DC/B’More Talent Shines at NBAPA Top 100 (Pt 2)

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 24, 2008 - As a companion to Part 1, following are seven more DC/Baltimore players who participated in the recent National Basketball Players Association Top 100 Camp, held at the University of Virginia

Terrell Vinson, senior, Montrose Christian, sf, 6’6’, 205 lbs – Having worked tirelessly on expanding his perimeter skills, Vinson is starting to reap the benefits as he was tabbed best all around by the camp’s counselors: Initially a post type player, Vinson is now a swingman capable of not only shooting, but handling the rock with both hands, and defending in space.

Hairston gets off a shot between two defenders, one of which is B'More's Josh Shelby (back).

Josh Hairston, junior, Courtland, p/wf, 6’8”, 215 lbs – The NBAPA Top 100 is just the event for Hairston, as it not only showed what he can do – run the floor, face up, play hard, defend – but also what he needs to further develop – strength, ball handling. Hairston is poised to become one of the best players in the East by next year.

Eric Atkins – junior, Mt. St. Joes, combo guard, 6’1”, 165 lbs – After a rough start adjusting to the camp’s physical, athletic and individualistic style of play, Atkins started to show what he can do in the event’s latter stages: Eric defended, rebounded, and shot well to close the camp.

Ian Hummer (with ball) got his sea legs so to speak as the camp progressed.

Kendall Marshall – junior, Bishop O’Connell, pg, 6’3”, 170 lbs – Having committed to UNC last year, Marshall is not in the recruiting wars per se, but nevertheless continues to show his ability to drive (particularly from the left) and shooting skill. Marshall’s best attribute is his understanding of how to get teammates shots, when and where they can score.

Ian Hummer, senior, Gonzaga, p/sf, 6’5”+, 220 lbs - A rugged, skilled player, Hummer also had to adjust to camp play, which he did well by coupling his mid-range game with interior physicality. Hummer will likely play in the Ivy League, where he will be star.

Rodney McGruder could have been named the sleeper of this year's NBAPA Top 100 Camp.

Wally Judge, senior, undecided, p/sf, 6’8”, 220 lbs – Judge, a talented player who is ever expanding his game, had an up and down camp; at times he was dominating, and at other moments not greatly effective. The reason for this disparity was at times not letting the game come to him, a point he acknowledged. When Judge uses his tremendous posting, facing, rebounding and floor running skills, well, judiciously, he’s one of the best players in America. Expect him to show that in 2009 at Kansas State.

Rodney McGruder, senior, Carroll, sf, 6’5”, 190 lbs - McGruder was another player that did what he does and benefited resultantly – throughout the camp Rodney slashed to the cup, as well as hit open jumpers. Moreover, he defended and rebounded, all demonstrated traits of his. McGruder will join Judge at Kansas State, where he will also bring his prodigious work ethic to Manhattan.