“Solid” Nelson, is Solidly Impressing

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Plainfield, New Jersey's Anthony Nelson, pictured here at the Southern Invitational

June 7, 2006 – Anthony Nelson has been a stalwart in the Playaz AAU organization for several years now. According to the Playaz’s founder, and coach, Jim Salmons, Nelson has competed “with us for three years now, and has been a solid contributor each year”. Standing around six foot one inches, and tipping the scales at around 175lbs, Anthony has shown this summer he may be taking his game to another level.

Last season as a junior, Nelson shared at the Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest in April he averaged approximately “19 (points), six rebounds, and six assists” for New Jersey’s Plainfield high school. On the AAU circuit this spring/summer, Playaz officials have tall expectations for Anthony. The organization’s 17 and under coach, Mark Wright, acknowledged “He’s always been solid”, and then went on to state “he has to step up, and be more of a scorer for us”.

In the Easter Hoop Fest, Nelson did just that. During a close loss to talented Maryland Madness squad in that event, Anthony led his team in scoring with 16 points, including a pair of three pointers and a two point bucket, within the last minute and three seconds, which illustrated a game Playaz attempt at victory. In addition to scoring, Nelson supplied his gritty, trademark defensive effort. In fact, Nelson’s steal and resulting layup with around 3:36 minutes in regulation, gave his team their last lead at 64-63.

Anthony Nelson, at a Charlie Weber Tournament, waiting to enter the game

Anthony’s all around game, including defensive prowess, leadership, and offensive skills, was again spotlighted during a memorable win in the Bob Gibbon’s Tournament of Champions. In route to the Playaz’s 74-72 defeat of Team Breakdown (click here for coverage), Nelson supplied nine points, while playing a crucial defensive and team general role against Breakdown’s talented backcourt.

The young Plainfield resident got to the rim off of change of pace moves and hit an open shot, while also consistently feeding Playaz post players for easy scores. He also tallied several steals, including one in which he ripped Breakdown’s fantastic point guard Edwin Rios, before being fouled during the following fast break layup (he sank his two foul shots).

After the exciting win (the Playaz won at the buzzer) Wright lauded Anthony’s defensive work, sharing that his ball hawk tendencies frustrated Team Breakdown’s ability to “get it (the ball) down to their shooters”, and was central to the win. He went on to say, “We left the game in Ant’s hands, and we won”.

Mark Wright (far right), and other Playaz during the Team Breakdown match up

Nelson has started to take great pride in his ability to stop opponents. “I’ve been working hard on my defense” he said. “Because I know it’s key. Once we stop the guard penetration, I don’t think there is anyone that can stop us”.

Based on his work with Plainfield High and the Playaz, a growing list of schools are recruiting Anthony. During the Hoop Fest, he indicated “Penn State, St. Johns, Rutgers, George Mason” and others were recruiting him. Wright added Clemson to the list, along with “a lot of mid-majors”.

One mid-major that has risen in Anthony’s eyes is George Mason. He was naturally impressed with their Final Four run, saying “I think they are doing it big now. That’s really going to help their recruiting (overall). I have to look at them differently now. I look at them in a different way”.

The Playaz’s Salmons is at a loss as to why colleges don’t look at Anthony differently, stating the young guy “is under the radar, and I don’t really understand that…he’s a very good high school player”. Wright for one believes Nelson “can do very well” in college, “depending on the situation”.

Jim Salmons, Playaz Founder and Coach

He’s in no rush to determine what that situation will be. “I want to weigh my options, talk to my family” he shared. Wherever he decides to attend, basketball wise he “wants to at least come off the bench and play a lot of minutes”. At the time of this interview, Nelson didn’t have any leaders or firm offers. It would seem there are a lot of schools out there sleeping on Anthony.

Anthony Nelson at the Tournament of Champions