Spring Snapshots, Pt. 2

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 15, 2007 - In part 2 of Spring Snapshots, i95Ballerz.com covers several players who, though not household names, are solid athletes in their own right:

Ron Anderson

Ron Anderson, 6’6”, 240 pound forward/center: A fundamental frontcourt player with a good feel for the game, Anderson, a junior, attended the McCallie School (TN) last year, but will possibly transfer this upcoming season.

Hailing from Upper Marlboro, MD, Anderson has great low post moves, while doing the little things which allow a team success, such as rebounding, passing, playing physically, and embracing that role.

“He’s so coachable, it’s not even funny” said Butch Cherry, Anderson’s coach with DC Assualt. “He’s one of those young guys that are a throwback. Loves to talk strategy, ask what he did wrong, and what he needs to do to improve”.

At the Southern Invitational, Anderson indicated “Texas A&M, South Florida, and Drexel” had all shown interest. Expect that list to grow.

Florida Elite's Steve Coleman (left) and Matt Sauey

Steve Coleman, 6’4”, 195 pound guard: Likes to push the ball offensively, while also defending well and shooting jump shots; essentially, he’s an all-around performer at either point or shooting guard. Florida Elite coach, John Liptak, shared during the Weber Spring Fling despite “coming off an injury (jumpers knee) and not being full strength” Coleman still displays “a little shake and bake to his game”, which amongst other things entails the ability to “pull up and shoot” and utilize “quickness”.

After a high school season at Eau Galle (FL) in which the junior averaged 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and four steals – a testament to his all around ability – Coleman noted “Miami and Ole Miss” have offered, while Auburn and USF are strongly interested. He will commit by the end of the summer.

Matt Sauey – 6’7”, 190 pound forward: Can play the three or four in college, depending on level. Finishes with strong layups, and likes to play hard. According to John Liptak of Florida Elite, “Matt’s always around the ball. Once he gets stronger, he’ll be a great player”. He should know, as Liptak coaches against Sauey in high school (last season as a junior, Matt averaged 15.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks for Florida’s Trinity Catholic).

The left handed Sauey has a penchant for getting everyone involved, which has been noticed by Columbia, Southern Methodist, UCF, and Cornell. According to him strong “academics are a good thing” in terms of choosing a school, as is playing time. Sauey did not know when he would commit.

Arman Wilson

Arman Wilson - 6’3”, 185 pound shooting guard/small forward mix: Wilson came off the bench as a junior at South Brunswick High School this year, where he shared an average of “about 10 points a game”. That in part, was due to that school’s talented and deep roster.

Despite that, and based upon his ability to both attack the rim and shoot the long ball, as well as defend the passing lanes, Wilson indicated he has received an offer from “Siena”, along with interest from Holy Cross, Brown, and Princeton. Plays for Ian Turnbull, Sr., and Team CJEOTO during the spring and summer.

Lloyd Daniels Rebels with Jonathan Kohler, second row, far right.

Lloyd Daniels Rebels – Monmouth County, NJ: One of the best players in New York City high school history, former NBA baller Lloyd ‘Sweet Pea’ Daniels has re-entered the hoops world, this time in AAU/travel team ball. Meet the Lloyd Daniels Rebels.

“When I moved to Monmouth county, I wanted to work with kids” said Daniels of the team he coaches. “I’ve worked with these kids since 5th grade. They are 16 and under’s playing up”.

The Rebels, though undersized and playing against older kids, displayed major heart and competitiveness, while clearly responding to Daniels’ coaching. Leading the team as 6’5”, 180 pound swingman Jonathan Kohler. Kohler did practically everything for the squad at various times, including shooting, driving, rebounding, and defending. “He’s tough” said Daniels of Kohler. “He has a good all around game...Holy Cross and Farleigh Dickinson are interested. He (also) got a letter from Harvard”.