Big Time Bump Was Big Time
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Standouts proved their worth at Hoop Magic this past weekend.
Aug 2, 2009 – This weekend’s Hoop Magic Sports Academy’s Big Time Bump proved a fitting end to this year’s NCAA July open recruiting period (the period of time in which Division I teams can come out and observe players personally). To say college coaches flocked to the event is an understatement, as program leaders, heads and assistants, from the Big East, ACC, Big 12, NEC, CAA, MEAC and other conferences were front and center in Chantilly, VA.
Of course they were present due to the talented players present. And per usual, we have all-star teams, squads developed in consultation with knowledgeable observers.
Be sure to see www.twitter.com/ronbailey19 for more information, including recruiting lists, as well as this site’s Big Time Bump Grab Bag. More information is available on NBE Baskeball Report.
17 and Under All Star Team
MVP: Brandon Young – 6’3” 179 lb, Sr. PG, Friendship Edison (DC), Team Takeover – All young did was cap his scintillating summer, one in which he has burst on the national consciousness as a pass first point guard that can and will score, defend and rebound. He must get stronger, but high majors such as Marquette have offered, while Charlotte, Niagara, UMass, St. Bonaventure and others have followed suit.
Brandon Young goes off the bounce against Sun Youth (Montreal)
Most Improved Player: Jordan Omogbuhin – 7’1”, 280 lb, Jr., C, National Christian (MD), Team Takeover – Expect Jordan to continue his prodigious, recent development at National Christian, as he won’t be buried on the bench as previously in high school. During July, and in particular during Big Time Bump and the annual Main Event (Las Vegas) confabs, Jordan illustrated with more clock he can pound the rims and sprints the floor well on both offense and defense. He’s raw, but make no bones about it, Jordan, who admitted he just recently started to enjoy basketball, will be a huge recruiting target (pun intended).
Jerian Grant, 6’4”, 180 lbs, Sr., G, DeMatha Catholic (MD), Team Takeover – Skilled and cerebral guard can do some of everything, including running the point in stretches. Is highly recruited. Must continue developing his left hand dribble. (NBE Basketball Report and Twitter)
John Henderson, 6’11”, 240 lbs, Sr., C, Cave Springs HS (VA), East Coast Fusion – An active, mobile big man, Henderson has received offers and strong looks from schools in the SEC, ACC, CAA, Big Ten, A10 and SoCon. Can score on put backs and jump hooks. Gets up and down the floor. Must get stronger. (Twitter)
Anthony Miles, 6’5”, 200 lbs, Sr., G/F, Poly Tech (DE), Delaware Takeover – Miles is capable of taking over games at times, slashing and finishing (usually via snazzy finger roll including using the rim as a shield)/strong dunk, and spotting up from deep. Needs to better his mid-range/stop and pop game. Atlantic 10, Big East, Conference USA schools have offered or are interested. (Twitter)
Jarell Eddie, 6’7”, 210 lbs, Sr., F, Cannon School (NC), Team United – Eddie, committed to Virginia Tech, likes to iso and attack the rim, sometimes breaking off his drive to shoot mid-range shots. Must work on decision making, as sometimes his attempts are off-balance or forced. Plays with some strength and moxie.
Watch out defenders, Zaire Smith will blow by you
Zaire Smith, 5’10, 175 lbs, Post Grad, PG, Carney Christian Academy (NJ), East Coast Elite – Another in the long line of tough Philly guards, Smith is lightening quick and loves to attack the rim, finishing or dropping off to teammates. Zaire can pressure the ball, but must show he can consistently can perimeter shots. Is headed to prep school for basketball and entrance exam purposes, not GPA, which stood at 3.0 before graduating from Math, Civics and Science Charter School. (Twitter)