For the 2nd straight year I was able to cover the Men Who Speak Up Tournament put on by BD Global Sports and held at the MGM Arena in Las Vegas. Once again the field of 8 teams was divided into two brackets, a heavyweight and middleweight. Valparaiso beat BYU in one of the best college games Ive seen in a while to win the championship of the heavyweight bracket in front of a boisterous crowd. The game featured two NBA prospects, Alec Peters, a 6’9″ SR for Valpo, and Eric Mika, a 6’10” SR for BYU. Alec Peters was named MVP after another 20+ point effort to help Valpo secure the win.
Below I have put together my own version of the All-Tournament team (5 players) plus a few honorable mentions. These are players who I thought deserved it for the play in this tournament, so no other factors were included, such as hype coming in, or what the player had done in the past.
All Tournament Team
G- Shane Hammink, 6’7”, SR, Valparaiso
Versatile SF who can pass, score, and defend. Team player who is an underrated athlete Had a breakout game in the championship to help his team win.
G-Jermaine Bishop, G, 6’1″, SO, Saint Louis
Solid ball handler who can really shoot the basketball. Had 27 points in the opening game.
F- Franko House, 6’6”, SR, Ball State
Is a load to handle on the low block where he uses his strength to physically overwhelm opponents. Is a matchup nightmare- can go by bigger players on the perimeter and can overpower smaller defenders in the post.
F-Alec Peters, F, 6’9”, SR, Valparaiso
Tournament MVP had 2 double-doubles. Can space the floor with 3 point shooting and gets to the FT line at a high rate. Secures rebounds with 2 hands. One of the best pro prospects if not the best I saw here.
C- Eric Mika 6’10”, C, BYU
Good athlete who is really comfortable facing the basket. Solid rebounder and rim protector as well who is a pro prospect.
Honorable Mention
Sean Sellers, F, 6’6″ JR, Ball State
Jubril Adekoya, F, 6’7”, SR, Valparaiso
Reggie Agbeko, F, 6’7”, SR, Saint Louis