Sunday, January 24, 2016

Trending Sources

Trending Sources

Golden State’s road show in Chicago in front of a packed house on Wednesday January 20th was breath-taking performance.  They share the ball & understand their respective roles profoundly.  It was an exhibition of a well-oiled unit that reminded me of the show time era of the Lakers during the 90’s.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Top Junior College Candidates

Top Junior College Candidates

Players better stop being in denial this is the new destination point for division-one hopefuls.  I’m witnessing more & more kids from the classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 surfacing at area jucos.  I’ve actually been surprised by the level of play and coaching at the junior college ranks.  (We will add more names to the list soon.)

1.       Ben Coupet    6-7    WF           LM+          Chicago Simeon – “This is a route where he can improve his stock as well as learning how to play and understanding climate, and more importantly plugging in his motor/energy is a must.”
2.       Jamal Parks    6-6    WF           ----            Bloom – “Impressive athlete, haven’t seen him yet, but area scouts marvel at his potential.”
3.       Antonio Williams   5-10        PG LM+    Proviso East – “The catalyst for an emerging team            finally academically eligible, can break-down defenders and find the open-man, but late season he should have a dangerous floor game.”
4.       Evan Hines     6-3    WF           LM+          Niles West – “Often misunderstood, can be emotional at times, but does possess some talent, finding the right juco situation is a must.”

5.       Josh Thomas  6-3    F              LM+          Chicago Simeon – “The thing that has haunted him more frequently is understanding how to play, recognizing climate.  The juco route will also give him plenty of time to work on his grades.  He could be a defensive stopper.”

The State’s Top Available Senior’s 2016

The State’s Top Available Senior’s 2016

1.       Nick Rakocevic       6-9          SF  MM+-MM      St. Joseph – “The big fella has bounced back with an admirable season thus far, leading his team to a surprising 12-3 start, averaging 18 points & close to 14 boards.  Rakocevic has to be more efficient passing out of double teams and a little better with his decision making process.  Most of us positive skeptics are frowning on any opportunities that may arrive for a high-major situation, which could land him on the pine, his slender frame & some other aspects of his game wouldn’t benefit him in such an environment.  System & conference should be his circle’s vision.  Sean O’Mara at Xavier should be replica of his decision.  Missouri has shown interest.”
2.       Lorenzo Edwards    6-7          F    MM     Lake Forest – “Butler University has been in recently to see this rapidly rising front-courter.  Not many observers would be surprised if the Blue Demons become his destination next season.  He plays hard and he’s competitive.  Averages 19 points & 13 rebounds nightly.”
3.       Nick Robinson        6-5          WF MM     Chicago Kenwood – “Recently de-committed from Indiana State, while most of us felt Greg Lansing & program was the ideal setting for the 16 year old lad.  Nick’s numbers aren’t gaudy but he does possess some all-around talents.  As he matures I see him flourishing down-the-road as a scorer.  A-10, Conference USA, Missouri Valley, MAC, and Horizon League as true fits.”
4.       George Willborn     6-3          WG            MM     De La Salle – “Has grown into a leader, superb athlete with a rising game.  Willborn could be terrific in the right system as he continues to learn concepts & climate.  Bethune Cookman, Eastern Illinois, Texas El Paso monitoring.”
5.       Zion Morgan 6-1    G             MM           Chicago Kenwood – “Combo type, gave Valpo a verbal, but did not sign during early period.  Morgan actually fits the Crusader’s profile.  Coincidently the Horizon League is scripted for his game, he could potentially mask as a defensive ace at the next level.  This season he looks more poised and comfortable while gaining big-game experience, his offensive game has become a healthier package.  His team is 12-1.”
6.       Mike Smith    5-9    PG           MM           Fenwick – “Excellent student lusting for greener pastures.  Turned down several suitable mid-major slots.  Smith, has proven he’s capable of managing a system, he’s a shrewd ball-handler with the ability to make others around him better.  His size scares off some pursuers.  Fenwick is 13-2.”
7.       Darias Oliver  6-5    F              MM           Chicago Leo – “Sparkled in the last few outings with 27 points & 13 boards while also registering a couple 30 point games.  Oliver is a good athlete who can score.  Texas El-Paso’s Tim Floyd recently came in to see him.  Leo has an 11-3 mark.”
8.       Tajuan Agee  6-7    F              MM           Chicago Hyde Park – “Still learning how to play, but possess a wealth of potential; but a glaring area of concern at this juncture of his development is his motor/energy which he needs to plug up more frequently.  Tajuan has good length and is an above average athlete who does a variety of things offensively.  He may need a red-shirt situation.”
9.       Kevin Kreiger 6-6    F              MM-LM+  Plainfield North – “All tourney at Pontiac, this kid we’ve continued to talk about the last several seasons, a gifted athlete who can jump over defenders in transition, can bury jumpers on perimeter with range, but he’s been a tad inconsistent at times.  Is he tough enough most frequently asked?  MAC, Summit, OVC & Horizon should check in on him!”
Xavier Bishop 5-8       PG       LM+    Springfield Lanphier – “He’s got game and the little lefty showed it while guiding his Lanphier squad to a title at the Pekin Holiday Event.  He can stroke-it consistently from deep and he’s improved his play-making abilities.  Size could be a factor in where he lands, just look at Western Illinois’ second year diminutive PG C.J. Carr, it’s hard for small guards at any level unless you are special.  Lanphier is one of the top teams in the state.”