Sights, Sounds and Evaluations from the Memorial Day Classic
Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor, i95Ballerz.com
In a venue that rivaled many college gymnasiums, Nashville, Tennessee played host to the 2006 Nike Memorial Day Classic.
Nestled amongst a tree line of fine homes and luxury automobiles, sat Ensworth High, a private school founded in 2002.
The scene was thick, as coaches scrambled to get there teams ready, players raced to get their grub on before moving from court to court for the next game (there were four full courts), and I scurried to find the best action among the myriad of games all taking place at the same time.
Were it not for the quality of basketball, the hectic pace of this summer event would have surely overwhelmed this novice AAU circuit attendee.
You can’t mention quality AAU basketball without referring to Boo Williams’ summer league teams. Williams’ squads are always well-coached and talented. This summer is no exception.
Pat Patterson (left), and Ed Davis; Boo Williams standouts
In the absence of Chris Wright, a certain McDonald’s All-America candidate, Boo Williams was led by junior forwards 6’8 Pat Patterson and 6’9 Mike Scott. Scott, an aggressive, rebounding beast showed everyone, including myself, that he is equally as good as both Patterson and sophomore Ed Davis. Virginia is on Scott the hardest at this point. Davis is a raw and young, but the bouncy forward finishes decently, is long and runs like a deer. Chris Early, another of Boo’s many forwards showed his offensive repertoire on Friday, while stepping up defensively on Saturday, especially versus top 10 forward Kyle Singler of the Portland Legends. At 6’7 Early used his quicks and athleticism versus the taller Singler.
Kyle Singler (in black), being guarded by Chris Early (#23)
Patterson, who is looking at Kentucky, Wake and Pittsburgh, is a strong rebounder and defender, who finishes everything around the rim emphatically. His offensive game is out to 15 feet. Word has it that Kentucky is the favorite.
Donte Green and Sean Mosley of Baltimore's Team Melo
Team Melo also represented at the MDC. Donte’ Green was unstoppable every time I watched him play. He scored inside on back-to-the-basket moves, outside on three’s and dribble drives, where he used his quicks to blow by power forwards. According to his coaches, Donte’ has been tearing it up this summer and the MDC was no exception.
Sean Mosely was effective as well on the interior, where he spent most of his time operating. The 6’4 guard consistently posted smaller defenders, while showing a mid-range jumper and an occasional three-pointer. This kid also has a high b-ball IQ and always makes the correct basketball play. A glue guy. Sean stated that his top five at this point are Syracuse, Georgetown, Maryland, Texas and Florida. When asked who he’s feeling the most right now, Mosely stated, “I like Syracuse. Not because Donte’ is going there though. I just like them”.
Wayne Dorsey looked sharp at times for Team Melo as well. The 6’7 insider kept out-hustling and out-working defenders under the glass for rebounds and put backs.
Matthew Bryan-Manning 6'10 PF/C-Team Final: Good post defense. Strong, good rebounder and defender. Can score in the blocks. Guarded Donte' Green when they matched up with Team Melo. Green took him outside and served him. Range to 15 feet, but did most damage inside. Plays with Tyreke Evans. Washington, Wake, and Pitt are final three.
Sean Mosely 6'5 G/F-Team Melo: Mosely's bread and butter is in the post. Very physical and rebounds well. Has range out to three. Very high b-bball IQ, as he always makes the basketball play. Doesn't force anything and plays within himself. Plays with Donte' Green. Syracuse, Georgetown, MD, Texas and Florida are his top 5.
Pat Patterson 6'8 PF-Boo Williams: Patterson looked better on the 2nd day than he did on the first. Good athlete than runs the floor, rebounds in traffic and finishes strong. Didn't see much of a face up game, but hit a few. Coachable, as he plays on a talented team with Ed Davis, Chris Wright, 6'7 Chris Early and 6'9 Mike Scott. Pat said his final three are Kentucky, Wake and Florida. No mention of GU.
Ed Davis 6'8 PF-Boo Williams: Ed didn't do much, but is not the focus of the offense and gets most of his buckets on put backs. He is very long, slim and active. He's still young (2008) and will need to put on weight. Runs the floor like a gazelle. Potential is there.
Samardo Samuels 6'8 PF/C-Metro Hawks: Samuels is a big boy. Carves out space in the paint and can't be moved. physical rebounder and defender. Offensively, gets you on his back and its a wrap. Nice drop step and mobile for his size. Not fat, but thick and powerful. Coaches kept him away from hounding media types like me, so I didn't get a list. Have seen previously where GU was mentioned. Class of 2008.
Nate Miles 6'6 G/F-Team Texas: Long, lanky, athletic guard, who runs the point for his team. Shoots the three, passes and drives to the hole. Inconsistent, but potential is through the roof. Class of 2008. Big timers already on him including Georgetown.
Chris Wright was not there due to illness. However, Georgetown is the leader.