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2012 RUMBLE IN THE BRONX RECAP (PART II)

By Brian Bosworth, National Recruiting Analyst

The Rumble in the Bronx got back into swing on Saturday at gyms all over the greater NYC area. I had the opportunity to take in the action at both Baruch College in the morning and John Jay College in the evening. While younger players in the 2014 and 2015 classes stole the show for much of the day it was still a member of the 2013 class who gets top billing for Saturday.

Top Performance of the Day:

Dayshon Smith (NY Lightning 2013) – Affectionately called “Scooch” by just about everybody, Smith is an old school New York City point guard. He uses spins, hesitation moves, crossovers, and herky-jerky head fakes to constantly work his way into the paint and make plays. Once inside he’s equally likely to use a soft floater, explode towards the rim, or whip a pass out to a 3 point shooter at any and all angles. While his physical skills are impressive it’s the mental side of the game where Smith truly separates himself from the competition. He has a unique understanding of when to get others involved and when to look for his own offense. In the first half of a Saturday night victory Scooch ran the show and got everyone else the ball in spots where they could be successful. Then down the stretch of the second half with the outcome still in the balance he took matters into his own hands and seemed to score on every possession down the floor. This is not the first time I’ve seen Smith master the balance of keeping teammates happy for 3.5 quarters and then closing the game out himself in the final moments. It’s unusual for players at the high school level to already understand that just because they can get their own shot any time doesn’t always make it the right decision. Scooch is ahead of the game in this area and it’s a mindset that will continue to serve him well at the next level.
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ALL JACKED UP, KADEEM POWERS FRENJI

NYC big man bound for prep school will be a hot target for Big East schools and more in 2011 class

By Zach Smart

Kadeem Jack arrived two quarters late to the Frenji’s Frankie Williams Charity Classic in the village of Greenburgh, N.Y., though it didn’t take the 6-foot-9 senior much time to register his presence.

As soon as he checked into the into the game at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, Jack flushed home a two-handed alley-oop banger on a fast break. It instantly put a jam-packed gym, which included many familiar basketball faces (former NBA player Kenny Anderson and homegrown product Torey Thomas, who authored a stellar career at Holy Cross, to name a couple) on its feet. On the ensuing possessions, Jack knocked down a baby hook over Villanova-bound Jayvaughn Pinkston and flew in for a stickback.

Kadeem was all Jacked up, scoring his first 12 points in a span of under 10 minutes and using his length in the paint.

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 about Jack his recruitment, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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MIKE TAYLOR LIGHTS UP FRANKIE WILLIAMS CHARITY CLASSIC

2011 NYC guard displays full offensive arsenalin charity all-star contest in Greenburgh Thursday night

by ZACH SMART/NBE Staff

Mike Taylor had the hot hand, burying five three-pointers en route to a 33-point barrage as Team Frenji Blue pulled away thanks to two back-to-back fast break dunks by Devon Collier.

Taylor, a junior who is going to the basket and dishing more and shooting less, was bleeding confidence after the game.

“It’s a great feeling, coming out here and playing with kids from New Jersey, New York, the best of the best,” Taylor said. “They said I had 33. I guess it’s a good feeling, I’m one of the best in New York City.”

Taylor has been well known in New York City basketball circles for some time and this spring he has also shown well on a broader stage as his Metro Hawks AAU team competed well in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Taylor has continued to show a more diverse offensive game and is no longer just a long-range sniper. He is an excellent penetrator who has a quick dribble and can get by opponents with his speed. He is effective in the lane, whether finishing at the rim or finding a teammate for a basket. Of course, by burying five three-pointers on Thursday, he hasn’t lost the long-range touch, either.

Which potential hardwood homes have been in heaviest pursuit of one of Gotham’s top players in the Class of 2011?

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 about Jack’s visit to RU and his recruiting situation as well as another NYC player looking closely towards the Scarlet Knights, as well as any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage.

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (6/3/2010)

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The 3rd Annual Frankie Williams Charity Classic is set for tonight, June 3rd, 2010, at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, located at 32 Manhattan Ave, Greenburgh (NY). Doors Open at 7 PM and the game time for the all-star game is 8 PM. For expected rosters and more information, see our game preview post HERE. NBE is very excited to cover the event for the second consecutive year!

Also in today’s News & Notes section there is the latest on the happenings at UConn as they are busy recrutiing, announcing transfers and looking to fill assistant coaching vacancies in the wake of NCAA allegations of recruiting violations. Rutgers announces a new staff addition and hosts a highly-sought after big man for an unofficial visit. Jamir Hanner is prepping another year and opening up the recruiting process and a few more news links of some notes around the league.

Read on below for all of the latest News & Notes around the Big East basketball conference. Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com - The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

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ROSTERS SET FOR FRANKIE WILLIAMS CHARITY CLASSIC

The 3rd Annual Frankie Williams Charity Classic is set for Thursday June 3rd, 2010 at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, located at 32 Manhattan Ave, Greenburgh (NY). Doors Open at 7 PM and the game time for the all-star game is 8 PM.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 13 and under. Below are the all-star game rosters and more information on the Frankie Williams Foundation (FWF).

TEAM FRENJI BLUE:
JAYVAUGHN PINKSTON 6’6
BRIAN VOELKEL 6’5
MIKE POOLE 6’5
JABARIE HINDS 6’1
KADEEM JACK 6’9
DAVID SAMUELS 6’7
STERLING GIBBS 6’3
JORDAN BRONNER 6’0
ASHTON PANKEY 6’8
JJ MOORE 6’6
JOSE RODRIGUEZ 6’6
JERMAINE SANDERS 6’5

TEAM FRENJI WHITE:
SIDIKI JOHNSON 6’9
CHRIS MANHERTZ 6’6
ANTOINE MASON 6’4
ASHCRAF YACOUBOU 6’3
JOEY DELA ROSA 6’10
RYAN RHOOMES 6’9
SANDRO CARISSIMO 6’3
BRANDEN FRAZIER 6’4
MIKE TAYLOR 6’3
SHANE SOUTHWELL 6’6
MAURICE HARKLESS 6’8
VAUGHN ALLEN 6’6

Coaches:
Danya Abrams, Rashamel Jones, Rasul Salahuddin, Rasaun Young, Otis Hill and Tory Thomas

Halftime presentation by:
Kenny Anderson to Danya Abrams into the FRENJI Legends Circle.

The Frankie Williams Foundation (FWF) a non for profit organization, supports Team Frenji grassroots youth basketball development academy. The Frankie Williams Foundation was founded in the year of 2007, in the honor of the late Frankie (Francis) Williams who passed away in June of 2006. He was a positive role model, mentor, and coach to youth in Greenburgh, New York and surrounding communities. Overall, the FWF was established to teach the fundamental skills and overall aspects of the game of basketball. Additionally, while the participants are in high school and college, the academy will offer practical skills in preparation for life beyond basketball .

The major key to this program is fostering life skills which will become the building blocks to adult success. It is the hope that the program participants continue to achieve their personal goals in academics and sports while becoming productive citizens and encouraging them to give back to their local communities.

The Frankie Williams Foundation seeks to encourage diversity by servicing youth of all ages, ethnicities and economic status, comprised of residents of Greenburgh, White Plains and surrounding areas within Westchester County. All academy participants will travel from state to state competing in elite basketball tournaments for high school and college recognition. In order to encourage qualification for academic scholorship, each member will be provided with the NCAA rules and regulation. With the increase in the number of Athletes competing for scholorships, the academy will be the catalyst to provide members the exposure needed. We feel it is vital that our youth have an opportunity to display their talents as it will be provided by the Frankie Williams Foundation. Our efforts include but will not be limited to: promoting charity events, grant writing and seeking corporate donations.

Financial contributions are welcomed and should be made payable to “The Frankie Williams Foundation” and mailed to Frenji Ltd, P.O. Box 314, White Plains, New York 10603

For more information:
www.frenji.com
www.frenji.com/frankiewilliamsfoundation
www.teamfrenji.wordpress.com

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Sports fans should also visit StubHub.com - The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online for tickets to any NCAA event or NBA, MLB, NHL game or UFC, WWE or concert tickets at an arena near you this spring.

MOORE LOOKING TO ADD SCORING PUNCH FOR PANTHERS

South Kent senior hopes to make immediate impact at Pitt upon arrival for Jamie Dixon

By Zach Smart

Port Chester, N.Y.-If J.J. Moore wasn’t such a laid back, cool customer (off the court, that is), he would probably consider creating a new facebook account. Under a surname that is…

Moore has been sifting through a flurry of messages from both friends and strangers, urging him to bring his innate scoring ability to Pittsburgh next season.

Moore knows the adjustment to the higher stratosphere will be marathon and not a sprint, albeit the South Kent Prep (CT) senior says he’s ready for the challenge.

No question, Moore is geared on offering immediate contributions at Pitt, where he’s bent on emerging as a viable scoring option from the get-go.

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 on below for more on Moore as he discusses his game and Gary Charles talks of his impact in the Big East…

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JABARIE HINDS: FOUR SCHOOLS AHEAD OF PACK

2011 Mount Vernon guard shines at CYP, has four top schools on him in recruiting

By Zach Smart

Port Chester, N.Y. — Jabarie Hinds electrified the crowd at the tiny gym at Our Lady of Mercy, exploding for a pair of one-handed dunks that showcased his prodigious vertical leap.

The 5-foot-11 southpaw also made crucial plays late in the fourth quarter, helping lift Team Frenji to a 98-91 victory over the New York Falcons in the semifinals of the CYP tournament.

Now it’s a matter of unfinished business for coach Tom Sampogna Frenji’s, which fell short of the title in 2008 despite a talent-leaking roster that included Kevin Jones, Mookie Jones and Sean Kilpatrick.

Sampogna, who served as an assistant at Port Chester during their period of basketball prosperity in the mid-2000s, heaped praise on Hinds after the game, calling him a “special” player.

His words surely resonate in the buffet-line of coaches who have been in pursuit of the Mount Vernon junior.

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 on below for more on Hinds and see what four schools lead for his services…

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ANNUAL CYP TOURNEY SHOWCASES PLENTY OF BIG EAST TALENT

By Zach Smart

Port Chester, N.Y.-The two teams were playing in a bandbox gym that was slightly bigger than Jayvaughn Pinkston‘s last shoebox, so it was only fitting that the hulking 6-foot-6, 235-pound Villanova-commit dominated the house.

Pinkston, who navigated double-teams and got to the tin at will, utilized his manpower throughout a game that featured numerous lead changes and blink-quick spurts.

Pinkston bulldozed his way to cup, drawing Khalid Samuels (a senior at Blessed Sacrament, the alma mater of South Florida forward Jarrid Famous) final foul.

The crucial bucket gave a Frenji’s team dripping with talent (Pinkston, Oregon State-commit Devon Collier, Jermaine Sanders, Louisville-commit Russ Smith, Kadeem Jack, Jabarie Hinds and Vermont-bound forward Brian Voekel all suited up for Team Frenji) a 95-93 edge with 1:23 remaining.

Pinkston later closed the door with game-icing free throws, as Frenji’s escaped with a 100-96 win over Rodney Abrams in the 64th Annual Catholic Youth Program tournament at the Our Lady of Mercy church. The tournament is in fond memory of William R. Gallagher.

“At the end of the day we were the better team,” said Pinkston, who chose Villanova for the proximity to his Forte Greene, Brooklyn home, his relationship with Jay Wright and the school’s “tradition of winning.”

“It’s a small court so my big men were helping out and I’ve got some good guards you know, Russ (Smith) and Jabarie (Hinds). We worked together and stepped up.”

You can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below for more from last night’s CYP action. Included are player evals on the standout performers mentioned above as well as Kyrie Irving and recruiting updates on Sanders, Hinds and a NYC sleeper getting attention from West Virginia. Russ Smith also discusses his Louisville commitment. All that and more in the premium section. Earlier we also had a premium story from the event as a Big East Visit is Up Next for Kadeem Jack.

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BIG EAST VISIT UP NEXT FOR KADEEM JACK

Fast-rising 2010 big man of Rice HS in Manhattan will visit Big East power on Saturday

by ZACH SMART

A loaded Team Frenji, decked to the gills with talented players such as Villanova-commit Jayvaughn Pinkston, Oregon State-commit Devon Collier, Jermaine Sanders, Louisville-commit Russ Smith, Kadeem Jack, Jabarie Hinds, and Vermont-bound forward Brian Voekel, escaped with a 100-96 win over Rodney Abrams in the 64th Annual Catholic Youth Program tournament at the Our Lady of Mercy church. The tournament is in fond memory of William R. Gallagher.

To give you a hint of how old and traditional this tournament is: Larry Brown, Donnie Walsh and Lenny Wilkins are among the boat-load of former and current NBA personalities to compete in the event. NBA players and Big East products such as Charlie Villanueva, Randy Foye, Tim Thomas, Ron Artest, Ryan Gomes and Hilton Armstrong have all played in this smurf-sized gym.

One of the next players who could possibly join the impressive list of CYP Tournament alumni in making an impact at the highest levels of the sport is Manhattan Rice High School senior big man Kadeem Jack. One of the hottest spring recruiting targets in the class of 2010 was impressive in the tough atmosphere last night and showed why colleges are coming on strong to try and secure a signature on a letter of intent from him later this spring.

You can sign up for NBE Premium access and SUBSCRIBE (HERE) to read on below for more on Jack who tells NBE he will be visiting a Big East campus this weekend…

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FRANKIE WILLIAMS CHARITY CLASSIC REVIEW

by MATT WHITFIELD

On Thursday night, the NBE Basketball Report headed to Greenburgh (NY) for the 2nd Annual Frankie Williams Charity Classic 2009, presented by Frenji Sports. All proceeds raised at the event were for the Frankie Williams Foundation for the development of grassroots basketball and health awareness. The Frankie Williams Foundation is a not-for-profit program designed to help the youth of Greenburgh and White Plains.

The All-Star game featured a match-up between the ‘White’ team and the ‘Blue’ team, each loaded with stars. However, the one most in the stands were most intrigued by was nowhere to be found through the first 2/3′s of the game.

Pittsburgh-commit and McDonald’s All-American Dante Taylor was a dominant force down low and teamed with Cincinnati-bound Sean Kilpatrick and Durand Scott to stake the ‘Blue’ team to the lead.

Lance Stephenson, a no-show until about 3:30 left in the game, made his grand entrance into the gym and entered in the game at the 3:04 mark in the third and he instantly got the crowd and the announcers rocking as on his first offensive play he took it hard to the rim for the easy layup. With the physical play of ‘Born Ready’, who lived up to his nickname, the White team would keep chipping away at the Blue Team’s lead. ‘Born Ready’ finally gave his team the lead late in the fourth and with his two dunks late in the game he laid the Blue team to rest as the White team went on to win by a final of 128-122.

In just over a quarter of playing time, Stephenson would score 21 points and be the perfect compliment to MVP Hassan Whiteside‘s 37 points. Taylor would score 32 in the losing effort for the Blue and the Greenburgh native returned home and was his team’s MVP.

Player Notes:

Sean Kilpatrick
Adequate build now for an incoming Big East freshman. Showed some razzle-dazzle with a pretty layup to start the second half. Then nearly broke Omari Lawrence’s ankle on another play soon there after. Good handle, really racking up points in the third period. Called out Lance and shot two consecutive three pointers over him on consecutive plays. The Cincinnati-bound Kilpatrick should be a factor next year in the Big East for the Bearcats. Played with confidence and toughness and finished with 26 points.

Dante Taylor
Good physical size for a high school senior, needs to fine-tune his body a little bit though as he will be playing in arguably the toughest conference in college basketball. Speed is decent too, for a big man, but could improve with more of a conditioning program. Showed some fancy handle as well, considering his size. Was a monster down low as he dominated in the paint early and all game long. Nice looking basket off an alley up from Sean Kilpatrick. Missed a dunk in the middle of the second, but Taylor’s quick hands allowed him to get his own rebound, and before he could go for the easy put in he was fouled. Numerous contest-type dunks in this game as well. Nice spin play in the second half where he got a defender in the air and finished with contact. Only showed off his jump shot a little bit today, but it looked solid. By far the best player on the floor until Lance Stephenson showed up late in the third. Had a team high 32 points.

Omari Lawrence
Good looking basketball body, but not showing much early or all game long. Great handle and strength, but was not getting too many shots off. Had several buckets to start the second quarter, but rather quiet the rest of the game as the St. John’s-commit ended the game with 10 points.

Lance Stephenson
Entered the game at the 3:04 mark in the third quarter and made his presence felt right away with an easy lay-up attacking the rim. Then made an acrobatic catch under the rim and quickly twisted and turned himself for the easy bucket. Lance was perhaps the most physical in this game which became a street ball type game when he entered. Definitely made his presence felt in his short time in the game. Had two dunks in the last thirty seconds to seal the game for the white team. Finished with 21 points and considering the time he played and the impact he made he had to be considered the top player in the game.

Russ Smith
Possibly the smallest player on the floor, but hustles real hard and has a great handle. Has potential, but really needs to hit the weights next year at South Kent prep school. Hustled so hard he went flying into me on one play. Finished with 13 points.

Mike Buffalo
Will also have to bulk up before college if he hopes to play for a Big East program. Was not overly noticeable at all today, however with added strength he could be a player. Finished with 2 points. Told NBE before the game he has looks from West Virginia, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Buffalo and Oregon State. Buffalo also has offers from George Mason, Quinnipiac, and Long Island [University].

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BIG EAST NEWS & NOTES (6/4/2009)

Hopefully everyone got a chance to check out Pat Steven’s latest NBE Prep Corner - Vol 2.3 as he talked to some of the winningest coaches in the prep ranks on the 2009 Big East recruits that will be coming into the conference from prep school. Check out their thoughts on Alex Oriakhi, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Omari Lawrence, Mike Burwell, Mike Marra, Dan Jennings, Vincent Council, Malik Stith, Johnny Lacy, Sean Kilpatrick and James Southerland. it is an excellent piece that will give fans of the Big East a very unique perspective on some of the talent coming into the conference next season.

Speaking of Malik Stith, NBE contributor Zach Smart spends time Kickin’ It With Malik Stith as the incoming SJU frosh gets acclimated to his new life as a college student.

Elsewhere today, lots of stuff to go over. South Florida adds some beef to their future roster with a transfer addition from Kansas State. On the recruiting front, an article on Philadelphia 2011 prospect John Johnson, an update on elite 2010 prospect Will Barton and VERY detailed information on a pair of NY prospects from the class of 2011, Sidiki Johnson and Angel Nunez, that Arizona has an early bead on, but watch the Big East turn up the heat this summer.

Other news around the league includes a look at the nearly completed new facility at Syracuse, some NBA draft decision updates on Ater Majok and Scottie Reynolds, who both have the option to return to school if they choose, staff updates with Villanova and Louisville, banquet circuit notes from Jim Calhoun and Jamie Dixon and a look at the NCAA’s eligibility center’s thoughts on punishing schools after initially clearing a player…

In all today we have something, either in news or recruiting info, on 15 of the 16 teams. If you take a look at the linked article above from Pat Stevens, you will get something on all 16 Big East teams…those are news and notes covering the conference!!!

Read all about it today…

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NBE PREP CORNER WITH PAT STEVENS (Vol 1.2)

St. John’s getting a visit from prep guard, other updates of Big East prep players

By Pat Stevens

Spring Signing Period options are thin for the country and it’s no different for Big East schools looking to draw talent out of the prep school circuit this season. But for one, the story is apparently not over with.

Malik Stith was arguably the top player in the New England Prep School Athletic Conference playoffs en route to leading Bridgton Academy of Maine to its fourth prep school championship in the past five years.

Stith came to Bridgton as a St. John’s commit by way of North Carolina, where he won a state championship with East Mecklenburg HS, and also with ties to Hempstead, N.Y.

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Kadeem Jack

Stories/Articles:
Kadeem Jack Working Through Process as 2011 Prospect (NBE Basketball Report) - July 2010
All Jacked Up; Kadeem Powers Frenji (NBE Basketball Report) - June 2010
New Rutgers Staff Making Strong Move in NYC (NBE Basketball Report) - June 2010
Kadeem Jack Looks to get Visits Rolling (NBE Basketball Report) - May 2010
Got Jack? South Kent Does Now (NBE Basketball Report) - May 2010
Jordan Brand Classic Regional Notes (NBE Basketball Report) - April 2010
Big East Visit Up Next for Kadeem Jack (NBE Basketball Report) - March 2010
Big East Schools Trailing in Race for Kadeem Jack (NBE Basketball Report) - Feb 2010
Got Jack? Another West Coast Power Joins Arizona, Others in Pursuit (NBE Basketball Report) - Feb 2010
Got Jack? Lost of Schools Hope To (NBE Basketball Report) - Jan 2010
Recruiting Update on Kadeem Jack; Many Big East Involved (NBE Basketball Report) - Sept 2009
Summer in the City Recruiting Notebook (NBE Basketball Report) - July 2009
St. John’s Elite Camp Report (NBE Basketball Report) - July 2009
Class of 2010 Intro: Kadeem Jack (NBE Basketball Report)
2009 Primetime Shootout Recap (NBE Basketball Report)
NBE Live at HoopHall Classic (NBE Basketball Report)
Rice Raiders Turn Back Roman Catholic at CRC (NBE Basketball Report)