| Cousins, Tyler shined brightest at Jamboree
By Dave Telep
ST.LOUIS — The annual Nike Hoop Jamboree featured more than 120 players representing the classes of 2007 through 2010. In keeping with the camp's recent tradition, the big men towered over the landscape.
DeMarcus Cousins was the top center, then Jeremy Tyler (2010) was his rival at the power forward slot. Flip a coin, because these were the top two overall prospects in camp — and to think that Tyler just finished the eighth grade is rather silly. As impressive as Tyler's 23-point opening game was, equally impressive was how he handled drills and instruction during a workout hosted by guru Ganon Baker. Tyler is a bonafide stud.
Some won't be able to spell his name; others will butcher the pronunciation. But no one can overlook Alex Oriakhi (2009). Oriakhi was consistently excellent, as was Danarius Robinson ('08).
After that trio, there was plenty of competition.
Look out for: — Stephan Van Treese (2009), Isaih Armwood (2009), JaMychal Green ('08), Daniel Orton ('09), Will Brown ('08) and Anthony Jones ('08) each had their moments.
Small Forwards
Murphy Holloway made the most of his chance at camp. The 2008 South Carolinian played as hard as any camper we spotted, was a great teammate and continued to show improvement. For our money, he was the standard at this position for the entire week.
Not too far behind Holloway was the play of Jordan Hamilton (2009). A solidly built wing with athleticism to boot, No. 75 was easy to spot after just one session. Terrell Vinson ('09) was the same way. Scoring was easy for him all week long.
Look out for: — Among the other consistent standouts were Kevin Foster (2008) and Christian Watford ('09). Ernest Watson ('08), Ferrakohn Hall ('09) and Brandon Moore ('08) closed camp playing their best basketball of the week. TaShawn Mabry, a 2010 product from North Carolina, is worth noting because he didn't carry himself like a rising freshman, and he's got game.
Shooting Guards
It took him two days, but once he got comfortable there was little doubt who the king of the wings was: Travis Releford. The 2008 Kansas native commanded the basketball and finished up camp on a high note, proving he's one of the best wings nationally.
While we didn't think anyone rivaled Releford, others played well. Andre Jones (2008) is an impressive kid, leader and scorer. He had one of the best weeks of anyone at camp. Lorenzo Brown ('09) might have more natural talent than anyone at his position, and, should he harness it consistently, the sky is the limit.
Look out for: — Durand Scott (2009) is a gifted scorer and athletic guard. Scott Suggs ('08) is a weight program away from being a very good player. Chicago's Matthew Humphrey ('08) was playing out of position most of the camp but impressed us with how he capitalized on his chances while being miscast in the role of point guard. Matt Gatens ('08) was steady all week and plays the game with intensity and smarts.
Point Guards
It was tough settling in on a top prospect here, but there was little doubt who the top performer was. Rotnie Clarke (2008) was far and away (and everyone in the gym agreed) the most prolific shooter at camp. Not only did he win the "Knockout" contest easily, he led the event in scoring by draining 3-pointers from way behind the arc. The kid works hard on his shot as evidenced by the 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning shoot-around his father put him through before camp even began. He's cut from the Archie Miller-mold of point guards whose strength is dialing in from long distances.
Leslie McDonald (2009) might be a combo, but either way he's a good one. Patient, poised and a strong shooter, he's a name to look for in the future.
Look out for: — Tony Chenault (2010), the shooting of Michael Harthun ('08), the size and presence of Luke Luocks ('08) and the spunk of Jamal Fenton ('09). Tommy Mason-Griffin ('09) closed with a big scoring game. |
