Jeff Borzello, Louisville Recruiting, Syracuse Recruiting, Villanova Recruiting

KING CITY CLASSIC EVALS & UPDATES (PART A)

BY JEFF BORZELLO

CLEVELAND – After a fairly lackluster experience at the LeBron James Skills Academy – aside from the hype of having James there, of course – the 75 or so players from that camp traveled about 40 minutes north to Cleveland State University for two days of tournament-style games. The players, broken into eight teams, competed in two games each before entering the playoffs. It was far easier to evaluate the prospects in the game-setting than it was in the drills and the controlled scrimmages. Here’s a look at some of the top guys at the event, leading off with players who have already committed to Big East programs…

Wayne Blackshear, 2011: Blackshear was one of the best players during the week. The Louisville-commit is simply an unstoppable offensive player, creating match-up problems due to his skillset. He can get the ball in the high post and control the offense from there, and is very difficult to contain when he decides to put his head down and drive to the basket. He plays much bigger than his 6-foot-5 size, and can finish against bigger players. Blackshear can also knock down perimeter shots.

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Tyrone Johnson, 2011: Johnson is doing his best to make the full-time transformation to point guard, and he played well this week at that position. The Villanova-commit is very difficult to keep out of the lane, and his ability to drive past his defender enables him to make plays for himself and his teammates. He has great handle and creates space as a result. He’s strong and physical and finishes well at the rim.

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Zach Price, 2011: The future Louisville big man was one of the more impressive players during the first day of the King City Classic. He is relentless on the offensive boards and nabbed multiple rebounds at that end of the floor. The lefty forward hit a couple of face-up jumpers from the top of the key, but he needs to do most of his damage around the basket. He has a nice jump hook, but he has to go up stronger on most of his second opportunities.

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Michael Carter-Williams, 2011: Many people are mixed on Carter-Williams, but I’ve always been a fan of “MCW.” The Syracuse-commit can play both guard positions, and creates problems at both ends of the floor because of his length and 6-foot-5 size. He can drive to the basket and finish, and is an excellent outside shooter who can get hot from three in a hurry. Carter-Williams can initiate an offense and is also a solid passer. Moreover, he is a very good rebounder for his position.

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