RHI Hoops International Standouts

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Many good players, some with size, attended.

July 12, 2010 – Last weekend’s Radar Hoops International Showcase turned out to be a solid first offering, as despite certain confirmed players not showing it provided college coaches and observers an excellent opportunity to intimately scout players, both those known and flying under the recruiting radar. Playing in Central H.S.’s small gym in Capitol Heights, MD has its benefits.

Showcase organizer Godwin Owinje was in the final analysis, happy, though he expects more next year. “I decided to do this recently” said the former Georgetown player. “I’m going to start planning and publicizing it (for 2011) immediately. It was good, but it will get better”.

Keon Hill, a rising junior point guard was impressed with the level of play or “bump”, saying “I have to get used to this”. He was most awed by the number of big players in attendance. Of the 50+ players that participated, at least 20 were 6’6” or taller.

The following collegiate programs were in attendance: UNC Wilmington, Morgan State, VCU, Seton Hall (head coach and assistant), Delaware, Arkansas, NJIT, Bridgeport, Illinois State, Loyola Marymount, Pitt, Vermont, and State College of Florida.

Attached is the official RHI Showcase All Star listing, while below are some evaluations courtesy of i95Ballerz.com.

MVP: Arnaud Adala Moto, 6’6”, 190 pound forward, Class of 2012, Episcopal – Arnaud was deemed i95Ballerz.com’s MVP because he was simply the most relentless player in attendance; Moto attacked the rim like a budding pro, finishing on everyone. Sure his jumper needs work and he dribbles stiffly sometimes, but for this kid the sky’s the limit. Oh yeah, he will defend, rebound and accept any challenge.

Adala Moto Arnaud on the attack.

Phil Hawkins, 6’1”, 190lb point guard, Quality Education Academy (NC) – Formerly of D.C.’s Eastern High School, expect Hawkins’ to receive a boatload of high major looks at QEA; he can score and dish. Must play hard consistently, but does when dialed in.

Donte Thomas, 6’3”, 185 pound guard, Notre Dame Prep (MA) – During his post grad year at Notre Dame, Thomas must become more of a point guard, which will make this high scoring, solid basketball I.Q. guy even better. Donte should also commit to becoming quicker.

Denis Yandell, 6’4”, 175 pound guard, Erie J.C. – A great finisher who loves to attack the rim. Must get stronger to accept the eventual contact players such as he absorbs, and extend his jumper.

Phil Hawkins with a no look pass. The palyer barely visible in the foreground, is Ajayi Lekan, who Hawkins is scheduled to team with at Quality Education Academy in the fall.

Jean V. Onana, 6’2”, 162 pound guard, Class of 2011, school undetermined – Cameroonian combo guard is solid all around. Must get stronger.

Keon Hill, 5’9”, 150 pound point guard, Class of 2012, Riverdale Baptist – Hill is a push man that gets up and down, dropping dimes along the way. He’s a good penetrator that said of his improving his jumper “I’m putting up shots everyday…at school and at home”.

Henry Uwadiae, 6’11”, 210 pound center, Class of 2012, Findlay Prep – A lefty, Uwadiae is raw yet runs the floor well.

Ata Robinson, 5’11, 165 pound point guard, Class of 2011, Newark Eastside – Quick floor leader/scorer that will attack the rim and finish via layup in heavy traffic, while also hitting occasional outside shots. Robinson must get stronger, and said of his development plan “I have to improve every aspect of my game”.

Kalusha Ndoumbe, 6’7”, 220 pound forward, Class of 2011, New Hampton Prep – Kalusha is a very aggressive player, one that revels in establishing position and banging. He also hustles. Must become more acclimated to American ball’s pace, which will allow him to show his reported skills. Must also uses his body intelligently on defense. Will finish hard.

Ata Robinson (with ball) and Chris Mozee go at it.

Abubakar Sadiq, 6’4”, 180 pound guard, Class of 2011, Episcopal HS – Two guard can shoot and drive. Strength needs to improve.

Gordon Trevoughn, 6’10”, 180 pound forward, Erie J.C. – Skinny and in need of strength, Gordon still makes an impact on the court with his shooting skill, out past three ball land.

Blaise Mbargorba, 6’11, 218 pound power forward, Class of 2011, St. Benedicts – Long, fairly athletic player from Garoua, Cameroon, Mbargorba is active and had a pretty good drive for the ball. Must develop his footwork and other technical skills. Indicated Rutgers and B.C. have offered, with the likes of Pitt, Providence, Columbia, Houston and Virginia Tech being interested.

Olajuwon Lewis, 6’1”, 145 pound combo guard, Class of 2012, Riverdale Baptist – This solid combo guard can shoot and drive, but must become stronger for college ball. Plays with a sense of ‘swag’.

Dequan Jones, 6’5”, 200 pound guard, Erie J.C. – Strong and aggressive, Jones has to bone up on his jumper.

Tola Lowal, 6’2”, 210 pound guard, Erie J.C. – Displays snazzy ball handling moves while penetrating to the hoop. Needs to reduce the ball ‘sticking’ with him.

Ed Brown, 6’7”, 225 pound forward, Erie J.C. – Maybe the Showcase’s sleeper, Brown is fairly athletic, can finish and will bang. Needs to likely incorporate mid-range shots and moves into his game (or at least he didn’t display them).

Chris Mozee, 6’4”, 200 pound forward – Not playing last year at Ballou HS (DC), Mozee was rusty but still impressed with his toughness. By Showcase’s end showed he can still hit shots, strap up defensively, and rebound. Might be headed to prep school.

Lekan Ajayi , 6’8”, 210 pound forward, Class of 2011, Quality Education Academy – Lekan is a long finisher with a very active motor; he likes to mix it up. Needs to develop his footwork and shooting release.