Saturday, August 30, 2008

News and Notes 8/30/08 10:30 PM

-The Michigan game didn't have all the recruits that were expected to come. Trey Ziegler, couldn't make it because of flight problems from Atlanta, but will be at next weekends game. One of America's elite freshman, Ray Lee also couldn't make it. Alex Gauna, Michigan's top 2010 big man, also didn't come.

-Speedy Walker, Director of The Family has given me updates on the premier guards in his program. 2010's Mike Talley, a 5'9 PG from Melvindale Business & Technology, school list includes Iowa, Iowa State, Detroit, Penn St., Dayton, Miami (OH), Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. 2010's Kavonte Martin, a 6'2 SG from Birmingham Brother Rice, school list includes Dayton, Michigan, UNC-Wilmington, Central Michigan, and Miami (OH). 2011's Carlton Brundidge, a 6'1 CG from Southfield, school list includes Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (FL), Ohio State, Xavier, and Oregon.

LD

Friday, August 29, 2008

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Chase Simon, who was one of the top 10 Players in Michigan's loaded 2007 class, decided to transfer to Detroit today. Out of high school, Chase was being recruited by high majors, and opted to go with Ernie Ziegler at Central Michigan, who is one of the best mid-major recruiters in the biz. Chase decided to transfer from Central Michigan last year, but has landed at Detroit with Ray McCallum. Detroit will quickly shoot to the top of the Horizon League with the players they have acquired since McCallum took over the reigns at U of D. Remember, they also signed 7'3 Jason Bennett who was a Top 100 prospect out of high school in 2006, Eli Holman a 6'10 PF who played at Indiana last year, but red-shirted; also 6'7 Thomas Kennedy from Mott JC (Flint, MI), who was a JC All-America, as well as other good players. So it looks like the U-D Program is on the up and up.

Other Detroit Titan tidbits

-Detroit is in 6'9 2009 PF James Still's Top 5 along with Baylor, Purdue, Providence, and Marquette. Still, would be a Top 100 prospect nationally if he was stronger. He started the AAU season off with The Family, before switching over to the Detroit Fire.

-Detroit is also targeting in the 2009 class 6'3 Wing Bobby Lewis from Mott JC as well as 6'7 PF DeAndre Neely from Mott JC. Bobby played at Saginaw High while DeAndre played at Detroit Central. The Titans also like 6'1 SG Mike Green from Saginaw High in the 2009 class as well.

-The Titans main targets for the 2010 class right now is 5'9 PG Mike Talley from Melvindale Busineess & Tech, 6'10 C Corey Petros from Utica Eisenhower, and 6'7 SF Mohommed Conde from Belleville.

Campus Visitors 8/30/08

The Michigan Wolverines will play host to some of Michigan and New England's Top Talent tomorrow as the following recruits will be attending their opening game:

Trey Ziegler 2010 6'5 G Mt. Pleasant (May not be able to make it, due to being out of town)
Ray McCallum 2010 6'1 PG Country Day
Alex Gauna 2010 6'9 PF Eaton Rapids
Matt Kaminiecki 2010 6'8 F Clarkston
Evan Smotrycz 2010 6'9 F New Hampton Prep (NH)
LaDante Henton 2011 6'5 F Lansing Eastern
Tommie McCune 2011 6'8 F Saginaw High
Amir Williams 2011 6'10 C Country Day
Matt Poches 2011 6'4 Wing Hartland
Christian Vaughn 2012 6'2 PG St. Mark's (Mass)
Ray Lee 2012 6'2 SG Robichaud
Jordan Hare 2012 6'6 Wing Saginaw High
Kevin Marshall 2012 6'6 F Saginaw High
Dorian Dawkins 2013 5'10 PG Saginaw Central Middle

News and Notes 8/29/08 4:16 PM

-Steven Haney, won the poll for being the best young player in Michigan, which was voted on by the fans. Haney is a 6'4 Wing, who can stroke the 3-ball as good as anyone in his class. Haney, who is from the Lansing area, is loaded with potential, and high major D1s have already started paying attention.

-It looks as if the leader for 6'5 2009 Wing Roger Franklin from Duncanville, TX/High is UCLA. Expect Franklin to take visits to UCLA, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Arizona, and Michigan St. But people are saying, if the Bruins push hard for Franklin, he is theirs. Franklin is a top 75-100 player in the 2009 class. He has a work-horse inside-outside game, and maybe even more effective in the inside, as that is the position he played all his life, until moving out a little more on the wing this year.

-Givon Crump, a 6'7 2009 CF from Wolfeboro, NH/Brewster Academy will take visits to Michigan, Oregon State, and Rutgers. The word is his current favorite is Oregon State. Crump is a very good out-side shooter, and could make a few time transition to the wing, with added speed and quickness; right now he is a defensive liability on the wing. He is among the Top 30 forwards nationally in the 2009 class.

-Markus Kennedy, a 6'9 2010 C from Elizabeth, NJ/St. Patrick's recruiting stock is steadily rising. Although I have him in my top 100 players nationally, he still is a sleeper to some. Expect that to change as he will be playing at St. Patrick's this year with top players like North Carolina commit, 6'3 2009 SG Dexter Strickland, 6'7 2011 Phenom Wing Mike Gilchrist, and high major 2010 PG Kyrie Irving. According to Matt Pauls, the director of Team NJ ABC, the travel team Kennedy stars for, Markus has offers from Villanova, Rutgers, Penn State, Miami, Xavier, and St. John's. His two leaders at the present time are Villanova and Rutgers. As he gets into better shape, and loses some weight, expect Markus to be one of the elite centers nationally in the 2010 class.

-BOTBScouting Contributor, Alex Schwartz, attended the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Classic, and came away with lots of recruiting lists. 6'8 Wing Laquinton Ross from Jackson, MS/Murrah, arguably the top player nationally in the 2011 class, recruiting list is Texas, Florida, USF, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Alabama, Syracuse. His current favorites are all the schools in Mississippi (Mississippi State, Ole Miss), Baylor,and Texas. Derrick Favors the 6'9 2009 Man-child PF recruiting list is Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Florida State, Memphis, UCLA, UConn, North Carolina State,Kentucky,and Kansas. Expect Favors to go to either Georgia or Georgia Tech. Schwartz has great info on his very own blog, and it can be found at blog.northstarbball.com

-Vote on the new poll, and SUBSCRIBE to the BOTBScouting Newsletters, for all the up to date National Player Rankings, Michigan Player Rankings, Team Rankings, Recruiting Updates, Player Interviews, and much more. This site is just a little of what we offer. Our newsletters, which are sent through e-mail is second to none, in the recruiting website business.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

News and Notes 8/26/08 4:37 PM

-Memphis should continue to be amongst the top teams in the country in the next few years because of a player they picked up today. CJ Henry, big brother of Xavier Henry a 6'6 Wing from Oklahoma City, OK/Putnam City, and the #4 player in the country by Best of the Best Scouting, has decided to play basketball with the Tigers instead of the Kansas Jayhawks. Of course, Xavier's co-leaders are Memphis and Kansas. But with his big brother on the team, I would bet that he picks Memphis. CJ, was drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft by the NY Yankees, but his been injury prone ever since. He will still play baseball in the summers while at Memphis. But here is also something interesting, I have heard that Kansas may be thinking about hiring Xavier and CJ's father, Carl as the director of basketball operations. Some even say he is the leader for the job. The job is now open because Ronnie Chalmers, father of Mario Chalmers, resigned after his son declared early for the NBA Draft this year. Pretty interesting stuff!

-Jamil Wilson a 6'7 Wing from Racine, WI/Horlick, a Top 30 player nationally in the 2009 class, by Best of the Best Scouting, is considered by many a virtual lock for Michigan State. Wilson is incredibly athletic, a great ball handler for his size, and a superb passer. He was hurt a good portion of this summer though. Michigan State, already a perennial powerhouse, is starting to get to the point, where they get basically whoever they want. Delvon Roe-Check, Keith Appling-Check, Derrick Nix-Check, the Spartan staff is getting it done, huge props to Izzo, Monty, DJ, and Garland. Can you imagine a team with Kalin Lucas, Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, Delvon Roe, Korie Lucious, Draymond Green, Jamil Wilson, Derrick Nix, Keith Appling, and Garrick Sherman. Pretty scary!

-Expect Texas A&M to start recruiting 6'9 PF Nate Lubick from Southborough, MA/St. Mark's. Basically everyone is trying to recruit this kid. He's bigtime!

-Indiana, may be down talent wise right now, but don't expect that to last for long. Matt Carlino a 6'2 Combo Guard in the 2011 Class from Scottsdale, AZ/Highland committed to Tom Crean and the Hoosiers over the weekend. Carlino is a Top 25 player nationally right now, and I can't see him finishing off his high school career any lower than Top 50. Indiana, reportedly is also in the lead for potential-pro Christian Watford a 6'9 F from Birmingham, AL/Shades Valley, although Watford may not be the best player right now, he has a tailor-made NBA small forward game. Also Indiana, has shot up very high on 6'6 Wing Dominic Cheek's for Jersey City, NJ/St. Anthony's list, and he is amazing; easy top 15 player nationally in the 2009 class. Cheek has taken a greater interest in Indiana because of the recent hire of Roshown McCleod, who is from Jersey City, NJ; and has known Cheek for years. Watch out Big Ten!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

News and Notes 8/24/08 7:23 PM

-Michigan is looking really good for Nate Lubick a 6'8 F from Southborough, MA/St. Mark's and Trey Ziegler a 6'5 G from Mt. Pleasant, MI/High. Both are 2010 prospects, and top 25-30 players nationally.

-Chris Driscoll, General Manager of the BABC elite travel team, has informed us that both of his star 2010 guards Phil Pressey of Dallas, TX/Episcopal School and Gerard Coleman of Tilton, NH/Schools recruiting is in the early stages...but as of right now, Pressey's list includes UCONN, Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Providence. Coleman's has solid offers from UCONN, Louisville,Providence, Kansas State, Boston College, Clemson, Purdue, Wake Forest, LSU and Georgia Tech.

-Darren Washington, a 6'9 2011 C from Detroit, MI/Southeastern has picked up an offer from Cleveland St. Don't be surprised if this kid goes high major. He will most likely be 7 feet, he plays extremely hard, and has a passion for the game. Expect Detroit Southeastern to have 3 high major players in the 2011 class, with Washington, 6'8 PF Percy Gibson and 6'5 G Brandan Kearney.

-Although the Elite 24 Boost Mobile Game was nothing more than a open gym run, and even open gym's have more structure, players that did play well included Lance Stephenson 2009 6'5 Wing Brooklyn,NY/Lincoln, Dominic Cheek 2009 6'6 Wing Jersey City, NJ/St. Anthony's, 2009 Dexter Strickland 6'3 Wing Elizabeth, NJ/St. Patrick's, and Brandon Knight 6'3 2010 PG Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Pinecrest.

-We are hearing that St. John's could be the college destination of 6'6 Wing Kevin Parrom of South Kent, CT/Prep and 6'5 Wing Lance Stephenson of Brooklyn, NY/Lincoln. Expect St. John's recruiting to take off with the recent hires of two New York City travel basketball powerhouse coaches Oz Cross of the NY Panthers and Kimani Young of New Heights.

-Some expect Marc Loving a 6'5 Wing from Toledo, OH/Deveaux Middle to be the best player ever from Toledo. That's saying something since former NBA Player Jimmy Jackson and McDonald's All-American William Buford are both from Toledo. Loving is in the class of 2013.

-Vote on the new poll, and subscribe using the Pay Pal.

LD

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Steven Haney Recruiting Update

I know the headline sounds pretty funny but it is true, Steven Haney a 6'4 Wing from Lansing, MI in the 2013 class is already getting recruited by the most prestigious program in college basketball, the University of Kentucky. Billy Gillespie the Kentucky coach has been known to recruit young, and Haney is one of the players he has targeted.

Haney has took an unofficial visit to Kentucky already. Haney dropped 40 on the highly regarded Spiece-Blackmon 2013 team at a event while playing with his local Michigan Blaze team and that is when Kentucky started recruiting him. Spiece's coach played at Kentucky, and supposedly put in a call to Gillespie about Haney. Haney is a long 6'4 with an advanced offensive game. He is a deadly shooter from outside, and is just a good scorer all around. His dad is a Lansing legend (Steven Haney, SR) who went on to play at Loyola Marymount. And by the way, his cousin on his mom's side just happens to be the best player ever from Michigan, Magic Johnson.

News and Notes 8/20/08 6:10 AM

-Make sure to tune in Friday on ESPNU at 8 PM EDT, to watch the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Game at the legendary Rucker Park. Top players that will be playing include Jared Sullinger 2010 6'8 PF/C Columbus, OH/Northland, Tony Wroten 2011 6'5 Wing Seattle, WA/Garfield, Lance Stephenson 2009 6'5 Wing Brooklyn, NY/Lincoln, and Laquinton Ross 2011 6'8 Wing Raleigh, NC/Word of God Academy, among others. This will be the best all-star game of the summer.

-Omari Lawrence a 6'4 SG from South Kent, CT/Prep is expected to verbally commit to St. John's tomorrow morning after a meeting with Coach Norm Roberts and staff. Lawrence is a Top 100 player, and would have been a Top 5 Player in New York City had he not transferred to South Kent from St. Raymond's in the Bronx.

-Ray McCallum, JR a 6'1 dynamo PG from Country Day in Detroit is really getting love from Kansas and Louisville. His top 2 at this present time are Kansas and Detroit, according to a source close to the situation.

-The University of Detroit is really turning up the heat on two elite junior college players from the powerhouse Mott in Flint, MI. They are 6'3 Wing Bobby Lewis who hails from Saginaw, MI/High and 6'8 PF DeAndre Neely from Detroit, MI/Central. Central Michigan is also on Neely hard, while Butler, Mississippi State are also recruiting Bobby Lewis. Bobby signed with Jackson State out of Saginaw High.

-OK, Memphis may have lost Joey Dorsey inside to the Houston Rockets, but help is on the way. Although I have never seen their recent commitment Will Coleman, the 6'9 PF/C from Miami, FL/Dade JC appears incredibly athletic. Check out his highlights...they are amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iQmIhTxTNo

-Ray Lee a 6'2 2012 Wing from Dearborn, MI/Robichaud and Cameron Fowler a 6'1 2012 G from Detroit, MI/U-D Jesuit, represented Michigan well, last weekend at the Buckeye Prep Report Showcase, Both were named top 5 performers. I may have have Fowler to low in my last rankings... (look for updated ones soon if you have subscribed) Reportedly, Elijah Macon a 6'7 F from Columbus, OH/Marion-Franklin was the top player in the 2012 division, and Marc Loving a 6'5 Wing from Toledo, OH/Deveaux Middle was the top player in the 2013 division.

-Obviously, my readers think that Keith Appling, not Trey Ziegler is the #1 overall player in the state. Keith is bigtime, that's for sure. One thing we can agree on is the best player in Michigan does come from the 2010 class. Although I really do love Keith's game, Trey is still the best player in Michigan, in my eyes. VOTE on the new poll.

-My Boot Camp this pass weekend had lots of talent in it. 6'6 2012 Wing Jordan Hare, 6'6 2012 PF Kevin Marshall, and 6'8 2011 PF Tommie McCune all of Saginaw High, showed why Saginaw is still one of the more talented areas in the state. 5'10 2010 PG Terrance Sherman, 6'4 2011 CG Trey Babers and 6'3 2010 Illinois transfer Malcolm Shaw also were standout campers from Saginaw High. Other standout campers included 2011 6'3 Flint, MI/Hamady Wing Pierre Brackett, 2011 5'9 Connor McCane from Rockford, MI/High, 2012 6'2 PG Christian Vaughn Southborough, MA/St. Mark's, 2010 Mark Maloney 6'3 Wing from Ohio, 2010 Roy Jackson a 6'2 PG from Flint, MI/Hamady, AJ Thomas a 5'9 2010 PG from Saginaw, MI/Heritage, 2011 6'1 SG Jaylen Bland from Saginaw, MI/Arthur Hill and 2013 Dorian Dawkins a 5'10 PG from Saginaw, MI/Central Middle.

-But don't forget about the LADIES! Diamond Tolliver a 5'5 2010 PG from Saginaw High, Porsha Fluker a 5'7 2011 PG from Flint Hamady, Daviel Thomas a 5'6 2010 PG from Saginaw Heritage were also bigtime campers on the female side.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Best Travel Teams Of the 07-08 Year

Although you will have to subscribe to our newsletters (To your right) to get our full rankings, such as players and team, we still feel like we should give you a little taste of what a subscriber gets at Best of the Best Scouting. Therefore, we will give you a profile, on 3 random top travel teams from each shoe companies stable (adidas, Reebok, and NIKE) this year. Now, these aren't our top 3 teams, just a preview. Hopefully this encourages you to subscribe!


New England Playaz
Program Director-TJ Gassnola
Affiliation-adidas
Top Players-Erik Murphy 2009 6'10 PF Southborough, MA/St. Marks FLORIDA, Nate Lubick 2010 CF Southborough, MA/St. Marks, Jason Morris 2010 6'5 Wing Hephzibah, GA/Hotchkiss School (CT), Austin Carroll 2009 6'3 SG Worcester, MA/Academy, Jordan Williams 2009 6'8 PF Torrington, CT/High, Nadir Tharpe 2011 5'10 PG Worcester, MA/Brewster Academy (NH)
Tourney Results-Won adidas Take 5 (Not Platinum Division), Runner Up at Providence JamFest (Silver) Final 8 at adidas Super 64
Key Wins-Atlanta Celtics, DC Assault, New York Panthers, KC Pump N Run
Key Looses-Juice All-Stars, Team Expressions Elite, BABC, Franchize All-Stars
(Word on the street is Carroll and Williams will both reclass into 2010 and be back with the Playaz next year.)

Mac Irvin Fire
Program Director-Nick/Mac Irvin
Affiliation-NIKE
Top Players-Mike Shaw 2011 6'8 CF Chicago, IL/DeLaSalle, Crandall Head 2010 6'5 Wing Chicago, IL/Crane, Terry Johnson 2009 6'1 CG Chicago, IL/St. Rita, Chris Colvin 2009 6'2 PG Chicago, IL/Whitney Young
Tourney Results-Champs at Spiece Run N Slam, Desert Duel Memorial, Chicago Summer Classic. Final Four at NIKE Main Event in Las Vegas.
Key Wins-Atlanta Celtics, Spiece Indy Heat, BeachBall Select
Key Looses-Rising Stars, California Supreme
(Will be even better next year as Shaw and Head, both top 15 players in their classes are back, and another Top 15-20 Wayne Blackshear 2011 6'5 Chicago, Curie and a Top 25-30 Sam Thompson 2011 6'6 Chicago/Whitney Young will also be on the 17s. They will most likely be the best team in the country next year.)

DC Triple Threat
Program Director-Keith Stevens
Affiliation-Reebok
Top Players-Chris Braswell 2009 6'9 PF Chatham, VA/Hargrave, Maurice Creek 2009 6'5 SG Chatham, VA/Hargrave INDIANA
Tourney Results- Final 4 at RBK Summer Championships, Runner-Up at Create or Finish Classic
Key Wins-Nashville Celtics, Franchize All-Stars
Key Looses- Team Breakdown, D-One Sports
(Should be talented again next year, as its 16s finished 2nd at Bob Gibbons, to rival DC Assault)

NOTE- Although we didn't profile them, the hands down best summer PROGRAM in the country is DC Assault. No other program is stacked top to bottom like them, they have high majors on their 2nd teams. The most talented 17u team this year also was Boo Williams. With BWSL I don't even have to name players, just think about this, players that came off their bench are committed to Duke, Clemson, and Virginia.

Premier 2011 Forward Commits


Chane Behanan, a 6'6 CF from Cincinnati, OH/Aiken has committed to his hometown program the Cincinnati Bearcats. It is nice to see that Cincy is getting back to their old ways of getting top players like they did when Bob Huggins was at the helm. Mick Cronin is known as a fantastic recruiter in basketball circles, from his days on Rick Pitino's staff.


Chane is a monster down low, and he has the best body I have seen from a high school freshman. He has tree trunks for legs, and he's amazingly athletic. Even if he doesn't grow a inch, he still will be a big time force in college. If he gets 6'9, LOTTERY PICK! His best attributes are rebounding, finishing through contact, running the floor, and just flat out playing hard.


Chane led his Ohio Basketball Club 15s to Championships at the prestigious Bob Gibbons and Pittsburgh JamFest. They also made it to the Final Four in Vegas at the adidas Super 64. This is a big time player, and a extremely big time get for Mick Cronin and the Cincy staff. -LD

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Scouting Reports from Vegas

Best of the Best Prep Basketball Scouting's Top 5 Players from Vegas:

1. Kenny Boynton 6'2 CG Plantation, FL/American Heritage- Destroyed everyone that stepped out on the floor against him. Led his team to the RBK Summer Championships title, and followed that up with a AAU National Championship, a feat that he helped Team Breakdown also accomplish last year. Right now, may be the most effective player in high school basketball scoring wise, although others may have more NBA Potential. Very aggressive defensively, and plays hard to the final whistle. Needs to go to a college that runs and guns, and we hear Duke may be his final choice. Outside game is very affective, sweet stroke to 25 feet. I would like to see him develop more of a point guard game, that would improve his stock tremendously. Bottom line is, he's a flat out assassin and a flat out winner.

2. Ray Penn 5'10 PG Richmond, TX/Ft. Bend Travis- Playing with the Houston Superstars Ray completely killed everyone in Vegas. Averaging 35 ppg, no one did it like him. He played himself from virtual unknown to a Big 12 PG, as he committed to Oklahoma State right after Vegas. He can score with the best of them, and is insanely quick. Although he wasn't playing with the most talented team, he still did his best to lead his team to victories. At OK ST, he won't have to take all those shots, which will make him look like a better PG. Top 50 player.

3. John Wall 6'4 PG Raleigh, NC/Word of God Academy- The best PG in high school since Derrick Rose. Wall is the total package, once he gets a jumper, its all over. One and done talent. Unbelievably fast with the ball in his hands, and also a very adept, crafty passer. Sometimes goes for the fancy play, but 9/10 times he's still gonna complete the play. His only weakness is his jumper, but he also needs to tighten up his handle. In college they will zone him like Team Breakdown did , so he really needs to tighten up the J. In Vegas, he had games like 30 pts and 10 assists, he's dangerous. Could be a future #1 pick. Baylor is reportedly the leader, as they recently hired his AAU coach.

4. Junior Cadougan 6'0 PG Toronto, ON/Christian Life- TX- Led his Grassroots Canada team to the adidas Super 64 championship, which was a shock to everyone. Pudgy point guard, that is a Khalid El-Amin clone, gets in the paint with ease; and once he's there he does something good with the rock. Leader on the floor at all times, which shows why his team won the chip. Not the most athletic player, but he still gets the job done. Doesn't have a extremely high ceiling like John Wall, but he still figures to be a pretty good college player. Was excellent as a high school freshman, it looks to be back in that form after weight issues. Marquette commit.

5. Derrick Favors 6'9 PF Atlanta, GA/South- Played for the always ridiculously talented Atlanta Celtics in Vegas, and didn't disappoint. Runs the floor extremely well. Sometimes guards on his squad didn't give him the ball, but he still worked hard, i.e. getting rebounds, blocking shots, playing defense; which may have been the most impressive thing that he did. Extremely good shot blocker and rebounder. Help side defense is good at times, which is a surprise in AAU basketball. Needs to improve his mid-range jump shot game, to be more of a threat in high school. Some in the Atlanta area, said during the season that he was better than Dwight Howard, at the same stage, and although he has that type of potential, I don't think he has Dwight's intensity. Big time player, recruitment will ultimately come down to Georgia Tech and Georgia, reports say.


Other players of note- Brandon Knight 2010 6'2 PG Ft. Lauderdale, FL/PineCrest- Team Breakdown, Avery Bradley 2009 6'3 SG Bellarmine, WA/Prep- Northwest Panthers, Abdul Gaddy 2009 6'3 PG Bellarmine, WA/Prep- Northwest Panthers, Tony Wroten 2011 6'5 SG Seattle, WA/Garfield- Seattle Rotary, Laquinton Ross 2011 6'8 Wing Raleigh, NC/Word of God-MBA Hoops Elite, Trey Ziegler 2010 6'5 CG Mt. Pleseant, MI/High- Team Detroit, Nate Lubick 2010 6'8 F Southborough, MA/St. Mark's-New England Playaz, Erik Murphy 2009 6'10 PF Southborough, MA/St. Mark's- New England Playaz, Jordan Williams 2009 6'8 PF Torrington, CT/High-New England Playaz, Joe Burton 2009 6'8 C Hemet, CA/West Valley-Compton Magic, Roberto Nelson 2009 6'4 CG Santa Barbara, CA/High-Compton Magic, Maurice Creek 2009 6'5 SG Chatham, VA/Hargrave-Triple Threat DC, Michael Snear 2009 6'5 SG Moreno Valley, CA/Rancho Verde-Inland RBK

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Nate Lubick Recruiting Update


Nate Lubick a 6'8 F from Southborough, MA/St. Mark's is easily one of the best players in the 2010 class. At 6'8 Nate can shoot, dribble, pass, he's athletic, he is the total package. And his college list shows that we aren't the only people that think he's the real deal.

According to Nate at the present time Nate is considering Michigan, UCLA, Stanford, Norte Dame, Virginia, Georgetown, Duke, Florida, and Texas. While others may still be recruiting him, those are the 9 schools he's considering. Subscribe, to get Nate's favorite from a source very close to the situation.

(Scout.com picture)

LDawkins

New Message Board

The Best of the Best Prep Basketball Scouting Message board can be located at http://botbscouting.proboards59.com/index.cgi. A link will also be posted on the right. Please post your thoughts on everything basketball related!LDawkins

Vote!

A new poll was uploaded! Vote for who you think is the Best Player in Michigan. Poll to your right! VOTE! Also Links was uploaded on the side with the best sites on the web!

LDawkins

Friday, August 8, 2008

Trey and Ray rep Michigan in adidas Event!



Trey Ziegler a 6'5 CG from Mt. Pleaseant and Michigan newcomer Ray McCallum, JR a 6'1 PG from Country Day, both 2010 prospects are down in Dallas, TX until August 12, playing for the United States 2010 National team in the adidas Nations event. adidas Nations is a year round program, composed of primarily adidas kids from adidas travel teams, that competes against other adidas teams. Other teams are the United States 2009 team, Canada, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.


Top players in this event include Lance Stephenson a 6'5 Wing from Brooklyn, NY/Lincoln, Dexter Strickland a 6'3 PG from Rahway, NJ/St. Patrick's, Jared Sullinger a 6'8 PF from Columbus, OH/Northland, Anthony Wroten a 6'4 2011 CG from Seattle/Garfield, Tristan Thompson a 6'8 Wing from Toronto, ON/St. Benedicts (NJ), and Greg Echenique a 6'9 C who recently enrolled in Rutgers, and plays for the Latin America Team. What makes the adidas Nations more exciting is the college players who will play and NBA Players and Coaches who will serve as counselors. College players in attendance include 6'6 USC Frosh Wing DeMar Derozen, 6'5 Tennessee Frosh Wing Scotty Hopson, 6'5 DePaul Soph Wing Dar Tucker, 6'1 UCLA PG Darren Collison, 6'9 Mississippi St. PF Jarvis Varnardo, and 6'6 Pittsburgh Soph PF Dejuan Blair. NBA Players include Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks, Antwan Jamison of the Washington Wizards, and Desmond Mason of the Milwaukee Bucks. Paul Silas former NBA Coaching legend is also coaching the United States 2009 team.
Against Africa, Trey and Ray both had 8 points a piece. Both played well, and the United States 2010 team beat Africa by 30 points.

Lou Dawkins Basketball Boot Camp



DATES: AUGUST 16, 2008
TIME: 8AM-12 NOON (SESSION I MALES) REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 7AM
1PM-5PM (SESSION II FEMALES) REGISTRATION BEGINS AT NOON
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 13, 2008 COST: $30
(Limited space- only 40 spots available) DOOR REGISTRATION $40
GRADES: 6TH-12TH
CAMP STAFF: Camp Director- Coach Lou Dawkins, Saginaw High School
LOCATION: SAGINAW HIGH SCHOOL
CAMP FEATURES: Individual Competitions/Conditioning/Fundamental Drills/Low
Camper-Coach Ratio.
CAMP OBJECTIVES: This camp is designed to help prepare athletes for their schools
basketball tryouts. Campers will be given fundamental instruction to help improve their
ability to play the game of basketball. Campers will also participate in daily drills and
games to work on and improve basic techniques. Conditioning and discipline will also be
emphasized at this camp. Boot Camp is open to all area athletes grades 6th-12th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASKETBALL BOOT CAMP REGISTRATION MAY BE COMPLETED IN
PERSON, OR BY MAIL. NO PHONE REGISTRATION.
RETURN TO: 3100 WEBBER ST.
SAGINAW, MI 48601
ATTENTION: COACH LOU A. DAWKINS
Email: ladawkins@spsd.net
PLEASE PRINT:
CAMPERS NAME
___________________________________________DOB__________________DATE_______________
____
ADDRESS____________________________________________________ZIP_____________PHONE__
____________________
PARENTS NAME______________________________________
EMERGENCY/CELL#_________________________________
AGE_____________GRADE FALL 08__________
1. The undersigned hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue the boot camp
director, its directors, officers, employees, and agents (“the releases”) from all liability to
the undersigned, his or her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any loss
or damage, and any claim or demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property
or resulting in death of the undersigned, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE
RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE while the undersigned is in, upon, or about the premises.
2. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISK OF
BODILY INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES.
3. The undersigned further assumes full responsibility for any lost or stolen items while attending
the boot camp.
The undersigned has read and voluntarily signs the release and waiver of liability and indemnity
agreement, and further agrees that no oral representations, statements, or inducement apart
from the foregoing written agreement have been made.
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE
_____/_____/_____ __________________________________________________
date parent or guardian’s signature

Spartans secure elite Michigan player!


Keith Appling verbally commits!



Spartan head coach can relax a little bit. Keith Appling, Best of the Best's #2 player in Michigan has committed to Michigan State, after considering offers from a slew of other schools including Tennessee, Michigan, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma. Keith is one of the better scorers in the country, and at 6-2 can also play some point guard.


Michigan State has been his dream school since the beginning. In one published report, it states that Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo compared Keith to a former Spartan great, Mateen Cleaves, and a great Spartan player now, Kalin Lucas. Now, Michigan State, can focus on recruiting, 6'5 Trey Ziegler from Mt. Pleasant, MI (High) and 6'5 Brandan Kearney from Detroit, MI (Southeastern). Both are the top players in Michigan in their classes, 2010 and 2011; and both are combo guards.

Post Summer Report

Best of the Best Scouting Service
Post Summer Report

By Lou Dawkins
FREE REPORT

After watching games at the adidas Super 64 and The Reebok Summer Championships, I came away thinking one thing, Michigan high school basketball, may not be as good as it once was, but it is still, per capita, one of; if not the best basketball state in America. The Michigan Mustangs, Michigan Hurricanes, Grand Rapids Storm, West Michigan Lakers, and Camp Darryl where just some of the Michigan travel basketball powerhouses out in Vegas, and each organization had marquee performance from Michigan’s top players. So please don’t believe the myth, Michigan basketball is still filled with talent and great teams. Below is our free Summer Report, which includes scouting reports from Vegas, our Michigan player rankings for the classes of 2009-2012, and the top players in the country, class of 2009-2011, and Top 5 in the country for 2011.

ALL COACHES/FANS NEED TO SUBSCRIBE ASAP, TO RECEIVE THE SEPTEMBER REPORT, WHICH WILL INCLUDE MICHIGAN PLAYER RANKINGS BY POSITION, PLAYER RECRUITING NEWS, SLEEPER REPORT, AND PLAYER INTERVIEWS.

COLLEGE COACH SUBSCRIPTION- $300
FAN SUBSCRIPTION- $100
(All prices are for a year subscription)
(Send cashiers check, money order, or cash to ATTN: Lou Dawkins, Saginaw, MI, 48601, 3100 Webber St)


Las Vegas Scouting Reports

Colin Voss, 6’7 PF, 2010, East Grand Rapids/Grand Rapids Storm- Got it done in Vegas, as a rising junior averaged 8 pts per game against the best competition in the country. Vicious on the boards, and fairly athletic. Football may be his sport, but low-mid major D1 schools should take a look at him for hoops also.

Tommie McCune, 6’8 PF, 2011, Saginaw High/Michigan Mustangs- May be going from potential player to production player. Top 5 player in Michigan’s 2011 class. Went right at 2011 phenom 6’7 Chane Behanan of Ohio Basketball Club in Vegas, and may have won the matchup. High Major Player.

Trey Ziegler, 6’5 G, 2010, Mt. Pleseant High/Team Detroit- Was on a scoring rampage in Vegas. Best player in Michigan, and its not even close. I watched him give adidas powerhouse Team Philly 40 points and made it look easy. Elite High Major Player.

Brandan Kearney, 6’5 G, 2011, Detroit Southeastern/Michigan Mustangs- Because of his potential has to be ranked as Michigan’s best player right now in 2011. Can play both guard spots. Great shooter. Really good player right now, but has the potential to be one of the best Michigan players in a long time. Elite High Major talent.

Doug Anderson, 6’6 PF, 2009, Kalamazoo Central/Michigan Mustangs- If he had guard skills, with his athleticism and intensity on the court, would be a one and done player in college, but he doesn’t; so he’s mid-major. Never takes a play off, which is what I love about him. Pretty good player.

Duke Mondy, 6’3 SG, 2009, Grand Rapids Catholic Central/Michigan Mustangs- The Mustangs 17s go to player. Guarded Lance Stephenson, arguably the best player in the nation, admirably. Probably a mid-major plus guy. But may sneak up on people, and get a high major scholarship, If he plays during the high school season, how he played in Vegas. Good player.

Ben Simons, 6’7 ?, 2009, Cadillac/Grand Rapids Storm- What position is he? Is he quick enough to guard the wing in college most likely not. And that’s why I think he’s a mid major player. Shooting is his forte, but when his shot is off, he’s not the same player. Needs to improve his overall game, but I do like his potential.

Drew Valentine, 6’5 Wing, 2009, Lansing Sexton/Michigan Mustangs- Ultimate glue guy. Just flat out gets the job done! Does all the little things to help your team win. Mid majors should be scratching to get a commitment from him.

James Still, 6’8 PF, 2009, Detroit Community/Michigan Hurricanes- Has also played with Detroit Fire and The Family this year, but this has been his best performance to date on the circuit. Mid major plus guy. Long, bouncy. Plays hard at times. Moaps/whines occasionaly.

Alex Gauna, 6’8 PF, 2010, Eaton Rapids/Michigan Mustangs- Alex is a fundamentaly sound big man, with a super soft touch extending to the 3-point line. High majors should watch, because he most likely will end up on that level. Mid majors should be blowing his phone up. With added toughness/strength easy high major.

Percy Gibson, 6’8 PF, 2011, Detroit Southeastern/Michigan Mustangs- Beast! High major player. If he gets 6’10 its all over. Top 5 player in Michigan’s 2011 class. Left handed, when motivated can be very hard to guard. Him and B. Kearney will be a tough twosome in the years to come.


Michigan Player Rankings


2009
1. De’Sheante Riley, 7’0 C, Detroit Country Day-Potential to bigtime to ignore, no one can replace him as #1 now. I believe one day will be a NBA Player. Georgetown commit.
2. Jordan Morgan, 6’8 PF, U-D Jesuit- Gets results. Should be good in Michigan’s system.
3. Derrick Nix, 6’9 C, Detroit Pershing- Huge! Left handed, the better shape he’s in, the better player. Michigan State commit.
4. Donovan Kirk, 6’7 PF, Detroit Country Day- Loads of potential. Bouncy, tough on the glass. Plays hard. Miami-FL commit.
5. Kallante Miller, 6’5 Wing, Oak Park- I love him because he plays so hard. Long, athletic wing. Locks up on D. Mid Major plus player.
6. Dion Sims, 6’5 Basketball Player, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s- Some have forgotten about him, but I wont be surprised if he’s higher when I update these. Calling is football I believe.
7. James Still, 6’8 PF, Detroit Community- Long, bouncy. If he continues to get stronger, could be high major, some thinks he’s the best in Michigan.
8. Duke Mondy, 6’3 SG, Grand Rapids Catholic Central- If he puts it all together, could go high major because of his ability to shoot.

2010
1. Trey Ziegler, 6’5 G, Mt. Pleasant- Best player in Michigan, Top 10-15 Nationally, McDonalds All-American type talent.
2. Keith Appling, 6’2 G, Detroit Pershing- Scores like we breathe. Top 25-30 Nationally. May sneak into McDonalds game when it rolls around.
3. Ray McCallum, JR, 6’1 PG, Detroit Country Day- True PG. Plays hard. Top 25-30 Nationally, See K. Appling for McDonalds game.
4. Michael Talley, 5’8 PG, Melvindale Business and Tech- Has basketball in his blood. Despite size, still gets it done. Needs to get stronger to be definite high major.
5. Alex Gauna, 6’8 PF, Eaton Rapids- Best big in Michigan. Could be high major. Can really put points on the board.
6. Isaiah Sykes, 6’5 Wing, Detroit Finney- Killed it with the Michigan Hurricanes 17s this year. May be a high major player. Transferred to Finney from Detroit Chadsey.
7. Terrell Clinton, 6’7 G/Wing, Benton Harbor- Could be a special player. 6’7 and can play the point. High major potential.

2011
1. Brandan Kearney, 6’5 G, Detroit Southeastern- Has the potential to be the next great Detroit player.
2. LaDante Henton, 6’5 F, Lansing Eastern- May be the best right now, but needs to develop guard skills. First Team All-State as a freshman.
3. Tommie McCune, 6’8 F, Saginaw High- If he gets stronger, could end up the best.
4. Carlton Brundidge, 6’2 G, Southfield- Tough, strong, when he heats up from behind the arc, tough to stop.
5. Percy Gibson, 6’8 PF, Detroit Southeastern- Tough, strong. High major talent.
6. Amir Williams, 6’9 C, Detroit Country Day- High major. Gets to play against high major bigs everyday at practice. Shot blocker and rebounding extraordinaire.

2012
1. Jordan Hare, 6’6 Wing, Saginaw High- Has the potential to be the best player I have ever coached, and some of my players have ended up at Tennessee, Michigan St, and St. John’s.
2. Kevin Marshall, JR, 6’6 PF, Saginaw High- Also has the potential to be one of the better players I have coached. Size 18 shoe. May get 6’9.
3. Denzel Valentine, 6’4 Wing, Lansing Sexton- Minus the flash, and he’s more effective. Once his body matures, the better he gets.
4. Ray Lee, 6’3 SG, Dearborn Heights Robichaud- Long, very good scorer. Some think he’s the best in Michigan.
5. Cameron Fowler, 6’2 SG, U-D Jesuit- Some think he’s the best in Michigan. Plays on Detroit Fire with Ray. Good scorer.

National Player Rankings
2009
1. Derrick Favors, 6’9 PF, South Atlanta (GA)- Future Lottery Pick, could be the next Dwight Howard.
2. John Wall, 6’4 PG, Word of God (Raleigh, NC)- Super slick and quick. Can score, but also drop dimes. Most athletic PG since Derrick Rose. Lottery Pick.
3. Xavier Henry, 6’6 SG, Putnam City (Oklahoma City, OK)- Scores in bunches. Super strong. Sometimes should pass more. Lottery Pick.
4. Lance Stephenson, 6’5 Wing, Lincoln (Brooklyn, NY)- See Xavier Henry.
5. John Henson, 6’10 PF, Round Rock (TX) NORTH CAROLINA- Could end up being the best player out of this class, once he gets stronger. Lottery Pick.

2010
1. Josh Smith, 6’10 C, Kentwood (WA)- Huge! Soft hands, put on a dunking show against Pumps BTI in Vegas.
2. Brandon Knight, 6’3 PG, Pinecrest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)- Loads of potential. Athletic, smart, unselfish, a coaches dream.
3. Jared Sullinger, 6’8 PF, Northland (Columbus, OH)- Most productive player in this class. If he was as athletic as Tristan Thompson would be #1 player.
4. Tristan Thompson, 6’9 PF, St. Benedicts (Newark, NJ)- If he puts it all together, will be #1. Some thinks he’s the best player now.
5. Harrison Barnes, 6’6 Wing, Ames (IA)- See Brandon Knight.

2011
1. Michael Gilchrist, 6’8 Basketball Player, St. Patrick’s (Elizabeth, NJ)- Can do everything, high energy player. Could reach LeBron James type hype.
2. Tony Wroten, 6’5 G, Garfield (Seattle, WA)- Unbelievable player for his age. May have been the best player in the 2008 adidas Super 64.
3. Laquinton Ross, 6’8 SF, Word of God (Raleigh, NC)- Could be the next T-Mac. Long, smooth stroke.
4. Chris Coleman, 6’10 C, Lee Academy (ME)- Under the radar, phenomenal player. Huge!
5. Mike Shaw, 6’8 F, DeLaSalle (Chicago, IL)- Fundamentally sound player, mainstay on Chicago power Mac Irvin Fire 17u team for 2 years already.