| The Guide To July |
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| By Seth Hoffman |
| Monday, 06 July 2009 19:34 |
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With the crucial July evaluation period beginning today, Maryland coach Gary Williams and his staff will scour the country to watch their top recruits for 2010 and evaluate many prospective 2011 recruits. Below, InsideMdSports breaks down 33 recruits in the class of 2010 and 2011 whom Maryland's staff will likely be evaluating this month. Included are several new names you heard here first.
**NOTE: This is but a small sample of InsideMDSports.com's coverage and another example of why InsideMDSports.com is the No. 1 news outlet in the world for Terps coverage. To receive access to all of our premium coverage of Terps sports and recruiting -- including articles, video features, the Inside Scoop message board and tons of exclusive news before it comes out anywhere else -- click HERE.** Note: Prospects are organized by position... Prospects' individual schedules are subject to change... School lists are sometimes partial.
2010 Justin Coleman Maryland’s involvement: The Terps were one of the first schools involved with Coleman, who has arguably had one of the biggest breakouts of the AAU circuit. His recruitment is wild right now and it remains to be seen if he’ll need another year of high school to improve grades. Other suitors: ACC, SEC, others Where he’ll be: Triple S Harley Davidson Jam Fest, Morgantown, W.V., July 14-16; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Coleman is an aggressive wing that can score in bunches. He is an above the rim finisher in transition and can hit the open three with regularity. He has a smooth stroke and shoots with great confidence. Threes off the catch or dribble is not a problem for Coleman, he does a great job of spotting up on the side of the floor where dribble penetration is occurring and he sprints off screens locked and loaded. The one or two dribble mid range pull up is also in the scoring package. Coleman has great size and strength to get to the rim as well. He is a good enough ball handler to beat his defender off the dribble with spin moves and he is strong enough to attack the lane and score through contact or draw the foul. At times Coleman decision making is questionable. He will take fully contested shots and can be charge prone because when he makes up his mind to score he is determined to get the ball on the rim. Coleman should work on his passing on the move and look to kick out to open teammates when he draws a second or third defender. Defensively he needs to play in a stance more often because he has the strength and athletic ability to be an excellent wing defender when motivated. Overall a terrific offensive talent. At times he reminds me of Lance Stephenson. Victor Oladipo Maryland’s involvement: Oladipo attended Maryland’s elite camp and has long been on the Terps radar. This July will decide how high a priority Oladipo is for the staff. Other suitors: Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Xavier, Pittsburgh, Providence, N.C. State, others Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15 Orlando Nationals, July 26-31 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Oladipo plays with great passion and effort whenever he steps on the court, a rare trait in a younger player that has very good athleticism as most athletically-gifted players tend to rely more on their natural ability instead of combining their physical gifts with good effort. Similar to current Detroit Piston shooting guard Rip Hamilton, Oladipo remains in constant motion, working off the ball to get to open spots on the floor for jumpers. Once he gets the ball on the wing, Oladipo does a solid job of knocking down perimeter shots and has range that extends out to the 3-point line. He also has good passing skills and vision, playing an unselfish brand of basketball, rarely forcing shots, though he has enough athleticism to venture outside of the team concept in search of his own scoring opportunities. Akil Mitchell Maryland’s involvement: Mitchell put himself on Maryland’s map after his strong performance at its elite camp. The Terps staff will watch him this summer and see if he can elevate himself up Maryland’s board. Other suitors: Ivy League schools, Virginia, others Where he’ll be: Peach State Tournament, N. Augusta, S.C., July 10-12; Super Showcase, Orlando, July 23-27; Orlando Nationals, July 26-July 31 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Mitchell is a long and very athletic wing. He is thin and needs to add strength but is skilled, active and very productive. Mitchell looks to score and has the ability to knock down the open three off the catch with time. His has great length and can shoot over smaller opponents with ease. Mitchell is a good open court ball handler for his size and likes to attack the rim along the baseline when he can finish with a dunk if the help side defense is late. He can also score with mid range pull ups with good form and elevation. Mitchell plays with great energy as he runs the floor with long strides and changes directions on the court effortless. He is a good defensive rebounder that can initiate the fast break with a quick bust out dribble. At times Mitchell will force and take closely guarded shots but most of the time he has decent shoot selection. Defensively he has the athletic ability to defend both wing positions and even a small power forward. Mitchell also has quick reaction time and with his length gets his share of steals in the passing lane and he does a great job of working to contest and block shots. Mitchell has tremendous upside and could be a special player once he becomes stronger. Mychal Parker Maryland’s involvement: Parker has Maryland as his top school and Maryland has Parker as its top priority. Other suitors: Miami, N.C. State, Kentucky, Virginia Where he’ll be: adidas It Takes 5 Classic, Cincinnati, July 6-9; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Parker has all the intangibles to be an outstanding wing at the next level. His frame is outstanding with nice length and he has broad shoulders to carry weight as well. His skills level is quite good, but he has a tendency to play in spurts. He gets most of his points-at least at the Pangos All-American Camp-driving to the basket. He's an allusive scorer who is more finesses than power. He can knock down the 3-point shot and he gets solid lift on it, but it needs to get more consistent. He finishes well in transition and can get up for the big dunk. Defensively, he needs to show a greater urgency to bend his knees and become a lock-down defender because his effort at that particular end wasn't strong. Parker is a high-major talent, but he needs to become more aggressive at both ends and continue to polish his skills to reach his potential. CJ Leslie Maryland’s involvement: Maryland’s coaches have been on Leslie for a long time and it’s likely they’ll receive a visit from one of the nation’s top recruits. It’ll be a tough battle with most of the elite college programs involved. Other suitors: North Carolina, Kentucky, N.C. State, Arizona State, Tennessee, others Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; possibly Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: C.J is a bouncy athlete that has the tools to dominate on both ends of the floor. He can block and alter shots on the defensive end and can finish above the rim on offense or score with a nice jump hook. He's got great natural athletic ability. He%u2019s very active and is always moving. Gets great post position despite his thin frame. Wiry strong. He has worked hard over the last year to develop some effective low post moves including a quick spin dribble along the baseline. Currently plays best as a face-up 4 man but should one day become a big-time wing. Leslie has always been a highlight reel dunker but his overall game has gone to a higher level now that he's playing with more passion, energy, and focus. His ball skills are developing but still need work as he continues to transition to the 3 man position. He can hit the mid range jumper to 12 feet consistently, but it's his outside shot that is biggest area of improvement needed. JD Weatherspoon Maryland’s involvement: Maryland commit Terrell Stoglin befriended Weatherspoon last summer and recommended him to Maryland’s staff this April. The former Xavier commit is one of Maryland’s top wing targets. Other suitors: Ohio State, Xavier, West Virginia, Miami, Florida, others Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Orlando Nationals, July 28-31; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: J.D. is a super athletic combo forward. This lefty appears to fall from the ceiling on some of his highlight reel dunks. He is developing a perimeter game. He is a streaky shooter to 17 feet right now and is limited with his off the dribble game. Weatherspoon is most comfortable on the block. Inside J.D. is able to spin or jump over opponents for easy buckets. He is also proficient using either hand inside. When in position as a weakside rebounder he is excellent. He has great timing and is able to use either hand inside. He is a very good rebounder for his size. He is definitely more of an undersized 4 man than a 3 right now. Defensively he is a good shotblocker inside due to his incredible bounce. He does struggle some in space which adds to the argument of his true position being that of a power forward. Roscoe Smith Maryland’s involvement: The Terps are in Smith’s top five along with Duke, Connecticut, Florida and Georgetown. Other suitors: Duke, Connecticut, Florida, Georgetown Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Smith is a big time shooter with a quick trigger and great confidence. He can score in bunches with ability to knock down open jumpers in transition as well as in the half court. He sprints the lane for spot ups, slides to the open area and comes of screens ready to shoot. He has excellent form and elevation to go along with length that enables him to shoot over smaller defenders with ease. Smith also has a tremendous shot fake that he uses to move defenders and get them out of their defensive stance to set up his smooth mid range pull up that he can shoot going both ways with one or two dribbles. Defenders must learn to make Smith dribble into a shot under stress because if the defense is not in position to contest his shot on the catch he will knock down jumpers all game. He is a decent defensive rebounder and could be a better offensive rebounder but is a good enough ball handler to lead the break although he must work on his passing on the move at high speeds. Smith must add strength and he will force shots from time to time but this young player can flat out change the scoreboard. Jonathan Graham Maryland’s involvement: Graham has been around Maryland for most of his life and has attended almost 20 games at the Comcast Center. He attended Maryland’s elite camp and will continue to be evaluated this summer and next fall. Other suitors: Big East and ACC schools Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: This long and thin forward must add strength but rebounded on both ends very well especially offensively. He did a good job of being active and using his length to get his hands on the ball. Graham is a good not great runner but displayed good hands when receiving drop off passes created by guard penetration or rolling to the basket where he did a good job of drawing fouls. His shooting range seemed comfortable to about 17 feet although he did knock down a three with needed time and space. Graham also showed the ability to drive to the basket along the baseline with a couple quick dribbles and finish in traffic by elevating and using his length not strength. Graham has continued to improve and by adding muscle he will certainly turn his weaknesses into strengths but this young forward has great upside and is one to watch as the summer progresses. Terrence Jones Maryland’s involvement: The Terps are using their Terrence Ross connection to woo Jones, one of this summer’s big risers. Jones hasn’t concentrated much on the recruiting process as he crisscrosses the country, but Maryland has him as one of its top targets. Other suitors: Many from all conferences Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Jones has a great body and is a versatile forward who scores inside and out. He has a nice stroke from behind the 3-point arc and can also play with his back to the basket or out of the high post. He is skilled playing with his face to the basket and can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot and has a good feel passing the ball out of the post. He is a great offensive rebounder who is quick off the floor and pursues the ball relentlessly. Jones is a smart player; he sees the floor well and understands the game. He plays under control and doesn't force the action. On the defensive end, Jones gives good effort, and he can guard all five spots. He has the ability to be a shutdown defender if he puts his mind to it. He is clearly one of the top players in the Class of 2010. James Johnson Maryland’s involvement: As first reported by InsideMdSports, Maryland contacted Johnson before the NBAPA Top 100 Camp and he visited the campus after his stay in Charlottesville. Other suitors: Many from all conferences Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Johnson has a very big body and uses his size to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He can space the floor by pulling opposing bigs away from the bucket, utilizing his ability to hit jumpers from the wing and from sometimes 3-point range. He has decent athleticism, but Johnson needs to work on the speed of his post moves, sometimes taking too long to make a move, which allows guards to come down and double him, thus clogging the lane an impeding his post moves. He plays a very active brand of basketball and attacks the rim, which usually results in free throws for Johnson. He also does a good job of rebounding the ball on both ends of the floor, starting breaks with a defensive rebound, then carving out position for an offensive rebound and put-back. Tobias Harris Maryland’s involvement: Maryland has long been recruiting Harris, who has made visits to the campus and whom Maryland’s coaches have evaluated several times. He remains as one of the top targets for 2010. Other suitors: Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Connecticut, Syracuse, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Louisville, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Harris was a late arrival for the NBPA Top 100 Camp but when he arrived he made up for lost time with his energy, effort and production although he did a good job of letting the game come to him and received limited touches. Harris is a slim and trim combination forward that ran the floor with urgency and consistency. He finished above the rim in transition and on a few baseline drives in the half court. Harris was a terror on the glass at both ends. He sprinted in from the perimeter and his determination made him extremely difficult to box out as he scored on a number of tip-ins and put backs. On the defensive glass he made his presence felt as well and he displayed his ability to start the fast break with his ability to handle the ball. Harris can post smaller forwards and attack bigger post of the dribble. His explosiveness around the basket is excellent as well. Harris is a match up nightmare and will be a versatile scorer in college. Damontre Harris Maryland’s involvement: Maryland recently offered this rising center prospect, who performed well at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp. Harris told InsideMdSports in June that he liked Maryland but he did not include it in his top five. He will likely stay close to home for school. Other suitors: Wake Forest, VCU, Georgia, South Carolina, Boston College, Auburn Where he’ll be: Big Shots Atlantic Slam, Myrtle Beach, S.C., July 11-12; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Harris is an active post that runs the floor extremely well. He rim runs with long strides and puts constant pressure on the transition defense. Harris lacks strength but is very quick for his size. He has great length which allows him to be an above the rim finisher with ease. Harris also uses his length to be a very affective rebounder. He is quick to the ball on the offensive end and can be counted upon for a timely tip in or quick put back basket. Harris scores not only by running the floor but in the post with a jump hook over his left shoulder or from drop off passes created by guard penetration. His hands are in question because he did bobble a few good passes but his did regain control and finish the play. Harris can face and hit the mid range jumper or a three with time to study as well. He plays with great energy and has tremendous upside. Hippolyte Tsafack Maryland’s involvement: The Terps have been on Tsafack for about as long as they have been on Parker. Tsafack recently visited the campus and played pick-up with Maryland’s players. Tsafack told InsideMdSports then that he will concentrate on his recruitment after July. He could also end up at Montrose Christian next season. Other suitors: Florida, Duke, Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, others Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Tsafack possesses limitless physical potential along with a high motor. He has a chiseled frame with good muscle mass, runs the floor well, and is explosively athletic. He looks to dunk everything around the rim and scores the majority of his points by running in transition or going to the offensive glass. He does a nice job of establishing position with his back to the basket but lacks a go-to move, instead relying on overpowering or out-jumping his defender. He becomes less effective the farther he gets from the rim and has little value beyond 5-6 feet. He also has suspect hands and needs to become a better free-throw shooter. Defensively, he's extremely active and disruptive blocking/contesting shots and rebounding the ball. Ultimately, he's a player with undeniable potential but one who remains very raw on both ends of the floor, especially in terms of his understanding of the game. Alex Kirk Maryland’s involvement: The Terps recently offered Kirk as he has blown up this spring and summer. It will be tough to lure him this far east, however. Other suitors: PAC-10, Big 12, others Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Kirk will remind you of those current and past bigs that Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) seems to have in his line up each and every season. He is lengthy big man that doesn't have great feet and isn't very fast in transition, but his offensive skills are intriguing. He has an outstanding touch beyond the stripe and his release is quick and smooth. In addition, although he doesn't have great bounce, he knows how to position himself in the paint area and he possesses a very nice jump hook. Defensively, he keeps his hands up and has solid timing and soft hands for rebounding. Overall, he gives an honest effort each time out, and he could be dynamite in a pick and pop offensive set.
Quinn Cook Maryland’s involvement: The Terps have long been suitors of Cook, the steady and cerebral point guard at DeMatha. Stags coach Mike Jones told InsideMdSports last week that Cook hasn’t narrowed his list and is far from a decision. Other suitors: Georgetown, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Ohio State, Duke, others Where he’ll be: Triple S Harley Davidson Jam Fest, Morgantown, W.V., July 14-16; adidas Super 64, Las Vegas, July 22-26; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Cook was one of the major standouts (U16 Team USA Trials) due to his feathery shooting touch and surprisingly solid point guard play. He doesn't possess the ideal size for the Division I level, but he certainly has the game for it. Prior to seeing him at the trials, I envisioned Cook as an undersized 2-guard, but he definitely showed here that point guard is his projected position at the next level. The point guard crop wasn't special with the exception of Anthony Wroten Jr., but Cook was the best combination of scorer/playmaker of the bunch. Besides his tremendous shooting touch, Cook changes speed very well and threw some dynamite passes in transition. In addition, he executed the pick-n-roll very well and facilitated the offense on a high-level. When he didn't dish off to his teammates he has an innate ability to score amongst the bigs, including a soft floater. Sterling Gibbs Maryland’s involvement: Maryland has been keeping on eye on Gibbs and has made several trips up to his school. Gibbs told InsideMdSports in late May that he favors Villanova but is planning a visit to Maryland. Other suitors: Pittsburgh, Indiana, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Villanova, others Where he’ll be: TBD Latest ESPN Evaluation: Sterling Gibbs is a great ball handler with tremendous quickness at this stage. He can really get into the lane against older players and he is capable at making plays once he gets there. Gibbs is very quick with the dribble and is very explosive. He obviously has a lot to work on, but he appears to work hard on the court and is very coachable. His feel for the point guard position needs to improve and it will in time. He also needs to improve his perimeter shooting and his finishing at the basket. Cezar Guerrero Maryland’s involvement: The Terps’ staff is casting a wide net and Guerrero is just another point guard to be evaluated for 2011. Other suitors: PAC-10, others Where he’ll be: Pangos Summer Sweet 16, Long Beach, Calif., July 8-10 Latest ESPN Evaluation: He competed at a much better level of prep competition as a sophomore than he did as a freshman (when he attended Bellflower/St. John Bosco, a member of the Trinity League that includes the likes of Santa Ana/Mater Dei and Rancho Santa Margarita/Santa Margarita). He was a prolific scorer for his high school team this past season but has seemed to be looking to become more of a "true point guard" on the traveling team circuit this spring. Guerrero's release and form on his jump shot are spot-on, with his range easily to the 3-point line. He's got high-level speed with the ball but needs to govern his acceleration at times and not force action quite as frequently. Defensively, he needs to focus on soundly containing dribblers and not reach or jump passing lanes as often. Dai-Jon Parker, SG, 6-3, 170 High School: Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton Maryland’s involvement: Maryland’s coaches visited Milton while at the ACC tournament and will evaluate the trio this summer. Other suitors: ACC, SEC, others Where they’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation Scott: Scott is a great athlete with great blood lines (Former NBA player Charlie Scott is his father). Scott understands how to play and is a good decision maker in both transition and half court settings. He is a good communicator who is an extension of the coach on the floor. He's got great ball quickness and a quick first step that he uses to get by his defender. He can get into the paint at will and understands how to penetrate and pitch. He is patient in feeding the post waiting for his teammate to seal his defender before delivering the ball. He consistently made free throws at the end of games and is difficult to press. Defensively he has great lateral quickness, is tough on the ball defender, and is fundamentally sound away from the ball. He can shoot it from three and is great in transition at getting to the rim and finishing. Royal: Royal is a skilled 4 man that can play facing the basket and showed range out to the 3 point arc. He looks more athletic than he shows; he got beat off the dribble by lesser looking athletes. He shows spurts of potential that catch the eye, but needs to develop a more focused intensity. He will be recruited by high-majors based on body type alone and as his body develops he should be able to be more of a force in the paint. He competes on the boards on both ends of the floor and came out of the pack with the ball on numerous occasions. He needs to get stronger and be more willing to fight for position in the low post; he has a tendency to stray out to the perimeter. Inconsistent, but has potential, but when the switch comes on he should have what it takes to contribute at a high level. Trevor Cooney Maryland’s involvement: Cooney visited Maryland in mid-June and appears to be one of the Terps’ top targets for 2011. Other suitors: Villanova, Syracuse, West Virginia, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Delaware, St. Joseph’s, others Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Cooney has range that extends well beyond the 3-point line and will connect on jumpers with ease from distance. He also can hit 3s in transition on the break, but he needs to continue to improve his shot selection, as he sometimes tends to shoot ill-advised treys. He sometimes shoots the 3 off-balance and turns his shoulders away from the rim when he shoots jumpers, causing him sometimes to miss, though he has a high release and when he gets his feet set, the shot is usually money. He has decent quickness and can get into the lane off the dribble. When he plays the point, he has great size for the position, but he sometimes looks to shoot first when he initiates the offense. He has decent vision and can find open teammates for scoring chances. Julian DeBose Maryland’s involvement: The Terps are keeping an eye on DeBose, a high-flying shooting guard. He could be a hot name this July. Other suitors: TBD Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Orlando Nationals, July 26-31 Latest ESPN Evaluation: N/A Mike Taylor Maryland’s involvement: Maryland recently threw its name into the hat for Taylor’s services. The staff’s evaluation this summer will determine where he stands as a target for 2011. Other suitors: Big East, Indiana, Virginia, Virginia Tech, others Where he’ll be: TBD Latest ESPN Evaluation: A superb scoring, combo guard that has the always attacking mentality that big time New York guards have. He can score in a variety of ways. Michael is a great 3 point shooter that has a extremely quick release and has great elevation on his jumper that allows him to get a shot off even with a hand in his face. He shoots it off the dribble or coming off screens. He is a shooter that you can run sets for. Michael is a pressure defender that is tough and plays very hard. He gets into you all 84" and has active hands on the defensive end. In the break, Taylor will shoot the three with range or blow by his defender and hit a pull up or finish high at the rim. He is a tough shot taker but he makes them. He is able to hit some of the most difficult shots in the game on a regular basis. Taylor scored over 20 in 2 of his 3 games at the Beach Ball Classic with his best performance being a 21 pt., 6 reb., 6 ast., 3 steal effort in a win over JL Mann (SC). He was one of the better guards in the event. Jabari Brown Maryland’s involvement: Brown is another West Coast product with whom the Terps are involved. It’s early in the recruitment so not much can be said about the interest level on either side. Other suitors: PAC-10 Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: When it comes to mentioning the best all-around guards in the class of 2011, Brown has to appear near the top of the list. His frame doesn't exactly scream upside, but he's big enough to be a solid Division I combo-guard down the road. He has a chiseled physique with solid speed and quickness and he's deceptively bouncy as well. What separates him from most prospects his age is his overall feel for the game. His fundamentals are quite good in many areas of the game, especially when feeding the post. He can handle the ball equally well with both hands and he is very strong going to the rim with his right. His jump shot is very efficient out to the stripe and his release is tight. In addition, he uses the glass very well in transition, although he needs to tighten up his mechanics because he has a tendency at times to shuffle his feet. Maryland’s involvement: As first reported by InsideMdSports, Gbinije recently visited Maryland’s campus and enjoyed his trip. He might be one of Maryland’s top targets in 2011. Other suitors: Virginia Tech, Virginia, Texas, Florida, Boston College, North Carolina, Duke, others. Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Orlando Nationals, July 26-31; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: This long and athletic wing does a great job running the lane in transition where he is a consistent finisher. Gbinije is a good ball handler when attacking from the wing with one or two dribbles and elevating into a smooth pull up jumper. He can also knock down the open three off the catch and can pull up over defenders off the dribble. H is a decent passer but needs to be more of a presence on the glass given his great size and strength for a player his age. Gbinije has a scorer's mentality and the skill to produce numbers. He is a capable of defending both wing positions and has continued to improve. Gbinije has great upside and was an easy selection for the all Underclassmen Team at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. Deuce Bello Maryland’s involvement: Bello told InsideMdSports in April that he has received letter from Maryland’s coaches and that they will evaluate him in July. Other suitors: N.C. State, Wake Forest, Baylor, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Oklahoma State and others. Where he’ll be: Las Vegas, July 22-26; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Bello is a super athletic wing that has great length and excels in transition. He runs the floor and can finish at the rim through contact with athletic plays. In the half court he is a terrific slasher that can create and beat his man off the bounce at will. He can elevate over defenders and score on a regular basis. He is a good rebounder but needs to pay attention to his perimeter jumper to take his game to an elite level. He is long and athletic enough to defend both wing positions. Bello is fun to watch attack defenders from all over the court. Jordan Goodman Maryland’s involvement: The Terps have long been on top of Goodman, who nearly committed to Maryland as a high school freshman. He continues to be one of the staff’s top targets in 2011 but needs to improve his grades. Other suitors: Georgetown, Memphis, others Where he’ll be: Triple S Harley Davidson Jam Fest, Morgantown, W.V., July 14-16; adidas It Takes 5 Classic, Cincinnati, July 6-9; Las Vegas, July 22-26; others; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: None Hunter Mickelson Maryland’s involvement: Sources have confirmed that Mickelson has been contacted by Maryland and that the coaching staff will be evaluating him this summer. Other suitors: Arkansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Baylor Wake Forest, others Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Hunter is a long, thin and athletic post player. He is in need of strength and weight but he is talented. He is skilled offensively. Mickelson can face up and hit shots out to 17 feet. Most of his offense is facing up at this point because he is not strong enough to hold his position on the low block. Hunter has a good touch and is athletic enough to finish above the rim. He is a solid rebounder but can be knocked off the ball. His athletic ability and length allow him to get to balls outside his area. Defensively Mickelson is a decent shotblocker. He runs well for a player his size. His length and athletic ability are great assets. Hunter has a great upside. He has a lot of tools that could have him playing basketball for a long time. Vinny Zollo Maryland’s involvement: Zollo decommitted from Kentucky in late June and Maryland’s coaches will be watching in July, according to a Kentucky source. Other suitors: Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame Where he’ll be: adidas It Takes 5 Classic, Cincinnati, July 6-9; Kentucky HoopFest, July 9-12, Louisville; Las Vegas, July 22-26 Latest ESPN Evaluation: N/A Quincy Miller Maryland’s involvement: Miller, a Chicago native, confirmed that Maryland’s coaches contacted him in June and told him that they will be evaluating him in July. Other suitors: Most of the ACC, SEC; national powers Where he’ll be: Las Vegas, July 22-26; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: He wowed opponents and talent evaluators alike in Long Beach during the Pangos All-America Camp. With his play over three days he forced anyone who compiles national recruiting lists - and the coaches who pursue the players on those lists - to lump him together with the very best that the national class of 2011 has to offer. His quickness - straight ahead, laterally and off of his feet - borders on the startling. He easily out sprints opponents of his size in transition, and just as readily beat foes to the glass or iron, either while crashing the boards or facing up and attacking an opponent off the dribble. With continued refinement of handling and passing skills, it wouldn't be surprising to seem him ultimately spend a lot of time as a "wing" on the college level. Mikael Hopkins Maryland’s involvement: The Terps were one of many schools to offer Hopkins, who has improved greatly in the last year. Like Cook, his decision is a ways off. Other suitors: Florida, Texas, Ohio State, N.C. State, Clemson, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Virginia, others Where he’ll be: Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Orlando Nationals, July 28-31; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: Mikael is a skilled combo post player. He can be effective at either the high post or the low post. He has solid scoring skills from either position. Hopkins is a decent shooter with range to 15 feet. He is also good off the dribble for a 4 man. He is able to drive to the basket effectively from the mid post. Defensively he is solid. He can block shots though he should not be considered a shotblocker right now. He is a solid athlete and should be a solid defender in the future with more strength and effort on that end of the court. Hopkins is a decent rebounder that could easily improve with added effort. He has had issues with being inconsistent with his effort in the past. He has a tendency to disappear at times and can appear soft. He has the talent to be an elite player once he learns to let his motor run at all times. Kyle Wiltjer Maryland’s involvement: Maryland’s coaches have kept their eyes on Wiltjer and will evaluate him this spring. Could Portland be the next Terps pipeline? Other suitors: California, Oregon State, Gonzaga Oregon, Kansas, Arizona State, Arizona, Florida, Stanford Where he’ll be: LeBron James Skills Academy/King City Classic, Cleveland, July 5-10; Nike Peach Jam, N. Augusta, S.C., July 12-15; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29 Latest ESPN Evaluation: Kyle is a skilled combo forward that is advanced offensively. He is a very good scorer. He is a very good shooter from mid range and has increased the range on his shot to where he is now solid out to 20 feet. He is also an effective post up player that can score over smaller opponents. Most of his offensive game is facing the basket. He is developing short off the dribble moves that will be able to free him for smooth jumpers when opponents crowd him. He is a decent rebounder now. That skill should increase as he continues to grow and get stronger. Kyle is not a great defender at this point. He can be out muscled inside by bigger, stronger and more aggressive opponents. He can also be out quicked on the perimeter. Growth and added strength will help him improve defensively in the future. Despite that he is still a tremendous prospect. C.J. Barksdale Maryland’s involvement: The Terps recently offered Barksdale, an improving power forward prospect. Barksdale has some skills and could be a big-time prospect if he puts it all together. Other suitors: Alabama, Florida, VCU, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest Where he’ll be: Triple S Harley Davidson Jam Fest, Morgantown, W.V., July 14-16; Las Vegas; Desert Duel, Gilbert, Ariz., July 26-29; others Latest ESPN Evaluation: This extra long and athletic forward is active and aggressive. He lacks strength but runs the floor and attacks the offensive glass on a regular basis where he can be counted on for a couple athletic tips ins. He can finish above the rim with his great length and Barksdale also does a great job blocking shots on the ball or coming to help from the weak side. He is still extremely raw skills wise and needs to work on making quick and fluid post moves. At times he has difficulty holding his post position. He can make the 15 foot jumper with time and space but needs to be more consistent. Barksdale plays with urgency and when his skills and strength catch up to his athletic ability his game will go to the next level.
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| Last Updated on Monday, 06 July 2009 23:29 |
