Hubbard Knows He Belongs
Ron Bailey, Publisher
July 10, 2007 – Maurice ‘Mo’ Hubbard has been a player of note in Northern Virginia since his freshman year, starring at Westfield High School throughout his career, and making several all-star teams in that area and fourth team All-Met last year, as a junior. Additionally, this AAU/travel team season the 6’5”, 205lb swingman is playing with Boo Williams’ 17 and under squad, one of the best, and eagerly scouted squads in America.
Despite supplying 15 points, 10 rebounds, plus four assists per game season, and boasting a very impressive athletic resume, Hubbard attended last month’s NBA Player’s Association’s Top 100 Camp with some question marks in his head: Was he the type of elite player on a national level that is invited to such a confab? Did he belong in such esteemed company?
If his play at and responses from the camp are an indication, the answer to both queries are a resounding yes. During action at the event, held June 20-23rd at the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena, Hubbard scored 14 points in his Piston team’s 67-52 Bronze game, semi-final win. That performance – in an important game played during the last day of camp – more or less epitomized his ascendance, as Mo seemed to play with more and more confidence as the event transpired.
Both of his Piston coaches felt the camp allowed Hubbard to realize an important fact; he too is a big-time baller.
“This camp is good for him, because it’s an elevated camp” noted Mark Edwards, an assistant coach at Oxon Hill High School (MD) during the season, and a two year veteran of the NBAPA’s Top 100 Camp. “He’s learned he belongs. He’s just trying to figure out where he fits”.
The team’s co-coach, ex-NBA player Rick Brunson felt similarly, stating “I like Maurice, he can play”, before offering “He can play with these cats” and in doing so, “He’s getting greater confidence”.
Mo, in his laid back fashion acknowledged playing in the event buttressed his feeling of belonging, while also labeling the NBAPA Top 100 “a good experience” in that “We get to learn some new things” from talented coaches and players. One such tip that struck him especially useful was Brunson’s tutelage on “the pick and roll”.
Hubbard responded at the NBAPA’s Top 100 Camp, “Hopefully before this season” upon being asked when his college decision would be made.
While on the court, Hubbard is capable of playing inside and out - posting players and hitting jumpers out to three point land - while also attacking the rim from the elbow area. Mo is currently advancing both is shots range and ability to pat the rock, particularly in traffic, as that will ensure his effectiveness on the next level.
Prior to attending this camp, Hubbard was in his own right highly recruited, with “Temple, St. Joes, Richmond, DePaul, Clemson” and Akron all showing interest, while “Tulane and VCU” had both offered. At the time of the event, Mo felt Temple would soon be added to the second group, as they were on the verge of providing a scholarship offer. Expect interest to increase now.
What is he looking for in a school? Hubbard will rely on a combination of on and off court factors, including “How they play, how they use me, and academics”.
Helping Mo make his choice and shepherding his development is his dad, Phil Hubbard, a former 10 year NBA vet and first round draft pick out from the University of Michigan, who currently serves as an assistant coach with the league’s Washington Wizards.
Growing up so close to the game at a high level, and having a father even closer, is no doubt a benefit to Hubbard, as he can run things by his pops, who will always be able to supply guidance borne of not only experience, but love. The flip side of that boon is people know who is father is, resulting in some envy as well as periodic targeting by other players – in essence some young people go at him hard due to his father.
Hubbard acknowledged he has experienced this double-edged sword, and embraces it. “The even each other out” said Mo of the positive and negative connected with being the son of an NBA player and coach. In his estimation, the pros include “Always being around the game and people in it”, while the disadvantages are “Always being in his name”, plus dealing with the jealousy and increased scrutiny.
His way of dealing with the negatives, has been to forge his own identity, or as Mo put it “make my name established”. If his development at Westfield along with AAU/travel team ball, and the increased confidence regarding being an elite player nationally gained during the NBAPA’s Top 100 are any indication, Hubbard has succeed in becoming his own entity.
And that’s a good person in a good situation, on and off the court.