The opportunity to see another group (class of 2020) step into the status of prospect was exciting experience this year. The Cream of the Crop Camp formerly know as the Acie Law Camp introduced its sixth class to what it takes at the next level (H.S). Milton Barnes (Play Right Basketball) lead the curriculum in the 8 hours of both on/off the court teaching to give the young fellas some idea of what success looks and sounds like. PLAY RIGHT BASKETBALL is predicated on teaching IQ and understanding how to play recruitable basketball. When ever I watch 12,13 &14 year old kids there is a lot of box checking, projection and most of all inventory assessments. The kids were expose to coach ability, NCAA initial eligibility, offensive reads, defensive angles, spacing and movement w/o the ball, all the foundation of playing recruitable basketball. Twenty players played in the Top 20 game but in my observation there were a few others. The one thing we tried to stress with parents, guardians, club coaches and kids, is that it is a long way to spring of of 2020. The questions is how are you the player going to spend your time on/off the courts. Here are a few observations (not evaluations) on some of the consistent performers.
Gavin Thornton 2021 5’6″ PG M.S.
Solid ball skills going both ways, developing feel for leadership, scored some. Learning to be a point guard.
Jim Cofer 2021 6’1″ Forward M.S.
Developing perimeter player that found some success. Effort was the story of his camp. Looking forward to seeing more.
Julian Larry 2020 6’0″ PG
Consistently competed. A strong tough guard that showed some mid range feel of the bounce. He defended with leadership and purpose.
Jamor Mallard 2020 6’2″ WF
Jamor was at his best in transition, he finished in traffic and through contact.
Jack Slaughter 2021 6’6″ Center M.S.
High energy post that ran the floor and contested shots, rebounded on both ends in and out of his area. He also showed a developing ability to score over both shoulders.
Kylil Anderson 2020 6’2″ WF
Kylil was solid all around player on both ends. He rebounded and competed on both ends also scored some from 12-15 ft. with solid wing ball skills.
Caleb Lohner 2020 6’6″ 3/2
Lots of talent and ability with tremendous upside as his understanding develops. Caleb demonstrated that he could consistently score 22ft to the and above the rim. Showed good developing ball skills in the open court.
Tyler Pinder 2021 5’8 PG M.S.
Tyler show the posture and understanding that could allow him to be a true point guard. He was a willing defender with good understanding of team concept. His speed and IQ are his best assets as he develops.
Traejon Davis 2020 6’4″ Forward
One of the most versatile players at camp. Coach’s dream, guarded all five position. He scored and rebounded with the desire to win.
Colton Benson 2021 5’8″ 2/1 Guard M.S.
Showed to be the best shooter at camp on Saturday but also demonstrated some understanding of spacing and team defense. Ball skills and confidence were really good for a young kid.
Journey Phillips 2020 6’1″ SG
Good size guard with solid skill set and effort that makes plays. Must play more to learn and develop feel.
Darryl Brown 2020 6’4″ Forward
Played with strong skill set 12-15 ft. Solid instinctive player and good rebounder. Developing defender.
Ben Joelson 2020 6’5″ WF
Good polished player, skilled for his age. Energy was good and look for opportunities with and without the ball.
Cole Roberts 2021 6’1″ 4/3 M.S.
Score around paint and in short corner effectively. Must improve feet defensively and ball skills, IQ look to be ahead of his skill set.
Mekai Pope 2020 5’10” Guard
Played with poise, solid ball skills, decent passer, shot the 3-ball and finished in the paint.
Kevin Credit 2020 5’5″ PG
Scoring point guard that made other better. Leadership developing. Made open shots.
Langston Love 2021 6’3″ WF M.S.
Good player. Made 3’s, attacked the rim with success and was aggressive/competitive on both ends.
Rebounded anywhere his team needed.
Lafayette Pate 2021 5’7″ Guard M.S.
Solid kid that passed and scored some. Played hard on defense and made open jump shots.
Darious Whittington 2020 6’1″ Wing
Talented wing with versatility in all (3) perimeter positions. Nature feel for offense’s. Developing rebounder and defender.
Elijah Stephens 2021 5’3″ PG M.S.
A fast guard that was effective in open space. Developing good on ball defender. Understands how to get separation from bigger/stronger defenders.
Others:
Carlos Miller 2020 5’9″ PG
Point guard clearly knew who and what he is. As his strength improves or body catches up with his IQ he will become more confident.
Dakota Sterling 2020 6’2″ SF
Strong body player that was up and down but showed flashes of being a good player on both ends.
Dallas Hobbs 2022 5’6″ PG M.S.
The high IQ guard was the youngest player at camp. He must continue to understand how to manage in close quarters with bigger stronger guys. His hard work is definitely showing up.