7 questions

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Solomon Mangham is a 6’6″ SF from Georgia in the class of 2013 who has a long list of colleges that are in contact with him, and more are added to the list every day. We caught up with Solomon for this edition of 7 Questions.

You have a long list of interested colleges and an offer from Houston Baptist. How often do you get some contact from college coaches?

I’d say I’ve been getting a new school’s interest every day for a while and now after the new ruling changes, I have about 5 coaches text me a day.

What do you think are the strongest parts of your game right now?
I am a very good mid-range scorer and I also have good court vision which allows me to make plays. I also take advantage of my defender and get a lot of rebounds.

What areas of your game are you working on, or want to work on?
I’ve become a much better three point shooter recently but I continue to work on that…and I could be a better on-ball defender with smaller guards.

Do you have a player (at any level, college or pro) that you admire?
I like Rudy Gay, Carmelo and Royce White a lot. I respect their games a lot.

What do you think of the new NCAA rules allowing coaches unlimited texting to recruits?
I think it’s a good rule, you can see what schools are most interested by how much they communicate with you…but I won’t like the rule once school starts and I have lots of tests and stuff.

Do you have any visits planned, or have you already taken any?
Yes I have visited Mercer, Holy Cross, Boston U, Boston College, Harvard, Yale , Northeastern and Fairfield. I will visit Kennesaw State this weekend.. I will take more visits as the summer goes on.

If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they knew, what would it be?
I want to be a lawyer, everytime I tell a school that, they get surprised.. It’s funny.

—

Solomon Mangham is one of the of over 1,100 players we are actively tracking in the Basketball Elite Player Database.

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1. Have you been offered by any schools, or are you talking with any schools?

I havent recieved any offers yet, VCU is recruiting me. I have talked to UNCW and also VCU.

2. What do you think are the strongest parts of your game right now?

I think the strongest part of my game is my offense. I’ve developed a left handed hook. That really helps my offense a lot.

3. What areas of your game are you working on, or want to work on?

Weakest part of my game would be talking on defense and not getting around my defenders.

4. Do you have a player (at any level, college or pro) that you admire?

I admire Austin Rivers.

5. A lot of sites have you listed at 6’8″, some even at 6’9″ but you recently said you were 6’6″, and you are listed on several recruiting sites as a center. So here’s your chance to set the record straight. What’s your height and what position do you see yourself playing in the future?

I am 6’6″ but I play like a 7 footer. And I see myself as a starting Center.

6. Do you have any visits planned, or have you already taken any?

I plan to visit VCU and NC State during the summer.

7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they knew, what would it be?

That basketball is my life. Besides God And my family, that’s the only reason I put effort in keeping good grades and a healthy body.

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JaQuel Richmond
Photo Source: NY2LA

JaQuel Richmond (PG, 6’1″, 2014) worked his way into the recruiting lexicon this summer as he started to get noticed – and recruited – by some pretty big name schools. JaQuel plays alongside some very talented AAU teammates on the CP3 All-Stars, and he proved he is an elite guard at the CP3 elite skills camp this year. JaQuel’s calling card is his quickness and ability to get to the bucket, and he has a knack of creating a mid range shot for himself seemingly at will.

We caught up with JaQuel on his latest offers, what he’s working on right now and few other things in today’s edition of 7 questions.

1. The first question is always about your current college options. Which schools have offered, and which schools are you currently considering/talking to?

Charlotte (UNCC), Virginia, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest and Georgetown have offered me so far.

2. Over the summer you got the opportunity to attend some of the biggest camps and events, such as the Chris Paul elite guard camp. What are your thoughts on how your summer went, from the events to playing against top competition?

I honestly would have to say my summer went good, I played against top guards that were in my class at the Peach Jam and in Florida Showcase/Nationals. Playing against those top guards and top players shows others that you can handle that type of pressure during the game and at crunch time, but knowing myself I love to be on the stage and all eyes are on you.

3. What do you think are the strongest parts of your game right now?

The strongest parts of my game right now [are] getting to the basket at any time and attacking that mid-range at all times.

4. What parts of your game are you currently working on?

I am constantly working on my 3 ball because most coaches know that I can get to the cup so they want to see if I can also shoot that 3 ball. So most of my workout I’m constantly putting up shots, at least 600 shots.

5. Do you have a player (at any level, college or pro) that you admire?

I would have to say I admire Kyrie Irvin because we both have that killer instict during the entire game and we can get to the basket with no problem.

6. Do you have any visits planned, or have you already taken any?

October 8th I’m going to Virginia Tech.
October 14th I’m going to Duke Midnight Madness.

JaQuel Richmond basketball
Photo Source: Naples News

7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they knew, what would it be?

That I would never be cocky and that I’m always humble.

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Gio Woods Jump Shot Basketball

By James Blackburn

1. What has your experience been like playing in Spain this season, being that this is your rookie year playing professional basketball?

My experience playing here in Spain my first year has been a blessing. It has been a great learning experience. As a team we had a lot of expectations to win and play as a solid unit. I think I did well and learned quite a bit about the European style of play.

2. You are a versatile player who can impact the game without scoring, what part of your game do you feel is the strongest?

As a player I have always been taught not to be one-dimensional, to be an all-around player and able to do other things that will benefit the team to help get the win. I think rebounding is my strongest part of my game other than scoring. When I rebound, I can not only start the fast break but also look to create for myself or get my teammates an open shot and also to put pressure on the defense. Having the speed and quickness to get up and down the floor with the ball helps put my teammates and myself in a better position to score and easy basket.

3. What are your plans for this summer, now that you have all ready played a year of professional basketball overseas and what are some of your goals in the future as a player?

My plans for this summer are to rest for a couple of weeks with my family and then get to work. I really need to focus on my shooting and ball handling more this summer. I may head to Florida to train for a few weeks doing a lot of agility and strength on my lower body to build more explosion to help finish stronger at the rim. My goals for the future have not changed since I was young which is to play at the highest level I am capable of playing whether it be the NBA or the top premier leagues here overseas. I know that I have the ability and talent to do so but with a little more work and time, I know that those opportunities will present themselves at the right time.

4. What do you feel are some of the advantages for an America player to play internationally? What is the biggest difference in your mind between the game here and overseas?

Some advantages for American players overseas is there are a lot of leagues and countries to play in. With the minor leagues in the states not holding so much weight anymore, we can bring our talents abroad and put ourselves in better positions to move up and get seen by the NBA or the Development league. I think the team philosophy versus star power is the biggest difference. Not saying the NBA isn’t team oriented but most of the attributes come from the big names on the teams there.

5. What are your thoughts on the NBA lockout and the idea that some college players will try to go overseas to play?

With the NBA lockout happening, I think it will be a great opportunity for some of the college players to come overseas to get an experience that they may not ever have. For example, I think Brandon Jennings really benefited from playing overseas for a year. The players in Europe are very fundamental and have a great basketball I.Q and I think that by Jennings coming here it helped his contribution to the game and was more than just his athletic ability and speed.

6. You and Jamal Crawford from the Atlanta Hawks have a good relationship. When did you two meet and what are some of the things you have learned from him?

I met Jamal about 3 years ago in Seattle at his summer pro am league that he has every summer at Rainier Beach high school. I played against him one game and we had a great battle. Not being from the Seattle area I was a new face and I approached him after the game to get some advice on how to improve my game. He invited me to some open runs that were filled with NBA talent like himself Brandon Roy, Will Conroy, Nate Robinson, Terrance Williams and some Euroleague players as well. From there I began to do some side training with him and we have kept in contact ever since. One thing that I’ve learned from Jamal is timing. There’s always a time for everything, his time is now that he is really blossoming in the league and has finally made it to the playoffs in consecutive seasons and he expressed to me that my time will come where I have the chance to be where he is. But in the mean [time, I need] to stay humble and hungry to get better.

7. If you could tell US basketball fans one thing about playing overseas that they probably don’t know, what would it be?

It’s not easy…It’s not easy being away from family friends and the normal life. But if you want to be successful you have to make sacrifices. God blessed me to be in the position I am in today and I’m thankful everyday. God bless!

***

Southeast Summer Showcase basketball north carolina Hey! Have you heard about the Southeast Summer Showcase? It’s a premier individual players’ showcase, taking place on June 25. Rivals affiliates, college coaches and scouting services will be on hand for this high level, high competition basketball showdown. Click here and get more information today.
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By Marcus Shockley

Isaiah Hicks Garner Road Bulldogs

You might not have heard much about Isaiah Hicks, but he intends to change that. Hicks is 6’8″ and fluid, a dunker who explodes to the rim and is the kind of athlete that gets fans anticipating something on a breakaway; if Hicks is trailing on the break, you know something exciting could, and probably will, happen. Isaiah has made no secret that right now he’s primarily focused on UNC, one of the three major college programs within minutes of where he plays his high school and AAU basketball.

Isaiah is extremely effective in transition, which is why he’s so dangerous on the break. His fluid ability to get up and down the court and finish at the rim makes him an easy target for a point guard. See Isaiah’s ability for yourself in today’s exclusive highlight video:

We caught up with Hicks this past week for our seven question interview, but we are also providing some exclusive video and photos of Hicks, a player who plays in the heart of ACC country and is very much of interest to area schools.

1. You’ve stated in the past that UNC was your early favorite. Which other schools are you currently considering?

None.

2. What position do you see yourself playing at the college level?

At the 3.

3. What do you think are the strongest parts of your game right now?

Dunking. (See the video.)


4. What areas of your game are you currently working on?

My shooting and ball handles.

5. Do you have a player (at any level, college or pro) that you admire?

Kevin Durant.

6. Do you have any visits planned, or have you already taken any?

I went to [NC State] last Friday but other then that, I don’t expect any visits soon.

7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they to knew, what would it be?

I will be number 1 in the nation.

Isaiah Hicks
Isaiah Hicks Dunk

Video for this feature provided by Devin Masone and M2 Productions.
***

Southeast Summer Showcase basketball north carolina Hey! Have you heard about the Southeast Summer Showcase? It’s a premier individual players’ showcase, taking place on June 25. Rivals affiliates, college coaches and scouting services will be on hand for this high level, high competition basketball showdown. Click here and get more information today.
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By Marcus Shockley

T.J. Warren has seen quite a few things happen during his recruitment, like some coaches no longer being at their schools and fellow players committing. Meanwhile, the 6’6″ small forward has a knack for scoring the ball and is known for a high basketball I.Q., and is one of the top unsigned prospects in North Carolina from the 2012 class, boasting a bevy of offers from top schools.

We caught up with T.J. this week to include him in our latest 7 Questions series, and to give him a chance to talk a bit about his current recruiting progress.

1. First question (it always is) is what does your recruitment look like? You have reported offers from a long list of schools, are you still wide open or do you have any specific schools of interest?

My recruitment is now wide open im just taking it slow right now. My school interest is Georgetown, UNC, Ohio State, Arizona State, Duke, Miami, NC State, Memphis, Virginia Tech. Its a long list.

2. What parts of your game are you hoping to work on over the summer and going into next year’s high school season?

Overall i just want to keep getting better. Working hard, getting faster, Defense, Just the whole game just working at it! This summer will be a real big summer for me! I’m coming for that spot!

3. What parts of your game do feel are the strongest?

Scoring at will and just making my other teammates better!

4. Do you have a player (at any level, college or pro) that you admire?

People Compare me to Kevin Durant a lot because my ability to score in a variety of ways. I also get Melo a lot. So anywhere [in] between there!

5. What visits have you taken or plan to take, or are you still evaluating all options?

I been up to Georgetown this season to catch a game. I’m still looking at what program best fits my style of play!

6. If college coaches give you feedback on your game, what are they telling you?

Just tell me to keep working hard and always compete!

7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish they knew, what would it be?

I love to write! Just pages and pages on how I feel. Ha ha!

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By James Blackburn

Alan Stein is the owner of Stronger Team and the Head Strength & Conditioning coach for the nationally renowned, Nike Elite DeMatha Catholic High School boys basketball program. He spent 7 years serving a similar position with the Montrose Christian basketball program.

Alan brings a wealth of valuable experience to his training arsenal after years of extensive work with elite high school, college, and NBA players.

 Alan Stein Kobe Bryant

1. Who are some of the NBA guys you will be working with this year or have worked with in the past? Are there any thing other camps or other ventures that you will be doing this year that you have not done in the past, that you would like our readers to know about, or any new clients?

It is too early to know what NBA players (or players preparing for this year’s draft) will be in DC this off-season. I have had the great fortune of working with several current NBA players when they were in high school and college – Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Tywon Lawson, Michael Beasley, and Greivis Vasquez to name a few. While I certainly enjoy working with pros, my main clientele are junior high and high school age players. I am in the process of finalizing my summer schedule, but am looking forward to being a part of several new camps – in Englad, Jordan, Canada, and maybe Italy! I will certainly continue my staple of events in the US – the NBPA Top 100 Camp, the Nike Skills Academies, and the Chris Paul Elite Backcourt Camp. But I am excited to use basketball as a vehicle to take me all over the world. I am overwhelming thankful to do what I do for a living.

2. How did you break into the business?

I have always loved the game of basketball and became fascinated with strength & conditioning in high school. I decided this was what I wanted to do for a living my junior year in college. Basketball specific strength & conditioning was almost non-existent then (late 1990’s) so I saw this line of work as a unique niche. I haven’t looked back since!

3. What is one of the main things players need to improve on/work on when they make the jump from HS to college or from college to the pros? What area do you think most players struggle to translate to that next level.

Every time you go up a level the players are stronger, faster, and more explosive. Those are the areas players need to improve to compete at the next level!

Alan Stein

4. Do you ever turn players down that want to work out with you? If so, is it because of your schedule or players attitude, or a little of both?

As long as I can accommodate schedule wise, and as long as the player has a great attitude and is committed to their own development – I don’t ever turn away players.

It doesn’t matter to me if a kid is trying to make his JV high school team or he is a McDonalds All-American – I want to work with them if they meet the aforementioned criteria.

5. Do most players that come to you for help come with an agenda of what they want to improve on?

Yes, most of the players come to me with set goals in mind…. Which is GREAT! And for 99% of basketball players they are the same goals – get stronger, how to jump higher, gain weight, improve quickness!

6. How is your team doing at Dematha Catholic this season? Any player who is under the radar that we should keep an eye on?

I am so thankful to be at DeMatha and surrounded by such great kids and coaches. We have an outstanding team this year. We suffered our first loss of the season this past weekend but are confident that it will serve as a valuable learning experience. We are currently ranked #14 in the nation by ESPN and have upcoming games against St. Anthony’s (#3) and Norcom (#6) – in addition to our intense WCAC schedule. We are a fairly young team and have tons of potential talent. I say ‘potential’ because they need to stay focused and keep working if they want to be as good as they can be!

7. What is next for you and where do you see yourself and the business going next?

The next major things for me after our season is over is the McDonalds All-American game (Chicago) and the Jordan Brand All-American Classic (Charlotte)… both are always tremendous events. As for my business, I just want to keep being a resource for players and coaches of all ages… all over the world.

To learn more about Alan’s work, check out Stronger Team online and you can follow Alan on Twitter or Facebook.

****
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By Marcus Shockley

Troy Williams (SF, 6’7″, 2013) is a player who has flown somewhat under the radar, but that’s likely to change considering the class of 2011 will soon move on, and the fact that scouts already consider him an elite talent. There hasn’t been much reported yet on the specific schools looking at Troy, who plays for Phoebus High School in Hampton, Virginia. I caught up with Troy to get some idea of who he’s been considering for college choices, and what he’s working on to improve his game.

1. What’s your school list, and who’s offered that you are looking at?

So far, I’m trying to keep my options open. Virginia Tech, Virginia and Georgetown have been highly interested.

2. Since you are trying to keep your options open,
do you have a timetable for a decision, or just remaining patient for now?

Just being patient. I’m not going to narrow my choices [until] my junior year.

3. What parts of your game do you feel are the strongest?

Shooting and backdoor cutting.

4. What parts of your game are you currently working on right now?

On-ball defense, ball handling, and shooting off the dribble.

5. Do you feel, as some people are saying, that the recruiting process has become overhyped?

It causes some players to act big headed, but to me it’s not really a problem. Just can’t let it get to you.

6. Do you have a player (at any level) who’s game you admire?

For high school, I admire Harrison Barnes and for the NBA, it’s Kevin Durant.

7. If you could tell people one thing they don’t know about you, what would it be?

Even though my uncle is Boo Williams and my aunt is the head coach of the Georgetown girls basketball team, I worked hard to get where I am with their help, but it was mostly because of me.

****
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By Marcus Shockley

Greg McClinton (SF, 6’6″, 2013) is an AAU teammate of Rodney Purvis and a great prospect from North Carolina. Greg has length and a ballhandling ability that will allow him to play the 3 in college and probably a lot of the 2. He’s a big time athlete with a good head on his shoulders, a quick first step and an ability to get above the rim. But all of that doesn’t tell you one of the most important things: He plays under control, keeps his emotions in check and just wants to help his team win. He doesn’t jaw at the officials or other players or showboat, which makes his explosiveness that much more impressive. It’s hard, as a fan of the game, not to like McClinton’s approach, and it’s not a surprise that he admires Harrison Barnes’ reputed work ethic.

He can defend multiple positions and moves very well laterally. If he can improve his consistency on his outside shooting, he’s going to really be difficult to guard and has the talent and potential to play beyond the college game.

Here’s our 7 Questions with Greg.

1. The first question (it always is): Which schools are you considering,
what offers have you received or what colleges have been communicating with you?

Offered:
Wake
Xavier
Virginia Tech
Miami

High Interest:
Louisville
Clemson

2. What visits have you taken or plan to take?

I have visited
Louisville
Wake
Virginia Tech
Xavier
I plan on visiting Miami sometime next year when I have the time.

3. What are the parts of your game that you feel are the strongest?

I feel that I do the little things. I can rebound, I have a nice pull up mid-range, I can get to the basket, and I think I’m a good defender. I have a good basketball IQ.

4. Are any coaches giving you feedback on your game, and if so,
what are they telling you they want to see?

They want me to play harder and be more consistent. They also want me to improve my shooting ability from deep.

5. What are the parts of your game you are currently working on?

I’m doing a lot of shooting and ball handling, and working on being a better finisher around the basket.

6. Can you name a current or past player or a coach (at any level)
that you may admire and why you admire them?

Harrison Barnes. I really like his game. I hear from people all the time that he has a great work ethic. I think he’s going to be a great player one day.

7. If you could tell people one thing about you that you wish
they knew, what would it be?

That I’m a good kid and I’m just trying to get better and be the best I can be.

****
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By Marcus Shockley

Chris Walker (6’8″, SF/PF, 2013) isn’t a household name yet, even in recruiting circles. That will probably change in the very near future, as the current 2011 class moves on and the ever-present need for big men in the college ranks means that Chris and his fellow 2013 recruits will be even more highly sought after targets. That doesn’t mean college coaches aren’t aware of him; he’s already garnered a bevy of D1 offers and has extensive interest from major programs across the country.

Chris is mobile, a shot blocker, quick to the rim, with hops and athleticism. But he can also shoot, which makes him the type of player who can be dangerous at any level. In this installment of 7 Questions, we caught up with Chris and got the latest on his thoughts on his future college choice, and what he’s working in his game. Chris currently has several offers on the table from quite a few schools.

Note: this chat was over Twitter’s messaging system, so we were limited to how much space we could put in each message. I’ve edited this slightly in some places to reflect the entire conversation without Twitter’s abbreviation.

1. What’s your school list, and who’s offered that you are looking at?

Florida
Florida State (offer)
Alabama offer
Kentucky
Ohio State
Georgia Tech
Baylor
Tennessee (offer)
Memphis
Syracuse
Connecticut
UCF (offer)
Louiville
Texas

2. Do you have a timetable for a decision?

I’ll make a decision pretty soon or this summer [and] if I don’t by then I know my junior year!!

3. What parts of your game do you feel are the strongest?

Strongest part is me being able to dominate in transition and me being
able to take a big man out and blow past and finish, [getting an] “And 1”

4. What parts of your game are you currently working on?

I’m workin on: my foot work, my jump shot, my range, my handles, my jumping ability, my
speed, post moves, outside moves […] Gotta get right before this summer

5. Do you see yourself as a pure post player, and what position would you like to
play in college? PF, or something else?

Naw, I’m a combo forward a 3 [and] 4 in college, I don’t know yet, depends on how my body develops.

6. Do you have a favorite player who’s game you like?

High School: Love Quincy Miller’s [because] we play alike game and Austin Rivers’ game
College: Perry Jones [because] we play alike [and] Terrance [Jones] from Kentucky
NBA: Lebron, Kevin Durant

7. If you could tell people one thing they don’t know about [you], what would it be?

I would tell them I’m the youngtruth, and I’m [going to be] one and done, and I work harder than the average human being, and I am [one of] the best in [the class of] 2013.

****
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