Reebok’s D.C. Headliner Tryout Camp Standouts

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 4, 2008 – As a companion piece to i95Ballerz.com’s Top Five listing, following are D.C. Headliner Tryout Camp Standouts; young student-athletes who distinguished themselves at the event, held at the fabulous Hoop Magic Sports Academy in Chantilly, VA last weekend.

These listing are compiled by upper and under class standing, at this moment in time. Additionally, a catchall category is provided as well.

The lists are independent from Reebok’s official choices to attend prestigious invitation-only camps this summer - their All-American and Breakout confabs - the stated reward for those excelling in Headliner Tryout Camp play. For those official selections, click here.

Present Upperclass Standouts

Tyshawn Bell – Standing around 6’6”, Bell, a rising senior, has not only the height, but size to play swingman in college. During Headliner action he repeatedly scored around the tin when called upon. In the future, Bell, a First State resident, needs to strengthen his handle to ensure high major success at small forward.

Greg Benjamin is a coach on the floor.

Gregory Benjamin, Jr. – Benjamin, a 5’11” rising senior floor general from Newark, DE plays high school ball for his father and performed like it. Resultantly, his game appeals to the purist, as Gregory is always under control, sets up his teammates well, defends (including taking charges in camp, which is virtually unheard of), and shooting. A cerebral player, Benjamin must continue to get stronger in his upper body, as that will facilitate penetration at the next level well.

Erique Gumbs – A face up center standing around 6’9”, Gumbs showed why he is so highly regarded in Delaware, as he shot midrange shots, and attacked the goal. Gumbs, a rising senior also defended, but at times didn’t constantly get back in transition. He will also will focus on posting more, which will open his game up given his sizeable frame.

PJ Lockeridge – Going into a post graduate year, Lockeridge, originally from Wisconsin and the cousin of NBA All-Star Caron Butler, has a quick first step that he frees himself to use after herky-jerky dribbling action, and generally finishes hard. PJ also has decent shooting range, though his jumpshot’s mechanics need refinement. In prep school, expect the 6’5’ swingman to improve his decision making, including when to dribble and when to give up the rock.

David Thomas – A 5’10” combo guard out of Woodbridge, VA, Thomas came into the camp unknown, but impressed many with his dribbling and shooting abilities, which he displayed in both drills and games: In one station that was a variation of the playground game ‘horse to ten’, in which multiple players take turns guarding a guy one on one until he misses, while the offensive player can only take three dribbles before shooting, Thomas excelled. Going into his senior year, Thomas needs to define himself as a point guard, thereby ensuring more college looks.

Percy Woods Jr. – This lightening quick, 5’10” rising senior combo guard saved his best for Sunday, when he not only attacked the rim and displayed shooting range, but repeatedly found teammates for slams, including one assist in which he bounced the ball off the floor for an alley oop. Woods, who hails from Maryland, has indicated he will concentrate on being a point guard (given his size), and off-hand dribbling.

Present Underclass Standouts

Blake Bozeman – Long known as a lights out shooter, Bozeman has greatly improved his handle, and now can display excellent vision, passing, and court savvy. As a 6’1’ rising junior, Bozeman, son of Morgan State University’s coach, has a good feel for the game, and must continue improving his overall quickness.

Blake Bozeman's hard work is paying off.

Keith Crockett – Having always played two guard, the 6’1” Maryland resident has now set aim at becoming a point guard with good results; strong and athletic, Crockett can drive, where he is able to find teammates. Also capable of defending, Keith, a rising junior, will benefit from increased experience at the point, thereby learning the nuances of the position.

Markee Mazyck – As a strong 6’5” rising junior, currently Markee’s strongpoint offensively is turning and facing from foul line extended, where he then uses solid, economical footwork to get to the cup. He will also defend anyone and always competes. Going forward Mazyck must improve the range of his jumpshot and ball handling abilities.

Eugene McCrory – As a Washington, DC area forward/center standing around 6’6”, what McCrory makes up for in height, he compensates with activity, aggression, and heart; it was routine to see him beat competing big guys down the floor for dunks. Next, the rising junior needs to improve upon his footwork in the paint, thereby allowing him to take the next step.

Victor Olidipo – A rising junior, if not for the strength of the Top Five, would have been included. Always able to defend, rebound, pass, and scrap, the athletic 6’2”+ Maryland guard displayed deft shooting touch in drills and games, and also the ability to drive. Given the physical nature of his game, Victor needs to get stronger, in addition to maturing offensively.

Stephen Wing – Hailing from the Woodbridge, VA area, Wing is a strong 6’4” swingman that likes to attack the cup. As a rising junior, Stephen needs to diversify his attack, including expanding his jumpshot’s true range to three point land, and strengthen his handle. Physically Wing is on the top side of the charts, using those gifts to bang and defend.

Have To Give Them ‘Dap’ Too

Devin Ballam – Freshman guard is skilled and will compete
William Bunton – Junior swingman was one of the best dunkers, at around 6’2”
Tim Floyd – Sophomore PG is on the forward curve in terms of savvy
Matt Gorski – Tall freshman will battle and showed promise
Max Lennox – Sophomore guard loves to slash to the hoop
Ibn Muhammad – Sophomore PG is tricky and skilled
Denzell Primus – Freshman PG is a speedster
Billy Rowland – Sophomore forward likes to pound the rims
Myles Tate – Diminutive eighth grader showed he belonged with the big boys