Raphielle Johnson

LAS VEGAS AAU DAY 3 NOTEBOOK: UPSETS & CLOSE CALLS DEFINE SUNDAY’S ACTION

By Raphielle Johnson

On paper Sunday’s slate of games in both the adidas Super 64 and Las Vegas Fab 48 looked to be locks for the top teams. But many learned (once again) first-hand that games are played on the floor and not on some poster-sized sheet of paper in a gym lobby. The list of victims included the Oakland Soldiers, who dropped their first round playoff game to a Branch West Elite team that looked highly impressive in the first half against Play Hard Play Smart in the nightcap.

Also bounced from the Fab 48 were TP Elite and Team Loaded, both of whom fell victim to the Wisconsin Swing. Zak Showalter (2012) out of Germantown (WI), who scored 29 points in their 90-75 win over Team Loaded, can do a number of things on the floor from his guard position. He caught fire from deep but didn’t simply settle for those shots, also driving to the basket and setting up teammates for good looks as well. Ironically Showalter stated after the game that he’s working on becoming a better perimeter shooter, although he was referring to consistency as opposed to simply making the shot.

That matchup also featured a pair of excellent prospects in NC State commit Tyler Lewis (2012) and Andrew White (2012), who has many top programs after his services. When the ball was in Lewis’s hands things seemed to run smoother for Team Loaded, although the way in which Wisconsin Swing executed offensively it may have taken 100 points for Team Loaded to win the game.
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LAS VEGAS AAU DAY 2 NOTEBOOK: TOP MATCHUPS CONTINUE

Khan/Judah not the only prize fight in town

By Raphielle Johnson

While boxing fans enjoyed the battle between Amir Khan and Zab Judah over at Mandalay Bay, two of the top AAU teams on the West Coast did battle at Bishop Gorman in the Las Vegas Fab 48. Led by the interior tandem of 2012 Brandon Ashley and 2013 Aaron Gordon, the Oakland Soldiers withstood a late rally to beat Belmont Shore 85-80. Both showed off their vast array of skills, especially Gordon with a few thunderous dunks.

The game was also valuable to see what Belmont Shore big men Zena Edsomwan and Grant Jerrett could do against two of the best prep players regardless of class. Edsomwan isn’t the kind of player who’s going to dominate the basketball but rather do the little things on both ends of the floor needed to win. Jerrett had his moments as well but it proved to be a tale of two halves for the Arizona commit.

In the backcourt the battle was just as intense, with the likes of Dominic Artis and Jabari Bird taking on Ikenna Ireogbu and Katin Reinhardt for Belmont Shore. With regards to dribbling skills, Artis may not have an equal in the 2012 class (Kris Dunn is another to consider). Bird can do just about everything on the floor, and while the 2013 prospect needs to continue to improve as a shooter he’s shown the ability to knock down open shots.
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2011 NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM PREVIEW

Can Team Takeover DC unblemished and claim second EYBL title?

By Raphielle Johnson

Tuesday brings about what many consider to be the crown jewel of the first open period in July, with the 24 best teams in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League converging on North Augusta, SC for the Nike Peach Jam. While some of the top players in the 2012 class aren’t on teams in this event there will be no shortage of talent at the Peach Jam this week.

Where to start? How about with the lone remaining undefeated team in EYBL, Team Takeover. And this program is no stranger to success in this league as they won the inaugural EYBL last year, knocking off the Bradley Beal-led St. Louis Eagles in the title game. Who leads the way this time around for Team Takeover? None other than a trio of players from traditional WCAC power DeMatha Catholic.

Point guard James Robinson (2012) and interior players Jerami Grant (2012) and Beejay Anya (2013) are all players who have earned high-major offers and attention, but these three high school teammates aren’t the only weapons. Arnaud Adala Moto (2012) and Towson verbal Barrington Alston (2012) are two other players who have been instrumental in Takeover’s 15-0 record in pool play. To say the least head coach Keith Stevens has a team more than capable of repeating as EYBL champions. But they won’t lack for challengers either.

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PANGOS CAMP – DAY THREE RECAP

By Raphielle Johnson

The final day of the Pangos All-American Camp gave some of the best campers the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a focused audience, as the Top 25 and Top 50 Cream of the Crop games were held at Cal-State Dominguez Hills. And there were players who took full advantage of the chance, most notably 2013 guard Stephen Domingo (San Francisco, CA). Domingo went off for 30 points, making 11 of 18 shots from the field (5-for-7 3PT) in leading the Blue team to an 88-84 victory in the Top 50 game.

Simply put Domingo can light it up, thanks to a very good perimeter shot while also being able to work his way to the basket. The rising junior also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots and was named MVP of the game. Also playing well for the winners was the versatile Nigel Williams-Goss, who contributed across the stat sheet with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and a blocked shot.

For the Red team 2012 forward Akoy Agau (Omaha, NE) led four players in double figures with 13 points in addition to six rebounds and a blocked shot. Agau was active on both ends of the floor, as he was the entire weekend. Another player who played well for the Red was 2012 guard Eddie Alcantara (Chicago, IL), who finished with 10 points and three rebounds.

Alcantara, who has heard from DePaul, Georgia Tech, La Salle, Oklahoma, Tennessee and UCLA, plays almost like a power guard (he described his game as “energetic and exciting”) in that he constantly attacks on the offensive end of the floor. He’s looking to improve upon his ball-handling, perimeter shot and decision-making just to name three areas he discussed following the game.
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PANGOS CAMP: DAY TWO RECAP

By Raphielle Johnson

While the showcase matchup on Friday night was the battle between big men Isaiah Austin and Andre Drummond, there were two rounds of play on Saturday and some players took full advantage of the opportunity. Two of those players would be Jordan Bell and Alex Caruso, both of whom have played well in each session of the event.

Bell, a 2013 prospect from Long Beach, CA (Long Beach Poly), was outstanding on both ends of the floor. Bell’s an athletic finisher offensively while being a solid defender as well. His block count in the first game approached eight, an impressive number for a 6’7″ three. But the offensive skill set will need to expand if he’s to be an impact high-major player at the collegiate level.

As for Caruso, it’s reached a point of “what can’t he do” at this stage in the event. The 6’6″ 2012 prospect from College Station, Texas, who according to ESPN’s Dave Telep earned an invite to this month’s NBPA Top 100 camp, can do a number of things on the floor to help his team win. Whether it’s scoring from the perimeter, finishing above the rim or setting up the open teammate Caruso gets it done.

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PANGOS CAMP – DAY ONE RECAP

By Raphielle Johnson

The always popular Pangos All-American Camp kicked off on Friday night at Cal-State Dominguez Hills, with campers getting a warm-up in the form of former college and NBA assistant coach Dave Miller running them through some drills. Following the drills were team selection, and the first round of games gave spectators a matchup to look forward to: 2012 big men Isaiah Austin and Andre Drummond.

With both being consensus top five prospects this matchup provided a good opportunity for both to showcase their skills. But what happened in this game tends to happen in showcase events: other players step up and make some noise themselves. Such was the case for point guard Kris Dunn (New London, CT) and power forward Anthony Bennett (Brampton, ON).

Dunn displayed a number of lead guard skills, including the ability to find the open man, in leading his team to the win while Bennett finished Friday as the leading candidate for “player most likely to tear down a rim”. Bennett runs the wings extremely well on the break, and as Austin himself found out in the second half the Findlay Prep forward finishes well above the rim.

The good news for Drummond was that both players were on his team, and when combined with his added motivation their squad won by 19. While there is some work to be done with regards to post moves, Drummond performed well in pick and roll situations while also running from baseline to baseline. He got the better of Austin in this matchup, but that’s not to say that the Baylor commit didn’t showcase some of his skills as well.

Austin can step out on the perimeter with the best of them, possessing the ability to face up defenders to either drive to the basket or knock down shots out past the three-point line. But the tandem of Bennett and Drummond proved to be too much for Austin on this night. Also on Austin’s team was 2013 prospect Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who had a very good weekend last week at Nike EYBL. Rathan-Myers still has some growth in the area of being a floor general, but he’s got a good skill set and can make plays on the offensive end of the floor.

There was plenty of talent on the other courts as well, beginning with Jordan Tebbutt and Solomon Poole. Tebbutt (2012, Tuluatin, OR) is a good passer who led the break well for his team on Friday night. He’s the kind of guard who can not only get to the rim with quickness but also make the sound decision once inside. Poole (2013, Jacksonville, FL) is lighting quick with the basketball and makes it tough on the opposition defensively.
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NIKE EYBL – LOS ANGELES: SATURDAY RUNDOWN

By Raphielle Johnson

The third round of the Nike EYBL tipped off on Saturday, and there’s an awful lot on the line for many of the 40 teams taking part. The top 24 following the three rounds move on to the Nike Peach Jam in early July, making the games at Hangar Athletic Xchange that much more important.

The big matchups of the day wouldn’t come until the evening session of Saturday’s action, with a battle between BABC and Mac Irvin Fire kicking things off. The game provided an opportunity to watch 2013 big man Nerlens Noel and 2014 prospect Jahlil Okafor go head to head, and while there’s only a year’s difference between the two it was rather apparent which one was more prepared for the moment.

Noel, a rangy big man who at this stage in his development is better as a defender, got the better of this matchup in BABC’s 66-54 win. Noel finished with 13 points while also blocking a number of shots and sparking a late first-half run with a thunderous dunk over Okafor. BABC led by seven at the half, and thanks to solid performances from Iowa State commit Georges Niang (20 points) and 2012 guard Domonique Bull (12 points) were able to withstand Mac Irvin’s second half charge.

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ELITE 8 IN THE DESERT – SATURDAY RECAP

By Raphielle Johnson

This weekend some of the better teams out west took part in the Elite 8 in the Desert event, sponsored by Adidas. Below are some notes on some players seen on Saturday at the event, which took place at gyms throughout the Phoenix area (most elite bracket games were played at Copper Canyon HS in Glendale). It should also be noted that players such as Alex Caruso (Texas D-1 Ambassadors, 2012) and Tyler Ott (Utah Select, 2012) also played well according to other scouts in attendance. Following the scouting reports are a few links to other happenings on the grassroots scene this past weekend.

Gabe York: G (Compton Magic Elite, 2012)

What’s really left to be said about the rising senior that hasn’t already been said? York gets it done from just about anywhere on the floor, possessing a very good perimeter shot along with the ability to get to the rim and finish through contact. He also provided what may have been the “onions” shot of the day, knocking down a step-back three despite being guarded by two players to send their game against Arizona Red Shirts into overtime (the Magic went on to win in double overtime). His list is a who’s who in college basketball with Arizona, Kansas and Connecticut being two of the many suitors. Notre Dame and Marquette have also been trying to line up unofficial visits with the high-scoring guard.
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CHAMPIONSHIP RUN FOR CONNECTICUT BEGAN MORE THAN 27 DAYS AGO

By Raphielle Johnson

To say the least, the national title game between Butler and Connecticut was no work of art for the casual observer, as the Bulldogs shot a record-low 18.8% from the field and UConn wasn’t much better (34.5%). But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone connected with the University of Connecticut willing to replay the game to see if something a bit more artistic transpires. But how did UConn, a team picked to finish tenth in the Big East back in October, get to this point?

The first seed was planted following their season-ending loss in the second round of the Postseason NIT at Virginia Tech, capping a disappointing 18-16 campaign. That group had three seniors in Jerome Dyson, Gavin Edwards and Stanley Robinson, none of whom were the vocal type. And as the season wore on it became apparent that the leaders by example were lacking as well. The nadir: getting whipped by St. John’s in the first round of the Big East Championship and looking like a team desperate for spring break.

The end of the Virginia Tech game marked the passing of the keys to Kemba Walker and Donnell Beverly, and they went to work quickly in getting all other on board to understand how hard they’d have to work. Beverly, one of three seniors (Kyle Bailey and Charles Okwandu), is a guy who gets left out by many due to his lack of playing time.

But that didn’t stop him from being a leader, and guys like him are almost as important as the stars when it comes to winning basketball. But Walker will be the play people think of immediately when discussing the national champions. And as important as his play was, the junior’s willingness to lead is what got the Huskies rolling.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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