July 2010

MERNAGH: ORLANDO AAU NOTEBOOK

Things are still going strong in Orlando as the 16-U AAU National Championships have their quarterfinal match-ups set for Thursday afternoon:

BABC Sophs vs. Southern Kings Gold
Rising Stars Gold vs. Southern Select
All-Ohio Red vs. Boo Williams 16′s
Arkansas Wings vs. TM Daniels Q6 AS

Also, bracket play in the 17-U classification gets underway as pool play is completing tonight.

Ray Mernagh runs through some of the players that he has gotten a good look at in his first couple days in Orlando below…

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as Ray takes a look at players such as Donny Hale (Purdue commit), Jaylen Bond (Pitt commit), Andrew Nicholas (former Rutgers commit), Kadeem Jack, Omar Calhoun, Aaron Thomas, Shaq Boga and more with some recruiting tidbits and observations added. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

WILTJER NOT CUTTING LIST; CARSON NOT NAMING FAVORITE

Jeff Borzello follows up on reports on two of the West’s top 2011 prospects and their recruitment

A report Wednesday morning stated that 2011 NBE Top 100 prospect Kyle Wiltjer had trimmed his list to Gonzaga, California, Oregon and Kansas.

However, the 6-foot-9 forward denied the report.

“Not true,” Wiltjer told Jeff Borzello Wednesday afternoon from the Double Pump Best of the Summer Classic in California. “Won’t start narrowing down schools until after this tourney.”

He said he is considering Washington, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Wake Forest and Texas, in addition to the aforementioned four of Gonzaga, Cal, Oregon and Kansas.

“Everyone’s equal at this point,” Wiltjer said.

You can read the rest of Jeff’s story HERE, at his MarchMadnessAllSeason blog.

Also out west, Jahii Carson has been making some news. After decommitting from Oregon State right before the spring AAU season, Carson has seen his recruitment skyrocket to new levels.

The 5-foot-10 Mesa (Ariz.) point guard has been outstanding for the Compton Magic in AAU tournaments during the spring and summer, and has also impressed at various camps.

With new interest comes increased media coverage, though, and Carson now has to refute incorrect rumors. A report earlier in the week stated that Carson had named UCLA as his leader.

However, Carson Refutes Report, Has No Leader.

“[It’s] not all the way true,” he told MarchMadnessAllSeason on Tuesday. “I have no leader. I’m still wide-open, but I like UCLA a lot.”

Carson said simply mentioning the Bruins first led some to believe he had named them as his frontrunner.

“Probably because I said UCLA first before all schools, and then I talked about their tradition,” he said.

In addition to UCLA, Carson also lists Arizona, North Carolina, Arizona State, UNLV, Washington, Alabama, Butler, USC, Oregon State and Oregon.

“Right now, they’re all tied.”

*********Follow NBE Sports on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NBESports*****

Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

DESERT DUEL RECRUITING RUNDOWN & NOTES

The mission Desert Duel Memorial Basketball Tournament is to raise funds for the Tom Crawford Leadership Children’s Foundation. To date, over 21 million dollars in scholarships have been given to players passing through their event in the short time it has been in existence and, despite just a 32-team field, the field is loaded with some of the best teams from across the country. The NJ Playaz (17s & 16s), Mac Irvin Fire (17s & 16s), DC Assault (17s & 16s), Belmont Shores, Compton Magic, NY Panthers, Seattle Rotary, Arizona Magic Pump ‘N Run, Team Philly (17s & 16s), NE Playaz, Dallas Mustangs, Atlanta Celtics, Mo-Kan Spiece, Worldwide Renegades, Minnesota Net Gain, Team Loaded, Texas D1 Ambassadors, Franchize All-Stars, Carolina Elite, Team NJABC and more make up the loaded 2010 field.

Doug Ferguson braved the high heat of the Arizona desert to make his way to Mesquite High School in Gilbert (AZ) for the action of the 2010 Desert Duel Memorial Basketball Tournament. He was greeted upon arrival by some excellent play and many top college head coaches who also were taking in the action.

p>You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Arizona which includes the latest on the recruitments of Naadir Tharpe, Jerome Seagers, Amile Jefferson, LeBryan Nash (top 6), Quinn Cook, Andre Henley, KJ McDaniels and a look at what games coaches were finding the most interesting, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

Read more

AAU SUPER SHOWCASE GOLD TITLE RECAP

by RAY MERNAGH

What was supposed to be the Austin Rivers vs Brad Beal show in the Super Showcase Event here in Orlando turned into a game featuring two highly regarded understudies. Rivers still led the way with 24 points in E1T1′s 78-60 win but Trevor Lacey continued his standout play in the event and Ben McLemore (with Beal struggling) showed why so many folks love his game.

Trevor Lacey did a bit of everything for E1T1 in their championship victory. He hit three’s, got to the rim and pulled up in the midrange. Lacey was really solid in each game I watched him here. The one-time top ten kid in his class who saw that stock drop a bit has solidified himself on firm ground as a high-major combo guard with size who would be an immediate help to most any program in the country.

McLemore is another story. When I watch Ben McLemore I wonder just how good he can be? He is an explosive athlete and also has a gorgeous jumpshot that he can get off quickly and effortlessly against major contests. Last night at one point McLemore ran the baseline and when he eventually caught the pass in the corner his man was right there with him crowding him with hand up. It didn’t matter. McLemore turned, faced and went into his shot in not time at all. He wasn’t bothered by the hand in his face or the body crowding him and the ball dropped through the net for a three. Not sure what was more crazy –how difficult that sequence was to pull off or how easy Ben McLemore made it look.

Of course McLemore hit a few more three’s and then he upped the ante when he caught the ball baseline, spun on his defender and hammered home a dunk over a helpless E1T1 big as part of his 18 points.

McLemore told me afterwards that he’s definitely going to Oak Hill Academy and that he’s wide open in his recruitment right now. He also mentioned that he’s been hearing from both Florida and Connecticut lately.

Like any championship team, there are unsing heros. For Each 1 Teach 1 the play of Brett Comer in the finale would qualify as being such a hero. The 2011 Florida Atlantic commitment took the job of defending Beal and did it as well as anyone this spring and summer on the AAU circuit. Comer is a teammate of Rivers at nearby Winter Park HS and played his role to perfection and his defense was as important as any of the points scored by Rivers and Lacey in the win.

The St. Louis Eagles now head to Kansas City while E1T1 stays right here in Orlando for the AAU National Championships.

*********Follow NBE Sports on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NBESports*****

Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

ORLANDO AAU UPDATE: PART V

On Tuesday champions were crowned in the 17-U AAU Super Showcase as bracket play began in the 16-U AAU nationals and pool play started in the 17-U AAU nationals. The big trophy went to the local Each 1 Teach 1 squad as Austin Rivers, Trevor Lacey and company defeated the St. Louis Eagles by the score of 78-60 in game shown by ESPNU. In the Silver Bracket, it was East Coast Elite/Delaware Panthers taking the crown. A couple of the big names for ECE included Pittsburgh-commit Jaylen Bond and uncommitted 2011 big man Malcolm Gilbert.

Alex Schwartz again checks in from Orlando and you can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as he details the performance of Bond, Andre Drummond, Mike Tobey, Jevon Thomas and Daiquan Walker, with detailed recruiting updates on Derrick Wilson, Jacob Lawson and Bishop Daniels are all detailed below. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

ORLANDO AAU UPDATE: PART IV

Tuesday in Orlando has the 17-U AAU National Championship pool play tip-off as well as the 17-U Super Showcase championship being settled in the Gold Bracket this evening between Each 1 Teach 1 and St. Louis Eagles. The Silver Bracket laso had their semifinals this morning with championship game slated for a little later on.

Yesterday was the Austin Rivers show as the local standout reminded all that might have forgotten, or simply did not know, that Rivers is G-O-O-D. Alex Schwartz had a very short player eval on Rivers’ semifinal performance yesterday: WOW. ‘Nuff said.

Alex Schwartz again checks in from Orlando and you can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as he runs down additional impressive performances from Monday by Chris Walker, James Robinson, Steve Mondu-Missi and Matt Costello with the latest on the recruiting front on Costello and Julian Royal, all of which is covered below in detail. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

MARCUS PAIGE DRAWING BIG-TIME COACHES IN ORLANDO

2012 point guard out of IA has been a must-see player this week for coaches looking for a floor general

Marcus Paige has had a great spring and summer and when NBE has seen him on the court he has been impressive. Word is essentially out on the class of 2012 point guard who hails from Maron (IA) and attends Linn Marr Community High School. Playing with the Martin Brothers AAU program, a virtual who’s who of college coaches in Orlando checked him out for themselves.

In a class many consider to be a down year for point guards during early evaluations, Page has elevated himself as one of the top floor generals in the class of juniors-to-be. Based on his play in Orlando and throughout the spring and summer, and by the top head coaches watching him here, expect the 6-foot Paige to be among the most highly sought after in the Midwest and nationally.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more about Marcus Paige and see what coaches were on hand in Orlando to watch him play. He also talks about those schools and his recruitment with NBE’s Alex Schwartz. You can also check out any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage by logging in.

Read more

NBE’S FINAL VEGAS WRAP-UP

by RAPHIELLE JOHNSON

Oakland Soldiers take title with the ‘King’ looking on in Vegas

Quite fitting that the team referred to by some as “The Beatles of AAU basketball” played their title game against the Iowa Barnstormers in front of basketball royalty. In front of LeBron James, the Oakland Soldiers took care of business in the Fab 48 Invitational title game, beating the Barnstormers 86-66 thanks in large part to a balanced performance. Four Soldiers, led by Jabari Brown (19 points; named MVP), reached double figures as they shot a startling 67.3% from the field. Nick Johnson added sixteen and frontcourt players Brandon Ashley and Kyle Wiltjer chimed in with a combined 31 points and 12 rebounds. Seth Tuttle led the Barnstormers with 16 points while Wes Washpun added 13.

Oakland Soldiers celebrate Fab 48 title

Ashley put on quite the display for about a four minute stretch in the second half, blocking shots on the defensive end (finished with three) while also attacking the glass on both ends of the floor. On one possession the 2012 product was quick enough to keep an offensive rebound alive for three taps before finally scoring. His third jump came just as quickly as the opponent’s second jump; his long arms and activity on both ends of the floor make him a highly sought after prospect. Wiltjer also put together an impressive display in the second half, including a one-handed catch of a sharp bounce pass that was converted into a dunk…without gathering the ball in with his other hand.

Read more

MERNAGH: AUSTIN RIVERS IS G-O-O-D

Elite guard leads Each 1 Teach 1 into Super Showcase championship contest

by RAY MERNAGH

Austin Rivers was having a bit of early difficulty getting his jump shot to fall.

His team, Each One Teach One, was down by 14 points early in the 2nd quarter.

So Rivers started going to the basket, attacking the rim.

A plethora of buckets followed, floaters and layups and mid range pull-ups.

The score at the half was just about even thanks to Rivers attack plan.

Then in the 3rd quarter, with a capacity Milkhouse crowd practically begging for something special to happen, the hometown kid started to elicit some murmurs from the local faithful.

Then another player looked to be talking to him a little bit and that blaspheme was all it took.

In the fourth quarter Rivers was without sin with the basketball in his hands.

After hitting his third three-pointer in a row in the 4th, the crowd started jumping in the aisles — as if with every make Rivers was screaming “Can I get a witness?”

Rivers taught each and every one of us once again what a pro looks like.

He finished with 37 points — 26 in the second half and 15 in the deciding 4th quarter. He hit all five of his deep balls in the second half including those three straight and was 6-7 from the line.

Rivers was sensational.

His handle, quickness, scoring ability and explosiveness are without peer in the 2011 guard class. He’ll go head up tomorrow in the final of the Super Showcase against a couple of other special kids in Brad Beal, Ben McLemore and the St. Louis Eagles.

6pm tip.

Another standing room only crowd will show up — hoping that Austin Rivers once again takes them to church!

p>*********Follow NBE Sports on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NBESports*****

Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

A TOO EARLY LOOK AT 2010-2011 BIG EAST WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Veteran college basketball writer Richard Kent has joined on as a NBE Basketball Report contributor this summer. Richard has had extensive experience in writing about college sports and was the founder of the Big East Women’s Basketball Report. Most of his work will be done in the area of the men’s game for NBE, but from time to time Richard will supply a few thoughts from the women’s side of the conference. Here is an early look at how the 2010-2011 season looks in Big East Women’s Basketball…

by RICHARD KENT

1. Connecticut – They will not only be the best in the Big East but in the country as well. Maya Moore is the best returning player. Tina Charles is a tough loss,but many capable frosh are on their way in. Head coach Geno Auriemma is the best in the business. UConn should run the table in the Big East if they can get by Notre Dame on the road.

2. Notre Dame – They have sophomore Skylar Diggins who after Moore leaves will be the best player in the Big East. Coach Muffet McGraw was just announced as a Hall of Fame inductee. She is a good one.

3. Georgetown – Ta’Shauna Rodgers is back as are a host of young players.

4. West Virginia – They made it to the second round of the NCAA’s last year. Liz Repela is a good one. Mike Carey is the second best coach in Conference.

5. St. John’s – Senior forward Da’Shana Stevens is back along with key entering frosh Kylantra Langley.

6. Louisville – A down year last year for a team that made it to the NCAA Championship Game the year before. Junior forward Monique Reid returns along with senior center Keshia Hines and sophomore Shelby Harper.

7. Rutgers – Who knows?There is so much talent on this team led by Junior guard Khadijah Rushdan but so little predictibility. Their style of play leaves so little margin for error. They are also very thin in players.We say that they will have some upset wins but some head scratching losses as in past years.

The rest of the Conference will be chasing the above teams. Pittsburgh can be good as can Syracuse and Cincinnati. Villanova and Providence won’t be.

——————————————————————————————
Richard Kent is a veteran college basketball writer and has written for SI.Com, Athlon and has covered the NCAA Tournament in the CBS Studio. He also has done extensive work on women’s college basketball, having founded the Big East Women’s Basketball Report and written three books on the topic. He broke the story nationally that UConn and Tennessee would no longer be playing. His day job is practicing law as a matrimonial attorney in Fairfield, Connecticut where he is a member of Best Lawyers In America.
——————————————————————————————

p>*********Follow NBE Sports on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NBESports*****

Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

RECRUITMENT OF DANIEL OCHEFU GETTING BUSY

2012 big man from Westtown (PA) Friends is becoming a very hot name in the rising junior class

While the name Daniel Ochefu is not a common name among college basketball fans and recruitniks, the name is becoming very popular among college coaches. Afterall, the 2012 Westtown (PA) Friends big man has not been out on the AAU summer circuit until the live period began earlier this month as the Westtown program hits the AAU trail together, led by head coach Seth Berger. While a subdued summer schedule might not give Ochefu the name recognition of other big men in the class, the benefits of playing with his high school teammates is not lost on him.

“It was really good for us to play together because we worked on our offense, defense and chemistry,” Ochefu told NBE Sports.

The 6-foot-10, 225-lb center is seeing his recruitment explode as word has reached college coaches of his talents.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more on Ochefu’s recruitment, as he hears from top programs as his recruitment gets busier, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

Read more

ORLANDO AAU UPDATE: PART III

The 17-U Super Showcase is down to their final eight in the Gold Bracket after Sunday night’s action. The quarterfinals tip off on Monday morning with the St. Louis Eagles taking on Long Island Lightning and Team Takeover facing Team Next (NYC) at 9:25 AM with the winners meeting in the semifinals at 3 PM. The other half of the bracket features the Georgia Blazers and Showtime Ballers in one match-up at 10:50 AM with Each 1 Teach 1 and Westchester Hawks (who did beat the SYF Players) meeting in the other quarterfinal and the winners collide at 4:30 in the other semifinal at the Milkhouse

Earlier today the 16-U Super showcase winner was crowned as Baltimore Elite edged All-Ohio Red, 58-57, in the Gold Bracket championship game. In the Sliver Bracket it was the Martin Brothers taking the title game over Each 1 Teach 1.

Alex Schwartz again checks in from Orlando and you can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as we run down the impressive performances of Austin Rivers, Shane Larkin, Branden Dawson, Victor Nickerson and J-Mychal Reese and update the recruitment of Tony Parker, Elijah Macon, Dawson and Aaron Thomas, all of which is covered below in detail. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

DAY THREE VEGAS RUNDOWN

by RAPHIELLE JOHNSON

Saturday began with a trip out to Foothill High School to check out 2012 wing prospect Rosco Allen, who picked up an offer from UCLA. With a number of 2012 prospects on display in the game between Double Pump Elite 16s and Full Package Elite 16s, the pickings were not slim in regards to who to keep an eye out for. In a two-point victory Allen scored 18 points, getting to the foul line for 10 attempts in the process. Talking with Allen after the game he noted that he was working on “getting better at using his height to get into better position to score” and that was apparent by the fact that at times he would settle for the perimeter jumper instead of attacking the basket.

But outside of these couple of occasions Allen did what was needed to ensure the victory and advancement in the playoff bracket. Allen’s got quite the list of schools on his tail also, possessing offers from much of the Pac-10, Harvard, Northwestern, and interest from Marquette and Georgetown among many others. He and Belmont Shore big man Grant Jarrett are without a doubt two of the best 2012 prospects on the West Coast.

Read more

ORLANDO AAU UPDATE: PART II

While Ray Mernagh has an early wake-up call and a long day of travel tomorrow to reach sunny Orlando for the end of the 17-U AAU Showcase and the Nationals to follow, Alex Schwartz continues to keep us up to date in the meantime.

With the 17-U Super Showcase getting in full swing Saturday, some more familiar names are in this update. Recruiting updates are found on elite 2011 PF/C Johnny O’Bryant who has a final list of nine schools under consideration, 2011 PG Angel Rodriguez has some impressive offers and a leader out of the Big 12 while productive PF George Fant updates his growing list of schools today. You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as we also run down the performances of Nick Faust, Trey Burke, Julian Royal, Jacob Lawson and O’Bryant as well. All of which is covered below in detail. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

DAY TWO VEGAS RUNDOWN

Cody Zeller, Gabe York and J.P. Tokoto among the impressive performances on Friday

By Raphielle Johnson

With games under their belts and jetlag likely shaken off on Thursday, many of the players at the adidas Super 64 and Fab 48 tournaments put forth far better performances in day two. The Super 64 featured a few very good individual and team matchups in the afternoon, beginning with Indiana Elite taking on The Magic (Arizona). Cody Zeller (with Roy Williams, Mike Brey and Brad Stevens among the many coaches in attendance) going head to head with Isaiah Austin did not disappoint, with the Hoosier State native getting the better of the battle in a close Indiana Elite victory. The same game also featured Jahii Carson going up against Kevin “Yogi” Farrell in the backcourt and with enough complimentary parts to make any hoops fan happy.

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Las Vegas and the Adidas 64 and Fab 48 on Friday as Raphielle Johnson breaks down the impressive performances and key match-ups that highlighted the day. Also, recruiting updates on Tony Wroten, Gabe York, ‘Yogi’ Ferrell, Kaleb Tarczewski and more. Other impressive runs were put forth by the Oakland Soldiers, NJ Playaz and more. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

ORLANDO AAU UPDATE: PART I

Most of the college basketball world has their eyes sent on Las Vegas and Orlando this weekend as the live recruiting period to close July is underway. The Division I college coaches are back on the road from July 22 – July 31 and these are the two top destinations for college coaches this time around.

In Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a series of events, including the AAU National Champions and Super Showcases of various age groups. While the 17-U Super Showcase and National Championship gets going a little later in the stay, some other champions were crowned today, including the CP3 All-Stars capturing the 15-U Gold Championship in that age group’s Super Showcase behind the dominating play of Rodney Purvis.

Here are some additional news and notes from the event as Alex Schwartz has kept NBE up to date on the action throughout the day…

You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual introductory membership to read more of our coverage from Orlando as we take a look at Julius Randle (2013), Quinten Payne (2013), Anthony Bennett (2012), Dominique Bull (2012) and Neville Fincher (2012) and detailed recruiting updates from Payne, Braxton Obgueze and Evan Nolte. All of which is covered below in detail. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.

Read more

MERNAGH: LEBRON IN THE AFTERMATH

This morning I got a text from my homeboy Rich.

“Have you written about LeBron yet?”

Rich plies his trade in higher education — he gets deep with it. You need a breakdown on the literature front? Rich is your guy. He’s an authority on Ralph Ellison and has designed whole curriculum’s for public schools at their request.

But he’s also a baller to the core and, before my right knee went pop a few times, Rich was my 4-man of choice. At 6’4 and about 220, he set a nice pick on high ball screens — he didn’t roll as much as I would’ve liked, but his J was pure enough that we could still pick and pop fools to death.

When “The Decision” was about to come down we were texting each other about every 15 seconds or so on the cell until the actual show started. I was in a Chicago-area hotel and Rich, I assume, was at the crib with his Pitbull Eva (named after Mendes). His last text, right before I started hoping Jim Grey would fall off the back of that stage he and LeBron were sitting on read — “Hit me when he says where he’s going, I can’t watch this.”

As usual Rich made a wise decision, plus he made sure I had to watch it!

Read more

DAY ONE VEGAS RUNDOWN

Solid, not spectacular, summarizes the opening day of second live period in Las Vegas

By Raphielle Johnson

With the beginning of the second 10-day open evaluation period of July tipping off Thursday, teams and coaches descended upon Las Vegas with more than just bright lights in mind. Time was spent at the two major tournaments in Sin City, the adidas Super 64 and the Las Vegas Fab 48, but unfortunately the spectacular performances you hope to see did not come with the first day of action. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, with many players putting forth solid showings in front of a who’s who of college coaches. Opening up super pool play in the Super 64 was the matchup between the New England Playaz and Dream Vision, featuring two of the nation’s better players in the class of 2012 with Alex Murphy and Shabazz Muhammad.

Neither of the two headliners had the best of games, and to be honest the officiating had as much to do with the lack of flow to the game as the players (if not more). Murphy showed off his versatility despite the fact that his outside shot wasn’t falling. The rising junior doesn’t force the issue on offense and can score around the basket with both hands. The player currently in college that comes to mind is Kyle Singler in regards to overall skill set, and as Murphy matures physically (adding some muscle to his frame) he’s only going to get better.

Muhammad is an outstanding athlete, as many already know, and this was rather apparent on occasions when he was able to get his own offensive rebound for a basket. His second jump was quicker than his opponents, and his athleticism also serves its purpose on the defensive end. He’s a capable perimeter shooter but didn’t display much in this area against the Playaz but it’s no secret that the Las Vegas native can get the job done. Point blank, Muhammad has no limits on which school he’ll attend for college.

Read more

DEJUAN BLAIR EMBARKING ON MUSICAL CAREER

While we begin prepping our coverage for the second July live period, Ray Mernagh came across a music video featuring former Pittsburgh All-American center DeJuan Blair along with P.O.P, a local Pittsburgh artist. The video, paying homage to friends who have died all too soon, was filmed in the Pittsburgh Hill District not far from where Blair grew up.

The 21-year old Blair was a second round draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2009 NBA draft following his two-year career with Pitt that saw him earn All-American status as a sophomore. In his NBA rookie season, Blair averaged 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds a game while playing an average of 18 minutes a contest and earned all-NBA 2nd-team All-Rookie honors.

Read more

PAUL JESPERSON READY TO ANNOUNCE; SOURCE SAYS UVA

by RAY MERNAGH

Paul Jesperson had a great game at the NY2LA event during the first live period, putting up 30 points in a scintillating display of scoring acumen.

There were a lot of assistant coaches in the bleachers that day…and Tony Bennett from Virginia.

Jesperson is set to announce his decision this evening and NBE has learned, through sources close to the recruitment, that the 6’7 sharpshooter will be heading to the ACC to play for Bennett.

Jesperson is quite possibly the best shooter in the 2011 class but he also has tremendous upside as he continues to improve his skill-set and strength level.

Bennett and UVA are getting a good one.

*********Follow NBE Sports on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NBESports*****

Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

Next Page »