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NIKE EYBL - OAKLAND (SUNDAY RECAP)

Parker vs. Randle highlights day

By Raphielle Johnson

Nike saved the “best” for its final regular season session of Nike EYBL, with the top two players in the class of 2013 facing off on Sunday afternoon. Jabari Parker and Mac Irvin Fire went toe-to-toe with Julius Randle and the Texas Titans, but a furious second half rally for the Chicago-based team fell just short. Behind 23 points and 13 rebounds from Randle and Matt Jones adding 19 and eight rebounds, the Titans won 63-59 to move into a tie for third in Division C with Mac Irvin.

That was a big win for the Titans from a Peach Jam standpoint as well, as the result guaranteed them a berth in the 24-team tournament to be held in July. A loss would have dropped them into a three-way tie with CPE and E1T1 Elite, and while all three would most likely advance (four at-larges join the top five in each division) it’s better to simply take care of business yourself instead of relying on help.

Jones had the assignment of guarding Parker in the first half while Jackson Forbes helped out in the second, and the nation’s top-ranked player seemed to settle for perimeter jumpers a bit too much. But he did guard Randle on the other end in the first half, and to be frank both seemed to be pressing in the first 16 minutes. But Randle’s teammates, most notable Jones, came up big as they led by as many as 18 in the first half.

From there DePaul commit Billy Garrett Jr. and Jahlil Okafor led the charge back into the game for Mac Irvin, who trailed by just three at the half. From there it would be a back-and-forth battle with Mac Irvin finally taking the lead with about three minutes remaining, only to see the Titans fight back and hang on for the win.

The obvious question of many will be who “won” the match-up between Parker and Randle. Honestly it was difficult to judge given the fact that while Parker spent some time guarding Randle the same can’t be said on the other end. Another battle at Peach Jam may be what’s needed to truly render a verdict when it comes to this match-up.

Player of the Day: Julius Randle (Texas Titans)

Randle posted double-doubles in both of Texas Titans’ games on Sunday, with 18 and 11 in their four-point loss to CP3 in the morning session.

Sleeper of the Day: Russell Woods (Mac Irvin Fire)

Woods does already own offers from DePaul and Providence, but his effort defensively against Julius Randle should have opened some eyes even with Randle putting up 23 and 13. Woods played extremely hard at both ends, and he didn’t back down when assigned the challenge of guarding Randle in the second half.

More Player Observations:

- PF Jahlil Okafor (Mac Irvin Fire)

Julius Randle may have led all scorers but Okafor was one of the two most impressive players on the floor during the game. The only issue wasn’t completely on him: there simply weren’t enough touches for him in the second half despite the fact that it was clear the Titans had no one to stop him. Okafor finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds, and when he gets his man pinned with a foot in the paint he’s scoring. Period.

- SG Matt Jones (Texas Titans)

Jones was outstanding for the Titans in their win over Mac Irvin, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals while guarding Jabari Parker for much of the game. If anything the match-up allowed Jones to show off his ability to defend, and he did so quiet well. Duke’s getting a very good player come 2013.

- G Billy Garrett Jr. (Mac Irvin Fire)

Garrett Jr.’s stat line is exactly why box scores from AAU events should be taken with a grain of salt. Somehow he’s down as going 4-for-15 from the field against Texas Titans but it didn’t look like he took that many shots. His play late in the first half was one reason why Mac Irvin was able to cut a double-digit deficit to three by halftime. The DePaul commit isn’t a flashy player by any stretch of the imagination but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t get things done offensively.

- PG Tyler Ennis (CIA Bounce)

Ennis just has this remarkable ability to remain under control regardless of the nature of the game, be it uptempo or half-court. Ennis did a good job of getting his teammates the ball in the best possible position, either by simply passing or penetrating and dishing.

- SF Andrew Wiggins (CIA Bounce)

The top-ranked player in the class of 2014 hasn’t done much to dispel that notion. The issue (for some) may be how effortless Wiggins makes things look on the floor. He can score from anywhere, finish with contact and get above the rim consistently. Outside of Jahlil Okafor it’s tough to see another 2014 challenging him for the top spot anytime soon.

- SG Xavier Rathan-Mayes (CIA Bounce)

Rathan-Mayes is more of a combo guard than simply a two, but with Tyler Ennis at the controls most of his work is going to come off the ball. Rathan-Mayes showed off very good shooting form, be it off the dribble or coming off of curls. In the situation where a curl is called for he had good, efficient footwork and came off balanced on most occasions.

- PG Jaquan Lyle (Spiece Indy)

Lyle was quiet on Friday night but got better as the weekend progressed, capping Sunday’s action with a game-winning three against Bluff City Legends in the evening session. Lyle finished the game with 12 points and four assists, but the key for him was that he wasn’t credited with a single turnover. Athletic enough to make things happen off the dribble, Lyle just needs to continue exercising solid decision-making and he’ll be fine.

- PG Jaren Sina (Team Final)

Sina’s perimeter shooting played a major role in Team Final’s come-from-behind victory over Texas Pro in the morning session. Sina made six three-pointers with most coming in the rhythm of the offense.

That’s the key: if he’s allowed to flow into a shot they might as well add the three points to the board. He doesn’t get as much time on the ball with Rondae Jefferson being a very good facilitator, but Sina’s capable of directing traffic as well.

- PF Austin Colbert (Team Final)

Colbert had a tough high school season from a health standpoint as he suffered both a concussion and a neck injury that limited him to just 12 games at Hotchkiss School. Speaking with his coach that’s the key for Colbert this summer: stay healthy and get stronger. He’s got nice touch around the basket, but with the winter inactivity he’s likely to be a far better player at the end of July than he is now.

- SG Garret Colonna (Texas Pro)

Colonna came up big for Pro in the second half as they put some distance between themselves and Team Final before the comeback, knocking down multiple perimeter shots. A very good shooter, some work at getting better off the dribble would pay off dividends for Colonna.

- PG Isaiah Taylor (Texas Pro)

Taylor displayed good lead guard skills, with the ability to get his teammates into their offensive sets and the quickness needed to make plays himself both evident. Taylor’s got good handle and while he isn’t a world-class speed guy he’s plenty quick enough to be a handful for defenders.

- PF Zach Garber (All Ohio)

No Marc Loving this weekend for All Ohio but Garber played quite well in their win over NY Lightning in the morning session. Garber a 6-9 forward who is more than willing to play physically inside and he runs the floor well. Garber was able to face up and knock down a couple jumpers, but unlike other fours who tend to fall in love with that shot he didn’t fall into that trap.

- SF Nigel Hayes (All Ohio)

Hayes struck me as more of a “glue guy” in regards to what he was able to do on the floor. Not really great at one area but rather solid in a variety of facets. He’s 6-7 with a long wingspan that can prove problematic for opponents as a defender. Hayes is the kind of defender that a coach can essentially tell him to guard the opposing team’s best player and not be concerned.

- PG Keon Johnson (All Ohio)

A 5-8 sparkplug, Johnson was able to use his speed with the basketball to get into open areas on the floor. His speed and ability to run a team will make Johnson a solid asset at either the low- or mid-major level.

- C Goodluck Okonoboh, PF Andrew Chrabascz and PG Rene Castro (BABC)

These are just three of the players who played well in BABC’s win over Louisiana Select. BABC, who was without Kamali Bey, Jaylen Brantley and Wayne Selden this weekend, played a highly unselfish brand of basketball on both ends of the floor. Offensively they all looked to make the extra pass, and on the other end all five players on the floor worked well together.

Okonoboh didn’t score many points but that was due to him not shooting much rather than struggling from the field. Working in the high post he hit Chrabascz for a couple nice assists, with the latter displaying the ability to finish with either hand. Defensively Okonoboh played well in weak-side situations, and his man really didn’t seem too willing to attempt a shot lest it be rejected.

Chrabascz is working towards being an effective face-up 4, and his shooting out to 17 feet or so is worthy of such a position. He was also willing to go inside and mix it up, effectively working on the glass at both ends and also finishing in traffic.

Castro had ample opportunities to initiate the offense for BABC and he performed well, understanding the balance between getting his own looks and taking care of his teammates. Also a solid defender, Castro kept his man in front of him on most occasions in man-to-man situations while also being effective when BABC went to its pressure defense.

- SF Stanley Johnson (Oakland Soldiers)

Never been a fan of player rankings, but how one site has Johnson ranked 61st in the 2014 class is beyond confusing. Johnson’s got a mature build right now, and while the perimeter shot could use a little work he’s very good when it comes to finishing in traffic as well as with contact. He’s only going to get better as the perimeter shot comes along. Johnson finished their win over All-Iowa Attack with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

- PF Akoy Agau (All-Iowa Attack)

In spite of his injury suffered on Saturday, Agau gave it a go on Sunday and got off to a good start against the Oakland Soldiers in the evening session. Agau knocked down a couple perimeter jumpers, and while it was clear that his leg was a hindrance he continued to compete. Not the best weekend for him but getting back to full strength will help him out.

Random Thought: Mic’ed up parents

This was one of the more interesting aspects of the showdown between the Texas Titans and Mac Irvin Fire: the parents of both Julius Randle and Jabari Parker were mic’ed up as part of a documentary on the EYBL that’s being filmed. Maybe it’s happened before on the AAU circuit but can’t say that I’ve seen it before.

Is this a good thing? Not really sure. While it is interesting to hear the thoughts of parents during a game is it truly necessary? Definitely interested in seeing how the documentary, “The Circuit” looks as a finished product. Probably have a better answer to this question after viewing it.

Recruiting Updates:

- Jaren Sina is being pursued by a number of schools, including the following: Alabama, Virginia, Stanford, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. Sina, who was originally an Alabama commit, says that he still has a very good relationship with the staff there and they remain a player in his recruitment.

- Team Final SF Davon Reed has had recent contact with both Louisville and Connecticut, and he holds offers from Wake Forest, Miami, Harvard, Xavier, Cincinnati and others. Reed’s looking for a school where he can compete for a national title and improve as a player, with an uptempo system being his preference. The quality of education is also important as Reed will major in either sports medicine or marketing.

- There really isn’t an order of any sorts to Rondae Jefferson‘s schools according to his coach, Robert Brown. Coach Brown did say some of the schools involved included the following:: Rutgers, Seton Hall, Villanova, Arizona, Florida, Memphis, Temple and Saint Joseph’s. On Saturday Jefferson told NBE that he plans to have a list of schools he is considering formed around the time of the Peach Jam in July.

- There isn’t a leader for Xavier Rathan-Mayes‘ services, but it’s clear that he’s a highly sought-after 2013 prospect. Rathan-Mayes rattled off Florida State, Kentucky, Connecticut, Kansas, South Carolina, NC State, Oregon and Memphis but according to him there are others in the running as well.

- Tyler Ennis mentioned that while Syracuse and Memphis have been the most active in his recruitment he’s wide open presently. Also mentioned were Villanova, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Kansas and Virginia.

- Goodluck Okonoboh holds offers from Missouri, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Seton Hall and Gonzaga. Schools that have shown interest include West Virginia, UConn, Villanova, Louisville, Temple and others he couldn’t recall offhand.

- Rene Castro holds offers from George Washington, St. Bonaventure, Rhode Island, Seton Hall and Duquesne with Pittsburgh and South Carolina showing interest.

- Andrew Chrabascz said that he’s wide open and not in any rush to either narrow down his list of schools or commit. Chrabascz mentioned Creighton, Davidson and Ohio along with multiple schools in the Atlantic 10 and CAA.

- Russell Woods currently holds offers from DePaul and Providence with Memphis, USC, Illinois, Marquette, Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan State all showing interest.

- Jahlil Okafor holds too many offers to count currently, but the four schools he said were recruiting him the hardest are Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke and Arizona.

- Stanley Johnson has a long time before he has to make a decision of any kind as he’s a 2014 prospect, but he did mention June 15th as an important date in terms of an early list as it is the first time college coaches can officially phone and offer 2014 prospects. He’s already taken unofficial visits to UCLA and USC, and it’s possible that he’ll take an unofficial to Cal on Monday (Memorial Day). Johnson also stated that unofficials to Arizona and Oregon in August are possible

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