Anthony Jaskulski

LEBRON JAMES SKILLS ACADEMY: DAY I

By Anthony Jaskulski

The first day of the LBJ Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio went off without a hitch on a beautiful Monday afternoon.

Ninety-three of the top elite high school basketball players from classes ’09 to ’11, got a chance a to work out with some of the best coaches in the game of basketball, including Kevin Eastman, assistant coach of the Boston Celtics, 14-year NBA veteran, now college basketball analyst for FSN, Craig Ehlo and New York Knicks assistant Kenny Atkinson, among others.

The camp’s namesake, Cleveland Cavaliers’ great Lebron James, worked out with the first group on court one in the first session of the afternoon. Camp participants Trey Zeigler, Ray McCallum Jr and Pittsburgh commit Isaiah Epps were among the few to run drills and controlled scrimmages with James.

But today, we focused mainly on court two, where coaches Jay Bilas and Eastman taught a group led by Kyrie Irving, Kendall Marshall and Dion Waiters fast break and give-and-go drills for much of the day.

The night session, however, was the most intense, with two 20 minute periods of full-out scrimmage for the third high school group on the two courts in the JAR. The most impressive standout was Harrison Barnes, who showed off incredible hustle and stamina, going after every loose ball, and every miss, making sure he finished on every possession…literally every possession. Isaiah Epps was on fire from three-point land, and Jelan Kendrick wowed the crowd several times with his high-flying ability to get above the rim, jamming home a few opportunities.

Here is the scouting report from who stood out the most on the busy day one.

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NBE ‘LIVE’ FROM LJSA (EVENING UPDATE)

Everyone is off to the races as vacations are over and the July live evaluation period is under way. Today is the first day the doors are open to the media at the Lebron James Skills Academy in Akron (OH) and Ray Mernagh and Anthony Jaskulski are in the James A. Rhodes Arena on the University of Akron campus.

The camp is absolutely loaded with talent (roster) and upon arrival the high school players were involved in their second workout of the camp, the first came Sunday evening.

Here are some Monday observations from camp…

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DION WAITERS: NEXT BIG THING AT SYRACUSE

By Anthony Jaskulski

Syracuse University has put out its fair share of star-studded athletes.

Donovan McNabb broke five Big East records and three school records in his days as a Syracuse quarterback, Ernie Davis corralled the first Heisman trophy in Syracuse history from his running back position, and Carmelo Anthony brought Syracuse basketball its first NCAA championship, while winning the Most Outstanding Player award.

Enter Dion Waiters, the next possible candidate that hopes to join such a prestigious list.

With such an aggressive style that allows the big framed shooting guard to bang with the big men, as well as drop his beautiful jump shot from outside, all while handling the rock with impeccable design, it’s hard not to put Waiters on the prestigious waiting list.

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ISAIAH EPPS: FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS

By Anthony Jaskulski

Bucket off the beautiful assist…

It’s a line you may hear often as a Pittsburgh Panther/Big East fan in the near future, and it won’t be replays from the Levance Fields era either.

Instead, you’ll be seeing one of the more prolific passers in the country follow the footsteps of the pass-happy Fields, and that assist man waiting in the wings is Isaiah Epps.

At a slight 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Epps may not strike you as the most impressive shooter on the floor, and he certainly isn’t a rebounding monger. But with a string on the ball, a quick, agile style and a passing game that would make a quarterback envious, Epps, has emerged on the scene as one of the top recruits in the country thanks to his smooth facet of the game.

“When you work on your game as much as I have and put a lot of time into it, it starts to get a little easier,” said Epps. “There is always more room to improve though, and that’s what keeps me hungry everyday.”

A 2010 verbal commitment for the Pittsburgh Panthers, Epps, who was recruited by former Panther star and now assistant coach Brandin Knight, also a native of New Jersey, will more than likely be operating from the same position Knight dominated from 1999-2003, the point guard spot.

Read Rest of Article Here…

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Pittsburgh Penguins Playoff Tickets

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CATCHING UP WITH TOBIAS HARRIS

By Anthony Jaskulski

Tobias Harris brings a rare quality to the basketball court. He is a big man, with a big frame, that can handle the rock just as well as many point guards his age can.

At 6-foot-8 and around 220 pounds, Harris, a power forward from Brookville, New York, can be seen showing off a complete package, that ranges from big man qualities, pulling down strong rebounds on both ends, and garnering fantastic position amongst the biggest on the floor, as well as a string on the ball when driving the lane, and a perimeter shot that is dependable.

A part of the 2010 class, from Half Hallow (Dix) West Nigh School, Harris has shown his most dangerous attribute in his defensive skills. Tobias can play the post, as well guard perimeter players with near-impeccable status. In his weekend run at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest last month with his AAU team, the Unique All Stars, Harris exhibited tight, pressure defense on his opponents, and several times popped the ball out for steals leading to breakaway plays both on the post and perimeter.

You can expect immediate results from a defensive-minded player with such an aggressive style, and calm, precision on offense on the next level.

Here is what Tobias had to say in a Q&A segment following the Pittsburgh Jam Fest this year.

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CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: MALCOLM GILBERT

By Anthony Jaskulski

Malcolm Gilbert is a star-studded center that brings an explosive, aggressive package in the paint. He has a defensive attack that is very well developed and overly mature for his age. Some of his best plays can be noted on the defensive end, including blocked shots, aggressive rebounding and getting position.

Gilbert is apart of the 2011 class now after reclassifying when he transferred to the Academy of the New Church. The native of Smyrna (DE) previously attended St. Elizabeth HS in New Wilmington (DE) and has yet to decide on a school, although he is considering such schools as LaSalle, Delaware, Maryland, St. Joseph’s and Virginia to name a few, as well as Big East schools in Villanova, Notre Dame and Rutgers, with more and more likely to enter the picture once the summer evaluation period gets in full swing.

With so much time to develop and a big frame to work with, the 6-10, 210 pound big man, Gilbert, is a name you will be familiar with in the upcoming years of his college career.

Here is what Gilbert had to say in a Q&A segment following a game with his AAU squad, Team Final, last month:

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PITTSBURGH JAM FEST: PART II

by Anthony Jaskulski

Pittsburgh, PA—Before we take a peek at the last of the top, elite recruits, here is a view at the exciting championship games that took place on the Petersen Events Center floor Sunday evening.

(All 17-U divisions)

Gold Finals on Petersen Court One

Team Final 68, Playaz Basketball Club 64

In a game that had Playaz win written all over it in the first half, it was Dion Waiters that helped bring Team Final back with his amazing range and passing that opened up the offense and ushered Team Final to an overwhelming 18-3 run to start the second half. Waiters finished with a team-high 16 points. The supporting cast of George Harper and Malcolm Gilbert, who combined for 26 points, helped keep Team Final in the lead, and inevitably give them the victory and the Gold Finals crown.

The Playaz got nine points and eight assists from Isaiah Epps, while Fuquan Edwin finished with a team-high 16 points.

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PITTSBURGH JAM FEST: PART I

by Anthony Jaskulski

Pittsburgh, PA—A beautiful Friday evening in the Steel City kicked off the Hoop Group’s annual Pittsburgh Jam Fest and set the tone for the duration of a busy weekend.

Many scouts were in attendance from the Petersen Events Center to the Fitzgerald Field House, to even places such as Robert Morris and LaRoche College, got to see a slew of talent in some highly competitive AAU matchups.

Here is a part one scouting report of the cream of the crop talent, many of which, could be putting on a Big East jersey in the next couple of years.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: BET EDITION

By Anthony Jaskulski

The second most anticipated postseason tournament is finally here. From March 10th to March 15th, the Big East Tournament will be under way in the basketball capital of the world, Madison Square Garden in New York City.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK NINE

By Anthony Jaskulski                       

Welcome to the final regular season edition of the Big East Stock Report.  Look for the 2009 Big East Tournament special edition Report this Monday, a day before the opening round games tip off at Madison Square Garden.

 *All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1.  Connecticut 27-2, 15-2, Stock: UP

 National Ranking: 1

Last game: W 72-65 vs. Notre Dame

Remaining game: Mar. 7 at Pittsburgh

Current Streak: W 3

Postseason Status: NCAA

Projected Big East Tournament Seed: 3

 Strong Point: With 397 career blocks, junior center Hasheem Thabeet is just 44 away from breaking Emeka Okafor’s 441 mark, and all-time best in Connecticut history.  He had eight against Notre Dame Saturday.  He is also at 238 all-time in 51 Big East games, behind just Patrick Ewing (247) for best in Big East history.

 Area of Improvement: Despite shooting a solid 53.4% from the field, Connecticut went an abysmal 2 of 8 (25%) from beyond-the-arc vs. Notre Dame.  They have dropped a third lowest 74 three pointers this year.

 Overall Analysis: After getting a combined 41 points and 20 rebounds from Thabeet and forward Jeff Adrien on Saturday, the Huskies left another message as to why they are one of the most deadliest teams in this league in the paint.  With a +7.1 rebounding margin, and a Big East best rebounding offense of 41.6 points and 13.9 offensive rebounds a game, outscoring 14 of 17 conference opponents in the paint this year, it’s tough to ignore such a message.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK #8

By Anthony Jaskulski

*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1.  Connecticut 25-2, 13-2, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 2

Last game: W 64-50 vs. South Florida

Next game: Feb. 25 at Marquette

Current Streak: W 1

Postseason Status: NCAA

Strong Point: Connecticut’s defense made itself heard again on Saturday, holding South Florida to just 32.3% from the field, and a back-to-himself Hasheem Thabeet dropped 21 points, nine rebounds and six blocks, playing 38 minutes with just three fouls.

Area of Improvement: The Huskies shot just a combined 6 of 24 from beyond-the-arc in their last two games against USF and Pittsburgh.

Overall Analysis: Connecticut is back to the top of the charts once again, but proving why they are the best will be another difficult task, as games at Marquette and at Pittsburgh are up on the docket.  The Huskies have shot under 45% and have been held to under 70 points in the three games without guard Jerome Dyson, but the defense, which is still giving up a league-best 36.5% does not seem to be shaken.  Defending the ball may be their best shot at stealing these final three games down the stretch.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK #7

By Anthony Jaskulski

*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1. Pittsburgh 24-2, 11-2, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 4

Last game: W 76-68 at Connecticut

Next game: Feb. 21 vs. DePaul

Current Streak: W 6

Postseason Status: NCAA

Strong Point: Pitt got to showcase why they have one of the most deadliest big men in the country Monday night.  DeJuan Blair’s 22 point, 23 rebound performance over the Huskies not only made him the only player in the conference to reach the 20/20 milestone twice in a season, but also made him the only player in the league to corral 23 rebounds in a game this season.  Blair’s dictatorship on the boards has even pushed the Panthers to a ridiculous +9.9 rebounding margin this week.

Area of Improvement: The Panthers need a big man to step up for Blair in both his absence and for help in the paint when he is on the floor.  Forward Tyrell Biggs 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game are not helping the cause.  Backup center Gary McGhee, who picked up three fouls in just one minute of play against Connecticut Monday night, also continues to lack the answer.

Overall Analysis: It’s no doubt who this weeks chart topper was.  With guard Levance Fields averaging a nation-best 3.92 assist/turnover ratio, forward Sam Young’s Big East 8^th best 18.2 points per game, and Blair’s ability to completely dominate the opposition in the paint, how could anybody stop this team from crowning themselves the Big East regular season champs?  And not only does Pitt have the necessary tools to win this conference, but also a big dance that concludes the first week of April in Detroit.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK #5

by Anthony Jaskulski

*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1. Connecticut 21-1, 10-1, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 1

Last game: W 68-51 at Louisville

Next game: Feb. 7 vs. Michigan

Current Streak: W 10

Strong Point: Connecticut’s front court is averaging over 55% of their 75 points per game average in the paint.  Center Hasheem Thabeet is contributing mightily to that stat with 10 double-doubles, including his first career triple-double in last Saturday’s win vs. Providence, in which the big man had 10 blocks, 11 rebounds and 15 points.

Area of Improvement: With just a total of 4.6 three pointers made per game, Connecticut is third to last in the Big East.  They have only attempted 123 shots from beyond-the-arc in league play this year, with Villanova and St. John’s as the only two teams that have attempted fewer.

Overall Analysis: The Huskies are down right terrifying right now, and they are proving it in just their first week as the No.1 team in the country.  Hitting zero three-pointers against Louisville and still winning by 17 at Freedom Hall, beating a well-equipped Providence team by 29 points in the second half, and averaging a +13.1 scoring margin in conference play to date all adds to an elixir of dominance and near immortality shown from this team.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK #4

By Anthony Jaskulski

*All stats provided are conference games only unless otherwise noted.

1. Connecticut 18-1, 7-1, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 2

Last game: W 69-61 at Notre Dame

Next game: Jan. 28 at DePaul

Strong Point: Forward Jeff Adrien has been a monster for Connecticut, and his 12 points and season-best 19 rebounds helped snap Notre Dame’s 45 game home winning streak on Saturday.

Area of Improvement: The Huskies don’t need much, but an area that could hurt them later down the stretch is their -1.12 turnover margin, with a 3^rd worst 101 turnovers surrendered in league play this year.

Overall Analysis: Connecticut may be averaging a 2^nd conference best 37% from beyond-the-arc, but don’t be fooled, it’s their astounding Big East best 28 rebounds per game and +8.7 rebounding margin that has kept them at the top of the charts for a second week in a row.

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BIG EAST STOCK REPORT: WEEK THREE

By Anthony Jaskulski

*All stats provided are conference games only through 1/19, unless otherwise noted.

            *Rankings 1-16 according to the NBE Power Poll

1. Connecticut 16-1, 5-1, Stock: UP

National Ranking: 3

Last game: W 76-61 vs. Seton Hall

Next game: Jan. 21 vs. Villanova

Strong Point: All the Huskies are starting to showcase that top-notch talent, which had them the preseason favorites to win the Big East.  Guard A.J. Price finished with 23 points, while center Hasheem Thabeet and forward Jeff Adrien both finished with double-doubles in last weeks win over Seton Hall.

Area of Improvement: Connecticut’s turnover margin of -0.83, and surrendering a near 13 turnovers a game is not nearly up to par for a top team in the league.  With a tougher schedule coming up, taking care of the ball is going to have to be a top priority to keep this No.1 status.

Overall Analysis: Winning five straight games, and using their Big East leading +9.2 rebounding edge to keep their opponents to one-shot opportunities, Connecticut is stating their case as the top contender…again.

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CATCHING UP WITH DANTE TAYLOR

Latest Pitt commit talks about his recent college decision

By Anthony Jaskulski

In the basketball recruiting world, Pittsburgh has never really been a team known for hitting the jackpot with highly-touted, blue chip stars.

However, with their latest verbal commitment, the Panthers winning number has finally come up.

With one of the biggest commitments in the program’s history, Pitt nabbed one of the nation’s finest recruits in power forward Dante Taylor. The rivals.com five-star stud chose Pitt after an AAU tournament in West Virginia this past week. He will sign a letter-of-intent come November to officially be the newest member of an already exclusive, power-packed recruiting class.

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