughness to play the post but never seems rattled and is a very even keeled player. Had a nice shot release and looks like he could really develop a good hook shot as well.

Ebon Jay (PF, 6’5″, 2017) Person HS (NC) – really strong build player who gets both hands on the ball in the post and will no doubt be a handful for smaller players. Plays through contact and seals really well. Should also be able to play taller players at the 4 and 5 spots.

Jacob Skidmore (PF/C, 6’7″, 2016) Kings Mountain HS (NC) – great length and hands. Still working on adding muscle to a slender frame but was more assertive and aggressive than I’ve ever seen him. Made excellent decisions with the ball when trapped and works hard in the post. Really looks like a stretch 4 who has some upside.

DJ Myers (SG, 6’5″, 2017) Neuse Christian Academy (NC) – high octane, rangy guard with collegiate quicks and size. Offensively one of the most athletic wings in the state and fantastic first step. Great transition game player, a full court killer. First saw him in the Fall League at Garner Road and he’s gotten taller since then. Definitely a college prospect and really one to keep an eye on.

Jude Akubeze (C, 6’8″, 2018) Prominance Academy (NC) – great size and seals well in the post. Good hands and still a somewhat raw post player but already has muscle for the paint and good wingspan. Was a lot to handle in the post even for older players and is only a freshman. Definitely a college prospect already.

Donaldson Fanord (C, 6’7″, 2017) Fort Mill HS (SC) A big man who can play both facing the basket and with his back to the basket. Mobile big man who effectively uses ball fakes and footwork to get off shots.

Brent Davis (G/F, 6’3″, 2015) Victory Christian (NC) Good slashing wing player with a nice quick release and square up on his shot. Good length from the wing and good handle from the SG/SF position.

Josh Nork (G, 6’0″, 2016) York Prep (SC) – hard working guard who moves with or without the ball. True combo guard who can run the point or play the 2 position. Always looking to move to position and good understanding of spacing. High energy player.

Zavian Jackson (G, 6’2″, 2016) Burlington Cummings HS (NC) – Solid athletic perimeter player with a high motor and had no discernible drop off in full court play after multiple games. Nice two-handed monster dunk in transition.

DeVante Stevens (G/F, 6’4″, 2016) Neuse Charter School (NC) – good length and looks like he could play both the SG and SF positions, but has good timing inside for rebounding and putbacks and has better lane presence than most small forwards. Can play with contact in the paint and held his own even against larger post players.

Parker Julian (F, 6’7″, 2016) Charlotte Latin (NC) – showed some deep touch but his real asset is his length and hands. Can block shots both in the halfcourt and transition and has a high release, although I would like to see his release speed up. Does a lot of good things on both ends of the floor and swatted several transition shots on the move.

Charles Norman (PG, 6’3″, 2016) Prominance Academy (NC) – Explosive guard who I feel will be a steal for a college program. Great handle but is a nightmare to handle at full speed whether he has the ball or not. A high-octane player. Note: reigning champion of the Basketball Elite Southeast Summer Showcase Dunk Contest (awesome recap video below):

Drew Greene (PG, 5’11”, 2018) Chapel Hill HS (NC) – high basketball IQ and understands how to attack the defense with the drive or pass. Will need to add strength but a lot to like already and I really was impressed with his understanding of the game even in the pickup style of showcase basketball.

Jaylon Wray (G, 6’2″, 2016) Crest HS (NC) – another athletic guard who showed a high motor and played well above the rim as the day progressed. Had back-to-back dunks in one game was difficult for a lot of defenders to stay in front of him on the move.

Andreas Fuller (G, 6’5″, 2018) Village Christian Academy (NC) – a big time prospect with size and handles to play at the next level already, and a lot of upside. Can run the point even at 6’5″, makes great decisions on the break and already has savvy of an upperclassmen, combined with natural athleticism. Definitely a college prospect.

Hunter Ladler (G, 6’2″, 2016) Atlantic Shores (VA) – high motor guard with excellent passing skills and a great decision maker even at full speed.

Taylan Rowe (G, 6′, 2016) West Stanly HS (NC) – showed nice speed and an ability to create his own shot in a variety of ways, even in the halfcourt.

Johnathon Pearsall (G/F, 6’3″, 2017) North Raleigh Christian Academy (NC) – another high motor wing player who gets to the rim and gets buckets in transition, but understands fast break spacing. Was teamed up with other high motor wings like Omari Wilson and Justin Myers and they ran a couple of teams out of the gym with their relentless break.

China Jones (G/F, 6’5″, 2016) Voyager Academy (NC) – solid athlete who plays above the rim, had some monster slams in today’s action was active on both ends. Definitely one to watch.

Tre Doughty (PG, 5’11”, 2016) Neuse Christian Academy (NC) – big time bounce and athletic point guard who gets after it on both ends. Explosive but under control, very good first step but also played well off of the ball.

Temetrius Morant (G, 5’11”, 2017) Crestwood HS (SC) – solid guard play all day and was making solid decisions with the pass and the dribble all day.

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Want more scouting notes? You can follow Marcus Shockley on Twitter, right this second @M_Shockley
Rick Lewis Phenom 150

Phenom 150 Spring 2015
Phenom 150 organizer and scout Rick Lewis speaks to the players prior to team play.

I was able to attend the NC Phenom 150 showcase this year held at Forsyth Country Day School. There were over 200 players in attendance with plenty of talent on display. The PG and posts positions were each deep with talent and athleticism. I did my best to scout all 3 courts that were being utilized and below are some writeups of the top players I saw.

Class of 2015

Micah Smith (Eastern Wayne, 6’2″, SF)

Micah was one of the most impressive players in attendance here today. The unsigned senior who also plays football was dominant all day, getting buckets almost at will. Smith has a high motor which he uses to rebound the ball and defend multiple positions. He plays much better then 6’2″ and is an incredible athlete. Has a quick 2nd jump. Showcased a the ability to post up smaller players and had some fancy post moves and footwork to show-off. He can slash to the rim and is a threat in transition. Smith needs to continue to improve his shooting consistency and get stronger but Smith is someone coaches from all 3 college divisions should check out.

 

Class of 2016

DeShawn Patterson (Victory Christian, 5’11”, PG)

Easily a top 3 PG in attendance today, Patterson simply got wherever he wanted to on the offensive end of the floor. He is shifty and changes speeds well. He can re-create for himself and others and draws fouls at a high rate. He is a tremendous passer and has great court vision. Has great body control and is a D1 talent. Can hit the 3 but needs to improve range.

Hunter Ladler (Atlantic Shores, 6’2″, G)

Athletic and strong player who can play either guard position. High motor player.

Zavian Jackson (Burlington Cummings, 6’2″, G)

Big time athlete who can finish above the rim and bring energy to a team.

Charles Norman (Prominance Academy, 6’3″, G)

One of the best dunkers and most explosive players in attendance. Strong and a Westbrook type player. Needs to tighten up his handle.

Kevin Schmitt (Trinity Christian, 6’7″, C)

True back to the basket big. Has a great hook shot. Good hands and is efficient. A little slow.

Michal Seals (High Point Christian, 5’11”, PG)

Can play the P/R and has tremendous vision. High motor PG. Sees the floor well and is unselfish.

 

Class of 2017

Ubong Okon (Prominance Academy, 6’10”, F/C)

One of the top bigs in attendance today. Runs the floor well and has ton of potential. Has good hands and is efficient inside. Can finish in P/R above the rim. Needs to improve back to basket game but is a MM prospect.

Omari Wilson (Fayetteville 71st, 6’3″, G)

Can finish with contact and is tough. Great slasher who can get to rim in minimum dribbles. Good athlete who can hit the 3.

Justin Rhode (Christ School, 5’11”, G)

One of the best pure scorers I saw today. Good footwork and utilizes ball fakes.

Donaldson Fanord (Ft Mill, 6’7″, F)

Big guy with potential who can face the basket. Mobile. Has a solid back to the basket game.

Mason Hawks (North Surry, 5’11”, PG)

True PG who was consistent throughout the day. Unselfish player who gets teammates good shots. Solid ball handler.

 

Class of 2018

Cody Shubert (Lincoln Charter, 5’11”, PG)

I had never seen Cody before today and I left a big fan. He was arguably the top PG in attendance today and was able to make his teammates better throughout the day. He reminded me of Jason Williams in many ways and was fun to watch. He has the ball on a string and an excellent crossover dribble. Has a high IQ and is unselfish. Highlight reel with the ball.

Drew Greene (Chapel Hill HS, 5’11”, PG)

High IQ player who defends and plays hard. Has good length. Shooting needs improvement but definitely stood out today.

Andreas Fuller (Village Christian Academy, 6’5″, SF)

Versatile wing who can lead the break, pass the ball, and shoot from the outside. Has good potential. Needs to improve consistency and motor.

NCAA

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas has been an outspoken critic of the NCAA and the organization’s circumvention of labor laws by not paying their highest revenue earning athletes, and yesterday spoke on NPR to reiterate that position, along with several other notable former players and coaches:

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski made $9.7 million last year, according to USA Today. The people running around in the middle of the court – the players – are, of course, not getting paid. That’s because a long time ago, a bunch of colleges got together and said scholarships are fine, but paying athletes is against the rules. Next week’s arguments in federal court will turn on a simple question – are those rules a violation of federal law?

It’s a good read and it should be noted that even though the NCAA is using some very tenuous defenses to avoid paying for the highest profile athletes, most college athletes would never fall into this category. It should also be noted that sports leagues such as the NBA and NFL actually have exemptions from federal laws which effectively allow them to operate like cartels.

One significant point here is that the NCAA is making massive amounts of money off of a few players, specifically, the players who are most likely to turn pro at some level and whose schools have rabid fan bases. ESPN and CBS are not paying the NCAA huge contracts for the rights just to broadcast East Carolina versus Davidson, the really large payouts are because schools like Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, Duke and Connecticut are effectively a minor league to the NBA with a huge built in audience. This holds true even more so for college football, where teams like Alabama and Tennessee bring in viewers which are only rivaled by the NFL.

The NCAA doesn’t want anyone to look at the difference between college lacrosse players from Towson and college football players from Alabama, although in reality there is a major difference. the vast majority of college athletes across the country get a pretty good deal – college scholarship for being good at a sport. But for a select few, they are getting a raw deal – their likenesses and skills are being sold for millions while they are given a comped education at best. Anyone who buys the NCAA argument that those athletes are getting a ‘free education’ are bad at math. With that math, the NBA and Cleveland Cavaliers would be paying Lebron James about $150k per year in gift cards in exchange for the millions in revenue he brings in.

This isn’t a position that the NCAA can keep forever and it will fall at some point. It’s just a matter of time.

Otto The Orange Syracuse Basketball

The bad news doesn’t stop at Jim Boeheim for the penalties levied by the NCAA last week. More fallout as now the self-imposed postseason ban has even included Otto the Orange, the team mascot:

The Atlantic Coast Conference held its annual mascot basketball game at halftime of the North Carolina-Louisville quarterfinal Thursday. Fourteen of the ACC’s 15 mascots played — from Mr. Wuf of NC State to Rameses of North Carolina to Sebastian the Ibis of Miami.

But no Otto.

Christian Adams Calvary Baptist basketball

The 2015 Triad All-Star Rosters have been announced as well as the Ball Is Life Dunk Contest special invites! Check out the newly minted all-stars below! Several players in this year’s game, as in previous years, have already committed to colleges, while several others will no doubt be playing at the collegiate level as well.

Date: March 22, 2015
Location: Forsyth Country Day School (Winston-Salem, NC)

For updates on the Triad All-Star events, follow @TriadAllStar on Twitter.

Boys East

Player Position Height School
Christian Adams PG/SG 6’4″ Calvary Baptist
Drew Cone PG 5’7″ East Forsyth HS
Avery Jackson F 6’5″ West Forsyth HS
Jamal Deshields G/F 6’4″ Winston-Salem Christian
Spencer Wilson PG 6’0″ Bishop McGuinness HS
Naeem Razzak PG 5’10” Mt. Tabor HS
DJ Harrison PF/C 6’6″ Winston-Salem Prep
Kwa’tre Hollingsworth G 6’0″ Winston-Salem Prep
Keshawn Rawleigh G 6’3″ West Stokes HS
Zach Hartle F 6’5″ Reagan HS
Jacob Hartle F 6’3″ Reagan HS
Cory Hanes F 6’5″ Forsyth Country Day

Dunk Contest Special Invites

Artur Labinowicz G/F 6’4″ Butler HS
Alonzo Tyson PF 6’8″ Trinity Christian Academy
Mike Baez SG 6’5″ Charlotte United Christian

Boys West

Player Position Height School
Xavier Hill-Mais PF 6’7″ Page HS
Sam Covington F 6’3″ NW Guilford
Sae’Quahn Rogers SG 6’5″ Burlington School
Romeo Ferguson G/F 6’5″ Burlington School
KJ Langley PG 5’9″ SW Guilford
John Brewer F 6’4″ Caldwell Academy
David Ayodele F 6’6″ Westchester Day
Trevor Mayo G 6’2″ Greensboro Day School
Peter Agba PF/C 6’6″ Greensboro Day School
Darius Moore PG 5’11” Greensboro Day School
Ben Ferguson F 6’5″ SW Guilford

Triad All-Star Logo

Cecil Moore (PG, 5’11”, 2015) Calvary Baptist Day School – Moore has an elusive handle and plays both on and off of the ball, but will likely be a point guard at the collegiate level. He plays the point with his head up and understands the half court offense. Has a solid ability to slash but is most effective at creating space and getting off deep or midrange shots. Moore was recently selected to participate in events at the Triad All-Star game on March 22.

Tom Izzo

A new rant has lowered a bomb on the college basketball world, stating that Tom Izzo, the head coach at Michigan State, because he wouldn’t cheat:

Fran Fraschilla, an ESPN analyst and a head coach in 1992-2002 at Manhattan, St. John’s and New Mexico, was co-hosting “College Sports Today” on SiriusXM radio Monday when a caller suggested that Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim is being treated unfairly by the NCAA. Boeheim will be suspended for nine games next season, and Syracuse has to vacate 108 wins, based on recent NCAA findings of academic misconduct, improper benefits and other violations dating to 2001.

As a scout, I am aware that colleges do cheat to get players. Every year there is some noise or rumor – a credible rumor at that – about a specific player. What Franchilla is referring to, most likely, is Cliff Alexander, a player who ultimately ended up at Kansas, and is now linked to a financial firm that loans money to potential pro players. Although that is speculation, that surreptitiously points a finger at the Jayhawks. This is all spilling out after the penalties lowered on Syracuse by the NCAA.

Amare Stoudamire Dallas Mavericks

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently Amar’e Stoudamire is full of ideas on what is wrong with his current team, the Dallas Mavericks:

“I came here to win, and we’re [4 ½] games out of being out of the playoffs, which is unacceptable,” Stoudemire said after the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a 127-94 win over the Mavs at the American Airlines Center. “This is something we can’t accept. We’ve got to find a way to refocus. We’ve got to key into the details of the game of basketball.

“We can’t cheat the game. We can’t screw around in games and practices and joke around all the time and figure we’re going to win games. This is the pros. It’s the highest level of basketball. We’ve got to act that way.”

Quinn Cook Duke

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has released its 2014-15 Men’s All-District Teams, based on voting from its national membership of 900-plus. The USBWA has selected All-District Teams since the 1956-57 season, its founding year.

For each of the nine geographic districts, ten players are selected (11 in the case of ties) as well as a player and coach of the year. Four schools – Gonzaga (Kyle Wiltjer and Mark Few), Kentucky (Willie Cauley-Stein and John Calipari), Northern Iowa (Seth Tuttle and Ben Jacobson) and Wisconsin (Frank Kaminsky and Bo Ryan) – can boast the honor of having the district player and coach of the year. Villanova’s Jay Wright (District II) and Tony Bennett (District III) have earned back-to-back District Coach of the Year honors.

Following is the entire region-by-region listing:

DISTRICT I
ME, VT, NH, RI, MA, CT
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
LaDonte Henton, Providence
COACH OF THE YEAR
Danny Hurley, Rhode Island
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (11)
Ryan Boatright, Connecticut
Kris Dunn, Providence
Scott Eatherton, Northeastern
Olivier Hanlan, Boston College
LaDonte Henton, Providence
Cady Lalanne, Massachusetts
Hassan Martin, Rhode Island
E.C. Matthews, Rhode Island
Wesley Saunders, Harvard
Justin Sears, Yale
Dyami Starks, Bryant
DISTRICT II
NY, NJ, DE, DC, PA, WV
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jay Wright, Villanova
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Ryan Arcidiacono, Villanova
DeAndre Bembry, Saint Joseph’s
Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse
D’Angelo Harrison, St. John’s
Darrun Hilliard, Villanova
David Laury, Iona
D.J. Newbill, Penn State
Sir’Dominic Pointer, St. John’s
D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, G’town
Juwan Staten, West Virginia
DISTRICT III
VA, NC, SC, MD
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jahlil Okafor, Duke
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tony Bennett, Virginia
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Justin Anderson, Virginia
Malcolm Brogdon, Virginia
Quinn Cook, Duke
Tyus Jones, Duke
Trevor Lacey, N.C. State
Jahlil Okafor, Duke
Marcus Paige, North Carolina
Melo Trimble, Maryland
Dez Wells, Maryland
Justise Winslow, Duke
DISTRICT IV
KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, FL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
COACH OF THE YEAR
John Calipari, Kentucky
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Devin Booker, Kentucky
Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
Aaron Harrison, Kentucky
Stefan Moody, Ole Miss
Cameron Payne, Murray State
Josh Richardson, Tennessee
Terry Rozier, Louisville
Marcus Thornton, Georgia
Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky
DISTRICT V
OH, IN, IL, MI, MN, WI
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bo Ryan, Wisconsin
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Branden Dawson, Michigan State
Sam Dekker, Wisconsin
Kellen Dunham, Butler
Yogi Ferrell, Indiana
Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
A.J. Hammons, Purdue
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State
Keifer Sykes, Green Bay
Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
DISTRICT VI
IA, MO, KS, OK, NE, ND, SD
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa
COACH OF THE YEAR
Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Ron Baker, Wichita State
Perry Ellis, Kansas
Phil Forte, Oklahoma State
Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Monte Morris, Iowa State
Le’Bryan Nash, Oklahoma State
Georges Niang, Iowa State
Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa
Fred Van Vleet, Wichita State
Aaron White, Iowa
DISTRICT VII
TX, AR, LA
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bobby Portis, Arkansas
COACH OF THE YEAR
Scott Drew, Baylor
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
Kyan Anderson, TCU
Rico Gathers, Baylor
Jarell Martin, LSU
Jordan Mickey, LSU
Bobby Portis, Arkansas
Taurean Prince, Baylor
Michael Qualls, Arkansas
Myles Turner, Texas
Thomas Walkup, Stephen F. Austin
Zeek Woodley, Northwestern State
DISTRICT VIII
WY, UT, ID, NM, CO, NV, MT
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Delon Wright, Utah
COACH OF THE YEAR
Leon Rice, Boise State
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (10)
J.J. Avila, Colorado State
Daniel Bejarano, Colorado State
Askia Booker, Colorado
Kyle Collinsworth, BYU
Jordan Gregory, Montana
Tyler Haws, BYU
Derrick Marks, Boise State
Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming
Christian Wood, UNLV
Delon Wright, Utah
DISTRICT IX
CA, OR, WA, HI, AZ, AK
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mark Few, Gonzaga
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM (11)
Corey Hawkins, UC Davis
Stanley Johnson, Arizona
T.J. McConnell, Arizona
Gary Payton II, Oregon State
Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga
Norman Powell, UCLA
Chasson Randle, Stanford
Brad Waldow, St. Mary’s
Tyrone Wallace, California
Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga
Joseph Young, Oregon

The USBWA will continue to unveil its 2014-15 award winners throughout the remainder of the season. Here is the remaining schedule of releases:

• Mon., March 16: Men’s All-America teams announced
• Tues., March 17: Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-America Team announced
• Mon., March 23: Henry Iba Coach of the Year announced
• Mon., March 30: Women’s All-America team announced
• Fri., April 3: Oscar Robertson Player of the Year announced (Indianapolis)
• Tues., April 14: Presentation of the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award, the Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards Gala in Oklahoma City

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. Today, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. For more information on the USBWA and its All-District teams, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Related links:
• Recent past All-District Teams: 2013-14 | 2012-13 | 2011-12 | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | 2006-07 |2005-06 | 2004-05 | 2003-04

Christian Laettner

UPDATE: Christian’s AMA will be later in the week.

Christian Laettner announced an AMA on Reddit for Tuesday, March 10 at 9 am. For those not familiar with Reddit, AMA means ‘Ask Me Anything’. Laettner started his foray into the Q&A with the following tweet:

For my fans and ‘haters’ alike: I’ll be doing a @reddit_AMA starting tomorrow 9am EST – will provide link tonight #AMA @30for30 @espn

Of course, this is publicity for the 30 for 30 being done on his play while at Duke but it should give fans a chance to interact with one of the best – and easily one of the most hated – college basketball players of all time.