Sights, Sounds and Evaluations from the Memorial Day Classic
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Other notes, sights and sounds
A pair of top flight PG's: Jai Lucas, and Isaiah Thomas
Jai Lucas and Isaiah Thomas are very good. Both can get to the cup and stop on a dime and shoot the jumper. Thomas is the better scorer, while Lucas is the purer point. Both AAU teams are well stocked. Seattle Hoops also has Nate McMillan's son Jamelle, a 6'3 CG and 6'7 Luke Sikma, Jack's son. Houston Hoops has 6'8 Gary Johnson, 6'9 Isaiah Rusher and 5'9 frosh PG Tommy Mason-Griffin, who is a bulldog, with quicks, handle and a pull up jumper. Watch for this kid.
Gary Johnson of Houston Hoops (left), and Jamel McMillan of Seattle Hoops
Nick Calathes is a really good player. He can stroke it and is smart. He also has no team around him.
Nick Calathes of Team Florida
Kyle Singler is legit, although he'll need to get stronger and improve his quicks. He was exposed a little by Boo Williams, but everybody is vs. Boo Williams.
Tyreke Evans is ranked #1 in 2008 and he probably deserves that if you're talking potential. There's nothing Evans can't do with the basketball. It's without the basketball that is the problem. He doesn't move without the ball and seems uninterested at times. He's young though.
Top ranked Tyreke Evans
Gani Lawal-GA Stars: Runs the floor well. Can finish and blocks shots. Didn’t see much of an offensive game, as he scores a lot on offensive rebounds and put backs. Big upside though. Georgia Tech commit.
Corey Stokes-Metro Hawks: Plays with Samardo Samuels. Stokes is a 6'4 SG who is well built and will remind you of a Randy Foye with his play. He is streaky from outside, but gets to the cup regularly. Nova, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Louisville. Class of 2007
One last note: Met Corey Brewer working the camp. Teased him about the crazy shot and call he got against Georgetown in the NCAA tournament and he responded: "I know, but sometimes you get lucky and the shot went in." Talked to Nate McMillan, John Lucas (who almost got tossed from the gym for yappin at the refs), Jai Lucas' mom and sister, Rod Barnes and Junior Burrough.
In all, I had a great time, although the lights kept going out on the first day. I met some really nice kids, coaches and people. I can’t wait until the Peach Jam in late July.