Connecticut Recruiting, Marquette Recruiting, Pittsburgh Recruiting, Providence Recruiting, Ron Bailey, Rutgers Recruiting, Seton Hall Recruiting

PATTERSON DUO HAS BIG EAST SUITORS

Patterson’s Kane and Council Contemplating Big East offers

by Ron Bailey

December 8, 2008 – Much is being discussed lately of Patterson School’s guard duo, Vincent Council and Deandre Kane; speculation abounds regarding their skill sets and future college destinations. Big East fans might be seeing these prep school standouts for years to come.

During Patterson’s DTLR National High School Hoops Festival Presented by Nike contest with Hargrave Military Academy this past weekend, Kane impressed to the point of winning that game’s MVP honors. He dropped 20 points against the highly touted Hargrave backcourt that featured Maurice Creek, Freddie Rileyand others.

Kane, a 6’4” shooting guard originally from Pittsburgh, PA where he won at state championship as a junior playing with current Big East players DeJuan Blair (Pitt) and DJ Kennedy (St. John’s), listed “Marquette, Baylor, Pitt, Seton Hall and UConn”, as possible future destinations with all having offered scholarships. A tough, physical off-guard capable of dribbling, rebounding, shooting and even playing the baseline defensively in zone defense deployments, Kane provides versatility and impact. Pressed to determine his most effective shot, one may label that pretty runner he likes to shoot as such. In terms of choosing a school, he noted “I’ll probably commit during the end of January”.

Council, of Brooklyn, NY, scored 16 points in Festival play, but did his damage from the point position for the Patterson School. Like Kane, Council, standing 6’2”, is tough enough to man the baseline in defensive zones. Vincent routinely ‘drops off’ (passes) to teammates after penetrating. Council showed he was solid shooting from mid-range to the three-point arc. He’s also a pretty solid on ball defender, accepts challenges, and does it with swagger – as witnessed by his comments “Son, he can’t guard me!” heard courtside. To Vincent’s credit, the defender couldn’t, as Council immediately dribbled from half court, stuttered at the top of the key, and went right, eventually ending up at the rim.

(Vincent Council at DTLR Hoops Festival)

Kane must likely play defense more consistently in college, along with tightening up his handle to the point of allowing him to slide over and playing some point guard will be seamless. Council needs to get stronger and expand his shooting range to reach his potential in college.

Chaney thinks highly of both guys, noting of Council “He’s a leader on and off the floor” and Kane “he’s playing well” and is also “one of our leaders.” Patterson’s head man went on to indicate “They are both physically and mentally tough. I can count on them…I can be hard on them, but care about them at the same time”.

In terms of the league dubbed by some the Big Beast for its well earned reputation of spirited, no back down competition by premier players – both tough and skilled – Patterson’s tandem spoke glowingly.

“It’s the best conference in college. They get up and down (the court), work hard and compete” said Council of the 16 team Big East, while his backcourt mate, Kane, shared “Its alright, I like the style of play…I could definitely play there”.

It would seem the best hoops conference in America could once again see battle tested, fearless and skilled backcourt players join its ranks. Some things seem never to change and spotted in the crowd on Sunday were Big East head coaches such as Jamie Dixon (Pitt), Keno Davis (Providence) and an assistant from Marquette, among others.

Ron Bailey is the Publisher of i95ballerz.com and for more on the DTLR High School Hoops Festival see Ron’s reports on the First Day of Action and on the Sunday Action of the Festival.

Be Sociable, Share!

•