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BIG EAST TALENT SHOWS AT DC’S KENNER LEAGUE

Selected Kenner League review on Big East Guys

by RON BAILEY

August 21, 2009 – With the 2009 Jabbo Kenner League’s yearly closure, basketball fans have again lost the opportunity to see professional and collegiate players battle in the confines of Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena. Kenner is, and has been, one of the best places to see post-high school talent perform on the East Coast.

Of course present and past Big East athletes participate in league action. Several that played this year are evaluated below. (Click here for i95Ballerz.com All Kenner First/Second and Third/Fourth teams)

Jason Clark – sophomore G, Georgetown, 6’2”, 175 lbs: Coming into the summer, Clark needed to further his handle, thereby allowing him to utilize existing point guard instincts. Well, the Woodbridge (VA) native got the memo, as he is now penetrating with both hands. Always athletic, the increased handle allowed Clark to attack the rim hard, finishing or finding teammates for easy baskets.

Clark displayed solid outside shooting ability, along with his trademark strap-up defense, while also snagging rebounds. Still must get stronger, and continue the ball patting work.
Was tabbed First Team All-Kenner.
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John Flowers – junior F, West Virginia, 6’7”, 215lbs: Playing for Bob Huggins at WVU, Flowers is drilled, as he put it to “go get the ball, any way possible”. A Waldorf, MD-area guy, Flowers did that, fighting for the rock in rebounding situations. This included swim moves, bump-offs, and just plain effort.

Flowers (on right) pictured with IU frosh Maurice Creek

Flowers also showed a more consistent jump shot, one that at times he was not bashful to use. John needs to increase his shooting range and continue working on handle.
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Chris Howard – senior PG, South Florida, 6’3”, 205 lbs: Heading into his final year, Howard’s Kenner performance should buoy the hopes of Bull fans; despite only playing a couple of games, Howard made the third team by leading, scoring and at times defending; his quarterfinal performance was more than memorable, including a buzzer beating, overtime three pointer and 28 points. Was tabbed Third Team All-Kenner, and hails from Clinton (MD).

Having regained strength in his twice injured knee as well as transformed his body overall, Howard must continue to develop physically. Doing so will aid his lateral quickness, which is crucial in defending perimeter players.
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Mathews on the attack in Kenner action

Bryant Matthews – International pro formerly of Virginia Tech, 6’8”, 220 lbs: One of the hardest working players in this year’s Kenner League, Matthews, who played in Romania last year showed himself the equal of NBA participants, as he scored, rebounded and defended himself to a Second Team All-Kenner position.

As he did with former Big East member Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies and the league with 22.1 points per game (plus 8.9 rebounds) in 2003-2004, Matthews just got it done: A classic tweaner forward, he just outworks opponents on both sides of the floor, doing whatever he needs to do, whether it looks awkward or not, to succeed. That work ethic is displayed in training sessions, where he routinely leads his group when working with famed trainer Haniff Hill.
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Chase Adams – senior G, Pittsburgh, 5’11”, 190 lbs: A rare fourth year transfer – due to Centenary’s decision to move from Division I to III, and other troubles – Adams will be a senior with no Big East experience. That’s not to say he’s bereft of talent, as this kid from Columbia (MD) can score and is a willing defender. Physically, given his strength, Adams seems ready for league play.

According to him he expects to bring perimeter depth to Pitt’s roster, and in doing so is living “a dream”. In Kenner action Chase, who opined “I’m known for my defense” was offensively aggressive late in Kenner play. He understands and accepts the possibility that greater passing may be called upon in the league this writer has dubbed the ‘B-East’.
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Dante Taylor – freshman F, Pittsburgh, 6’9”, 245 lbs: Coming into the Big East, Taylor is known as a banger capable of finishing and filling lanes, while also rebounding and scoring in the half court via jump hooks and put backs. His Kenner League performance did nothing to dispute that scouting report, as Taylor, a McDonald All-American did all the above.

The difference when playing against older, stronger players is that Dante didn’t excel constantly; there were times when he faded in and out. He also couldn’t bull his way to the cup as easily as he did on the prep level at National Christian (Oxon Hill, MD). Expect him to develop a go-to and counter moves, plus more strength at Pitt, enabling him to impact conference play.