Ron Bailey

RUTGERS TAKES ANOTHER ON THE CHIN IN LOSS TO HOYAS

Scarlet Knights yet to get off the mat in Big East play, 0-7

by RON BAILEY

January 24, 2010 – Another game, another loss, that’s how many likely see the Rutgers 88-63 road setback to Georgetown in D.C. yesterday (Saturday), one in which the Scarlet Knights fell down 17 at halftime, and trailed by as much as 33 at two points in the second half.

Often misleading, but not in this case, the stats tell much, as Rutgers shot only 34.5% from three point land (10-29) and 42.1% overall, while also being out-rebounded by 10 (34-24). The team scored over four points under its season average of 67.6, while allowing Georgetown to drop greater than 18 more points than Scarlet Knights opponents have to date.

Adding insult to injury, the team’s leading scorer, sophomore guard Mike Rosario struggled mightily, and Rutgers recently lost it’s second highest scorer, Gregory Echenique, to transfer. Standing 9-10 and posting an o-fer in Big East play (0-7), times are hard in middle Jersey.

During post game pressers, the head Scarlet Knight, Fred Hill acknowledged the struggles his team faced against Georgetown (15-3, 6-2) and generally, but took an interesting tack: He believes losses such as this one to Georgetown is more desirable than an eight or 10 point setback in which Rutgers changes it’s focus to shorten the game.

“We’re not going to change the way we play” said the emballted coach Hill, before later noting “We’re not going to go backwards, we’re going to go forward. We want to run up and down the floor and play quick”.

If he feels the pressure for ‘W’s’ Hill is not altering his focus to accommodate it; in his estimation, the 25 point defeat is a learning experience.

Want to hear more of Hill’s comments? See the audio below.

Fred Hill Post Game Presser, Part I
Fred Hill Post Game Presser, Part II

The scarlet Knights travel to Marquette for a Tuesday tilt with the Golden Eagles, while Georgetown travels to upsate New York for a highly anticipated Big Monday showdown with Syracuse Monday night.

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It might be two months away, but our 2010 Big East Tournament & Tickets page has the links needed for Big East basketball fans to purchase tickets to any or all of the 2010 Big East Tournament sessions. The Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden is an event Big east fans must experience when they have the opportunity and here is your chance to get your tickets early before they become harder, and more expensive, to find. Stub Hub and the Big East conference have teamed up to provide fans with quality tickets and you can get tickets to ANY Big East conference or non-league game by following this link: StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online
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WRIGHT, REYNOLDS TALKS ABOUT WIN OVER GEORGETOWN

by RON BAILEY

Game Spotlight: Villanova Outlasts Georgetown Ala Scottie

January 17, 2009 – When pressed to title the Villanova 82-77 victory over Georgetown before a sellout Wachovia Center crowd of 20,016, Scottie to the Rescue seems to say it all. That Scottie would be Scottie Reynolds, the senior guard who supplied 27 points, three rebounds and two steals and two assists for good measure.

Early on, it was Reynolds who led the Wildcats; witness his three pointer at 17:36 in the first half, followed by a free throw, two more three balls, and lay up soon thereafter. This work secured a 16-15 lead for ‘Nova.

In the second half, it was Scottie’s driving, reverse layup that that ended a 20-10 Georgetown run to start the period; the Hoyas were down 46-31 at the half. Another Reynolds fast break layup, this one with 3:14 to play gave ‘Nova the lead, 71-69, and his rebound at 1:55 saved a valuable possession for the Wildcats, now 16-1 overall and 5-0 in the Big East, while enjoying a No. 4 national ranking.

To say without Reynolds, the 2009-2010 version of Wildcat Basketball would not be so positioned, is the obvious.

Reynold’s theatrics were necessary, given sophomore center/forward Greg Monroe’s career high 29 points and 14 rebounds. Junior guard Austin Freeman poured in 22 points, four rebounds and six dimes, while sophomore guard Jason Clark chipped in 16 points and four rebounds.

Aiding Scottie – who performed for much of the second half with foul considerations – offensively, were three double figure scorers: Junior guard Corey Fisher, senior forward/guard Reggie Reading and freshman point guard Maalik Wayns, a trio that dropped 10 points, 11 points/seven boards, and 11 points, respectively.

The win snapped a five game losing streak to Georgetown for the Wildcats, one that began in 2007. Up next for Villanova is a road trip to Rutgers, Wednesday. The Hoyas, ranked 11th nationally and owning a 4-2 Big East mark and 13 wins to three losses overall, travel to Pittsburgh the same day, January 20th.

See the links below for ‘Nova post game audio, including the comments of Villanova’s head coach, Jay Wright, as well as those of Reynold’s himself. Exclusive photos are below.

Villanova post game press conference audio:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

BOBBY GONZALEZ DISCUSSES GEORGETOWN LOSS

Post Game Spotlight: Seton Hall Vs Georgetown

by RON BAILEY

January 15, 2009 – Seton Hall fell 85-73 last night to Georgetown at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., a setback leaving the Pirates 10-6 overall, yet 1-4 in Big East play (Hoyas improve to 13-2, 4-1). Pirate coach Bobby Gonzalez felt this was the one game in which his team’s effort, particularly early, could be called into question.

The Pirates found themselves down 44-28 at halftime, and 57-38 with 13:53 in the game, yet battled to within seven over the next five plus minutes. Surprisingly, The Hall made that 16-4 run with the Big
East’s leading scorer, Jeremy Hazell, on the pine; though he finished with 17 points, Hazell scored only five on two of six shooting in the first half.

For Gonzalez’s comments on Hazell’s play, Georgetown’s methodical yet deadly nature – he compared it to “ether” – and the killer 10 first turnovers his crew committed, as well as other topics, enjoy his post
game press conference with the media here:

Bobby Gonzalez speaks to media following 85-73 loss at Georgetown (Part 1)

Bobby Gonzalez discusses SHU 85-73 loss at Georgetown (Part II)

Here are some additional photos from last night’s action…

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==================================================================
It might be two months away, but our 2010 Big East Tournament & Tickets page has the links needed for Big East basketball fans to purchase tickets to any or all of the 2010 Big East Tournament sessions. The Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden is an event Big east fans must experience when they have the opportunity and here is your chance to get your tickets early before they become harder, and more expensive, to find. Stub Hub and the Big East conference have teamed up to provide fans with quality tickets and you can get tickets to ANY Big East conference or non-league game by following this link: StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online
====================================================================

BRANDON YOUNG LIKELY TO REOPEN RECRUITMENT

DePaul commit tells NBE this weekend a coaching change would cause him to reconsider

by RON BAILEY

January 11, 2010 – When Friendship Collegiate (DC) High School took on Potomac (MD) in District Heights, MD last week, the former was without DePaul commit Brandon Young, a 6-foot-3, 179-pound point guard capable of scoring, defending, and running a show. An ankle injury suffered recently precluded him from playing then.

As any good teammate would, Young was present, rooting Friendship on. He also consented to an interview, one in which his college choice was discussed.

Brandon choosing DePaul took many by surprise, and not just due to geography; the Blue Demons have lost over 20 straight Big East games, and hold a 7-8 record this year. Those eight 2009-2010 setbacks include defeats to American and Florida Gulf Coast.

Young loved DePaul, visiting the Chicago school with his mom, and was very impressed. Of the Windy City, he noted “It’s a big city and I love it. It’s a great place to be.” Assistant coach Billy Garrett was the lead recruiter involved.

The point guard is well aware of the shock many had regarding his decision: “The reason I caught a lot of people by surprise is that they haven’t been winning any games in the Big East, and it’s out there the coaching staff may get fired. So they were just wondering why I would go to that school”.

Of Jerry Wainwright and his staff exiting, Young shared “I thought about it, but I’m not I’m not really thinking about it too much. I’m just ready to go and play college basketball”. He did contemplate a major, stated as “either sports management or sports medicine”.

Well, according to a media report, Brandon must revisit his college choice, as Wainwright is out at DePaul (ESPN.com), with a press conference set for today at 11 am being announced. Athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto will conduct it.

Georgetown joined DePaul in offering Young a scholarship, as did Marquette, South Florida, Charlotte, Miami, Niagara and Central Florida.

A conversation with him courtside Saturday evening – he was waiting for Friendship to take on Progressive Christian in Uptown Hoop Fest action – revealed a coaching change would indeed prompt him to consider a change of heart, likely reopening his recruitment; a thoroughly understandable reaction.

Will he remain committed to DePaul? Will the school, if requested, release him from his letter of intent (likely, but you never know)? Stay tuned. NBE Basketball Report has the goods.

CATCHING UP WITH USF POINT GUARD CHRIS HOWARD

Howard set to direct Bulls up in Big East standings in 2009-2010

by RON BAILEY

September 2, 2009 – Long and challenging has been the journey Chris Howard; from back-to-back Maryland state high school titles, to prep school, to South Florida, where he’s suffered two knee injuries. This, his final season in the Big East should be a coming-out of sorts for the 6’3”, 200 pound guard.

Last season, Howard, a point guard averaged 7.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and a South Florida leading 4.1 assists per contest, a campaign of which he remarked with sweat dripping off him, “Was alright, I didn’t play to the best of my ability”: Determined to leave college with a bang, Howard once again joined workouts with famed trainer Haniff Hill in Washington, DC recently, sessions that included professional, international league players and college standouts. Over the course of close to two hours , Chris, in one of those periods, performed guard drills designed to max footwork and shooting form, all in a competitive environment stressing cardiovascular improvement. To conclude the workout, players played “King of the Hill”, a one-on-one based game in which the winner always faces a fresh defender.

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FLOWERS LOOKS TO BLOOM FOR WVU IN ‘09-’10

by RON BAILEY

August 27, 2009 – The Jabbo Kenner League concluded this month, and afforded hoops aficionados in the Washington D.C. area an opportunity to see and assess many of their favorite college and pro basketball players. The pages of i95Ballerz.com and NBE Basketball Report carry some of that coverage.

One Big East player that competed was West Virginia 6-foot-7, 215-lb, junior forward John Flowers. What jumps out at you about Flowers is his development since attending high school at St. Mary’s Ripken (MD); both physically and skill set-wise.

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MEET CHASE ADAMS

Adams set to utilize opportunity at Pittsburgh in senior year

by RON BAILEY

August 22, 2009 – Sometimes, life gives you a bonus, those opportunities that are just icing on the cake. They seem to happen rarely, and as the old-timers say, the recipient “Must be living right”. If that adage is true, Chase Adams is just such a guy, as the 5’10”, 190 lb guard gets to play his senior year in the Big East, transferring from Summit League school Centenary. Further illustrating his boon, Chase doesn’t have to sit out a year in doing so.

How is Adams capable of doing this, something he labeled by telephone this week “a dream of mine to play at the highest level”?

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BIG EAST TALENT SHOWS AT DC’S KENNER LEAGUE

Selected Kenner League review on Big East Guys

by RON BAILEY

August 21, 2009 – With the 2009 Jabbo Kenner League’s yearly closure, basketball fans have again lost the opportunity to see professional and collegiate players battle in the confines of Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena. Kenner is, and has been, one of the best places to see post-high school talent perform on the East Coast.

Of course present and past Big East athletes participate in league action. Several that played this year are evaluated below. (Click here for i95Ballerz.com All Kenner First/Second and Third/Fourth teams)

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BIG TIME BUMP REVIEW (PART II)

Big East firmly represented at ‘Big Time Bump’ at Hoop Magic to close July

by RON BAILEY

August 3, 2009 – In Part 1 of Big Time Bump, five young men who participated in the D.C. area’s end-of-open-period event are chronicled. Part 2 presents five more young men, a quintet who, like those in Part 1, also have a chance to one day play in the Big East.

All-Star team lists are available at i95Ballerz.com, and Twitter.com/ronbailey19 continues to stand as an excellent source of recruiting information.

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‘BIG TIME BUMP’ REVIEW (PART I)

Big East firmly represented at ‘Big Time Bump’ at Hoop Magic to close July

by RON BAILEY

August 3, 2009 – At Hoop Magic Sports Academy (Chantilly, VA), last Thursday and Friday, it could be described as a coaches convention, as at least 50 programs were under the top-level fitness facility’s roof. This group included many head coaches, such as John Thompson, III (Georgetown), Stan Heath (South Florida), Tony Bennett (UVA), Milan Brown (Mt. St. Mary’s), Gill Jackson (Howard), Seth Greenberg (VA Tech), and Quinnipiac’s Rob Moore. Some programs had multiple staff members present.

Of course the B-East was represented by schools other than the Hoyas and Bulls, with assistants from West Virginia, DePaul, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Villanova and Cincinnati being observed.

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TEAM TAKEOVER PAIR CONSIDERING BIG EAST OPTIONS

Grant, Oladipo fielding interest from Big East and both are interested in the B-East

by RON BAILEY

July 31, 2009 – Having been officially formed last September, Team Takeover has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success; the organization that branched off from Triple Threat, another DC-based AAU/travel team outfit has secured two national championships in July. Making the feat more impressive is it occurred during the recent AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, and in the two most competitive and watched age divisions, 16-under and 17-under. People knowledgeable in travel team hoops have struggled to recall a similar dual achievement.

Of course Takeover is stocked with talented players, which are bound to attract Big East Conference schools, as that league is inarguably one the most competitive and talent laden in America. This writer doesn’t call it the B-East for nothing.

Two of Takeover’s players receiving Big East love are Victor Oladipo and Jerian Grant. Both are guards and attend DeMatha Catholic High School. These rising seniors are capable of playing in the conference.

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SUPER ELITE SHOWCASE – BIG EAST VIEW

by RON BAILEY

July 15, 2009 – This past weekend, Richmond, VA was on fire; no, the Earth didn’t enter a time warp vortex, only to have Union soldiers burn down what was once dubbed ‘The Cradle of the Confederacy’ (OK, too many science fiction shows/films viewed obviously). That city’s Virginia Commonwealth University hosted the Super Elite Showcase, an NCAA sanctioned, travel circuit event, one full of talented players.

For the four All-Event Teams, see Part 1 and Part 2 of an i95Ballerz.com series.

There were several players with Big East ties – being committed to a league school, or solidly being recruited by one. In the NBE Basketball Report’s tradition, here they are…

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NBA TOP 100 CAMP REVIEW (PART II)

by RON BAILEY

June 24, 2009 – In NBA Top 100 Camp Review (Part 1), four high school-aged student athletes being recruited by Big East schools were presented. Part 2 picks up where its sibling left off, including discussing guys well known and introducing a player not presently a household name.

Joe Jackson – 5′11″, 165 pound, Class of 2010 guard, Memphis, TN – Physically a point guard, Jackson has the mentality of a scorer; he is in perpetual bucket-making mode, whether attacking the rim or pulling up, both in half court and open floor settings. He’s capable of scoring in all areas, including finishing in traffic, over bigger players (which he did during Top 100 play).

Sometimes when a player is a scoring savant, other aspects of his game can suffer, and in this case it’s passing; Jackson is an electric performer, but many times seems to ignore passing. It’s not that he can’t pass, as when forced to Joe does so well. He just doesn’t choose to drop off or kick off to teammates consistently, something given his size will be a boon, if not necessity, in college. Upgrading his on-ball pressure will help also, as will changing speeds offensively.

Jackson has received big time collegiate interest, and indicated Syracuse, along with Memphis, Texas and Kansas could be official visit destinations of his.

Jelan Kendrick – 6′6″, 190 pound, Class of 2010 Guard/Forward, College Park, GA – Kendrick came in with the reputation as a scorer capable of dishing the rock, and did nothing but enhance that belief; pound for pound, he was the best ball distributor amongst the Camp’s swingmen. This penchant for finding people extended to half and full court situations, with Jelan generally making good basketball decisions. Kendrick readily said “I take pride in my passing”.

A young man extremely proud of his ‘Hotlanta’ roots, it is known that the likes of Georgia Tech and Georgia have long been recruiting him, with offers being tendered. From a B-East perspective, Georgetown and Cincinnati are interested; the Hoyas being one of his estimated “32 offers”.

In terms of development Kendrick must continue to get stronger, and focus on not getting hung up, essentially passing when his shot has been taken away. Doing so will mesh nicely with his ability to shoot and drive. Defensively, Jelan uses his length to hound foes, but could also become more aggressive on the rock.

Tobias Harris – 6′7″, 210 pound, Class of 2010 Forward, Long Island, NY – Long a target of Big East schools, Tobias has slimmed down and toned up physically, revealing an athlete who can compete inside and out, one capable of shooting and finishing. His spin, to behind the back, to left hand layup move speaks to such skill level.

Though lengthy, Harris must continue to get stronger, thereby ensuring his ability to battle inside during college. Also he can also improve his lateral quickness.

Where might Harris, a resident of ‘Strong Island’ attend college? Many suitors exist, The Big East’s Syracuse, Louisville, the Domers of Notre Dame and Rutgers are all in play. Tennessee, along with Connecticut and West Virginia might be forming a leading trio. Georgetown, according to Tobias’ dad, Torrel, is still being evaluated.

According to the elder Harris, a man who responded with a twinkle in his eye “I taught him a few things” upon being asked if he tutored his son in the game, schematic-wise, the winning school will “like to get up and down…When they have to play halfcourt, they will run sets of course, but to me when you have an opportunity to run, you do that”.

Justin Coleman – 6′6″, 205 pound, Class of 2010 swingman, Richmond, VA – Most people at the Top 100 are known entities, players that have been scouted on the travel team circuit for years, many times longer than they’ve been in high school. Recruiters and recruitniks have a wealth of information on these kids.

Then you have guys like Justin Coleman, who only recently started receiving major recruiting attention.

“This is one of the biggest camps, well, the only camp I’ve ever been to” said Coleman of the Top 100, an University of Virginia-based shindig.

What? How can somebody who shared a recruiting list of “Florida, Maryland, Duke, Memphis, Indiana, Marquette. Xavier recently offered me. Boston College, Oregon” and others, never have attended a camp period, much less one with the Top 100’s prestige?

“I just recently got on the map about a month ago” confided Coleman. “I sat out my whole tenth grade year and half my 11th grade year”. That respite from hoops was due to friction with the coach at his previous high school, Louisa. This year, after moving, he transferred to Henrico.

The result of the change, which occurred halfway through the year can’t be denied. “I led them to the (Virginia playoff) Regional Final Four” recalled the well spoken Coleman, who later noted his grades “have been picking up…I only got a couple of C’s” after the transfer.

Nevertheless, schools were still lukewarm to him after high school, as Justin said “I got a couple of calls, but it still wasn’t much. Then I started getting involved with the AAU and some of the more competitive tournaments, and that’s when I really started to shine”.

A proud member of Petersburg Elite, coached by Ty White, Coleman has no thoughts of leaving that organization. Going forward, gaining experience will be key for him, including the understanding of picking his spots – essentially knowing when to do what. As a player who can drive, shoot, and finish, that will round out his package.

So will playing better “Defense”, a need Justin embraces. Specifically he noted “Fundamental skill”, such as keeping a low center of gravity and focusing on lateral movement as the necessary work in strapping he has engaged.

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NBA TOP 100 CAMP REVIEW (PART I)

by RON BAILEY

June 22, 2009 – The National Basketball Association Players Association Top 100 Camp has concluded, and for Big East partisans an opportunity to receive a bounty of information on high school-aged players that could possibly land in that conference was afforded; It’s well established that arguably the best basketball conference in America’s member institutions recruit nationally, and as such many Top 100 players are being courted by them. It’s also well known that web sites such as NBE Basketball Report and i95Ballerz.com are at the forefront of covering that recruiting.

To that end, following are evaluations of several Top 100 players being pursued by Big East colleges. The reach of the B-East (Big East) has never been broader.

Adreian Payne – 6′9″, 215 pound, Class of 2010 center, Dayton, OH – A raw, talented player, Payne blocks shots and finishes around the rim with finesse and power. He noted West Virginia and Cincinnati are recruiting him, along with “The Dayton and Ohio Schools” – Dayton, Ohio State, Xavier, Akron – plus Michigan State, Kentucky and others.

Presently, Payne can be considered a ball of clay ready for molding. An anecdote bears that out: During a rest break on Friday, Payne took to a practice court back court with NBA player Michael Ruffin, a known frontcourt banger. Their work centered on the somewhat svelte Payne receiving contact in the post, then initiating his post move, in this case a drop step.

Increasingly Payne seemed to be getting the hang of things, with keeping his center of gravity low, a point of emphasis by Ruffin. When asked if he’d previously worked on that or in this fashion, Payne said “No, not really. Usually I work out with my high school coaches about a half hour after practice, but never like this”.

Increased post-oriented fundamental development will serve Payne well.

Gary Franklin, Jr. – 6′2″, 185 pounds, Class of 2010 point guard, Santa Ana, CA – Previously committed to USC, Franklin has decided to re-open his commitment, as he father, Gary Sr., noted “Washington, UConn, Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas A&M, Arizona, Utah”, and others, including USC were all possible destinations.

Gary Jr., a guard that can shoot, drive, and pass – the latter many times occurring during NBAPA Top 100 play within the paint in stunning fashion – said, “Right now I’m looking for a college with a coach that’s going to allow the point guard to get up and down and make decisions”, when asked for his future school’s basketball criteria. “And even when he (the guard) makes mistakes, he’ll be able to let him learn from those decisions. And pretty much play my game”.

In terms of the Huskies, Franklin opined “They’ve always had a successful program in terms of point guards. The coach (Jim Calhoun) also likes point guards that can score”.

Franklin should likely work on finishing at the rim, particularly in traffic, going forward.

At the Top 100, Franklin, who recalled dropping “About 16 points a game and five assist” in high school (Mater Dei), accounted for 10.2 points each contest, good enough for 24th on the event’s scoring leader board.

Mike Gbinije – 6′6″, 190 pounds, Class of 2011 swingman, Chesterfield, VA – Voted NBAPA Top 100 Most Promising Player, Gbinije dropped 13 points a game, placing him seventh on the Top 100’s final scoring list. Mike did his work in a myriad of ways, including finishing on the break, attacking the rim and smoothly dropping jumpers, as is his wont.

In terms of his development needs, Gbinije needs to amp his intensity at times, fine tune open court/left hand ball handling, and develop an aspect of his game that will stand out at any level – he’s good at everything, but possibly needs to excel at something.

Frank Gbinije, Mike’s dad, shared his son is being recruited by “Georgetown, Texas, UVA, Virginia Tech, and Florida”, most if not all of which called him June 15th, the first day college coaches can call the homes of perspective Class of 2011 recruits, per NCAA guidelines. Mike also unofficially visited Maryland several weeks ago. Other colleges will be evaluated.

The younger Gbinije is transferring from Christ Church to Benedictine, both Richmond-area schools.

Jerian Grant – 6′3″, 175 pounds, Class of 2010 guard, Bowie, MD – After a junior year at DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD) that saw him gain confidence, Grant has parlayed that into a stellar travel team season, and solid Top 100 showing.

Jerian, who scored 15 points in his last camp game, and displayed his fluid game throughout, shooting and driving to the cup. Grant, who has relatively long arms, is also a decent defender. Becoming stronger and learning to use his off (left) hand more when dribbling are paramount for Grant, whose brother Jerai is a forward at Clemson, and father, Harvey, was an NBA professional for 11 years, playing with four league franchises.

In terms of recruitment, Providence and Villanova are interested – the Friars have long coveted Grant, while Miami, Oklahoma, and Florida State are also in play. Interesting tidbit; his father finished college at Oklahoma, playing in the 1988 NCAA title game.

TERRENCE WILLIAMS WORKING TOWARDS THE NBA

Williams is a Multi-Channel Guy

by RON BAILEY

June 11, 2009 – Yesterday morning, Terrence Williams, the First Team All Big East selection from Louisville, worked out for the Washington Wizards. The session, one of many for him to date – taxed him.

“It was the toughest one” shared a clearly fatigued Williams, sweat still dripping from him “in that we only had two people. It’s like you get more work out of it, times two…It was more competitive than the other ones.”

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DC ASSAULT’S ‘TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT’ REVIEW

Comprehensive report from weekend’s action with a glutton of Big East prospects

by Ron Bailey

April 15, 2009 – This past weekend DC Assault’s Take Your Best Shot (TYBS) boys travel team tournament went off flawlessly, as team’s from up and down the East Coast did battle at Virginia’s Hoop Magic Sports Academy. Drawing squads willing to participate in the 15 and under through 17 and under age classifications, talent was in abundance. If you don’t believe it, check out i95Ballerz.com’s 17 and under All-Tourney team, and its companion 16u grouping.

Of course Big East institutions are interested in players who participated. Wonder who? Check them out:

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NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL REVIEW (PART II)

by Ron Bailey

April 8, 2009 – The high school basketball world is still buzzing about last weekend’s National High School Invitational, an event that ended up pitting ESPN Rise’s first (Findlay Prep) and second (Oak Hill) ranked teams in championship battle. Players attending Findlay Prep (NV) – chock full of talent and the eventual winner – were featured here on NBE Basketball Report, along with those of three other schools in Part 1.

To this writer’s subsequent chagrin, the best player in the NHSI tourney was regrettably overlooked (my head needs to be examined). Maybe it had to do with a sense of envy, wishing Avery Bradley, a 6’3”, 185 pound guard was headed to the Big East. He’s not, as Texas will enroll the high school senior next year, to the entire Big 12’s consternation, as he can defend, shoot, drive and pass. Oh yeah, he can defend…really defend.

Oak Hill’s longtime coach, Steve Smith, labeled him “the best guard I’ve ever coached against”. That’s really ‘nuff said, though it stands to mention Bradley, a native of Seattle’s Rainer Beach neighborhood earned i95Ballerz.com NHSI MVP honors.

Speaking of Oak Hill (VA), a number of their players interested in the Big East or of the league’s caliber will be presented in Part 2 here; along with student athletes from Montrose Christian (MD), and St. Frances (MD), in addition to one player from Friend’s Central (PA). Be sure to access the links for more information; the all star teams were chosen impartially, with attention paid to position congruity.

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NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL REVIEW (PART I)

by Ron Bailey

April 7, 2009 – The recently concluded National High School Invitationalwas the first ever attempt at actually crowing a high school national champion based on direct competition. The ‘chip’ was earned by the Las Vegas area’s Findlay Prep, ranked numero uno by ESPN, after defeating the second slotted school nationally, Oak Hill.

In NBE Basketball Report’s continued effort to inform those interested in Big East hoops, following are blurbs on many NHSI players that are being recruited by conference schools, or have the talent necessary to excel in the league. This report is done in conjunction with i95Ballerz.com, the prime outlet for Mid-Atlantic basketball from amateur to pro; be sure to click the links for player analysis.

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MARYLAND STATE FINAL FOUR PLAYER NOTES

Big East targets turn in outstanding performances at the Comcast Center last weeked

by Ron Bailey

March 17, 2009 – Maryland, known as the Free State is also recognized as a prime source of basketball talent; given the DC suburbs and of course Baltimore and the Eastern Shore regions within its borders, colleges descend upon the nation’s seventh state in droves. Big East conference schools are no exception with the likes of Dante Cunningham and Dwayne Anderson of Villanova, Georgetown’s DaJuan Summers, Chris Wright, Austin Freeman and Henry Sims, Syracuse forward Arinze Onauku, and others playing at Big East institutions like John Flowers (West Virginia), are all Maryland residents playing in the conference currently. History reveals a similar trend of Marylanders playing in the nation’s best college basketball league.

Of course one should expect Maryland’s best basketball teams – gathered at the University of Maryland’s Comcast Center last week – to have talent being recruited and/or scouted by Big East schools. Following are evaluations of those players, along with i95Ballerz.com all-event team nominations:

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MONTROSE-ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC PREP RECAP

by Ron Bailey

February 12, 2009 – Tuesday, Montrose Christian (MD) defeated St. Johns Catholic Prep (MD) 75-41, at its cozy Rockville-situated gym. There is irony in a school that has enjoyed such hoops success having such a diminutive facility in which to impress fans, observers and college coaches. The setup is proof positive a gym is just a gym, and what’s important are the players, their development, and coaching.

To that end, following are select player rundowns, basically consisting of guys that will be attending/are considering Big East schools, or based upon early returns have the talent to play in that league, regarded by many as the best in men’s college ball. Players from both Montrose and St. Johns Catholic Prep are represented

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