02/25/2011

Lately life has been like a giant loop roller coaster ride for the young Chris Thomas, ESPN’s top five prospect in the class of 2013.  After completing an exciting trip to Alaska and returning back to Maryland on Sunday, January 23, 2011, his very tired Princeton Day Academy Basketball Team turned around the very next day and drove four hours to North Carolina, laced them up again only to lose to ESPN’s 2012 top ranked Rodney Purvis’ Upper Room Team that evening.  Who knew then that Chris’ beloved Coach Van would be hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs,  just two short days later.

Chris lived in the team house owned by Coach Van Whitfield, his Princeton Day Academy Coach.  When Chris was asked if he was okay after Coach Van was admitted to the hospital he stated, ‘If Coach Van is not okay, then I’m not okay’.  Never were truer words spoken.  A month later Coach Van is still in the hospital fighting for his life.  It became clear that Coach Van would not be able to coach the rest of this year and maybe the next year as well.  Chris would not be able to live at Coach Van’s house any longer.

Chris’ family made several inquires to several different high schools and coaches looking for the best possible place for Chris to transfer to.  Of course Chris did not want to transfer or leave Coach Van and his Princeton Day Academy family and every effort was made to allow him to stay.  Unfortunately, it was decided that he would have to transfer.  As Chris is maturing, he is learning to take more responsibility for his future.  This transfer will not work if Chris doesn’t buy into the new school and their system.  The choices were narrowed down by his family to just two schools, South Kent in Connecticut and Westwind Prep in Arizona but it would be left up Chris alone to decide which school to pick.

Chris says, “My family didn’t want me to have to live with anyone again for school so they were looking at some boarding schools where I could live in a dorm room close to the school.”  With a huge decision to make, Chris spoke to both of the schools Coaches by phone.  He really liked what both Coaches had to say about their schools and their basketball teams.  He spoke to his Colorado HAWKS AAU Coach Greg Willis and got his opinion.  He then spoke with his family, who told him that he would have to finish his high school days at whichever school he finally chose.  “I started thinking about all the flights I missed trying to get back home from the East Coast,” remembered Chris while shaking his head deep in thought,“  I thought about Coach Van sitting right there at the airport with me when I was trying to get home for the holidays or Spring Break and the flights were full or the weather was bad.  I thought about the three almost four hour flight from Princeton Day Academy to Denver and back every time I wanted to see my family and friends at home.  I want my family to be able to see me play more often.  Oh yeah and I need to find the time to help my little brothers with their crossovers, believe me that is going to take some time” he said with a huge grin. “After thinking about all of that, my choice was easy to make and I chose Westwind in Arizona because it is closer to home.”

On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, Chris and his Dad flew into Phoenix, AZ and were met at the airport by the Westwind Coaching Staff were they welcomed him into their Westwind family.  Chris loves his new school.  He likes the teachers and coaching staff.  He is making new friends already and he feels that he does belong.  He will be able to visit his family and friends in Denver at least once or twice a month.  His family can also visit him more often and see more of his basketball games.  Chris will also visit his beloved Coach Van in Maryland when he does get better and out of the hospital.  It has been said on the ESPN website that Chris Thomas needs to mature more on and off the court.  Chris has made a mature decision which will impact his future and he is happy with it.  The ever present smile is back on his charismatic face.  There is a noticeable bounce in his step and the charismatic Chris Thomas is back in the game once again.

]]> http://www.premierball.com/chris-thomas-is-back-in-the-game-once-again/feed/ 1 http://www.premierball.com/the-nbas-calling-us/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-nbas-calling-us http://www.premierball.com/the-nbas-calling-us/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:31:16 +0000 Bobby Bates http://www.premierball.com/?p=5757 THE NBA’S CALLING US

As rumors are running wild these days regarding the NBA opening up the draft waters. We figured it was time to do an article on the high school prospects most likely to be ready to make the jump straight out of high school. It’s been since 2004 that a high school prospect was taken by the NBA. Dwight Howard was the #1 pick that year. The last high school player drafted into the NBA went that same year in the second round with Amir Johnson by the Detroit Pistons. Since then the rule has changed so that players to do at least one year of college.  I feel that it hurts the kids and the college game by forcing kids to go to school before they can make a living as a professional athlete. It’s been proven that if you are good enough to go your chances of being a success far outweigh the odds of you flopping.

Look at the NBA champion Lakers. They have Kobe who made the NBA jump back in 96 and is already considered one of the greatest of all time. Would college have made him any better or would that have set him back? The all NBA first team consists of three high school players that made the jump to the pros, Lebron, Kobe, and Dwight Howard. Multiple MVP awards and Defensive player of the year awards have been won by these players. During All Star weekend Kobe and Lebron have won four out of the last five MVP awards.

I would be willing to bet that if you put a game together of the top five straight out of high school guys against the top five out of college guys that the high schoolers would run away with the game. If the waters open back up you will see the whole process around recruiting kids change drastically. You will have to have media outlets that can truly dissect the difference between a high school kid that could jump to the NBA and a college kid much earlier. Something else to look at from the college side of things is that if you want to be a NCAA champion then you have got to have at least one McDonalds All American. a It has been years since a school won a National Championship without such a kid. From a coach’s point you will still have to recruit the right kids that can take your program to the promised land. The true prizes in this whole process will be the border line top ten to top twenty five guys in the rankings. As follows is a list and breakdown of the guys that we feel are most ready to make that huge jump and become tomorrow’s next superstars. These are the twelve kids that over the course of the next couple years should be making a loud noise on the NBA radar. As you can’t always project where some of these kids would go in the draft, there are a couple that should end up top 10 picks and a few that could end up All Stars one day with continued work.

FOR SURE KIDS

1. Shabazz Muhammad- Class of 2012 SF/SG NV Shabazz is the most physically imposing kid at his position in the country regardless of class. A kid that could average 40 a game right now at the high school level if he was allowed to play in garbage minutes and teammates got him the ball the way they should. Always plays his best when the lights are the brightest as well. Has added athleticism in the last couple of months and more strength.  He is another kid that can play around the top of the box with ease. Has a serious killer instinct as will go for your jugular when he senses it is time for the kill. Would like to see him widen his stance a little on his jumper, but that’s about it. As with most kids has to continue to work, but there aren’t many holes in his game. Has been worked with by the right people and has a desire to succeed and be the best. I see Shabazz being able to play this game very well for a very long time on the next level.  He could one day be the face of a franchise.
2. Archie Goodwin- Class of 2012 SG/PF AR Goods is as hot as a roaring furnace right now. Has a chance to be very special.  I have had coaches tell me that long term he could be the best out of his class. Extremely young for his class, having just turned sixteen in fall. Has great game off the bounce as he finishes either from the mid range or all the way to the cup and draws contact. A couple weeks ago he exploded for 51 in front of coaches from UCONN and Kansas. Can play at the top of the box when needed, but game is not solely based around playing above the rim. Has to continue to work on things in his game but can be very good. If he gets hot from outside, somebody is in for a long night. Also has a flare to win every time he touches the court which is a rarity these days. Another kid that carries himself properly as he always seems to have a smile on his face and comes from a good family background. Long term can be a superstar if he wants to. It’s all up to him and how much work he is willing to put in.

3. Chris Thomas- Class of 2013 PG/SG/ CO Chris might be the best long term prospect in all of high school basketball.  He brings skills to the court that you just don’t see every day. Chris is a prolific scorer as he has had multiple fifty plus point games this year against some very good competition. The crazy thing though is as good a scorer as he is it might not be his best attribute as he’s a unbelievable passer. Chris’s vision on the court is from another universe. Another thing is that with his athleticism he plays well above the rim.  This is a must have, since the NBA is always looking for great athletes. Folks, there are some things that you just can’t teach and this kid has a lot of them. Another thing that makes Chris very appealing is that with his charisma and smile he would be a marketing teams dream.  He is the type of kid who can light up a room. I project Chris as being a legitimate superstar with continued work at the next level.

4. Chris Walker- Class of 2013 SF/PF FL Some might say: How does this kid make the list considering he is not even ranked in the top 10 by a single scouting service? Simply put he has potential and Josh Smith, Blake Griffin and Shawn Kemp type athleticism. This kid is an absolute sky walker as he plays at the top of the box consistently night end and night out. Chris has a decent stroke which is much better than Josh’s was at the same stage.  However, he must continue to work on this. He has range out to the three point line. He has had some big nights from behind the line this year. Another thing that makes him so intriguing is that he blocks tons of shots. He seems to block seven or eight shots every night and he rebounds the ball extremely well. All in all this kid is a must for this list as with continued work he will get paid to play this game for a long time.
5. Julius Randle- Class of 2013 SF/PF TX Julius is right now the most dominant high school sophomore in the country.  He is a man child on the court. The kid has a great motor and plays the game the right way. Very athletic and seems to finish everything around the rim. I see Julius eventually moving to the three unless he hits a growth spurt that would shoot him up a couple inches. Seems to always be around the ball as he has had some huge rebounding games this year. He can step out and shot the mid range jumper very well.  He has range out to the three. He just needs continued work to become more consistent. Another thing that Julius has to work on is that he really needs to anticipate more and become a better shot blocker. Julius at the high school level is a matchup nightmare as he is too strong for most kid.  When you find somebody his size to guard him he is way too quick to guard off the bounce. Should end up projecting as a solid pro at the next level as a worst case scenario.
6. Andre Drummond- Class of 2012 C CT Andre could play ball in the Big East right now at a very high level. There is no need for this kid to still be in high school right now.   High scool is only holding him back. Drummond has a chance to be one of the next great dominant big men. He is very long and athletic. This kid can be as good as he wants to be. Like we always say you can’t teach size. You are either born with it or you’re not. Has to work on things and refine his post skills. He should continue working on a little turn around face up and some other offensive weapons.  The kid is playing on raw ability right now. It is scary how good he can be. Blocks shots very well and rebounds the ball at a very high level. If he continues to put in the work he can be as good as he wants to be. He just has to push himself on a day to day basis if this is truly what he wants. Could end up being a top five pick in a couple years.
7. Dajuan Coleman- Class of 2012 C NY To me, Dajuan is the most physically imposing presence in the post in the country right now. Dajuan reminds me of a young Eddy Curry. He is not like the New York Knicks Eddy but a young Eddy from Chicago that had everybody talking about him being the next great big man. The thing I like about this kid is that he knows what he does best and sticks to it. He doesn’t try to be something that he is not. He is going to kill you all night long down low on the block as he can give you 20 and 20 on a nightly basis. Kid is also a proven winner as he has already won a New York state championship. The one thing he has to watch very closely is his conditioning. He needs to make sure he stays in the right shape.  If he gets comfortable with where he is at, he could balloon and become out of shape. All in all this kid just needs to continue to work and stick to what’s gotten him to where he is at.  If he does that, he will be playing this game for a long time.

BORDERLINE

8. Nerlens Noel- Class of 2013 C MA/NH Nerlens to me is the closest thing that we have seen to a young Patrick Ewing since Ewing was coming out. This kid is the best defensive prospect in all of high school basketball right now. He is blessed with great length and natural instincts. He has only been playing the game for a couple years now and will continue to grow all around the court at a rapid pace. The kid seems to block a ton of shots over the top of the box as he has tree limb type arms. Must continue to work on his offensive game all the way around as he is very raw right now. Has to keep his head on his shoulders and listen and can be as good as he wants to be. Is intriguing because he is the type of kid a GM would draft off of potential and have to wait on for a couple of years. The thing is when he blossoms he could end up being a All Star caliber player.
9. Ricardo Ledo- Class of 2012 SG RI Rickyis the best long term offensive weapon in his class. This kid has unbelievable range on his shot as he has NBA three point range right now today. The most impressive thing is that the game comes very easy to him.  Everything at times seems to be effortless. This can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Many times when the game comes easy people are turned off, because they think you don’t play hard at times. Ricardo has to make sure he keeps his motor running at all times as I am convinced the only person that can stop him is himself. Ricardo comes from a rough family background and has to make sure that he keeps the right people in his corner. The sky is truly the limit for this kid. I could see him being the type of kid that could one day lead the league in scoring. We should see this kid play for at least twelve seasons. It’s all up to him.
TO EARLY TO TELL
10. Dakari Johnson- Class 2014 C NJ/NY Dakari is the type of kid that should end up playing at the next level without question. It says a lot that his family has made some smart decisions in to get him into a strong program to start his high school career.  St. Patrick’s produces great quality ball players on a yearly basis. He should receive quality coaching and continue to grow. Like any kid at this stage, he is very raw but his upside is through the roof. Will be interested to see how much more he grows as that will tell a lot about how good he will be one day. Seems to have a good motor and be a very tough kid right now. If he puts his mind to it this kid should be able to set himself up to be in a position to jump straight to the league. Only time will tell how good he will be.
11. Jahlil Okafor- Class of 2014 C IL Big Jahlil could be the next great big man from his state that has produced a long line of them. This kid seems to be in the position to end up leading a storied high school program over the next couple years. He can set himself up to make a leap if the time if right and he develops properly. Jahlil is very light on his feet right now and he has very polished moves on the low post. He is way too strong for anybody his age to handle him down low. I think he might grow a little more which would only make him that more dominant. One thing he will have to watch is his conditioning and turning a little baby fat into muscle. The biggest thing is that with continued work the kid will be in the right place to make a jump if he develops right.
12. Andrew Wiggins- Class of 2014 SF/PF Canada Mr. Wiggins is one of the most athletic kids at his age that I have seen.  He is a kid that truly plays the game well above the rim. The kid is a highlight waiting to happen as he seems to dunk everything around the rim. He is blessed with great size. He is 6’8 to 6’9 right now and should have a little growing left in him. Shoots the ball alright and can handle the rock when needed. If he grows a couple more inches and works to continue to polish his game he will be very deadly.  He would be a kid that could play from the inside or outside. Will have to add some weight as he is very skinny right now. This could go a long way as to telling how elite a prospect he will become. If he puts the weight on and it doesn’t take away from his game he could end up being the best prospect from his class. Has a rather tight family that watches his every move as he is shielded from the public. Another thing is that he has great family genes and his dad was a very good ball player. Watch closely as this kid could be very special.

2013 Chris Thomas, 6-foot-6, PG. Princeton Day Academy

When he walks into the gym you do not see Chris Thomas, the high school basketball prodigy from Denver, Colorado, you see a tall kid with a charismatic smile.  At home the high school sophomore is well known for his ever present smile and upbeat personality.  When the game starts and he steps onto the basketball court, the smile disappears.  The personality changes and Chris turns into a very competitive basketball player. A fearless player, whose style of play can playfully be described as ‘deadly as an assassin’ when he is attacking the basketball rim.  He causes trouble for a lot of teams.

Chris leads his Princeton Day Academy High School team as well as his Colorado Hawks AAU team by using his amazing court vision.  He can swiftly run from one end of the court to the other in what seems like less than two seconds.  Chris can shoot from anywhere on the court.  He makes the effortless no-look passes to his teammates as often as he slams the rock home, or he can pull up the deadly three point shot from the perimeter.  Make no mistake about it, once he is in the paint there is no telling what he will do with the ball.  If Chris is really feeling his game, he often puts on quite a show from the moment he steps onto the floor until the game-ending buzzer sounds.  His style of play is thrilling and exciting for basketball fans as well as the college coaches.  When it comes to basketball, Chris says he is used to hard work   “When I step on the court, I want my team to win the game and I want to be the best player on the court on that day”.

Both of the coaches in his young life agree that Chris is a player that always wants to win.  When Chris was asked about his relationship with his coaches, he said, “Coach Greg (Colorado Hawks AAU Coach) was the first to see me as a good basketball player.  Coach Greg is like a father figure and a good friend to me.  He has helped me to believe in myself beyond the basketball court.  He has also helped me to believe that I can always help my team to win no matter who I’m playing against. I can talk to him about anything and he is always there for me.  He treats me like his son.”  Chris states that Coach Van, (Princeton Day Academy Coach) is his mentor and friend.  “Coach Van does so much for me and I appreciate and respect him.  Coach Van makes me think about the type of person I want to become especially academically.  He makes me believe in myself in the classroom and as a person.  He is always on me about my homework and talks to me about the choices I make.  I really do not know what my life would be like if I had not come to Maryland and met Coach Van.”

When asked, who he wants to be like when he grows up, Chris pauses a moment and then says, “I honestly don’t want to be like anyone but me.  I want to make it.  I want to be famous and successful in life.  I think I’m like the rose trying to grow in the concrete.  It’s hard but for the first time in my life, I’m here trying to do the right things.”  Not only does he enjoy the highs that his basketball talent gives him, like scoring 45 points in an IS8 game the weekend of October 23^rd and 24^th, he also has to live through the 40-point losses, like the one to Oak Hill this past weekend.  When Chris was asked if he will ever learn to accept losing a game he said with a smile on his handsome face, “I will never learn to accept losing a game so I guess I need to keep working harder.”

2013 Chris Thomas, 6-foot-6, PG. Princeton Day Academy

Premierball caught up with the 6-foot-6 PG, Chris Thomas (Princeton Day Academy) who is currently the hottest 2013 prospect in America at this point after scoring 45 points last weekend vs. power house New Jersey Playaz in the IS8 NIKE league.  Here is what Thomas had to say…

1. Chris Where are you originally from and what made you come out to Maryland to play your hoops and go to school?

I’m originally from Denver, CO.  I came to Maryland to change my ways and become a better student and a better basketball player.  It was hard for me to focus at home so my family and coach sent me to the prep school here in Maryland.  I’m glad they did.

2. How focused are you in obtaining your goal to make it to the NBA?

I’m very focused because I would love to go to the NBA.  It would definitely be a dream come true for me.

3. Do you feel like you‘re the #1 prospect in the 2013 class?

Yes I do.   I’m playing against a lot of good competition and I just try to do my best every game for my team.

4. Tell us about the compitition in the IS8 league in NY?

It’s really hard. Everyone is bigger, stronger and faster in the IS8 league.  The players just love to ball and they are good.

5. Give us a snap shot on your 45 point performance in New York last weekend. How did you get off like that?

I felt really good.  I was feeling my shot and I got warmed up before the game.  I was really happy with the performance.  I need to do that more often…lol.

6. Talk about what you do on the floor? What makes you special?

I think I get up and down the court really well.  I like to rebound or block shots and then get the fast break.  I think I’m a good offensive player.  My defensive is good also but I do know that I need to work harder on it.

7. Premierball.com invited you to the E.A.T camp are you glad you missed it? lol…

No, I really wanted to come to the camp and play against the competition there but I did like scoring the 45 points and playing with my teammates better in the IS8 tournament.

8. How are you doing in the classroom?

I’m getting better grades now and I’m trying to learn how to be a better student.   I have good teachers who work with me and believe in me.

9. Will you be playing for the Colorado Hawks AAU team in the spring/summer?

Yes.  I’m always happy when I play with the Hawks. They are my friends and the HAWKS is home for me.

10. Give us your the first five college schools that pop in your head.

Arizona, Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, Xavier, and Colorado are the first ones I can think of.  There are a lot of colleges out there looking at me and I really haven’t narrowed it down to five or even 10.  I’m a sophomore so right now I’m just trying to make the grades I need to get into any college……..lol

10. Give out your shout -outs and love and thanks for the interview Chris and best of luck!

Shout-out to my little brothers who are playing with the HAWKS and my little sister, my parents, my guardians, my coaches and especially my teachers.  Thank you for everything and I will try not to let you all down.

The Colorado Hawks is the oldest AAU basketball program in Colorado established in 1997. It was started by George Williams.  He moved to Colorado from Arkansas and was a member of the Arkansas Hawks with Mike Conley. At that time the kids were not very good ball players and not recognized by AAU on the national scene. The state was known for football.  Basketball was only played in season and the high schools played 19 games max per year. Middle schools played 7 games. The Michael Ray Richardson and Chauncey Billups were the exceptions.

The Colorado Hawks started with one 6^thgrade team and the organization was  formed. “The team played year round and had to find games against older kids in recreation centers just to have teams to play with when basketball was not in season”. Two short years later the team was National Champions.  They beat Houston Hoops and the New York Gauchos, who were two top AAU programs in parents and AAU coaches, are just recently discovering what AAU Basketball in about.

With the Hawks, every player upon completing the program will have scholarship offers. Over 80% will attend college.  Each year new programs are formed. The most important thing for kids to realize is get in college and get your degree.  Not focusing on going to the NBA.

Coach Greg Willis first saw Chris Thomas when he was a 3^rd grader.  He immediately knew Chris was going to be something special. Chris was big for his age and could really handle the ball well. Coach Greg gave Chris a form to take home to have his grandfather complete it.  Later he realized that I already knew his grandfather. Chris played with the 4^th grade Hawks team but another coach had him playing inside. Coach Greg was the coach of the team when Chris became a 6^thgrader and moved him to the point guard position. Chris had natural instincts to be a great point guard that you cannot teach. His ability to pass and run a team was beyond his age. From the day he became point guard the rest is history.

Thomas’ AAU team should be considered the best in Colorado history. They have won more top national tournaments than any team in the history of Colorado basketball. Plus the tournaments were considered top tier tournaments due to the level of competition.  Almost every player on his team started for their high school teams as 9^thgraders. Three of the players are ranked nationally with the top players in the nation.

Chris’ natural basketball ability makes people think he is older but he is actually one of the youngest players on the team. Two years ago at AAU nationals in Orlando most scouting services had Chris listed as the best player in the nation. At that time the Hawks has only had 7 kids on the team and Chris was injured the 3^rd day in Orlando. Chris kept playing and did finish 5^th on some scouting services and 14^thon others while the team placed in the top 25.

Chris is a kid that will play through injuries and not say a word. He always plays his best in the biggest games.  He loves to play against the best. Chris never backs down and he does what it takes to win. Most teams play a box in one but he still delivers. In the AAU west coast championship game against Texas Select the Hawks, had 34 points at the half, Chris only took two shots but he was involved with almost every point with an assist or rebound. Then in the 2^nd half the Hawks needed his scoring and he scored 14 points in the half to win the game. The coach after the game said “We centered our whole game on stopping the kid and he just dominated us.” Chris Thomas has the whole package starting with size and he is still growing. The ability to see the whole court and make the unseen passing lane, block shots, rebound and score in bunches. Chris’ upside is off the charts with uncles who are close to 7ft.

All of the success was a little much for a 14 year old kid to handle. He was getting national rankings, news articles, and national attention from top universities. Upon entering high school the pressure of being the next Chauncey Billups and the pull of the gangs pulled Chris in the wrong direction. Coach and the family did everything in there power to keep Chris on track but it became necessary for Chris to have a change of scenery to pull his life together.

Chris Thomas is currently playing in Lanham, MD for Princeton Day Academy. When Coach Greg saw him play in Las Vegas at the prep school showcase he says his jump shot was awful. The mechanics were bad and the first thing he said was, ‘Coach how’s my game’?  Coach Greg was honest and said, ‘your shot is broke’.  Chris just laughed and said, ‘coach I need you to work me out’. He just recently took the MVP award at the Capital Hoops.com top 100 freshmen and sophomore.

Premier Ball would like to thank Coach Greg Willis for the lengthy interview on his Star Freshman and wish Chris Thomas and the Whole Colorado Hawks organization Good health and success.

]]> http://www.premierball.com/1-freshman-chris-thomas/feed/ 2 http://www.premierball.com/header-photo-04/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=header-photo-04 http://www.premierball.com/header-photo-04/#comments Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:40:25 +0000 "PoP" http://www.premierball.com/?p=153

“2009 Impact Basketball Classic Review”

by Lew Roberts/ PremierBAll.com

The 2009 Impact Basketball Academy Classic was held this past weekend at the old All American Sports Park, located at 121 East Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 . This years event featured some of the nations best talents. There were many writers there including Marty Richter, (ESPN) Dino Trigonis, (Full-Court Press) and Lew Roberts, (PremierBAll.com) that were given all access. PremierBAll.com would like to thank Impact Director Rich Marcucci for the opportunity to cover all the talented teams and be apart of this 1st annual event. Here is our 2009 Impact Basketball Classic Review.

Jamaal Franklin 2010, 6′5 190 SG (Westwind Prep), committed to San Diego State. Franklin is a high flyer with freakish athletic ability with an excellent slashing game. Franklin can score and a variety of ways. He was the best leaper in the tournament and had a few 30 point game performances that included some NBA caliber dunks. Great sign for San Diego St.

Kadeem Minor 2010, 6′1 PG, Minor was the sleeper of the tournament, showing he can penetrate and dish the ball to the open big men, against top competition. Minor consistently played hard on the defensive end, and showed good leadership. Minor handles the ball well and is a good passer. Minor could be a good role player for a D1 team.

Chris Cantino 2010, 6′7 SF (Rise Academy), Cantino is a hard nosed player with multidementional talents. Cantino works extremely well in and around the basket for a player his size. Chris is a multi positional talent that can play four positions on the floor. Good shooter with great height. Chris is all 6’7 and gives you all effort. Great pick up for any division-1 program.

Enes Kanter 2010, 6′10, PF (Stoneridge Prep) Kanter was a beast around the basket, showcasing a multitude of moves that created problems for the opposition. Kanter rebounds well and blocks shots, making it difficult for teams to penetrate. Kanter was unstoppable from every spot on the floor. Showed he can score from the block extending to the three point line. Here is a clip of Enes in action click on this link. Scored 48 points in one contest.

Steven Thornton 2010, 6′4 SG (Stoneridge Prep) Thornton is an agile slasher and possess an solid jump shot. Thornton is a good on the ball defender and knows how to get to the free throw line. Played well with an inside out side punch with Kanter. Steven plays the game with good energy and is good when slashing to the basket. Good ball handler and can play the shooting guard with good length.

Tristan Thompson 2010, 6′10 PF (Findlay Prep) Thompson is an athletic power forward that reminds us of a Shawn Kemp kind of mode. Thompson got to the rim with ease and usually finished with authority. Thompson is an excellent rebounder and ran the floor better than any other big man in this tournament. Tristan loves to dip the shoulder and go over the top from 12 feet out. One of the premier BIGs in the nation and has committed to Texas.

Corey Joseph 2010, 6’3 PG (Findlay Prep) is an excellent scoring point guard and one of the premier point guards in the nation. Joseph has the total package and will excel in college. Great scoring guard that plays at a pace of his own. Commands the floor with his leadership and loves to fill up the basket from the three point line. Excellent vision and great passer. The best point guard in the tournament hands down click here to see him live. First game he recorded 37 points. Unsigned-