The post Tara VanDerveer: the winningest coach in NCAA history, retires appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Stanford's beloved head coach Tara VanDerveer announced her retirement after 38 seasons. Stanford announced their long-time women's basketball coach will work with Stanford's Athletics department in an "advisory capacity."
The Women's basketball world said goodbye to the best to ever coach the game. Late Tuesday evening, Stanford announced their longtime coach will be hanging up her playbook. Tara VanDerveer, 70, became the NCAA's all-time winningest coach earlier this year. With 1,216 wins, she will step back from the game she coached for over four decades.
Related Article: Tara VanDerveer is now the winningest coach in NCAA history
A Massachusetts native, VanDerveer turned to coaching after playing basketball for the University of Albany and Indiana. Less than five years after her collegiate career, Tara VanDerveer was named head coach of Idaho University for two seasons. After becoming the head coach of Ohio State University for five seasons, California called her home. In 1985 she was named head coach of Stanford University, where she was the women's basketball head coach for the next 38 seasons.
And 38 years later, VanDerveer is largely considered one of the pioneers who helped shape and pave the way in women's basketball. With dreams of playing basketball as a child, she became more than just a player. A legend in the basketball world, she leaves behind a legacy that is inspiring, and deeply impactful.
As for VanDerveer, she feels she "is leaving" the game in a great place, especially since women's basketball is in the greatest place it's ever been. Passing on the baton, VanDerveer said it's "exciting" to see where women's basketball is. Even as a young woman, she always saw the vision of women's basketball to where it is now.
Throughout her illustrious career, VanDerveer is a three-time NCAA Champion, with 14 Final Four appearances. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, the Massachusetts native is a 15-time Pac-12 Champion, and five-time National Coach of the Year, who's coached several high-profile athletes. She coached several legendary stars, including Cameron Brink, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, Jennifer Azzi, Nicole Powell, and numerous others.
An NCAA Champion in 1990, 1992, and 2021, VanDerveer has a 1158-242 coaching record. In 38 seasons with the Cardinal, the long-time coach compiled a 1065-220 win/loss record.
Coach VanDerveer and the Cardinal fell short in this year's NCAA Tournament after they were bounced by NC State in the Sweet 16. VanDerveer retired just days after the tournament concluded, marking the end of an era for the Pac-12. While one of the most competitive conferences is dissolving after this season, Stanford will join the ACC next season.
Speaking of the ACC, VanDerveer firmly stated the conference change did not affect her retirement decision. If anything she felt it was a "motivator to stay," and anticipates the ACC will be a "great, great, league."
Wednesday afternoon, VanDerveer hinted at reasons why she decided to call it a career during a livestream:
"I felt it was time, VanDerveer told the media during the livestream. Although she is stepping down from coaching, she hopes to remain involved as an "ambassador" or "advisor" with the Stanford Athletics Department. Admitting she "retired 20 times" in her mind, VanDerveer stated her mom is 97 years old, and the game has "changed a lot over the last four years."
Coaching Women's basketball is a 24/7 job, between recruiting, meetings, and coaching. Even on vacation, VanDerveer dedicated every moment she had to coach.
As for her successor, former Stanford and WNBA player Kate Paye is likely to her place. Having spent the last 17 years as an assistant and assistant to coach VanDerVeer, Paye has extensive experience with the program. Having nothing but praise for Paye, VanDerveer described her as "brilliant" and "hardworking." If Paye is the successor, the Stanford Cardinal will start a new chapter in the ACC, without star Cameron Brink. However, junior forward Kiki Iriafen showed just how valuable she is to the program.
Leaving her legacy in Paolo Alto, Tara VanDeveer has forever changed the landscape of women's basketball. Now she gets to enjoy life after coaching, witnessing the sport she contributed to evolving, soar to new heights.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>The 2023 Boys Ballislife All-American Game begins at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET and is preceded by The BIL Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout presented by Red Bull beginning at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET and the inaugural Girls Ballislife All-American Game at 2 p.m. PT. There will be a FREE STREAM of the girls game on YouTube. For the dunk contest and 3-point Shootout free stream link CLICK HERE. For the boys free stream link CLICK HERE. ???
The 10th Annual Ballislife All-American Game (BILAAG) presented by Crossover Culture will feature many of the nation’s top high school boys basketball players in Cerritos, Calif. The national high school all-star game is set to take place May 6 at Cerritos College and will be lived streamed for FREE.?
A plethora of the nation’s best boys high school basketball stars are scheduled to participate in the annual event, including one who some national scouts feel is the best player in the country: Kentucky-bound Justin Edwards of FAB 50 No. 13 Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2013 Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Basketball Player of the Year Jared McCain of FAB 50 No. 23 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) will be playing in front of his vast local fan base and headlines the California participants.
The Ballislife All-American game will feature thee Michigan State recruits: Coen Carr of Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.), Jeremy Fears of Joliet West (Joliet, Ind.) and Gehrig Normand of Birdville (North Richland Hills).
“We’re excited to partner with our sponsor Crossover Culture to produce the most exciting and fan-friendly high school basketball all-star game in the country,” said Ballislife President Matt Rodriguez. “Not only is Crossover Culture delivering quality footwear to participants, we’re also grateful for the contributions of Red Bulls, the official 3-point contest sponsor, and grateful for our loyal fans after a three-year hiatus.”
For the first time ever, the event will feature a Ballislife All-American Game for girls. The girls game will tip at 5 pm ET and the Slam Dunk and 3-Point Shootout presented by Red Bull will take place at 7 pm ET. The highly-anticipated slam dunk contest will include Carr, Jahki Howard, Jason Jackson and Trey Parker. The 3-Point Shootout will include the top three boys and girls scores from all participants. ? ??
Past BILAAG MVPs include NBA players Collin Sexton (2017), Lonzo Ball (2016), Zach Lavine (2013), Donovan Mitchell (2015), Jordan Bell (2013) plus MLB pitcher Amir Garrett (2011). Other participants include Trae Young (Hawks), Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) and Dejounte Murray (Hawks).
This will be the first time the event takes place since 2019 because of COVID-19 restrictions in Los Angeles County.
General admission tickets for the BILAAG and Slam Dunk Contest are $15 each (plus an administrative fee) and VIP/Courtside seats range from $60-$65 (plus an administrative fee).
For ticket purchasing, ticket discounts and VIP details visit: ballislifeallamerican.com.?Here are some ticket promo codes for your convenience:
For $5 off tickets use the code: BIL5OFF
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The team rosters for the players scheduled to participate in the first annual Ballislife All-American girls game are announced below.
ORANGE/TEAM ELITE (GIRLS)
No. | Player | Position | Height | High School | College |
1 | Kamorea "KK" Arnold | G | 5' 9" | Germantown (PA) | Connecticut |
10 | Emma Risch | G | 6’1" | Palm Bay Magnet (FL)? | Notre Dame |
14 | Ari Long | PG | 6’0" | Valley View (CA) | Washington |
21 | Essence Cody | F | 6’3" | Valdosta (GA) | Alabama |
35 | Madison Booker | G | 6’1" | Germantown (MS) | Texas |
2 | Jadyn Donovan | G | 6’0" | Sidwell Friends (DC) | Duke |
33 | Letycia Vasconcelos | C | 6’7" | Montverde Academy (FL) | Baylor |
23 | Grace Sundback | PG | 5’9" | Westtown School (PA) | Delaware |
12 | Kymora Johnson | PG | 5’8" | St. Annes Belfield (VA) | Virginia |
11 | Zoe Brooks | PG | 5’8" | St. John Vianney (NJ) | N.C. State |
3 | Sunaja Agara | G | 6’2" | St. John Vianney (NJ)? | N.C. State |
0 | Sydni Summers | G | 5'4" | Corona Centennial (CA) | ? |
BLUE/TEAM FUTURE (GIRLS)
<!--tr>6Skye BelkerSG5'8"Windward (CA)Princeton?
No. | Player | Position | Height | High School | College |
12 | Mikaylah Williams | G | 6’1" | Parkway (LA) | LSU |
32 | Aalyah Del Rosario | F | 6’5" | The Webb School (TN) | LSU |
23 | Sahnya Jah | G | 6’2" | Montverde Academy (FL) | South Carolina |
11 | Kailey Woolston | G | 5’11" | Lone Peak (UT) | BYU |
13 | Laila Reynolds | G | 6’2" | Germantown (MD) | Florida |
4 | Tessa Johnson | G | 5’10" | St. Michael-Albertville (MN) | South Carolina |
5 | Angelica Velez | PG | 5’7" | The Webb School (TN) | LSU |
24 | Chloe Briggs | G | 5’11" | Ontario Christian (CA) | Washington |
10 | Qadence Samuels | G | 6’1' | Bishop McNamara (MD) | UConn |
1 | Sayvia Sellers | PG | 5'6" | Anchorage Christian (AK) |
Washington |
The team rosters for the players scheduled to participate in the 10th annual boys game are announced below.
ORANGE/TEAM ELITE (BOYS)
No. | Player | Position | Height | High School | College |
3 | Jackson Shelstad | PG | 6’0" | West Linn (OR) | Oregon |
2 | Trey Green | PG | 5’11" | Prolific Prep (CA) | Xavier |
21 | Marcus Adams Jr. | SF | 6'8" | Narbonne (CA) | Kansas |
24 | Jared McCain | PG | 6’4" | Corona Centennial (CA) | Duke |
10 | Jahki Howard | SF | 6’6" | OTE | ? |
4 | AJ Johnson | PG | 6’6" | SoCal Academy (CA) | NBL |
1 | Jason Jackson | SG | 6'3" | Riverview (FL) | Texas Tech |
22 | Devin Williams | C | 6’11" | Corona Centennial (CA) | UCLA |
8 | Tru Washington | SG | 6’4" | AZ Compass Prep | New Mexico |
11 | Gehrig Normand | SF | 6’5" | Birdville (TX)? | Michigan State |
13 | Andrew Meadow | PF | 6'7" | West Ranch (CA) | Boise State |
BLUE/TEAM FUTURE (BOYS)
No. | Player | Position | Height | High School | College |
3 | Justin Edwards | SF | 6’7" | Imhotep Charter (PA) |
Kentucky |
2 | Rayvon Griffith | SF | 6’5" | AZ Compass Prep | Cincinnati |
00 | Wesley Yates III | SG | 6’5 | Beaumont United (TX) | Washington |
6 | Jeremy Fears | PG | 6’2" | Joliet West (IL) | Michigan State |
5 | Trey Parker | PG | 6’2" | OTE | NC State |
7 | Coen Carr | SF | 6’7" | Legacy Early College (SC) | Michigan State |
12 | Sebastian Mack | PG | 6’3" | Coronado (NV) | UCLA |
0 | Jace Posey | SG | 6’4" | Strake Jesuit (TX) | TCU |
24 | Ashton Hardaway | SF | 6’7" | Sierra Canyon (CA) | Memphis |
4 | Dusty Stromer | SG | 6'6" | Notre Dame (CA) | Gonzaga |
22 | Mike Price Jr. | PG | 6’3" | Corona Centennial (CA) | Undecided |
RELATED: Ticket Info?| Game Record Book | Game Alumni?| View Complete 2018 Game ?|?View Complete 2017 Game |?View Complete 2016 Game | View Complete 2015 Game?| View Complete 2014 Game?
About Ballislife All-American?
The Ballislife All-American Game was created in 2011 with the goal to bring a credible All-American type event to the West Coast with the goal of selecting the most deserving players regardless of geography, mainstream player rankings, or shoe affiliation. Past BILAAG participants include NBA players Collin Sexton (2017), Lonzo Ball (2016), Zach Lavine (2013), Donovan Mitchell (2015), Jordan Bell (2013) plus MLB pitcher Amir Garrett (2011). Other participants include Dejounte Murray, Mo Bamba, Stanley Johnson, Kelly Oubre, Tyler Dorsey, Thon Maker, Tyler Ulis, Marquese Chriss, Isaiah Briscoe, Kevon Looney, Nick Johnson, Jabari Brown, Cliff Alexander, Christian Wood, Jordan Adams, Dwayne Bacon, Jalen Adams, Derrick Jones, Malik Beasley and more.
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]]>The post FREE STREAM: 2023 Ballislife All-American DUNK CONTEST & 3PT Contest Presented by Red Bull appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
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]]>The post DEEBONES vs TY GLOVER vs MOOOOON 1v1 Ballislife KOTC WEEK 20 | LIVE @ 6:00 PM PST 3/8 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>ballislife King of the Court | ???? Ty vs Moon vs Deebones ????
Catch up on weeks 1 through 19 on Caffeine.tv @ https://caf.tv/ballislife
Who's coming out on top with that big check?
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]]>The post KING OF THE COURT | ???? MALCOLM VS SKOOB VS HOODIE QEL ???? appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Uncle Skoob, Malcom Stevenson and Hoodie Qel are facing off THIS Wednesday at 6 PM PST live ONLY on Caffeine.TV at https://bit.ly/3q1dFtj
Catch up on weeks 1 through 14 on Caffeine.tv @ https://caf.tv/ballislife
Who's coming out on top with that big check?
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]]>The post KING OF THE COURT | ???? KAM VS J SMOOVE VS HEZI GOD | 1V1 EVENT ???? appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Jay Smoove, Hezi God and Kamsosmoove are facing off Saturday at 6 PM PST live ONLY on Caffeine at https://bit.ly/3q1dFtj
Catch up on weeks 1 through 13 on Caffeine.tv @ https://caf.tv/ballislife
Who's coming out on top with that big check?
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]]>The post King of the Court: Trevor Dunbar vs Aquille Carr vs Julian Newman -Dec. 21st - 6pm PT appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>ballislife KOTC | ???? Julian Newman vs Trevor Dunbar vs Aquille Carr ????
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]]>The post Ballislife WEST COAST SQUAD vs MIDWEST SQUAD - Nov. 30th - 6 PM PST appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The UNDEFEATED Ballislife West Coast Squad: Frank Nitty, Bionic Brooks, Ty Glover, Cezar Guerrero, Marcus "Monstar" Bell, Brandon Moss aka Body Bag have had no challengers come even close! Jay Smoove, ISO HOV, Deshawn Munson, Jumpin' Joe, Mike Wick, and their 6th man Brion Waiters of the Ballislife Midwest Squad are up for the challenge. Can they defeat this monster of a team?? This will be the most LIT Ballislife best of 5 series yet!!!
Get your FREE ticket to attend the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballislife-west-coast-squad-vs-ballislife-midwest-squad-25k-1130-tickets-463856135187
The game is being held at Westminster High School, 14325 Goldenwest St. Westminster, CA 92683
Doors open at 5pm, game starts at 6pm.
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]]>The post Jalen Green EASTBAY IN GAME vs Dennis Rodman Jr!! Rodman Leads 16 Point Comeback!! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Jalen Green finished with 18 points
Dennis Rodman Jr finished with 23 points
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]]>The post Top 2 Teams Battle in LA @UAA; Jemarl Baker Scores 34 PTS appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Number | Name | FGM | 3PT | REB | AST | STL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | Spencer Freedman | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
10 | Reid Farley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
13 | Jemari Baker | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
15 | Adrease Jackson | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
20 | Zafir Williams | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
21 | Brandon Davis | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
22 | Juhwan Harris-Dyson | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
23 | Ira Lee | 4 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
25 | Miles Brookins | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Number | Name | FGM | 3PT | REB | AST | STL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Trevon Duval | 6 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
2 | Talek Williams | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
3 | Eric Ayala | 5 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
4 | Juwan Collins | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5 | DeAndre Vilmar | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
10 | Bourama Sidibe | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
13 | Warren Williams | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
21 | Kevin Anderson | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
22 | Zach Kent | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
23 | Tyrese Martin | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
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]]>The post BIL to Stream Four Titanic Matchups From Las Vegas 48 Tip-Off Challenge July 22! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Fab 48 Tip-Off Challenge
July 22, 2015
Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nev.)
(Court 1 Schedule; Subject to Change; All four games below will be STREAMED LIVE on www.ebooksnet.com)
5:00 pm - 1 Nation (Mich.) vs. Belmont Shore (Calif.)
6:30 pm - D.C. Premier (D.C.) vs. Pro Skills (Texas)
8:00 pm - Canada Elite vs. Team Loaded (N.C.)
9:15 pm - NY Rens vs. Each 1 Teach 1 (Fla.)
BIL LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE & PREVIEWS
1 Nation (Under Armour Association)
Won-Loss Record: 1 Nation lost to Team Canada, 69-57, in the opening round of the UAA 17U finals in Suwanee, Ga. On the 3-stop UAA circuit, the team finished 6-6.
Key Players:
Josh Jackson, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) via Southfield, Mich. 6-7 SF 2016 (Nation's No. 1 ranked prospect by 247Sports.com) 18.3 ppg, 10 rpg in 16 UAA circuit games. Offers from every major NCAA title contender in the country.
Devon Daniels, Kalamazoo Central (Kalamazoo, Mich.) 6-5 W 2016 (13.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg in 15 UAA circuit games. Minnesota, Utah, DePaul, Drake, Buffalo offers.)
Spencer Littleson, Rochester Adams (Rochester Hills, Mich.) 6-4 SG 2016 (7.5 ppg, 37.8 % 3-point in 15 UAA circuit games)
What To Watch For vs. Belmont Shore:
1 Nation is built around Josh Jackson, one of the nation's top three consensus recruits and a future NBA big guard/wing. Jackson is one of the most explosive players in the nation and offensively this team can play with anyone. On the defensive side, however, is where there are some question marks. Jackson is often the tallest player on the floor and often has to guard the opposition's best post player. 1 Nation is going to have to keep Belmont Shore from getting easy looks in the paint and keeping P.J. Washington off the glass. Watch out for Littleson. If Belmont Shore focuses too much defensively on Jackson, Littleson can hurt them with his perimeter shooting.
Belmont Shore (Independent)
Won-Loss Record: N/A - This grassroots team, which was founded and is coached by FAB 48 co-director Dinos Trigonis, has competed in a myriad of national grassroots events since its inception in 1993. The club won the Las Vegas Easter Classic in 2004 and 2010 and the Reebok Summer National Championship in July 2007 behind the play of 2008 National Player of the Year Brandon Jennings, one of the many numerous pros to play on Trigonis' club over the last 20 years.
Key Players:
P.J. Washington, Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 6-8 PF 2017 (Nation's No. 7 ranked junior by ESPN.com) Offers from Arizona, Baylor and Texas among others. Washington is the consummate Windex Man who works hard on the boards and is a terrific finisher in transition. He's also good at creating second chance points with his work around the basket.
Ethan Thompson, Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) 6-3 CG 2017 (Nation's No. 72 ranked junior by 247Sports.com) Oregon St., Washington State offers, brother of Oregon St. freshman Stevie Thompson Jr., whose father is on the Oregon St. staff and is a former NBA player.
K.J. Smith, IMG Academy (Florida) via Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 6-2 PG 2015 (Will spend a year of prep school after helping Mater Dei to the CIF Open Division title game as a senior. Late-blooming point guard is the son of former NBA point guard and TNT analyst Kenny Smith)
Jacob Hughes, Servite (Anaheim, Calif.) 6-10 C 2017 (One of the West Coast's top center prospects in the rising junior class, Hughes is rapidly improving after beginning to play in seventh grade. He can score with a soft hook with either hand and is underrated defensively.)
What To Watch For vs. 1 Nation:
Belmont Shore doesn't have a player the caliber of Jackson, but Trigonis' team is usually prepared for the big stage and will get some open looks against 1 Nation. Belmont Shore is most dangerous when its guard play is at a high level, so if Smith and Thompson step up it will put a lot of pressure on 1 Nation. Hughes can end up being a major factor if he can keep up with the fast pace of the game on this big stage because of 1 Nation's lack of size. P.J. Washington and Charles O' Bannon Jr. of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), a 2017 McDonald's All-American candidate, will get a crack at checking Jackson, but it's on offense where O'Bannon can make a difference with his ability to stroke from the wing.
D.C. Premier (Under Armour Association)
Pro Skills (Nike EYBL)
Won-Loss Record:
Pro Skills went 10-7 in Division A of the EYBL and qualified for the Peach Jam EYBL Finals. In its pool at Peach Jam, Pro Skills finished 2-3 and did not qualify for eight-team bracket play to decide the EYBL champions, which turned out to be the Georgia Stars.
Key Players:
Marques Bolden, DeSoto (DeSoto, Texas) 6-11 C 2016 (Nation's No. 6 ranked prospect by Rivals.com) 13.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg in 17 EYBL games. Offers from all the big boys including Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Louisville. A powerful finisher around the basket, Bolden turned into a legitimate McDonald's All-American candidate with his play on the EYBL circuit. He's now considered the nation's top center prospect in his class by Scout.com.
Andrew Jones, MacArthur (Irving, Texas) 6-4 CG 2016 (Nation's No. 91 prospect by 247Sports.com) 11.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg in 17 EYBL games. He's not a consensus Top 100 prospect yet, but Jones is one of the nation's July breakout performers. He averaged 18.4 ppg at Peach Jam to lead Pro Skills in scoring and recently picked up offers from Arizona and Texas.
Schnider Herard, Prestonwood Christian Academy (Plano, Texas) 6-10 C 2016 (Nation's No. 41 prospect by Rivals.com) 8.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg in 17 EYBL games. Herard is still a work in progress on the offensive end, but he's an imposing physical presence who works on the boards and must be accounted for because he runs the floor well for his size.
What To Watch For vs. DC Premier:
Pro Skills is a physical imposing bunch and with Bolden and Herard will be a load for DC Premier to handle. Bolden battled nagging injuries on the EYBL circuit, but he'll be ready for the big FAB 48 stage and if DC Premier doesn't get physical enough on the block it could make for a long night for them. DC Premier's Joe Hampton will have to play big against Bolden. Watch out for JaColby Pemberton, a rising senior for Lancaster, Texas, who is a good athlete.
Canada Elite (Under Armour Association)
Won-Loss Record:
Canada Elite advanced to the championship game of the UAA 17U finals in Suwanee, Ga., losing to Team Charlotte 56-46 after the game was tied at 41-41 with three minutes remaining. In its division (Humble) Canada Elite tied with Team Charlotte with a 9-3 record. Canada Elite defeated Team Charlotte in New York, the third stop of the UAA circuit.
Key Players:
Thon Maker, Athlete Institute Academy (Toronto) 7-0 PF 2016 (Nation's No. 5 ranked prospect by 247Sports.com) 15.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg on the UAA circuit, considered one of of the best NBA prospects for the 2017 NBA Draft after declaring he will remain in high school for the 2015-16 season. Arizona St. and Indiana are the major players in the Maker sweepstakes.
Justin Jackson, Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 6-7 SF 2016 (Nation's No. 28 prospect by Scout.com; UNLV COMMIT) 12.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg on the UAA circuit. Jackson can defend in the post and on on the perimeter and is a crafty scorer around the basket. Once he gains more consistency from the outside, he'll turn into a highly-productive college player.
Marcus Ottey, St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) 6-2 PG 2016 (10.1 ppg on UAA circuit) Ottey turned a lot of college coaches' heads with his play at the UAA Finals in Suwanee, Ga. The FAB 48 Tip-off challenge could be another breakout event for the lefty guard. Ottey is nearly as quick as he is explosive and that's saying a lot. He can play both guard spots.
What To Watch For vs. Team Loaded:
The Canadians don't have a perimeter player with the ability of Dennis Smith, but they won't be overmatched. Ottey is an explosive playmaker and point guard Godwin Boahen of St. Louis Christian Academy in Toronto is capable of putting up points in a hurry and is a solid defender. Thon Maker's ability facing the basket could be a big program because Team Loaded may have to double him if he gets going offensively. That could free up space for Justin Jackson, who is a strong candidate to have a big game.
Andrew Wiggins Team Loaded (adidas Uprising Gauntlet)
Won-Loss Record:
On the first stop on the Gauntlet in Dallas, Team Loaded went 2-1. On the second stop in Indianapolis, Team Loaded won the 17U Lillard bracket to qualify for the Finale. The Gauntlet finale hosted the top eight finishers from bracket play in Indianapolis, as well as eight at large teams. Team loaded lost in the round of eight at the Gauntlet Finale in Atlanta during the first July NCAA viewing period to eventual champion NY Rens, 57-54.
Key Players:
Dennis Smith Jr., Trinity Christian School (Greenville, N.C.) 6-3 PG 2016 (Nation's No. 4 ranked prospect by ESPN.com) Offers from almost every big-time program in the country, including Duke and North Carolina. Smith led the adidas Gauntlet with 6.9 apg, and also averaged 16.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg. In the argument for the nation's top point guard along with De'Aaron Fox of Houston Hoops and Lonzo Ball of Big Ballers VXT, Smith is the most explosive of the three around the rim. His jump shot is a work in progress, but he finds ways to keep teams honest and impact the game even when the jumper is not falling.
Edrice Adebayo, Northside (Jacksonville, N.C.) 6-9 PF 2016 (Nation's No. 7 ranked prospect by Rivals.com) 14.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg in adidas Gauntlet games. Adebayo was one of the top five performers at the prestigious NBPA Top 100 Camp in June and is a consensus Top 10 recruit. "Bam" is not quite as tall as he looks, but because of his chiseled physique, strength and mobility, he more often than not plays like the biggest player on the floor. He goes after missed shots with reckless abandon and has made great strides offensively over the last year.
What To Watch For vs. Canada Elite:
Maker vs. Bam is must-see, and if Bam can move his feet well enough to stay out of foul trouble Team Loaded will have a chance down the stretch (each player gets six fouls in the FAB 48). Team Canada gets in trouble when it can't get Maker the ball inside, so if Team Loaded's perimeter defense can cause trouble by denying entry passes or making them difficult, it will cause less double teams and mismatches. The play of Jaylen Fornes, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard out of Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., will be key because he's not a consistent threat with the outside shot. If he's on, Team Loaded will gain confidence.
Each 1 Teach 1 (Nike EYBL)
Won-Loss Record:
E1T1 went 13-4 in Division D of the EYBL, one game behind eventual EYBL champion Georgia Stars in the division. The team qualified for the Peach Jam EYBL Finals where it went 4-1 in pool play to qualify for the eight-team championship bracket to decide the 2015 champion. E1T1 fell to the Team CP3, 74-70, in the quarterfinals.
Key Players:
Jonathan Isaac, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 6-10 SF 2016 (Nation's No. 9 ranked prospect by Scout.com; FLORIDA STATE COMMIT) 14.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg in 17 EYBL games. Isaac has great long-term potential and is only beginning to scratch the surface of it. At the Nike EYBL Minneapolis session, he showed the makings of a future pro as a prototype 4-man with 3-man skills. Not strong yet, Isaac needs to improve finishing in traffic.
Kevin Knox, Jr., Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Fla.) 6-8 SF 2017 (Nation's No. 12 ranked junior by Scout.com) 7.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg in 17 EYBL games. Knox is in the same boat as Isaac in many ways in that he'll be a much better player down the line. Knox is a great athlete who shoots the ball well at his size. He's also a great quarterback prospect on the football field, but his future is on the hardwood.
What To Watch For vs. NY Rens:
Rawle Alkins and Mustapha Heron are matchups nightmares for E1T1, but on the flip side Isaac creates a matchup problem as well with his length. If E1T1 can hold the Rens to one shot per possession, they will be in position to take control of the game if they don't get physically overpowered in the backcourt. That's where Tony Bradley Jr., a 6-foot-10 rising senior from Bartow, Fla. comes into play. He's an excellent rebounder (8.6 rpg in the EYBL) and a double-digit scorer. If Bradley has a big game, E1T1 has to like its chances.
New York Rens (adidas Uprising Gauntlet)
Won-Loss Record:
The Rens got off to a rough start at the Gauntlet stop, going 1-2 in the same pool as Team Loaded. They turned it around in Indianapolis to qualify for the adidas Gauntlet Finale, July 8-10, in Atlanta. There the Rens stormed through bracket play, defeating Brookwood Elite (78-61), Team Loaded North Carolina (57-54), Indiana Elite (87-77), and the Atlanta Celtics (80-66) in the championship game to capture the 17U championship.
Key Players:
Rawle Alkins, Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 6-5 SG 2016 (Nation's No. 13 ranked prospect by 247Sports.com) 23.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg in 12 adidas Gauntlet games. Alkins has all the big schools after him, but he won't be back at CTK for his senior season because of an athletic eligibility issue. He was dominant for the Royals as a junior, leading them to a CHSAA Class AA title and state runner-up finish. Alkins excels in transition and is much too physically imposing for most guards or wings on the high school level to handle. He's also a solid shooter and capable ball-handler, but must continue to develop on the defensive end.
Key Players:
Mustapha Heron, Sacred Heart (Waterbury, Conn.) 6-5 CG 2016 (Nation's No. 17 ranked prospect by Scout.com) 17.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 apg in 12 adidas Gauntlet games. Heron was originally committed to Pittsburgh but is now wide open in his recruitment. St. John's and new coach Chris Mullen would love to have Heron or Alkins or both join the Redmen. The MOP of the 2015 Pangos All-American Camp, if Heron wasn't the camp's most impressive performer, then it was surely Alkins.
What To Watch For vs. Each 1 Teach 1:
Like his running mate Alkins, Heron is a winner, as he led his high school team to a 28-0 record and No. 26 national ranking in the Grassroots Hoops FAB 50 as a junior. Heron had 19 points and 12 rebounds vs. the Atlanta Celtics in the adidas Gauntlet championship game, so he could be primed for a big game on a big stage vs. E1T1. As it that wasn't enough, Alkins had 34 points in the championship game. Heron is not quite as efficient from the field as Alkins, so if the E1T1 is going to have to pick its poison, it might make sense for them to concentrate on slowing down Alkins. If both of them are on their game, the Rens will be extremely tough to beat because everyone on the team thrives in their role. The Rens will also have to show they can handle E1T1 on the boards.
Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
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