DC/B’More Talent Shines at NBAPA Top 100 (Pt 1)

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 23, 2008 – Once again the National Basketball Association Players Association’s Top 100 Camp concludes, and once again talented players from the DC/B’More area show why the area is so coveted by recruiters nationwide. Here’s a brief rundown of many of them, with more coverage to follow.

Dante Taylor, senior, National Christian, c/pf , 6’8”, 220 lbs – Taylor excelled at what he does – rebound, defend, attack the rim, run the floor – and for his efforts was awarded best big man in camp. Going into next year, Taylor has to be considered not only the best center/power forward prospect in the Capital Region, but one of the tops on the East Coast as well.

Isaiah Philmore, senior, undetermined, sf, 6’7”, 210 lbs – Philmore is another player in the process of expanding his game, and it shows, as the previously hard playing, undersized (for high major college ball) power forward is now becoming a future college small forward. Throughout the camp, Philmore competed at a high level, and continues to work on his outside shot.

Erick Green goes up for a layup.

Erick Green – senior, undetermined, pg, 6’3”, 165 lbs – Formerly more of a shooting guard, Selby, who will attend Virginia Tech in 2009 has become a point guard who can score, truly a valued skill set in the ACC. Expect him to find teammates, drive, and hit open jumpers in Blacksburg.

Josh Selby – junior, DeMatha, combo guard, 6’2”, 175 lbs – Selby is known for an irrepressible, competitive spirit, which he brought to Charlottesville, VA and the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena, home of this year’s NBAPA Top 100 Camp. Currently working into more of a point guard for college ball, Selby brought illustrated those sensibilities in camp action, though they are still a work in progress. Couple a point guard mentality with his athleticism and offensive aggressiveness, and the sky’s the limit for Selby.

Josh Selby is seen here creating, while Philmore (left) and Green (trailing) defend.

Brian Oliver – senior, undecided, sf, 6’6”, 205 lbs – A future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket, Oliver has become a good shooter after several years ago being a post player. He is able to use those post instincts to battle inside, a plus for someone in the ACC.

Dante Taylor (defending) and Christian Webster go at it in drill work.

Christian Webster, senior, Landon, sg, 6’3”, 190 lbs – Having played in a conference in which large post players are not common, Webster had to adjust to NBAPA Top 100 play, which to his credit he did; as the event progressed, Webster hit open shots, drove, and rebounded. Ivy League schools are all over Christian.

Tamir Jackson, senior, St. Benedicts, guard, 6’2”, 180 lbs – Some believe Jackson to be a shooting guard, others a point, but the future UAB student athlete can do both, as he demonstrated the ability to shoot and pass throughout the event. He is a steal for that program.