For those of you that were not in attendance last night for the Detroit Country Day - Chicago Orr game, well you missed a Real Good one. For those of us in the packed full house gym we were treated to a special game with a special player. It was clear after this game that the best player on the floor and best high school player that I have seen this year was not Amir Williams (Ohio State) but rather Illinois bound Mychael Henry of Chicago Orr. He put on an offensive display that was one to remember. He scored 40 points and stole with 5 seconds and scored on the other end as time was running out for a 71-67 OT win.
This game had everything, star talent, pressing defenses, runs and streaks and a great finish. Regardless of what team you were routing for every fan left that game knowing they got their money's worth. DCD started off with an easy bucket off the opening tip and scored the first 6 points before Chicago Orr went on an 18-1 run to lead after the first quarter 18-7. Henry (6'6") asserted himself right away with 9 points in the first quarter. DCD started with a 1-3-1 zone defensive but switched to man to man but no one could contain Henry. This kid is strong, very strong, goes to the hole hard, finishes and is mentally not afraid to contest anyone as he showed all night taking it to Williams and a one point doing a step ladder dunk over and in the mug of 6'6" Carter Elliot and getting fouled in the process. Orr took a 34-23 lead into the locker room at halftime mainly due to Country Days poor outside shooting. This team has 3-4 players that can stick it from the outside but they couldn't get anything to drop in the first half. Henry led Orr with 15 at half and Williams led DCD with 9.
In the second half Orr took a 42-28 lead with just over two minutes left in the third before Country Day went on a 11-0 run over the next three minutes to to cut it to 42-39 led by Junior Jordan Price's 2, 3 point bombs. DCD tied the game up with another 3, this time from lefty Adam Zavadil, at the 6:55 mark to make it 42-42. Then Henry asserted himself again with the next 6 straight points in just over a minute for a 48-42 with 5:53. With just under 2 minutes, Orr lead 54-47 and looked like they had the game in control but DCD went down low to Williams (21 pts, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks - per my stats) and was getting free throws with the clocked stopped. Henry's one downfall for this game was free throw shooting, he missed 4 in the 4th quarter and two were front ends of one on ones. That allowed DCD to stay close. It was a 58-53 game with 1 minute left before Orr committed a bad foul on a 3 point shot. The sharpshooting Zavadil nailed all three free throws to make it a 2 point game at 58-56 with 40 seconds left. Orr turned the ball over and Jordan Price converted both shots of a one and one to to tie it at 58 with 20 seconds to go. Then Henry scored again (16 pts in the 4th quarter) with 12 seconds and was fouled but missed the free throw. DCD then went to their big man who was fouled with 5 seconds and calmly sank both free throws to knot the score at 60 and send it into overtime. Orr jumped out in OT to take a 4 point lead at 66-62 but DCD answered with another 3. Henry was fouled on the other end but once again only made one and they were up 67-65. DCD tied it at 67 with 40 seconds left and then Orr took the lead on a nice bucket from very impressive Junior guard Curtis Jones. DCD had the ball with 20 seconds down 69-67 before Henry stole a pass with 5 seconds and converted to end the game at 71-67.
DCD had a really nice comeback in this game and Williams played well but I still can't get over why a guy the size (6'10") of California, with hands the size of Texas and fingers as long as the East Coast gets the ball knocked out of his hands so often. On the flip side, Henry went to the hole like a mad man, was fouled several times and never once had that ball knocked out of or taken out of his hands....and he finished at the basket. This guy was a pleasure to watch. He did it from the inside, the outside, with both hands and had no fear whatsoever taking the ball to the hole regardless of who was there. His mental toughness is something you rarely see and I would have loved to see this guy in a Green and White uniform next year because he is everything that Izzo looks for and is lacking in the Spartans this year. He was rated as the number 13 Wing Forward in the country and it is deserved and just jumped some rankings in my mind after this game. He had 9 after 1 qtr, 15 at half, 19 after 3 and 35 (16 pt qtr) after regulation. Five in overtime got him to 40. Quite a show. Although all eyes were on this kid, the 6'1" Junior guard, Curtis Jones rose above all other guards on that floor tonight. He is a smooth ballhandler, nice outside shooter, good passer, penetrates and creates and is quick. None of the DCD defenders (who are good defenders) could stay with this kid. I would be curious as to what looks this kid is getting. I think I speak for the overflow crowd and my posse (BD and his buddy Mike and son Josh from Clarkston) that not only was Orr a well coached team but this was a game but more importantly, a performance by Henry, that everyone will remember.
There were two other games that I saw but both were disappointing. Saginaw made easy work of Detroit Cass Tech and beat them handily. Saginaw is a deep team they continue to put athletes and players on that floor. They still run a nice trap zone and they press well. I thing the more these guys play with each other over the year, the stronger this team gets. Still not overly impressed with McCune however. At 6-7 he looks like he has not grown an inch (or in the waistline) since his sophomore year. Although he has a nice soft shooting touch, I just don't see him playing at West Virginia. I have seen him twice this year now and just not seeing it. Hope I am wrong.
The final game between the two MSU Signees (Brandan Kearney - Southeastern & Brandon Dawson - Indiana Lew Wallace) was a horrible game. Southeastern got off to a 16-0 start, with Percy Gibson (Dayton) on the bench - still don't know why and ended with a 71-41 Southeastern win. Southeastern plays very tough defense and I couldn't figure out if it was their D or that Lew Wallace was such a bad team but in the end I figured it was the combination of both. Once again we did get to see a very impressive guard in Edward Brown with Southeastern who had 13 of the teams first 22 points. This kid defends, is quick as quick and was knocking down outside shots. What everyone (including Tom Izzo who was there) came to see though was the two Brandons. My vote for the better Brandon goes to Brandon Dawson. This kid has wide shoulders, strong upper body, jumps and rebounds well athletically and within himself and has a nice outside touch. He gets after it which is what I like about this kid and plays with an attitude. The other Brandon, Kearney plays almost with a sense of entitlement and needs to show me more for the next level. It was clear these two were trying to one up one another but Dawson was natural and Kearney was forced. Like popping a 3 in Dawson's face when they were up 30 with 2 minutes to go. What is that all about anyway - up 30 and still have your starters in - how about giving the rest of your bench and opportunity especially when I think the lack of depth is a trouble spot with this team. Still trying to figure out Kearney's game and how he will fit in at MSU. He has a nice soft jumper, can get up, an average ball handler but did show me a good side to his passing game while in transition. I still don't care for players that stand around and wait to get the ball as opposed to moving and working to get the ball and the former is what I see in Kearney at this point.
Now this is a talented team but they have two Achilles heals - 1) Gibson can't stay out of foul trouble as he showed again picking up 3 fouls in one period of play and then getting his 4th at the 6:40 mark of the third period; He has to learn to stay on the court and play within himself 2) They have no bench.
Celebrity Sightings - Tom Izzo, Lindsay Hunter (with his son), Jordan Dumars, Deshonte Riley (what the heck is he doing here - suppose to be at Syracuse for the Notre Dame game tomorrow) something tells me he is leaving the CUSE - would probably be a good fit for UD as Brian Doyle pointed out. The best sighting however was the halftime entertainment of the last game where little (could not have been more than 12) Elijiah James (sp - ?) performed a song and dance rap routine. Now this kid had the moves.
Well off to New York. Have a Good New Years everyone and I will blog at you next year.
Your Basketball SNOB (Statements, Notices, Opinions and Banter)
Ray McAllum
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Meijer Hoops Classic HS Scores
I was not there yesterday (wish I could have been) but thought I would report some scores and comments on some of the talented teams and players that played in this tournament at Michigan State. Props to Bank Hoops for the scores and feedback.
Flint Powers Catholic 58
Okemos 53
Saginaw Buena Vista 91
Suttons Bay 61
Ann Arbor Huron 69
Cass Tech 46
Rockford 61
East Lansing 50
Lansing Waverly 70
Holland 56
Lucas-Perry had 15 for Flint and Chris Harrison-Docks had 19. Still have yet to see Harrison-Docks but hear really good things about this Junior.
Surpised Sutton Bay,with MSU signee Dwaun Anderson, got beat so bad. I know they are a smaller school and apparently Anderson was in foul trouble most of the game but getting beat by 30 - WOW.
Surprised AA Huron beat Cass Tech by 23 - even more surprised that Dante Williams (Oakland) did not score a point. I like this AA Huron team and it sounds from the article I read that their 2-2-1 press killed Cass. I saw this press last year and it was nasty and almost everyone is back from that State final team so I know it will give team fits. The only team able to solve it last year and still could not beat them was Pookie Jones and SAH. Cass must not have any guard play. Will find out tonight when I see them against Saginaw.
Rockford beating East Lansing would be an upset to me just based on the fact that Rockford has lost 4 games already - albeit to good teams and close games. They most definately have the backcourt talent with Majerle and Klein and it sounds like Majerle has elevated his game. East Lansing has talent and when they get Haney eligible in a little over a week they should be very strong and back to their winning ways.
Look for my rankings coming out next week.
Your Basketball Snob
Flint Powers Catholic 58
Okemos 53
Saginaw Buena Vista 91
Suttons Bay 61
Ann Arbor Huron 69
Cass Tech 46
Rockford 61
East Lansing 50
Lansing Waverly 70
Holland 56
Lucas-Perry had 15 for Flint and Chris Harrison-Docks had 19. Still have yet to see Harrison-Docks but hear really good things about this Junior.
Surpised Sutton Bay,with MSU signee Dwaun Anderson, got beat so bad. I know they are a smaller school and apparently Anderson was in foul trouble most of the game but getting beat by 30 - WOW.
Surprised AA Huron beat Cass Tech by 23 - even more surprised that Dante Williams (Oakland) did not score a point. I like this AA Huron team and it sounds from the article I read that their 2-2-1 press killed Cass. I saw this press last year and it was nasty and almost everyone is back from that State final team so I know it will give team fits. The only team able to solve it last year and still could not beat them was Pookie Jones and SAH. Cass must not have any guard play. Will find out tonight when I see them against Saginaw.
Rockford beating East Lansing would be an upset to me just based on the fact that Rockford has lost 4 games already - albeit to good teams and close games. They most definately have the backcourt talent with Majerle and Klein and it sounds like Majerle has elevated his game. East Lansing has talent and when they get Haney eligible in a little over a week they should be very strong and back to their winning ways.
Look for my rankings coming out next week.
Your Basketball Snob
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Motor City Roundball Update
SCORES
Cincinnati Withrow 88
Detroit Renassiance 62
Saginaw 88
Det King 78
UD Jesuit 51
Chicago Orr 49
East Grand Rapids 72
Taylor Kennedy 50
Went over to DCD yesterday to see Cincinnati Withrow and Aaron Thomas play. They beat Renaissance easy - they were leading by 30 when I left with three minutes to go and they played their starters about 2 1/2 quarters. I was impressed with this team. They ended up 3-0 in the tournament and beat Detroit Renaissance by 26, East Grand Rapids by 10 and Detroit Pershing by 9 and this team is not even a top 5 school in the City of Cincinnati. Renaissance looked bad, they turned it over, couldn't shoot, got eaten up on the boards. They are a young team (only 2 seniors) and their top player, Hundley, didn't even play. Don't know why but it would not have helped. Aaron Thomas (#49 ranking in country - committed to Florida State) is tough, did not play the first quarter and had 12 in the second quarter (3 dunks) and finished with 21. He is a 6'4" guard probably slated to be a 2 guard in college. I do not see him as a point guard as I was not overly impressed with his ball handling skills and he appears to be right hand dominant. He did have a real nice spin move he put on a couple of times but I see him more as a pass and shoot guard. Has a nice step back jumper, can elevate (who can't these days) and gets to the hole strong. Did not move a lot without the ball but couldn't tell if that was because the game was out of reach or not. Nice player deserving of the ranking. Scored 31, 23 & 21 in the three games.
After the game I met my sports jockey (wife) for a quick dinner at Andiamo's then headed over to Rochester to see the Detroit City - Rochester game. Was looking at Tyler Perry, who is a Junior but committed already to Western Michigan. I have seen him play quite a bit over the last 2 years as my son played on the Rochester team. Supposedly Taylor blew up over the summer in AAU. The game was ugly - Rochester won in overtime 53-50 over a bad, bad Detroit City team. Perry has put on a little more weight, has gotten more solid but still did not see marked improvement in his game that lets me believe he will play at Western. Here is what I do like about this kid, he is constantly running and moving and active around the basket. He has improved with looking up the floor on his dribble (had a tendency to put his head down and not see the floor) I like the way he attacks the basket and is always around the boards. He still has trouble finishing though and gets his driving layups blocked more than he should. That will not be a strength for him at the next level where they are quicker and taller, he will get eaten up on those drive shots. He is still a dribble and shoot player, still have not seen him catch and shoot. Definitely has improved but don't see a lot of playing time at Western at this point.
Want to see UD Jesuit play especially after they beat Chicago Orr.
Will be at the following games tomorrow night. Not a better bargain for $10.00
Saginaw vs. Cass Tech 5:40
DCD vs Chicago Orr 7:20
Lew Wallace vs Detroit Southeastern 9:00
COLLEGE
If you read my blog yesterday I stated that Wisconsin and Michigan would give their ranked opponents (Minnesota & Purdue) all they could handle. I was right on only one - Wisconsin beat Minnesota. I watched the Michigan game (thank God for Tivo) when I got home last night and they got off to a terrible start but cut the lead to 4 by half before getting blown out. Moore and JuJuan Johnson were two tough for these guys. Michigan is still a perimeter shooting team and lack of size and strength down low and on the boards killed them in this game.
Syracuse won a game against Providence (81-74) that was tighter than it should have been at the Carrier Dome. There is a good chance I will be at the Carrier Dome on New years day for the Cuse - Notre Dame game.
St. John's - Is there anyone out there with me on the fact that Steve Lavin is as slippery and greasy as his hair and obviously has an unlimited travel budget. How does a team that has been 28-60 in the Big East Conference the last 5 years and a combined overall record of 72-82 and not qualified for the NCAA in over 10 years, become the #3 rated recruiting class in the country? St. John's use to get their talent from around New York city and the surrounding states. Now Lavin has landed 6 of the top 100 rated players for the class of 2011 and they come from California, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, New York(via CT) and Ohio (via NH). This recruiting class rates only behind Kentucky and Duke. So I ask you once again, how does that happen? I've been to St. John's - it is in Jamaica, Queens with nothing attractive (unless you consider Shea Stadium attractive) around it. New York is all about the money and I think it is no different with what is happening at St. John's.
This next comment is on football so I apologize in advance to basketball readers. What the heck is the NCAA doing with the Ohio State Football players? Am I the only one that sees hypocrisy with this organization. First the NCAA comes out and states that there was no damage detrimental to the game - funny - selling gifts from a school or NCAA while in school is against NCAA violations - seems to me that breaking rules - regardless of what they are - can't be good for the game - so therefore detrimental. Then on top of that they give them a 5 game suspension to be handed out next season. If they weren't that detrimental to the game why the 5 game suspension. More importantly, how do you justify them playing now and starting the suspension next year? I was brought up that when I broke rules I got punished when it happened or was caught. Boy it sure would have been great when I was a kid and got caught for stealing something out of Mr. Millers garage if I didn't have to deal with it for a year. How do you justify delaying the suspension - you can't - the reason why - they don't want to talk openly about the amount of money they would lose in the bowl game if these players did not play. This crap drives me crazy. The NCAA is all about enforcing integrity of the rules and the game yet they are right there willing to bend them at their discretion.
Cincinnati Withrow 88
Detroit Renassiance 62
Saginaw 88
Det King 78
UD Jesuit 51
Chicago Orr 49
East Grand Rapids 72
Taylor Kennedy 50
Went over to DCD yesterday to see Cincinnati Withrow and Aaron Thomas play. They beat Renaissance easy - they were leading by 30 when I left with three minutes to go and they played their starters about 2 1/2 quarters. I was impressed with this team. They ended up 3-0 in the tournament and beat Detroit Renaissance by 26, East Grand Rapids by 10 and Detroit Pershing by 9 and this team is not even a top 5 school in the City of Cincinnati. Renaissance looked bad, they turned it over, couldn't shoot, got eaten up on the boards. They are a young team (only 2 seniors) and their top player, Hundley, didn't even play. Don't know why but it would not have helped. Aaron Thomas (#49 ranking in country - committed to Florida State) is tough, did not play the first quarter and had 12 in the second quarter (3 dunks) and finished with 21. He is a 6'4" guard probably slated to be a 2 guard in college. I do not see him as a point guard as I was not overly impressed with his ball handling skills and he appears to be right hand dominant. He did have a real nice spin move he put on a couple of times but I see him more as a pass and shoot guard. Has a nice step back jumper, can elevate (who can't these days) and gets to the hole strong. Did not move a lot without the ball but couldn't tell if that was because the game was out of reach or not. Nice player deserving of the ranking. Scored 31, 23 & 21 in the three games.
After the game I met my sports jockey (wife) for a quick dinner at Andiamo's then headed over to Rochester to see the Detroit City - Rochester game. Was looking at Tyler Perry, who is a Junior but committed already to Western Michigan. I have seen him play quite a bit over the last 2 years as my son played on the Rochester team. Supposedly Taylor blew up over the summer in AAU. The game was ugly - Rochester won in overtime 53-50 over a bad, bad Detroit City team. Perry has put on a little more weight, has gotten more solid but still did not see marked improvement in his game that lets me believe he will play at Western. Here is what I do like about this kid, he is constantly running and moving and active around the basket. He has improved with looking up the floor on his dribble (had a tendency to put his head down and not see the floor) I like the way he attacks the basket and is always around the boards. He still has trouble finishing though and gets his driving layups blocked more than he should. That will not be a strength for him at the next level where they are quicker and taller, he will get eaten up on those drive shots. He is still a dribble and shoot player, still have not seen him catch and shoot. Definitely has improved but don't see a lot of playing time at Western at this point.
Want to see UD Jesuit play especially after they beat Chicago Orr.
Will be at the following games tomorrow night. Not a better bargain for $10.00
Saginaw vs. Cass Tech 5:40
DCD vs Chicago Orr 7:20
Lew Wallace vs Detroit Southeastern 9:00
COLLEGE
If you read my blog yesterday I stated that Wisconsin and Michigan would give their ranked opponents (Minnesota & Purdue) all they could handle. I was right on only one - Wisconsin beat Minnesota. I watched the Michigan game (thank God for Tivo) when I got home last night and they got off to a terrible start but cut the lead to 4 by half before getting blown out. Moore and JuJuan Johnson were two tough for these guys. Michigan is still a perimeter shooting team and lack of size and strength down low and on the boards killed them in this game.
Syracuse won a game against Providence (81-74) that was tighter than it should have been at the Carrier Dome. There is a good chance I will be at the Carrier Dome on New years day for the Cuse - Notre Dame game.
St. John's - Is there anyone out there with me on the fact that Steve Lavin is as slippery and greasy as his hair and obviously has an unlimited travel budget. How does a team that has been 28-60 in the Big East Conference the last 5 years and a combined overall record of 72-82 and not qualified for the NCAA in over 10 years, become the #3 rated recruiting class in the country? St. John's use to get their talent from around New York city and the surrounding states. Now Lavin has landed 6 of the top 100 rated players for the class of 2011 and they come from California, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, New York(via CT) and Ohio (via NH). This recruiting class rates only behind Kentucky and Duke. So I ask you once again, how does that happen? I've been to St. John's - it is in Jamaica, Queens with nothing attractive (unless you consider Shea Stadium attractive) around it. New York is all about the money and I think it is no different with what is happening at St. John's.
This next comment is on football so I apologize in advance to basketball readers. What the heck is the NCAA doing with the Ohio State Football players? Am I the only one that sees hypocrisy with this organization. First the NCAA comes out and states that there was no damage detrimental to the game - funny - selling gifts from a school or NCAA while in school is against NCAA violations - seems to me that breaking rules - regardless of what they are - can't be good for the game - so therefore detrimental. Then on top of that they give them a 5 game suspension to be handed out next season. If they weren't that detrimental to the game why the 5 game suspension. More importantly, how do you justify them playing now and starting the suspension next year? I was brought up that when I broke rules I got punished when it happened or was caught. Boy it sure would have been great when I was a kid and got caught for stealing something out of Mr. Millers garage if I didn't have to deal with it for a year. How do you justify delaying the suspension - you can't - the reason why - they don't want to talk openly about the amount of money they would lose in the bowl game if these players did not play. This crap drives me crazy. The NCAA is all about enforcing integrity of the rules and the game yet they are right there willing to bend them at their discretion.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Big Start for Pitt in Big East Opener
Pittsburgh (#6) took it to Connecticut (#4) on Monday night in the Big East opener with a 78-63 win. I learned a couple of things from both teams in this game. Pitt is extremely balanced (Gibbs with 21 pts & McGee and Robinson both with double digit rebounds) and deep and Connecticut is not. Connecticut can't continue to rely on Kemba Walker for their success. The guy is no doubt talented and scored 31 in this game but took 45% of his teams shots. That is not a longterm winning recipe and Calhoun must find a way to involve the rest of the team or they will sink quickly in the toughrst conference in college basketball.
Couple of good Big ten games tonight.
Minnesota (11-1) vs. Wisconsin (10-2)
Purdue (11-1) vs. Michigan (10-2)
Minnesota and Purdue are ranked teams but I think Wisconsin and Mighigan will give them all they can handle. This is a real good test for Michigan at home and we will learn more about how good Michigan can be following this game tonight.
OOPPSS = Just after praising the Rise of Baylor basketball they go out and lose two straight to Washington State (77-71) and Florida State (68-61) in the Diamondhead Classic in Hawaii.
HS Hoops: Motor City Roundball Classic is underway at DCD and yesterday small and quick Anthony Adams from Pontiac lit up Henry Ford for 32 points in a 20 point win. Need to see him again this year to see how his game has progressed - obviously it has based on this performance.
Chicago Orr beat Saginaw Arthur Hill last night by 23 (63-40) making the Thursday matchup with Detroit Country Day even more interesting. Going to sneak over this afternoon to see Aaron Thomas (#49 ranking - conmitted to Florida State) from Cincinnati Withrow. He scored 30 against Detroit Pershing the other day in a 9 point win over the Doughboys.
Also going to see Junior Taylor Perry (Rochester), who committed to Western Michigan, play tonight against Detroit City.
Still looking to see Trey McDonald (Battle Creek Central) play.
Some really good sophomores off to good starts around the area. James Young from Troy has got off to a great start. Saw him last year as a freshman and was very impressed. Three sophomore guards that I will be following who will be playing at D-1 level (I believe) are Cha Cha Tucker (Lansing Eastern). Monte Morris (Flint Beecher) and Austin Price (DCD).
Going to see the following games on Thursday at DCD and will update after seeing them.
Saginaw vs. Cass Tech
Chicago Orr vs. Detroit Country Day
Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Detroit Southeastern
Your Basketball SNOB
Couple of good Big ten games tonight.
Minnesota (11-1) vs. Wisconsin (10-2)
Purdue (11-1) vs. Michigan (10-2)
Minnesota and Purdue are ranked teams but I think Wisconsin and Mighigan will give them all they can handle. This is a real good test for Michigan at home and we will learn more about how good Michigan can be following this game tonight.
OOPPSS = Just after praising the Rise of Baylor basketball they go out and lose two straight to Washington State (77-71) and Florida State (68-61) in the Diamondhead Classic in Hawaii.
HS Hoops: Motor City Roundball Classic is underway at DCD and yesterday small and quick Anthony Adams from Pontiac lit up Henry Ford for 32 points in a 20 point win. Need to see him again this year to see how his game has progressed - obviously it has based on this performance.
Chicago Orr beat Saginaw Arthur Hill last night by 23 (63-40) making the Thursday matchup with Detroit Country Day even more interesting. Going to sneak over this afternoon to see Aaron Thomas (#49 ranking - conmitted to Florida State) from Cincinnati Withrow. He scored 30 against Detroit Pershing the other day in a 9 point win over the Doughboys.
Also going to see Junior Taylor Perry (Rochester), who committed to Western Michigan, play tonight against Detroit City.
Still looking to see Trey McDonald (Battle Creek Central) play.
Some really good sophomores off to good starts around the area. James Young from Troy has got off to a great start. Saw him last year as a freshman and was very impressed. Three sophomore guards that I will be following who will be playing at D-1 level (I believe) are Cha Cha Tucker (Lansing Eastern). Monte Morris (Flint Beecher) and Austin Price (DCD).
Going to see the following games on Thursday at DCD and will update after seeing them.
Saginaw vs. Cass Tech
Chicago Orr vs. Detroit Country Day
Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Detroit Southeastern
Your Basketball SNOB
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas - Your Present is HS Hoop Update
Merry Christmas all. Hope Santa was good to you. My presents to you are some updates from the High School scene.
Michigan HS Hoops
Traveled to Kalamazoo Central last week with Double B to see a portion of the 1st Annual Don Jackson Holiday Classic which featured 4 games. We went to see the last two games of the night between Lansing Eastern / Saginaw Arthur Hill and Kalamazoo Central / Detroit Southeastern.
Saw two close games.
In the first one, Lansing Eastern beat Saginaw Arthur Hill 85-79. This one should not have been this close but SAH kept it close for one reason and one reason only, Jordan Hare. The 6'9" Center had 19 points and several impressive jams. This guys gets up in a hurry and with effortless ease, has a great wingspan and can pluck the ball anywhere near the rim. He has a nice touch around the basket but still needs to be aggresive with his body and not just his arms. The two stars on the floor for Lansing were none other than, Cha Cha Tucker (sophomore) and LeDontae Henton. LeDontae Henton had an outstanding game with 39 points and double digit rebounds. This was the quietest 39 point performance that I can remember. I was impressed with Henton's inside and outside game. I do not care for the rotation on this lefty's shots but they went in and he was hitting from 3 point land. He seemed to score with ease. I think he will be a good 3 for Dayton next year. Need to see him some more. The player that impressed me the most all night was Cha Cha Tucker. This sophomore guard is poised beyond his age, has a similar step back cross over dribble to Keith Appling, gets to the basket and sees the court extremely well. He is always around the play and made very few mistakes with the ball. This team when they get Steven Haney (6'6") eligle in January will be very strong.
The Detroit Southeastern / K-Zoo Central game was another close one that came down to the end. This game was intense on the defensive end and sloppy on the offensive end. K-Zoo Central has built a trademark aggressive, quick and suffocating defense and this year's team is no different. This team is very well coached and no surprise that coach Mike Thomas has modeled his defense after his high school alma mater Saginaw's stingy ways on the defensive end. Detroit Southeast had more talent on the floor but it was compromised by Perry Gibson's early and often foul trouble. The star of this game for Southeastern was neither D-1 standout Gibson (Dayton) or Brandon Kearney (MSU) but rather lightning quick and I do mean quick, Edward Brown, who finished with 16 to lead their team. This game went back and forth all night but Kalamazoo was able to pull it off down the stretch with stiff defensive and senior leadership in TJ Buchanan. Watching the first three quarters of this game, I felt Buchanan's game had not improved from a year ago, in fact I was beginning to think that he lost something. He turned the ball over at least 7 times, and was and is, a streaky shooter from the field. But he took over down the stretch and penetrated to the hole to score layups in traffic or get to the foul line. When this kid is determined to take it to the hole, he goes strong and it is tough to keep him out of the lane or deny him. His leadership, along with a late layup and some free throws were the difference and kept K-Zoo undefeated with a 59-56 win. On the other side of the ball, I was very dissapointed in the lack of leadership by Brandon Kearney. With Gibson out of the game (fouled out) Kearney had no less than three chances to tie or put his team ahead in the last minute of play and elected to pass off to other teammates and made some poor decisions that cost this team the win and gave them their first loss on the season. This kid has tremendous talent and skill but to not be able to recognize he was the best player on the floor and not want to try and take the game over or at least the last shot was very disappointing for this viewer. Will need to show leadership and ascertiveness or won't get much PT at MSU next year. I believe that Detroit Southeastern has more talent and on a neutral court with both sides at full strength, Southeastern should win the matchup 3 out of 4 games but you need to factor in the coaching advantage Mike Thomas brings to Kalamazoo and the ability for Gibson to play within himself to be able to keep himself on the court. I think Gibson can be a beast down low. This guy is built like a brick craphouse and when playing down low can position and score on just about anyone but needs to stay on the court and out of foul trouble. He had some real foolish fouls in this game and him sitting on the bench for over half the game was a difference maker. I would love to see these two play in the close confines of Southeastern's gym.
The 5 hour roundtrip car ride was well worth it for me to see these games and talent. Besides an intense and entertaining game between Southeastern and K-Central was the equally entertaining banter between one Kalamazoo rooter and the several Detroit followers. To see and hear the constant taunting and gesturing between these grown ups (that was questionable) was a bonus to what we saw on the floor. It was all well worth the $8 admission price.
National Hoops
Got a chance to watch some of the games from the City of Palms Classic in Florida and there was real talent there. The Championship game pitted #2 St. Patrick's (NJ) vs. #24 Milton (Alpheretta, Ga). At one point there was 9 players on the floor that had Division 1 offers. Milton has 6 players with D-1 offers. This was a great game, came down to a 3 pointer at the buzzer by St. Pat's to pull out a 69-67. St. Pat's has Michael Gilchrist - the #2 rated player in the country going to Kentucky. This kid is 6'7" and extremely strong and athletic. His game reminds me of Vince Carter except Gilchrist has to work on his outside shot. He is tough to stop inside of 12 feet. Derrick Gordan - another standout is taking his game to Western Kentucky where he will be an instant star there. He was the second highest scoring player in the entire tournament. They have a 6'10" freshman named Dakari Johnson that absolutely everyone will want. Still a bit uncoordinated and slow but has good skills, soft hands and is active around the basket. This kid has to be one of the top freshman in the country. This Milton team is loaded. All 5 starters have top offers from major programs. The star on this team is Shannon Scott - the son of Charlie Scott (Celtics, Phoenix) - he is going to Ohio State. Nice looking guard, gets all over the court, defends well, scores, passes, excellerates to the basket on the drive. I like his game. He is joined by 6'7" Julian Royal who is going to Georgia Tech, 6'3" Dai-Jon Parker who is athletic as they come and can jump out of the gym - is going to Vanderbilt, Jordan Lloyd is going to Furman and 6'7" Junior Evan Nolte has been offered by Florida. This was a fun team to watch. If they do not win the state championship again in Georgia, I want to see the team that does.
The most impressive player though was Austin Rivers from Winter Park. This is the son of Doc Rivers and is rated the #1 player in the country and for good reason. This kid can flat our play offensively. He can score, has great step back jumper, great crossover dribble, can get to the rack in a hurry or through crowds, can distribute the rock and has a great pull up shot off the drive. As good as he is offensively, he has a lot to work on defensively. Kid plays no defense at all. I know that will change at Duke under Coach K but really doesn't show desire or willingness. Also saw a bit of an attitude towards his teammates that I did not care for but it could have been that it was a close game and he is super competitive but once again that crap will not fly at Duke. He is a big time player at the guard position.
Got a chance to watch Simeon and Whitney Young out of Chicago along with Perspectives from Illinois in the Chicago classic the week before last. Whitney Young beat Perspectives bad. Some good talent here as well. Saw Anthony Davis - #3 rated player in the country - going to Kentucky. This kid is long and impressive. Nice touch, strong and sees the court extremely well for a big man. He is a 6'9" power forward and tough with the ball. Chicago Simeon played Lew Wallace out of Gary, Indiana and this was not even a game. Simeon won by over 40. Lew Wallace has Brandon Dawson (potential McDonalds All American) who committed to Michigan State. He is quick, very agile body with good control, nice soft touch on his shot and boards extremely well on the offensive end. Something MSU could use from a 6'6" small forward. Was tough to really assess his game as they were getting beat 43-13 at halftime. In the Whitney Young Game I got to see Sam Thompson (6'7") who is another top guard in the country who will be heading to Ohio State. He is one of 4 players in the top 50 class that will be at Ohio State next year. This guy is a great dunker, a high flyer, a good shooter and a better slasher. He would be an ideal 2 or 3 positon player at Ohio State. Reminds me a lot of Steven Thompson that use to play for Syracuse many years ago but a better shooter than him. I did see two very impressive sophomores in these games. I was most impressed with Jabari Parker. This kid is a little sleeker body than Draymond Green but so much more talented. He is 6'7" and is labeled (rightfully so) one of the best sophomores in the country. Fun to watch - he can go anywhere he wants. The other sophomore was 6"8" Thomas Hamilton from Whitney Young. This kid has a much bigger build than Parker and is slower but tough and strong and can rebound and score up close. He too will be ranked very high and get lots of looks from the top programs.
More National players will be in town this week at the Motor City Roundball Classic at Detroit Country Day. Here are some of the top seniors. The link to the webpage is http://motorcityroundball.com/
G- Aaron Thomas - Cincinnati Withrow - 6'5" - #70 ranking - Avg 28 a game - Florida State
SF-Mychael Henry - Chicago Orr - 6'6" # 81 ranking - Illinois
SF-Brandon Dawson - Lew Wallace (Ind) - 6'6" #15 ranking - Michigan State
C-Amir Williams - DCD - 6'10" #40 ranking - Ohio State
I plan on going on Wednesday night to see the Chicago Orr vs. DCD game at 7:20 followed by the Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Detroit Southeastern at 9:00.
Michigan HS Hoops
Traveled to Kalamazoo Central last week with Double B to see a portion of the 1st Annual Don Jackson Holiday Classic which featured 4 games. We went to see the last two games of the night between Lansing Eastern / Saginaw Arthur Hill and Kalamazoo Central / Detroit Southeastern.
Saw two close games.
In the first one, Lansing Eastern beat Saginaw Arthur Hill 85-79. This one should not have been this close but SAH kept it close for one reason and one reason only, Jordan Hare. The 6'9" Center had 19 points and several impressive jams. This guys gets up in a hurry and with effortless ease, has a great wingspan and can pluck the ball anywhere near the rim. He has a nice touch around the basket but still needs to be aggresive with his body and not just his arms. The two stars on the floor for Lansing were none other than, Cha Cha Tucker (sophomore) and LeDontae Henton. LeDontae Henton had an outstanding game with 39 points and double digit rebounds. This was the quietest 39 point performance that I can remember. I was impressed with Henton's inside and outside game. I do not care for the rotation on this lefty's shots but they went in and he was hitting from 3 point land. He seemed to score with ease. I think he will be a good 3 for Dayton next year. Need to see him some more. The player that impressed me the most all night was Cha Cha Tucker. This sophomore guard is poised beyond his age, has a similar step back cross over dribble to Keith Appling, gets to the basket and sees the court extremely well. He is always around the play and made very few mistakes with the ball. This team when they get Steven Haney (6'6") eligle in January will be very strong.
The Detroit Southeastern / K-Zoo Central game was another close one that came down to the end. This game was intense on the defensive end and sloppy on the offensive end. K-Zoo Central has built a trademark aggressive, quick and suffocating defense and this year's team is no different. This team is very well coached and no surprise that coach Mike Thomas has modeled his defense after his high school alma mater Saginaw's stingy ways on the defensive end. Detroit Southeast had more talent on the floor but it was compromised by Perry Gibson's early and often foul trouble. The star of this game for Southeastern was neither D-1 standout Gibson (Dayton) or Brandon Kearney (MSU) but rather lightning quick and I do mean quick, Edward Brown, who finished with 16 to lead their team. This game went back and forth all night but Kalamazoo was able to pull it off down the stretch with stiff defensive and senior leadership in TJ Buchanan. Watching the first three quarters of this game, I felt Buchanan's game had not improved from a year ago, in fact I was beginning to think that he lost something. He turned the ball over at least 7 times, and was and is, a streaky shooter from the field. But he took over down the stretch and penetrated to the hole to score layups in traffic or get to the foul line. When this kid is determined to take it to the hole, he goes strong and it is tough to keep him out of the lane or deny him. His leadership, along with a late layup and some free throws were the difference and kept K-Zoo undefeated with a 59-56 win. On the other side of the ball, I was very dissapointed in the lack of leadership by Brandon Kearney. With Gibson out of the game (fouled out) Kearney had no less than three chances to tie or put his team ahead in the last minute of play and elected to pass off to other teammates and made some poor decisions that cost this team the win and gave them their first loss on the season. This kid has tremendous talent and skill but to not be able to recognize he was the best player on the floor and not want to try and take the game over or at least the last shot was very disappointing for this viewer. Will need to show leadership and ascertiveness or won't get much PT at MSU next year. I believe that Detroit Southeastern has more talent and on a neutral court with both sides at full strength, Southeastern should win the matchup 3 out of 4 games but you need to factor in the coaching advantage Mike Thomas brings to Kalamazoo and the ability for Gibson to play within himself to be able to keep himself on the court. I think Gibson can be a beast down low. This guy is built like a brick craphouse and when playing down low can position and score on just about anyone but needs to stay on the court and out of foul trouble. He had some real foolish fouls in this game and him sitting on the bench for over half the game was a difference maker. I would love to see these two play in the close confines of Southeastern's gym.
The 5 hour roundtrip car ride was well worth it for me to see these games and talent. Besides an intense and entertaining game between Southeastern and K-Central was the equally entertaining banter between one Kalamazoo rooter and the several Detroit followers. To see and hear the constant taunting and gesturing between these grown ups (that was questionable) was a bonus to what we saw on the floor. It was all well worth the $8 admission price.
National Hoops
Got a chance to watch some of the games from the City of Palms Classic in Florida and there was real talent there. The Championship game pitted #2 St. Patrick's (NJ) vs. #24 Milton (Alpheretta, Ga). At one point there was 9 players on the floor that had Division 1 offers. Milton has 6 players with D-1 offers. This was a great game, came down to a 3 pointer at the buzzer by St. Pat's to pull out a 69-67. St. Pat's has Michael Gilchrist - the #2 rated player in the country going to Kentucky. This kid is 6'7" and extremely strong and athletic. His game reminds me of Vince Carter except Gilchrist has to work on his outside shot. He is tough to stop inside of 12 feet. Derrick Gordan - another standout is taking his game to Western Kentucky where he will be an instant star there. He was the second highest scoring player in the entire tournament. They have a 6'10" freshman named Dakari Johnson that absolutely everyone will want. Still a bit uncoordinated and slow but has good skills, soft hands and is active around the basket. This kid has to be one of the top freshman in the country. This Milton team is loaded. All 5 starters have top offers from major programs. The star on this team is Shannon Scott - the son of Charlie Scott (Celtics, Phoenix) - he is going to Ohio State. Nice looking guard, gets all over the court, defends well, scores, passes, excellerates to the basket on the drive. I like his game. He is joined by 6'7" Julian Royal who is going to Georgia Tech, 6'3" Dai-Jon Parker who is athletic as they come and can jump out of the gym - is going to Vanderbilt, Jordan Lloyd is going to Furman and 6'7" Junior Evan Nolte has been offered by Florida. This was a fun team to watch. If they do not win the state championship again in Georgia, I want to see the team that does.
The most impressive player though was Austin Rivers from Winter Park. This is the son of Doc Rivers and is rated the #1 player in the country and for good reason. This kid can flat our play offensively. He can score, has great step back jumper, great crossover dribble, can get to the rack in a hurry or through crowds, can distribute the rock and has a great pull up shot off the drive. As good as he is offensively, he has a lot to work on defensively. Kid plays no defense at all. I know that will change at Duke under Coach K but really doesn't show desire or willingness. Also saw a bit of an attitude towards his teammates that I did not care for but it could have been that it was a close game and he is super competitive but once again that crap will not fly at Duke. He is a big time player at the guard position.
Got a chance to watch Simeon and Whitney Young out of Chicago along with Perspectives from Illinois in the Chicago classic the week before last. Whitney Young beat Perspectives bad. Some good talent here as well. Saw Anthony Davis - #3 rated player in the country - going to Kentucky. This kid is long and impressive. Nice touch, strong and sees the court extremely well for a big man. He is a 6'9" power forward and tough with the ball. Chicago Simeon played Lew Wallace out of Gary, Indiana and this was not even a game. Simeon won by over 40. Lew Wallace has Brandon Dawson (potential McDonalds All American) who committed to Michigan State. He is quick, very agile body with good control, nice soft touch on his shot and boards extremely well on the offensive end. Something MSU could use from a 6'6" small forward. Was tough to really assess his game as they were getting beat 43-13 at halftime. In the Whitney Young Game I got to see Sam Thompson (6'7") who is another top guard in the country who will be heading to Ohio State. He is one of 4 players in the top 50 class that will be at Ohio State next year. This guy is a great dunker, a high flyer, a good shooter and a better slasher. He would be an ideal 2 or 3 positon player at Ohio State. Reminds me a lot of Steven Thompson that use to play for Syracuse many years ago but a better shooter than him. I did see two very impressive sophomores in these games. I was most impressed with Jabari Parker. This kid is a little sleeker body than Draymond Green but so much more talented. He is 6'7" and is labeled (rightfully so) one of the best sophomores in the country. Fun to watch - he can go anywhere he wants. The other sophomore was 6"8" Thomas Hamilton from Whitney Young. This kid has a much bigger build than Parker and is slower but tough and strong and can rebound and score up close. He too will be ranked very high and get lots of looks from the top programs.
More National players will be in town this week at the Motor City Roundball Classic at Detroit Country Day. Here are some of the top seniors. The link to the webpage is http://motorcityroundball.com/
G- Aaron Thomas - Cincinnati Withrow - 6'5" - #70 ranking - Avg 28 a game - Florida State
SF-Mychael Henry - Chicago Orr - 6'6" # 81 ranking - Illinois
SF-Brandon Dawson - Lew Wallace (Ind) - 6'6" #15 ranking - Michigan State
C-Amir Williams - DCD - 6'10" #40 ranking - Ohio State
I plan on going on Wednesday night to see the Chicago Orr vs. DCD game at 7:20 followed by the Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Detroit Southeastern at 9:00.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
State Struggling, Cuse Crusing, Baylor Rising, UK Lamb not Meek
Boy was it ever obvious last night that the Michigan State basketball team has a long way to go. It was equally obvious that Texas had way more talent on that floor. The usual tough, rebounding mantra that State has traditionally carried is just not there this year. Delvin Roe played harder than he has all year but could not finish at the rim. Someone with that physique and upper body strength has to get it done from within 5 feet. They are really missing a down low presence that can board. They have turned into a finese and perimeter shooting team and they will struggle more with the players they have on the floor. I was sick watching them get beat down the court on breaks including giving up a layup off one of their baskets. They looked like they quit out there and that has NEVER been a trademark of Izzo teams. Texas clearly had the size, speed (which surprised me) better athletes and better freshman. Although State is 1-4 against ranked teams this year with the way they are playing against quality teams and the 8-4 record - they are not deserving of a top 25 ranking. They have a lot to prove to this viewer.
Syracuse is proving to me that they are legit top 5 in country. They are now starting to gel and the triple J's (Jackson, Jardine, Joseph) all came up big last night in a blowout of a surprisingly good Drexel team, 93-65. Jackson had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Joseph and Jardine had 25 and 21 respectively. Triche kicked in with 12 and if Triche returns to his early season freshman year form, this team will do well in the toughest conference in all of basketball.
The Baylor Bears are out of hibernation and looking to strike fear and recognition in the land. There stock is rising and they are finally bringing a good story to Waco Texas. As of today they were 9-1 and have added a strong freshman big man (Perry Jones III) who at 6-11 gives them two big men (Anthony Jones - 6'10) that are difficult to match up against. This starting five (Dunn, Walton (guards) and Acy make this a team that belongs among the other top teams (Kansas, KState and Missouri) in the Big 12 and could be a conference contender for some time to come.
Doren Lamb (Kentucky) set a Kentucky freshman scoring record by hitting for 32 points in their route of Winthrop. He beat the previous record that was set by fellow freshman teammate Terrance Jones a week ago with 29 points. lamb was 11-12 for the field and 7-8 from three point land and was nothing but net all night. Unbelievable performance. One would think that Callipari and Kentucky are dealing Heroin (pronounced Hair-On in the streets) aka the Devil's Candy in Lexington because they keep drawing all the talent night after night and year after year and no matter what they keep coming back to the Kentucky Blue. He has had the number 1 rated recruiting class three years in a row and 2011 is no different. He has nailed down 4 of the top 25 players in the country. #2 rated Marques Teague, #3 Michael Gilchrist, #6 Anthony Davis & #25 Kyle Wiltjer. This is a dream team recruiting class. The rich just keep getting richer in the Bluegrass backyard.
High school updates coming next.
Your Basketball SNOB
Syracuse is proving to me that they are legit top 5 in country. They are now starting to gel and the triple J's (Jackson, Jardine, Joseph) all came up big last night in a blowout of a surprisingly good Drexel team, 93-65. Jackson had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Joseph and Jardine had 25 and 21 respectively. Triche kicked in with 12 and if Triche returns to his early season freshman year form, this team will do well in the toughest conference in all of basketball.
The Baylor Bears are out of hibernation and looking to strike fear and recognition in the land. There stock is rising and they are finally bringing a good story to Waco Texas. As of today they were 9-1 and have added a strong freshman big man (Perry Jones III) who at 6-11 gives them two big men (Anthony Jones - 6'10) that are difficult to match up against. This starting five (Dunn, Walton (guards) and Acy make this a team that belongs among the other top teams (Kansas, KState and Missouri) in the Big 12 and could be a conference contender for some time to come.
Doren Lamb (Kentucky) set a Kentucky freshman scoring record by hitting for 32 points in their route of Winthrop. He beat the previous record that was set by fellow freshman teammate Terrance Jones a week ago with 29 points. lamb was 11-12 for the field and 7-8 from three point land and was nothing but net all night. Unbelievable performance. One would think that Callipari and Kentucky are dealing Heroin (pronounced Hair-On in the streets) aka the Devil's Candy in Lexington because they keep drawing all the talent night after night and year after year and no matter what they keep coming back to the Kentucky Blue. He has had the number 1 rated recruiting class three years in a row and 2011 is no different. He has nailed down 4 of the top 25 players in the country. #2 rated Marques Teague, #3 Michael Gilchrist, #6 Anthony Davis & #25 Kyle Wiltjer. This is a dream team recruiting class. The rich just keep getting richer in the Bluegrass backyard.
High school updates coming next.
Your Basketball SNOB
Welcome
Welcome to the Mr. Basketball S.N.O.B (Statements, Notices, Opinions and Banter) Blog. At the request of my good friend (Double B - Bill Boyle) I have been encouraged to start a blog about college and high school basketball. I am originally from Upstate New York and moved to Michigan over 16 years ago and other than being a very average basketball player and referee I have absolutely no credentials for this stuff but I do have a passion for sports and love watching college and high school basketball. I also like assessing talent (not always accurate) at both levels. So I will try and post my experiences and observations from watching hoops both around the area and across the country. I have absolutely no idea why others would be interested in my sports speak but like I said, I am doing this at the request of others.
Look for my postings and I hope you enjoy it.
Your Basketball SNOB
Look for my postings and I hope you enjoy it.
Your Basketball SNOB
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Quick Hits, Early Season 2010
COLLEGE
Oakland-
Keith Benson (Oakland University) is for real. Great left hand, can score so many ways. Will be lottery pick in NBA if he continues to play like he has. Most accomplished player never to start for his high school team (Detroit Country Day)
Drew Valentine - Oakland University - uglier now than he was in high school
Larry Wright - Oakland University - Not a point guard but definitely can shoot. This team would be so much stronger if he was at the 2 spot and they had a respectable point guard. Played at Saginaw. - I believe he was a Senior when Draymond Green (MSU), Dan West (Tennessee - dropped out), Josh Southern (Boston College), were all underclassman on that Saginaw team.
Kampe is now getting players at Oakland that make them legit contenders for NCAA tournament. They are not Top 25 - losing to Michigan proved that.
Michigan team flying under the radar. Very underrated - Beilein (LeMoyne College coach) has recruited his type of role players that play team ball and support his system and style of ball. Morris has improved tremendously. They play in the tough Big Ten but will surprise some teams this year if they stay healthy.
UD
Ray McCallum got off to a slow start but is starting to find his way and role on this team. He had looked like a very average player on a very average team. His role - be the leader and go to guy. Went up to Western Michigan to see Univ of Detroit play Western two weeks ago. Western won by two but UD had the last shot and got it blocked. McCallum was so so in first half but then you could see a complete attitude change in the second half. He played like the stud he is capable of being. Scored 19 and hit 4 three's - all net. He is most effective when he lowers that shoulder and gets by his defender and penetrates. He has busted out the last three games - in fact he has scored the following in his last 4 games (16, 19, 31, 23). His leadership is transparent on the floor. This team will contend in the Horizon League with Butler and Cleveland State.
MSU -
Keith Appling - tale of two games - after looking unbelievably awful (looked like a naked scared freshman on the MSG court) against Syracuse - he looked like a completely different player against Oakland and had 14 points in their 1 point win over OU. Appling is extremely talented and with coach Izzo's vote of confidence by starting him the last 2-3 games, it is time for him to let loose. They need another outside shooter to go along with Summers.
Durrell Summers can flat out shoot. He is the best athlete and best shooter on that team.
Kalin Lucas has lost his step and I don't think he will ever get it back and it is a shame. He could get by anyone before the injury but has noticeable limitations now.
Delvon Roe still has not lived up to his potential. Where is Adrian Payne? Sherman is a stiff. Nix should never see the floor except to hurt another big man. This team was overrated and it is showing now. Izzo is still playing too many guys to figure out the mix that will work for him. Right now, the team is not playing as a team, not gelling, looks lost at times and commits too many turnovers. I do think he will get it right and they will compete with Ohio State and Purdue for title but they are not the best in the Big Ten - Ohio State is way above them right now.
Draymond Green has improved his shooting touch and could be the key component to this teams success. They lack floor leadership this year and someone has to step up.
Syracuse
Cruising along. This team was overrated to start the season but is starting to play up to its ranking. They have been a bad first half team but came out strong against MSU and have been fine since. They are not as strong as last years team - defensively slower and are weaker in the perimeter shooting game - but this team is still looking to score and dominate in the paint. Jackson is a moose down low Feb Melo is anything but FAB. Dare I say DeShonte Riley could be doing better. Freshman Keita has outperformed Melo and disserves more playing time. Scoop Jardine has stepped up his game and is taking over the leadership role. Triche and Joseph need to be able to score from the outside to make this team more effective. They are getting some good freshman contribution in limited action from CJ Fair and Dion Walters. They also have three top recruits committed for next year.
Big East
The best conference in college basketball - Are you kidding me. Do you know how good this conference is.
The combined record of the ENTIRE conference is 132-33. They have 10 teams with 2 losses or less and 8 teams with 1 or less. They have 7 teams in the top 25, including 4 in the top 10. They could have 8 teams in after this weekend as Cincinnati at 10-0 is legit and will surprise a lot of teams and deserves consideration for top 25.
#4 Connecticut 8-0
#5 Syracuse 11-0 helps when you haven't played a game yet outside the state of NY.
#8 Pittsburgh 11-1
#10 Villanova 9-1
#15 Georgetown 10-1
#20 Louisville 9-1
#24 Notre Dame 9-1
Ohio State - WOW - this team is talented and is a Final four team for sure. Jared Sullinger is a BEAST. 40 & 30 points in his last two games. 30 pts, 19 rebounds. This guy gets it done around the hole and with Buford slashing and shooting and the guard play - this team is very strong and talented. Definitely deserve the # 2 or 3 ranking.
Cleveland State
What is going on with this team. Off to a great start.
Western Michigan
Have to get a plug in for my son's school. Have won 4 straight. Have some familiar players starting or playing for the Broncos - Demetrius Ward (Pershing), Flenard Whitfeld (this guy can play) - King HS, Juwaun Howard (Pershing) to name a few and former Mr. Basketball David Kool as an assistant on the bench. Lack a good big man and strong guard play but will surprise some teams this year in a weak MAC.
Freshman Players from Michigan of Impact
Mike Talley - (Melvindale) starting for Duquesne and playing well
Pookie Jones - (Saginaw Arthur Hill) -starting for USC and playing well - natural born leader and unbelievable with the ball - he can get by anyone at anytime at this level - finishing among the trees might be a learning experience for him. Great to watch him with the ball.
Ray McCallum - (DCD) - see above
Trey Ziegler (Mt. Pleasant) - Doing well for a poor CMU team. Definitely has skills and will produce there and should end up being their leading scorer.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE
Been to three games so far this season as it is young but loving it already. Plan on making the rounds to follow the individual talent and team talent. Seen Country Day twice and they are impressive. Should not lose a regular season game. Now they have loaded their team and schedule. They play Saginaw (beat them 98-81) - Tommy McCune (West Virginia) looked decent, play Saginaw Arthur Hill (Jordan Hare), Southfield (best state backcourt with Brundidge and Barnes), Summit Christian Academy (see previous email on this game) Flint Northern, Goodrich, Detroit Southeastern (Brandon Kearney, Percy Gibson), Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind), Chicago Orr, Martin Luther King (Cleveland, Ohio) to name a few. They also added two brothers from North Lawrence in Indiana - Austin and Jordan Price. Austin is a sleek 6'2" sophomore guard who is very impressive. Very cool, great ballhandler, great court presence, good distributor, nice form and shooter. He will be somewhere especially if he continues to grow. I think he ends up 6'5 or 6'6". His brother's (Jordan - 6'5" Junior) game is much different - more selfish, shoots every chance he gets like he is trying to prove something. Proved absolutely nothing for me in Saginaw game but showed me something in Summit game. He was hitting the three shot and contributed more as a team member. If and when he gels with the rest of the team and plays team basketball this team is truly unbeatable. With Williams in the middle (has improved tremendously on his inside game - really attacks the basket) this team will win another State title. Only possible roadblocks - but would take major upsets - would be Flint Powers Catholic or Muskegon Heights or Lansing Eastern/Sexton if one of those is Class B and not A.
McCune looked decent but needs to get more physical, active and add some weight if he wants to play at West Virginia. For his size he does have a nice spot up jumper with a soft touch and uses the glass nice.
Looking forward to seeing Kazoo and Detroit Southeastern this week in Kazoo. Kazoo is talented again. Romulus is the team I have to see. Some very good Class A teams this year. Will be exciting if teams play to their potential.
Romulus, Det Southeastern, Kazoo Central, Ann Arbor Huron, Southfield, Lansing Eastern, Saginaw, Warren DeLasalle.
Looking forward to seeing the following players this year:
LaDeonte Henton
Cha Cha Tucker
Matt Costello
Early Surprises
Southfield losing to Detroit Southeastern by 16.
Romulus -losing to Southfield by 8 but beating Ann Arbor Huron by 13 and then beating team from Dayton
Detroit Southeastern 3-0 - got to see what they have besides the two big guys,
Rockford - have two good players - Ryan Majerle (Toledo) and Justin Klein but are off to a 2-3 start. Have lost to Kazoo Central by 15, Muskegon Heights by 2 and another Grand Rapids school.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Detroit Southeastern vs. Kalamazoo Central 12/21 8:00 PM
Upcoming Roundball Classic - at Detroit Country Day - 12/26-12/30 - 7 games a day starting at 11:00 AM every day. Will have to find some business over near 13 Mile and Lasher in Beverly Hills so I can catch some of the day action. Some games that I have picked out as games of interest.
Detroit Pershing vs. Cincinnati Withrow 12/26 9:00 PM
Chicago Orr vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill 12/27 7:20 PM
Cincinnati Withrow vs. East Grand Rapids 12/27 9:00 PM
Detroit Renaissance vs. Cincinnati Withrow 12/28 4:00 PM
Detroit King vs Saginaw 12/28 9:00 PM
Chicago Orr vs. Country Day 12/30 7:20 PM
Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Det Southeastern 12/30 9:00 PM
(Brenden Dawson - 6'6" - #13 player in country - Committed to MSU) from Lew Wallace
(Mycheal Henry - 6'6" - F # 36 player in country - Committed to Illinois from Chicago Orr
(Aaron Thomas - 6'5" - G # 47 player in country - Committed to Florida St. from Cincinnati Withrow
My Early season rankings:
1) Summit - doesn't count as they are a prep school
1) DCD - they lost to a college team for God's sake
2) Kalamazoo Central
3) Detroit Southeastern
4) Romulus
5) Ann Arbor Huron
6) Lansing Eastern/Sexton - the team with Henton and Cha Cha Tucker
7) Southfield
8) Flint Powers
9) Muskegon Heights
10) Saginaw
Well it is now 1:00 AM and I still have to watch tape from the Lew Wallace - Simeon (Chi) game followed by the Perspectives (Illinois) and Whitney Young (Chicago) game. City of Palms Classic from Florida is on this Wednesday. So much to tape, watch and enjoy. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Good night.
Your Basketball Snob
Oakland-
Keith Benson (Oakland University) is for real. Great left hand, can score so many ways. Will be lottery pick in NBA if he continues to play like he has. Most accomplished player never to start for his high school team (Detroit Country Day)
Drew Valentine - Oakland University - uglier now than he was in high school
Larry Wright - Oakland University - Not a point guard but definitely can shoot. This team would be so much stronger if he was at the 2 spot and they had a respectable point guard. Played at Saginaw. - I believe he was a Senior when Draymond Green (MSU), Dan West (Tennessee - dropped out), Josh Southern (Boston College), were all underclassman on that Saginaw team.
Kampe is now getting players at Oakland that make them legit contenders for NCAA tournament. They are not Top 25 - losing to Michigan proved that.
Michigan team flying under the radar. Very underrated - Beilein (LeMoyne College coach) has recruited his type of role players that play team ball and support his system and style of ball. Morris has improved tremendously. They play in the tough Big Ten but will surprise some teams this year if they stay healthy.
UD
Ray McCallum got off to a slow start but is starting to find his way and role on this team. He had looked like a very average player on a very average team. His role - be the leader and go to guy. Went up to Western Michigan to see Univ of Detroit play Western two weeks ago. Western won by two but UD had the last shot and got it blocked. McCallum was so so in first half but then you could see a complete attitude change in the second half. He played like the stud he is capable of being. Scored 19 and hit 4 three's - all net. He is most effective when he lowers that shoulder and gets by his defender and penetrates. He has busted out the last three games - in fact he has scored the following in his last 4 games (16, 19, 31, 23). His leadership is transparent on the floor. This team will contend in the Horizon League with Butler and Cleveland State.
MSU -
Keith Appling - tale of two games - after looking unbelievably awful (looked like a naked scared freshman on the MSG court) against Syracuse - he looked like a completely different player against Oakland and had 14 points in their 1 point win over OU. Appling is extremely talented and with coach Izzo's vote of confidence by starting him the last 2-3 games, it is time for him to let loose. They need another outside shooter to go along with Summers.
Durrell Summers can flat out shoot. He is the best athlete and best shooter on that team.
Kalin Lucas has lost his step and I don't think he will ever get it back and it is a shame. He could get by anyone before the injury but has noticeable limitations now.
Delvon Roe still has not lived up to his potential. Where is Adrian Payne? Sherman is a stiff. Nix should never see the floor except to hurt another big man. This team was overrated and it is showing now. Izzo is still playing too many guys to figure out the mix that will work for him. Right now, the team is not playing as a team, not gelling, looks lost at times and commits too many turnovers. I do think he will get it right and they will compete with Ohio State and Purdue for title but they are not the best in the Big Ten - Ohio State is way above them right now.
Draymond Green has improved his shooting touch and could be the key component to this teams success. They lack floor leadership this year and someone has to step up.
Syracuse
Cruising along. This team was overrated to start the season but is starting to play up to its ranking. They have been a bad first half team but came out strong against MSU and have been fine since. They are not as strong as last years team - defensively slower and are weaker in the perimeter shooting game - but this team is still looking to score and dominate in the paint. Jackson is a moose down low Feb Melo is anything but FAB. Dare I say DeShonte Riley could be doing better. Freshman Keita has outperformed Melo and disserves more playing time. Scoop Jardine has stepped up his game and is taking over the leadership role. Triche and Joseph need to be able to score from the outside to make this team more effective. They are getting some good freshman contribution in limited action from CJ Fair and Dion Walters. They also have three top recruits committed for next year.
Big East
The best conference in college basketball - Are you kidding me. Do you know how good this conference is.
The combined record of the ENTIRE conference is 132-33. They have 10 teams with 2 losses or less and 8 teams with 1 or less. They have 7 teams in the top 25, including 4 in the top 10. They could have 8 teams in after this weekend as Cincinnati at 10-0 is legit and will surprise a lot of teams and deserves consideration for top 25.
#4 Connecticut 8-0
#5 Syracuse 11-0 helps when you haven't played a game yet outside the state of NY.
#8 Pittsburgh 11-1
#10 Villanova 9-1
#15 Georgetown 10-1
#20 Louisville 9-1
#24 Notre Dame 9-1
Ohio State - WOW - this team is talented and is a Final four team for sure. Jared Sullinger is a BEAST. 40 & 30 points in his last two games. 30 pts, 19 rebounds. This guy gets it done around the hole and with Buford slashing and shooting and the guard play - this team is very strong and talented. Definitely deserve the # 2 or 3 ranking.
Cleveland State
What is going on with this team. Off to a great start.
Western Michigan
Have to get a plug in for my son's school. Have won 4 straight. Have some familiar players starting or playing for the Broncos - Demetrius Ward (Pershing), Flenard Whitfeld (this guy can play) - King HS, Juwaun Howard (Pershing) to name a few and former Mr. Basketball David Kool as an assistant on the bench. Lack a good big man and strong guard play but will surprise some teams this year in a weak MAC.
Freshman Players from Michigan of Impact
Mike Talley - (Melvindale) starting for Duquesne and playing well
Pookie Jones - (Saginaw Arthur Hill) -starting for USC and playing well - natural born leader and unbelievable with the ball - he can get by anyone at anytime at this level - finishing among the trees might be a learning experience for him. Great to watch him with the ball.
Ray McCallum - (DCD) - see above
Trey Ziegler (Mt. Pleasant) - Doing well for a poor CMU team. Definitely has skills and will produce there and should end up being their leading scorer.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE
Been to three games so far this season as it is young but loving it already. Plan on making the rounds to follow the individual talent and team talent. Seen Country Day twice and they are impressive. Should not lose a regular season game. Now they have loaded their team and schedule. They play Saginaw (beat them 98-81) - Tommy McCune (West Virginia) looked decent, play Saginaw Arthur Hill (Jordan Hare), Southfield (best state backcourt with Brundidge and Barnes), Summit Christian Academy (see previous email on this game) Flint Northern, Goodrich, Detroit Southeastern (Brandon Kearney, Percy Gibson), Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind), Chicago Orr, Martin Luther King (Cleveland, Ohio) to name a few. They also added two brothers from North Lawrence in Indiana - Austin and Jordan Price. Austin is a sleek 6'2" sophomore guard who is very impressive. Very cool, great ballhandler, great court presence, good distributor, nice form and shooter. He will be somewhere especially if he continues to grow. I think he ends up 6'5 or 6'6". His brother's (Jordan - 6'5" Junior) game is much different - more selfish, shoots every chance he gets like he is trying to prove something. Proved absolutely nothing for me in Saginaw game but showed me something in Summit game. He was hitting the three shot and contributed more as a team member. If and when he gels with the rest of the team and plays team basketball this team is truly unbeatable. With Williams in the middle (has improved tremendously on his inside game - really attacks the basket) this team will win another State title. Only possible roadblocks - but would take major upsets - would be Flint Powers Catholic or Muskegon Heights or Lansing Eastern/Sexton if one of those is Class B and not A.
McCune looked decent but needs to get more physical, active and add some weight if he wants to play at West Virginia. For his size he does have a nice spot up jumper with a soft touch and uses the glass nice.
Looking forward to seeing Kazoo and Detroit Southeastern this week in Kazoo. Kazoo is talented again. Romulus is the team I have to see. Some very good Class A teams this year. Will be exciting if teams play to their potential.
Romulus, Det Southeastern, Kazoo Central, Ann Arbor Huron, Southfield, Lansing Eastern, Saginaw, Warren DeLasalle.
Looking forward to seeing the following players this year:
LaDeonte Henton
Cha Cha Tucker
Matt Costello
Early Surprises
Southfield losing to Detroit Southeastern by 16.
Romulus -losing to Southfield by 8 but beating Ann Arbor Huron by 13 and then beating team from Dayton
Detroit Southeastern 3-0 - got to see what they have besides the two big guys,
Rockford - have two good players - Ryan Majerle (Toledo) and Justin Klein but are off to a 2-3 start. Have lost to Kazoo Central by 15, Muskegon Heights by 2 and another Grand Rapids school.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Detroit Southeastern vs. Kalamazoo Central 12/21 8:00 PM
Upcoming Roundball Classic - at Detroit Country Day - 12/26-12/30 - 7 games a day starting at 11:00 AM every day. Will have to find some business over near 13 Mile and Lasher in Beverly Hills so I can catch some of the day action. Some games that I have picked out as games of interest.
Detroit Pershing vs. Cincinnati Withrow 12/26 9:00 PM
Chicago Orr vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill 12/27 7:20 PM
Cincinnati Withrow vs. East Grand Rapids 12/27 9:00 PM
Detroit Renaissance vs. Cincinnati Withrow 12/28 4:00 PM
Detroit King vs Saginaw 12/28 9:00 PM
Chicago Orr vs. Country Day 12/30 7:20 PM
Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind) vs. Det Southeastern 12/30 9:00 PM
(Brenden Dawson - 6'6" - #13 player in country - Committed to MSU) from Lew Wallace
(Mycheal Henry - 6'6" - F # 36 player in country - Committed to Illinois from Chicago Orr
(Aaron Thomas - 6'5" - G # 47 player in country - Committed to Florida St. from Cincinnati Withrow
My Early season rankings:
1) Summit - doesn't count as they are a prep school
1) DCD - they lost to a college team for God's sake
2) Kalamazoo Central
3) Detroit Southeastern
4) Romulus
5) Ann Arbor Huron
6) Lansing Eastern/Sexton - the team with Henton and Cha Cha Tucker
7) Southfield
8) Flint Powers
9) Muskegon Heights
10) Saginaw
Well it is now 1:00 AM and I still have to watch tape from the Lew Wallace - Simeon (Chi) game followed by the Perspectives (Illinois) and Whitney Young (Chicago) game. City of Palms Classic from Florida is on this Wednesday. So much to tape, watch and enjoy. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Good night.
Your Basketball Snob
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