Philly
USA Classic
(. . .Under the Microscope)
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PHILLY USA CLASSIC PREVIEW
By Jon "Duck" Gray, FLC grad (of "Jon FLC" fame)
Freshman Game
Public
Andrew Jerry, Olney- A little guard
- who impressed me - when I saw him on March 1st vs. Frankford. This
left-handed point man can shot it and also showed himself as an excellent passer as well.
He needs to mature physically but he reminds of Zakee Smith, who played at FLC. When Smith
was a freshman, he was only about 5 feet tall, but you could tell that with a growth
spurt, he could be a star. In this All-Star game, it will be interesting to see how
aggressive he is against the other freshmen.
DeSean White, Strawberry Mansion – Talent galore in this 6-6
forward. In this game, it will be interesting to see if he wants to take it at the
Non-Public big men, Haddon El and Charron Fisher. He should own the boards in this game.
In addition to other things, it will be paramount that he seems personable with his
teammates, so that some of his critics can hush up.
Matthew Walden, Simon Gratz – A 6-8 freshman center from
Simon Gratz. He played junior varsity, so this is a potential coming out party. Hopefully,
he brings his game because everybody is curious. I have heard rumors that he is a
shot-blocker, I would love for him to host a "Block Party" at LaSalle on
Saturday.
Non-Public
Richard "Tabby" Cunningham, St. John
Neumann – He could and another exclamation point to his solid freshman year. Like
Maureece Rice, last year, who dominated this game last year, Cunningham comes into the
game as a much-ballyhooed Championship game hero. If he dominates this game, he will have
a mental edge on every classmate until they can catch up. Can they can him?
Charron Fisher, Roman Catholic- A junior varsity superstar. It
would be interesting to see his other skills. In the jayvee action, I saw him exclusively
on the block. He has a thick body and may not grow much more. If he knocks down a couple
deep jumpers watch out, Catholic League.
Zack Zeglinski, Penn Charter – Have not seen him, but I expect
this kid to shine, because he was considered by some to be one of the top players in the
Inter-AC (outside of Germantown Academy). He played for a poor Penn Charter squad (sorry
Ted) and probably has something to prove.
Sophomore Game
Public
Tasheed Carr, University City- A tall
point guard with big time potential. He is often left out of the discussion when it comes
to the top point guards in the 2003 class. He has a lot of savvy and in an All-Star game
he has the potential to dazzle with his floor general skill.
Darnell Corbitt, Ben Franklin – Don’t pass on this kid
his stock is rising, similar, to Apple in the early 80’s and Pfizer a couple years
ago. He is a blue chip prospect in my mind. I think he could be the player everybody
leaves the gym talking about. He could have his own PO Box after the college scouts see
him now. When I saw him early in the year, I was thought good player - then after another
viewing- I decided Beanie Sigel would call him, the truth.
Maureece Rice, Strawberry Mansion- Last year, this guy was unreal. He
was making people want to see him and Dajuan Wagner go toe to toe. He shouldn’t
dominate like he did last year; a lot of players have stepped up their games to challenge
the "King of the 2003 class." If Maureece dominates again this means that he is
still improving and the entire country would have to recognize his immense talent.
Non-Public
Jordan Ingram, Archbishop Carroll – With
all the attention given to a cadre of high quality bunch of guards in this class, Ingram
one of the top defensive players in recent memory, is overshadowed. In this game, I
envision city guards trying to take the ball into the lane and this "eraser"
sending the ball to Broad and Olney. If he shows improved offensive skills, he moves
further up the ladder.
Kevin Lauer, St. John Neumann – This guy has big time sleeper
written all over him. He has solid fundamentals, which I saw when he played a couple of
junior varsity games. I can see him impressing people because in practice he battled with,
Brandon Brigman and Michael Haddix. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lauer turns his share
of heads.
Jason Tucker, Germantown Friends – When I first saw Tucker play
this year, I left very impressed and wrote TedSilary.Com analyst Ed "Huck"
Palmer and said I see this guy as a similar player to Alvin Williams (GA class of 1993). I
admit that was against that South Jersey juggernaut, Moorestown Friends. Now, if Tucker is
for real, we will see this Saturday. He is often unfairly compared with Jonathan
"Hitman" Haynes, who was an All-American at GFS in 1990.Has a nasty spin dribble
move.
Junior Game
Public
Mike Cook, Friends’ Central –
This guy might be the guy, ten years down the line people will associate with Philly
basketball. He is a 6-5 215 pound perimeter player. He handles the ball like a point. He
can shoot and he can pass like crazy. My memory fails to think of a player with his build
with his skills. I remember seeing a snippet on Scholastic Sports America, of a kid a
couple years ago, Schea Cotton. That is the only player who I can remember that can do
what Cook can do. If he focused, on inside play a little more, he could remind people of
Charles Barkley.
London Houston, Franklin Learning Center – His nickname should be
Rip Van Winkle, because people are sleeping on him. Only seen him once but was impressed.
He can handle many top players inside the paint. Also, he can run the floor like a deer.
He can be a huge factor down the line; he does need to improve his low block offensive
game to fulfill his promise.
Dahliek Powell, Roxborough – This guy is a high riser. In the
All-Public game besides David "Bone" Bell he led the way with unreal slams. He
can take do more than jump and will need to show people his full arsenal to move his stock
up. Also, Powell, it wouldn’t hurt to see you concentrate on little things, like
rebounding and passing, to show his floor knowledge.
Non-Public
Michael Haddix, St. John Neumann- He could prove in this game
that he is an Atlantic 10- low Big East prospect This left handed forward has a solid low
block game and a high basketball intelligence. He also, is quietly competitive, and shows
up in big games. I expect him to make his presence known defensively as well.
Marcus Green, Simon Gratz –He is coming to the Public League
champions – Simon Gratz Bulldogs. I will be looking at this guy to show the Public
League players that he is the real deal. This is important because city kids look for any
advantage mentally. He is said to be another live body player with a high upside. He could
spell disaster for Public League defenses.
Matt Walsh, Germantown Academy – He is the top gun, the guy is
ranked in the top 30 players in America, in his class. That puts him within striking
distance for the McDonald’s All-American game. Also, it puts a big bullseye on his
back for opposing players who want to challenge him to make a name for them. Walsh would
be served well, if he takes it to the competition, with the full variety of his skills.
It should be an excellent tripleheader. I think the middle game
is going to be the best of three. Also, mad props to Mar for selecting these quality
clubs. I only see one player that I thought should be playing left off. (Ronald Davis,
Murrell Dobbins) So thanks for reading.
The Breakdown
Freshman
Andrew Jerry -- If the energizer bunny
played basketball he would be thislittle guard from Olney High. He took it to Chris Clark,
Timmy Smith and "Tabby" Cunningham. He hit deep jumpers and displayed a
gnat-like defensive game. Really impressed me.
Charron Fisher -- Was a low-post monster, he is
tough inside. Really impressed me. I wish I could have seen more guard-like play but was
happy to see him please the crowd with rim-rockers.
Bryant Leach -- This guy plays smart; you can
tell because he didn't seem to waste any movement and was an efficient player. Yes, he was
a sophomore in a freshman game but he did what he was supposed to do: play with more
maturity than the players around him. Bartram looks good for next year.
Sophomore
Ben Luber -- Court vision. I'll say it
again, court vision. This kid sees the floor, and rewards people with the ball. He
impressed me more than any other pure point in the Classic. Highly deserving of the
unselfish player award. This is a lot of praise for a suburbanite. Also, has a nice
handle.
Jordan Ingram -- Excellent post defender. Had a
couple blocks and made some free throws. Still don't see the offensive repertoire, but is
becoming more of a factor on that end as well. Ingram should have gotten the ball more
often.
Jason Cain -- This kid's nickname should be
"P." Why? The P stands for potential. He only had 5 points, but he must've had 9
blocks. He was a defensive terror; he did a nice job against another high upside forward,
Rob Kurz. Should have gotten the award. He stuck two threes from 23 feet. (one didn't
count) Also, has a lively body, really wish the kids on his team passed to him more often.
Junior
David "Bone" Bell -- What can
you say? Has a chance to be absolutely special. He does need to get stronger, but almost
every high school player needs to. If he has a breakout summer, it would be reminiscent of
Tracy McGrady in '96 (Mt. Zion Class of 1997). He came from being ranked in the 200's to
the top Prep player in the nation. McGrady is only 21, and I have to admit, Bell makes you
wanna say "Baby McGrady."
Mustafa Shakur -- Man, what a player! He must be 6-4
now, (everybody's 6-4 at least to me.) He is a prototypical combination guard. He can
shoot, handle, distribute, and do little things as well. He is a terror going to the
hole,and if you leave him open, he'll stick a "j" in your eye. Pick your poison.
Outplayed Syracuse signee and top 30 national player Gerry McNamara.
Ronald Davis -- This guy not only played well
against McNamara, but also, in some regards embarrassed him. He stripped him, scored on
him, and grabbed rebounds on him. He is 5-6!!!! Are you kidding me? This guy makes you
wonder if he would be better served at a D-III like Chaz Williamson, or a D-I like Miles
Davis. Any way you slice it, this kid can play.
It pays to be quiet -- You can't tell from my
e-mails, but I'm a quiet guy.When you are quiet, you get to hear the greatest
conversations. Littel Vaughn, Amauro Austin and Shawn "Reds" Smith were arguing
with a table of talent evaluators. The evaluators were trying to explain why Shakur hadn't
been invited to a major summer camp (I trust ABCD in Teaneck, New Jersey).Vaughn goes off,
"Eddie Griffin, Dajuan Wagner, Rasheed Wallace, and Kobe Bryant in the last eight
years, and he can't get in." Mar chimes in, "You're basically saying North
Jersey ball is better than Philly ball, and that's dead wrong." Then Smith,
"Franklin beat St. Anthony's too." After about three minutes, Mar turns to
Charles Monroe and I, "Shakur probably gets to go to camp now." You bet, after
the way the Philly guys suggested, how could they resist? The point was made: don't mess
with Philly basketball.