Raphielle Johnson

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.

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

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

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

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