- 166
- 10
^ How is NC State turning it around? They lost there best freshman this year and return a garbage team from last year? They have some big recruits comin in?
College Basketball "off-season" Thread (players leaving/coaching changes/recruiting)
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by wildkycat,
- Start date
- 25,505
- 666
its not going to be a overnight thing for sidney they won 20 games his 1st year and played 500 ball last year. they ant going to be winning the ACC anytimesoon but a couple more big wins for the carolina teams and they could steal players.
- 913
- 10
http://www.usabasketball.com/news.ph...e=08_mu18_team
Named to the USA squad were:
Dominic Cheek (St. Anthony H.S. / Jersey City, N.J.);
JaMychal Green (St. Jude H.S. / Montgomery, Ala.);
Matt Humphrey (Hales Franciscian H.S / Chicago, Ill.);
Ryan Kelly (Ravenscroft H.S. / Raleigh, N.C.);
Malcom Lee (John W. North H.S. / Riverside, Calif.);
Leslie McDonald (Briarcrest H.S./ Memphis, Tenn.);
Mason Plumlee (Christ H.S. / Arden, N.C.);
Travis Releford (Bishop Miege H.S. / Shawnee Mission, Kan.);
Kemba Walker (Rice H.S. / New York, N.Y.);
Maalik Wayns (Roman Catholic H.S. / Philadelphia, Pa.);
David Wear (Mater Dei H.S. / Santa Ana, Calif.)
Travis Wear (Mater Dei H.S. / Santa Ana, Calif).
Named to the USA squad were:
Dominic Cheek (St. Anthony H.S. / Jersey City, N.J.);
JaMychal Green (St. Jude H.S. / Montgomery, Ala.);
Matt Humphrey (Hales Franciscian H.S / Chicago, Ill.);
Ryan Kelly (Ravenscroft H.S. / Raleigh, N.C.);
Malcom Lee (John W. North H.S. / Riverside, Calif.);
Leslie McDonald (Briarcrest H.S./ Memphis, Tenn.);
Mason Plumlee (Christ H.S. / Arden, N.C.);
Travis Releford (Bishop Miege H.S. / Shawnee Mission, Kan.);
Kemba Walker (Rice H.S. / New York, N.Y.);
Maalik Wayns (Roman Catholic H.S. / Philadelphia, Pa.);
David Wear (Mater Dei H.S. / Santa Ana, Calif.)
Travis Wear (Mater Dei H.S. / Santa Ana, Calif).
- 4,184
- 10
3 future tar heels on the USA squad....
Possibly a fourth in Ryan Kelly
Possibly a fourth in Ryan Kelly
- 24
- 10
NC State is going to be trash
jimmy page
Banned
- 52
- 10
Lance has been cut from the under 18 olympic team. Not surprised, McKillop's reasoning where Lance's attitude. And I saw him play a month or so back ina tournament at St. John's and he got kicked out of both games I was there with techs and fouling out. I honestly think he could end up being the latestNew York bust. Still want him at St. John's though, but he isn't as good as some think imo
- 407
- 10
D Cousins sounds like he is going to be a beast at UAB has anybody seen him play? What do you think of his game?
The story at the Lebron James Skills Academy is the inspired play of the big men, and no one was better on day two than DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins was a dominating presence on day two.
DeMarcus Cousins (UAB commitment)- Much has been made about the freakish length of John Henson, who measures 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4.5 wing span. But thatdoesn't match Cousins, who comes in at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-6 wing span at 269-pounds. Always regarded as the best passing big man in the class, Cousinswas dominant on the boards and scored the ball in a variety of ways. There is not much a defender can do once Cousins gets an edge on him when attacking thebasket on the dribble. He had some sensational finishes around the rim, and played with focus on the defensive end. The simple story is that he is making acase for being considered the top big man in the class.
John Henson (North Carolina commitment)- After drawing rave reviews for his play on day one, Henson had a strong day two as well. Despite his thin frame at183-pounds, Henson is playing with a physical edge to his game. He is breaking out of position to block shots and is seeking the ball off the glass. Hisoffensive game is full of potential and has been his calling card, but his effort on the other side of the ball was impressive on day two.
Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut commitment)- At 6-foot-9, 224-pounds and a wing span of 7-foot-4, Oriakhi is an impressive bundle of muscle and energy. He dominatedthe middle in a game against Keith Gallon and DeShawn Painter, blocking jump hook attempts, snagging every rebound in site and then scoring the ball on postmoves and a midrange jumpers. Oriakhi just continues to improve day to day.
Milton Jennings (Clemson)- At the NBA Players Association Camp, Jennings spent a lot of time floating on the perimeter, but here he is spending more timegrinding it out around the basket. He has a feel for rebounding the basketball, and will rebound it at even a higher rate if he improves his strength. Combinestronger interior play with his lethal outside shooting touch and you have the makings of a high level player. The key is to continue to improve his physicaland mental strength.
Wally Judge (Kansas State commitment)- Judge is coming off a terrific NBA Players Association Camp, and he played well here on day two. He played with strengtharound the basket and finished shots through contact.
Dante Taylor (uncommitted)- Taylor stepped up his game in a match up against Cousins. He got a couple buckets out running Cousins down the floor and wasterrific rebounding the basketball. Taylor hit some midrange shots, scored with his back to the basket and was the beneficiary of a number of dump off passesfrom teammate John Wall.
John Wall (uncommitted)- Wall doesn't have much competition at the point guard position, but he competed at a high level nonetheless on day two. In hisfirst game, he had a bundle of highlight passes off his blazing drives to the basket. In his second game he didn't rack up the assists, but scored at thebasket, hit a three-pointer and rebounded the ball on the defensive end.
John Jenkins (Vanderbilt commitment)- Don't expect to see much zone defense against Vanderbilt when Jenkins is on the court. The sharp shooter dominatedthe third quarter when teams play a 2-3 zone in both of his games on day two. Jenkins has also been good against the man-to-man. He has a great feel for movingwithout the ball and utilizing screens and has a high, quick release.
Mike Gilchrist (uncommitted)- The 2011 prospect never played on the primary court I was watching, but every time I took a look at his court it seemed like hewas making. Come to find out, he scored 30 points in that afternoon game. He is a slasher who is making huge strides with his game.
Taran Buie (uncommitted)- The 2010 point guard impressed on day two with his feel for the game and ability to score from a variety of spots. He went to work onPhil Pressey in the low post while also shooting the ball with confidence from the outside.
Marshawn Powell (Arkansas commitment)- Powell is known for his work on the glass and scoring inside, but he played the small forward on day two and lookedquite comfortable making shots and handling the ball.
Jordan Hamilton (uncommitted)- You just don't see many prospects with a mature as game as Hamilton. Both physical and crafty, Hamilton is strong with theball and sees the court extremely well. Along with being a terrific rebounder for his position, he can manufacture a shot at will.
School lists
John Wall lists Memphis, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina State, Virginia and Oregon. He plans to visit Memphis and Kansas in thenear future, and he noted that he might not be too far from making a decision.
Dante Taylor has Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Kansas, Memphis and Villanova on his list, but he doesn't plan on making a decision until the spring.
Solomon Hill recently was offered by USC on an unofficial visit putting the Trojans at the top of his school list along with Arizona, who has also offered.Hill plans to unofficially visit Arizona later this summer and then officially visit Kansas State (offer), Washington State (offer) and Oregon State. FloridaState, San Diego State (offer), Texas and SMU (offer) are also on his list.
Glen Rice has an offer from Georgia Tech. Florida State and Miami are the other two schools on his three team school list.
Kammeon Holsey has a top three of Georgia Tech, Florida State and Clemson. All three schools have offered, and Georgia Tech is his favorite.
Roger Franklin stated that Indiana was still solidly on his list despite the recent troubles for the program along with Michigan State, Arizona (offer), Utah(offer), Oklahoma State (offer), Baylor (offer) and Memphis.
"Indiana is a basketball powerhouse and right now I'm still high on them," said Franklin. "They have a great coach in Tom Crean. And I knowthey have lost a lot of players, but that means there is a great opportunity to play and that's why they are still on my list."
The story at the Lebron James Skills Academy is the inspired play of the big men, and no one was better on day two than DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins was a dominating presence on day two.
DeMarcus Cousins (UAB commitment)- Much has been made about the freakish length of John Henson, who measures 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4.5 wing span. But thatdoesn't match Cousins, who comes in at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-6 wing span at 269-pounds. Always regarded as the best passing big man in the class, Cousinswas dominant on the boards and scored the ball in a variety of ways. There is not much a defender can do once Cousins gets an edge on him when attacking thebasket on the dribble. He had some sensational finishes around the rim, and played with focus on the defensive end. The simple story is that he is making acase for being considered the top big man in the class.
John Henson (North Carolina commitment)- After drawing rave reviews for his play on day one, Henson had a strong day two as well. Despite his thin frame at183-pounds, Henson is playing with a physical edge to his game. He is breaking out of position to block shots and is seeking the ball off the glass. Hisoffensive game is full of potential and has been his calling card, but his effort on the other side of the ball was impressive on day two.
Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut commitment)- At 6-foot-9, 224-pounds and a wing span of 7-foot-4, Oriakhi is an impressive bundle of muscle and energy. He dominatedthe middle in a game against Keith Gallon and DeShawn Painter, blocking jump hook attempts, snagging every rebound in site and then scoring the ball on postmoves and a midrange jumpers. Oriakhi just continues to improve day to day.
Milton Jennings (Clemson)- At the NBA Players Association Camp, Jennings spent a lot of time floating on the perimeter, but here he is spending more timegrinding it out around the basket. He has a feel for rebounding the basketball, and will rebound it at even a higher rate if he improves his strength. Combinestronger interior play with his lethal outside shooting touch and you have the makings of a high level player. The key is to continue to improve his physicaland mental strength.
Wally Judge (Kansas State commitment)- Judge is coming off a terrific NBA Players Association Camp, and he played well here on day two. He played with strengtharound the basket and finished shots through contact.
Dante Taylor (uncommitted)- Taylor stepped up his game in a match up against Cousins. He got a couple buckets out running Cousins down the floor and wasterrific rebounding the basketball. Taylor hit some midrange shots, scored with his back to the basket and was the beneficiary of a number of dump off passesfrom teammate John Wall.
John Wall (uncommitted)- Wall doesn't have much competition at the point guard position, but he competed at a high level nonetheless on day two. In hisfirst game, he had a bundle of highlight passes off his blazing drives to the basket. In his second game he didn't rack up the assists, but scored at thebasket, hit a three-pointer and rebounded the ball on the defensive end.
John Jenkins (Vanderbilt commitment)- Don't expect to see much zone defense against Vanderbilt when Jenkins is on the court. The sharp shooter dominatedthe third quarter when teams play a 2-3 zone in both of his games on day two. Jenkins has also been good against the man-to-man. He has a great feel for movingwithout the ball and utilizing screens and has a high, quick release.
Mike Gilchrist (uncommitted)- The 2011 prospect never played on the primary court I was watching, but every time I took a look at his court it seemed like hewas making. Come to find out, he scored 30 points in that afternoon game. He is a slasher who is making huge strides with his game.
Taran Buie (uncommitted)- The 2010 point guard impressed on day two with his feel for the game and ability to score from a variety of spots. He went to work onPhil Pressey in the low post while also shooting the ball with confidence from the outside.
Marshawn Powell (Arkansas commitment)- Powell is known for his work on the glass and scoring inside, but he played the small forward on day two and lookedquite comfortable making shots and handling the ball.
Jordan Hamilton (uncommitted)- You just don't see many prospects with a mature as game as Hamilton. Both physical and crafty, Hamilton is strong with theball and sees the court extremely well. Along with being a terrific rebounder for his position, he can manufacture a shot at will.
School lists
John Wall lists Memphis, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina State, Virginia and Oregon. He plans to visit Memphis and Kansas in thenear future, and he noted that he might not be too far from making a decision.
Dante Taylor has Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Kansas, Memphis and Villanova on his list, but he doesn't plan on making a decision until the spring.
Solomon Hill recently was offered by USC on an unofficial visit putting the Trojans at the top of his school list along with Arizona, who has also offered.Hill plans to unofficially visit Arizona later this summer and then officially visit Kansas State (offer), Washington State (offer) and Oregon State. FloridaState, San Diego State (offer), Texas and SMU (offer) are also on his list.
Glen Rice has an offer from Georgia Tech. Florida State and Miami are the other two schools on his three team school list.
Kammeon Holsey has a top three of Georgia Tech, Florida State and Clemson. All three schools have offered, and Georgia Tech is his favorite.
Roger Franklin stated that Indiana was still solidly on his list despite the recent troubles for the program along with Michigan State, Arizona (offer), Utah(offer), Oklahoma State (offer), Baylor (offer) and Memphis.
"Indiana is a basketball powerhouse and right now I'm still high on them," said Franklin. "They have a great coach in Tom Crean. And I knowthey have lost a lot of players, but that means there is a great opportunity to play and that's why they are still on my list."
- 25,505
- 666
- 24
- 10
Here's the latest...
It now sounds like the announcement will come tomorrow morning. That could change but that's the way it appears right now.
Sources close to the program weren't even aware about an announcement, which obviously makes it seem like he's going to Europe.
I told Alice Knox, Brandon's mom, that we heard that Brandon was going to Europe, and she would neither confirm nor deny.
So at this point I would be very surprised if he ended up at Arizona and that seems to be the feeling within the program as well.
That's the latest and I don't know if we'll hear anything else before the announcement.
It now sounds like the announcement will come tomorrow morning. That could change but that's the way it appears right now.
Sources close to the program weren't even aware about an announcement, which obviously makes it seem like he's going to Europe.
I told Alice Knox, Brandon's mom, that we heard that Brandon was going to Europe, and she would neither confirm nor deny.
So at this point I would be very surprised if he ended up at Arizona and that seems to be the feeling within the program as well.
That's the latest and I don't know if we'll hear anything else before the announcement.
- 10,056
- 10
Yuku is finally ok...for the time being
..
Josh Hairston is listing 5....but rumors that it might be a 2 horse race between Duke and Va Tech. And Tech has alegitimate shot.
Dashonte Riley is playing inspired and like a Top 25 recruit again
..
Josh Hairston is listing 5....but rumors that it might be a 2 horse race between Duke and Va Tech. And Tech has alegitimate shot.
Dashonte Riley is playing inspired and like a Top 25 recruit again
the best half-dozen high school players in the camp over the first two days (in no particular order): 6-9 John Henson (Rock Rock, Texas), 6-3 John Wall (Raleigh, N.C.), 7-0 DaShonte Riley (Detroit), 6-6 Michael Gilcrest (Somerdale, N.J.), 6-6 Xavier Henry (Oklahoma City) and 6-10 DeMarcus Cousins (Birmingham, Ala.).
Michael Gilhcrest (2011) is big time. Has memphis as a leader right now and considers Worldwide Wes an 'uncle'
Dante Taylor continues a great summer....Pitt is the leader there
Thomas Robinson also having a nice summer, one of the best at Reebok camp so far
Lance got cut...but supposedly was one of the best individual players...just isn't meshing with other talented players as of now.
jimmy page
Banned
- 52
- 10
I think Lance could turn out to be a bust on the next level like another former New York legend. He seems to have the same bad attitude as that legend. Hestill needs to come to St. John's though and boost his ego.
- 913
- 10
Gilchrist and Dexter at St. Pat's this year.
Cheek at St. A's.
Tristan Thompson at St. Benedcit's.
The ball just keeps rollin' in Jerz ..
Cheek at St. A's.
Tristan Thompson at St. Benedcit's.
The ball just keeps rollin' in Jerz ..
- 268
- 10
John Wall really has a weird list, and there has even been word of Duke going to watch him lately. I don't read a whole lot into that though, as I haveheard that a lot of teams have cooled on him because someone around him wants a coaching job, or something to that effect, where he goes.
Lance has a tons of talent, but his biggest problem seems to be that he is so competitive he doesn't trust the people around him. I saw reports where hewas a standout at the U18 but he also was yelling at other teammates.
John Henson apparently made a big impression at the LBJ Skills Academy. Some people from Scout are even mentioning him challenging Favors for the top spot. Alot of that is based on future potential, but from the videos i have seen he has come a long way since the spring.
Lance has a tons of talent, but his biggest problem seems to be that he is so competitive he doesn't trust the people around him. I saw reports where hewas a standout at the U18 but he also was yelling at other teammates.
John Henson apparently made a big impression at the LBJ Skills Academy. Some people from Scout are even mentioning him challenging Favors for the top spot. Alot of that is based on future potential, but from the videos i have seen he has come a long way since the spring.
- 7,893
- 2,179
These country cats can't handle Lance's NY Swag.
Sebastin* You Ain't from NY, you country*Sebastian
Sebastin* You Ain't from NY, you country*Sebastian
- 10,056
- 10
Vinson is down to 2...Nova and G'town....he's most likely headed to Nova
Spurlock down to 5..Georgetown, Clemson, Wake, UVA, and NC State.
And, Josh Hairston..
"I don't know what that stuff was about" said the elder Hairston of the recent furor over his son's recruiting matrix. "Hehasn't ruled out Georgetown. But he does have concerns about their recruiting people at his position".
....then go ahead to Duke and play the 5 at 6'8...have fun.
Spurlock down to 5..Georgetown, Clemson, Wake, UVA, and NC State.
And, Josh Hairston..
"I don't know what that stuff was about" said the elder Hairston of the recent furor over his son's recruiting matrix. "Hehasn't ruled out Georgetown. But he does have concerns about their recruiting people at his position".
....then go ahead to Duke and play the 5 at 6'8...have fun.
| LeBron James Skills Academy Top Performers: 2009 Class | |
| PG John Wall, 6-4/184; Raleigh (N.C.) Word Of God Christian Academy | |
| The big men in the camp garnered the headlines, but that didn't mean Wall wasn't sensational. He just didn't have the competition at his position to create much of a stir. Beyond his well-documented speed with the basketball, exceptional passing and finishing ability at the rim, Wall also knocked down 3-pointers (five in one game), was strong on the defensive boards and defended. He also led his team to victories in all but one game while playing like the No. 1 prospect in the country. |
| C DeMarcus Cousins, 6-9/250; Mobile (Ala.) LeFlore | |
| Cousins has established himself as the top offensive big man in the class. No player can match his strength and repertoire of offensive moves. Besides being able to score multiple ways with his back to the basket, Cousins - a UAB commitment - is a major threat in the high post. He is a tremendous passer, has legitimate 3-point range and can attack the basket off the dribble with power and precision. Now the question is if Cousins can match his offensive effort on the other end of the floor. |
| C Alex Oriakhi, 6-8/220; Tilton (N.H.) The Tilton School | |
| Oriakhi played with as much energy and passion as any player in the camp. He was relentless on the boards and proved to be one of the most difficult post players to score against. Offensively, he had a couple of offensive explosions where he consistently scored with his developing "go-to" move - a left-hand jump hook. He looked confident knocking down mid-range jumpers. The next step for Oriakhi - who has committed to Connecticut - is to cut down on turnovers. |
| PF John Henson, 6-10/200; Round Rock (Texas) High | |
| After an explosive first day of the three-day camp, Henson - who has committed to North Carolina - was quite good (not spectacular) the second day, then saw limited minutes the last day with a slightly sprained ankle. Always having been an offensive talent ready to explode, Henson was most impressive with his effort on the defensive end, where he chased down rebounds and came out of position to block shots. His upside is tremendous with his length, mobility and ball skills, but he must bulk up physically in order to take full advantage of his assets. |
| SF Jordan Hamilton, 6-5/170; Los Angeles Dominguez | |
| It is tough to come up with a prospect in the 2009 class who impacts the game in more ways than Hamilton. Beyond the physically imposing nature of his game, Hamilton is extremely skilled with the basketball. He has top-notch instincts and sees the entire floor as a passer. As a scorer, he can hit from deep, thrives in mid-range and is a post-up threat. He also is one of the top perimeter rebounders in the class. |
| PF Dante Taylor, 6-8/230; Fort Washington (Md.) National Christian | |
| If Taylor established one thing, it is that he knows how to score on Cousins - who was on the receiving end of two offensive outbursts by Taylor. Also establishing himself as a solid five-star prospect, Taylor was a force around the basket as a scorer and rebounder. Very fast up and down the court, Taylor also exhibited expanded range with his jumper. |
| PF Milton Jennings, 6-9/200; Summerville (S.C.) Pinewood Prep | |
| One thing about Jennings that is a mainstay is his shooting stroke from deep. In fact, he is likely the top catch-and-shoot big man from 3-point range in this class. Jennings - a Clemson commitment - also rebounded at a high level and blocked a number of shots. In similar fashion to Henson, Jennings has a high ceiling but must get stronger and tougher. |
| SG John Jenkins, 6-4-175; Gallatin (Tenn.) Station Camp | |
| In a camp dominated by the big men, Jenkins - who is headed to Vanderbilt - was one of the few guards who could be counted on to put up points every game. Establishing himself as perhaps the top shooter in the class, he made 3-pointers in bunches. Besides his quick-release jumper, Jenkins also contributed in other areas of the game with his high basketball IQ and hustle. |
- 10,056
- 10
And as Lance's school lists seems odd and ever changing...
John Wall (via Fox Sports)
How about the fact that Roy Williams and the Tar Heels made a run at John Wall last year and were basically spurned by the athletic point guard who just may bethe top player in the Class of 2009.
Wall goes to school at Word of God (N.C.), which isn't all that far down the road from Chapel Hill. He's got the size of Derrick Rose, but isn'tquite as athletic. However, Wall may be quicker and is a better passer at the same stage.
According to sources, Roy Williams reached out to Wall and invited him to numerous Tar Heels games after last year's season-opener - but Wall and hispeople never displayed enough interest to show up.
Wall's top three are Oregon, Oklahoma State and Baylor.
Go figure.
.....
those 3 schools, really?
John Wall (via Fox Sports)
How about the fact that Roy Williams and the Tar Heels made a run at John Wall last year and were basically spurned by the athletic point guard who just may bethe top player in the Class of 2009.
Wall goes to school at Word of God (N.C.), which isn't all that far down the road from Chapel Hill. He's got the size of Derrick Rose, but isn'tquite as athletic. However, Wall may be quicker and is a better passer at the same stage.
According to sources, Roy Williams reached out to Wall and invited him to numerous Tar Heels games after last year's season-opener - but Wall and hispeople never displayed enough interest to show up.
Wall's top three are Oregon, Oklahoma State and Baylor.
Go figure.
.....
those 3 schools, really?
- 2,714
- 10
Baylor's on the come up .. the other two ..
- 3,603
- 11
I think he ends up at Oregon
- 10,056
- 10
What's that connection?
Nike?
Nike?
- 670
- 10
Rumor has it that one of his handlers-Brian Clifton is trying to get that 5-star Nike package for his AAU team (D-One I believe is thename)....
ST. JOHN'S HEADS- YES ITS THAT SERIOUS FOR YALL....
[h3]Top recruit leaning to St. John's[/h3][h5]Posted: Thursday July 10, 2008 06:00AM ET[/h5]Omari Lawrence, one of New York City's top basketball recruits, doesn't have alist ranking his college choices, but he says he knows which school is No. 1 right now - St. John's. If Lawrence signs with St. John's, he would beNorm Roberts' first elite New York City recruit. Lawrence said Roberts also wants to land Rice's Durand Scott and Staten Island native and Oak Hill big man Danny Jennings with the program'sthree 2009 scholarships. The 6-4, 205-pound combo guard stressed that he would continue to visit schools, such as UConn, Louisville and Florida later this summer anddidn't set a deadline to decide his college plans.
I had to do a double take when I saw that title.....
- 407
- 10
I hope that Wall does not sign with North Carolina. But Dexter Strickland is going to UNC so why would the try and sign the top two point guards in 2009?
- 10,056
- 10
That was from before they signed Strickland.
...For SJU's sake, I'd like to see them get a big recruit...but if you are a big recruit it's an awful idea to go there right now
- 10,056
- 10
Doneal Mack has been given his release by New Orleansback to Memphis and the Tigers are in receipt of it, Mack's former high school coach said.
John Jordan, who coached Mack at Statesville (N.C.) Christian, said Mack will be back on campus and in summer school at Memphis on Tuesday.
John Jordan, who coached Mack at Statesville (N.C.) Christian, said Mack will be back on campus and in summer school at Memphis on Tuesday.
- 10,056
- 10
[h1]Surfacing similarities[/h1]
[h2]McKillop, Thompson finding common ground[/h2][h3]Harlan Goode (Contact)
Thursday, July 10, 2008[/h3]
At first glance, it appears Bob McKillop and John Thompson III havenothing in common. They are basketball coaches, yes, but watching them run the U.S. under-18 basketball team through one practice at Verizon Center evidencestheir dissimilarity.
"Gawd it! Gawd the ball!" McKillop screamed. "Push! Run! Cut through!"
The Davidson coach wears his blue Team USA coaching T-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of ironed khaki shorts. For the entirety of the two-hour workout henever stops needling, encouraging, coaching. He runs frenetically from player to player, blue eyes burning intensity into 18-year-olds, jaws chomping a stickof Big Red gum.
Thompson stands to the side, shirt untucked and hanging over a pair of baggy blue basketball shorts. The Georgetown coach walks slowly up the court, feetsplayed out, gazing at the scrimmage before him with brown eyes. He waits for a break in the action, then sidles up to a player to offer a piece of adviceinaudible to anyone beyond five feet.
Four months ago, they were on opposite ends of a game, which, depending on the perspective, was either a monumental victory or a devastating upset. McKillopand his 10th-seeded Wildcats toppled Thompson and the Big East regular-season champion Hoyas in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Now they are together, Goliath working for David. Thompson, 42, head of the power conference juggernaut, serving as assistant for the 57-year-old McKillop,author of the NCAA tournament's Cinderella story. They are charged with the tall task of taking 12 four- and five-star phenoms from around the country andmelding a team strong enough to compete with the world's finest talent in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship next week in Formosa, Argentina. But over thecourse of their two weeks together at Verizon Center, they have found they have more in common than previously imagined. There is, of course, the basketballthing.
Turns out they both share the same coaching philosophies - an offense based on giving players multiple options off picks and screens, a defense rooted inunyielding pressure and constant movement - beliefs passed down from men like former Princeton coach Pete Carril; Thompson's father, John Thompson Jr.; and longtime NBA coach Butch van Breda Kolff, for whomMcKillop played at Hofstra in the early 1970s.
Peter Lockley / The Washington Times Bob McKillop (left) and John Thompson III (right) share a laugh with visiting UNC coach Roy Williams at a U.S. under-18 team practice.
"I think there are a lot of similarities in how we see the game and how we think the game and how we approach the game," Thompson said.
Said McKillop: "I steal from everybody. I steal from van Breda Kolff. I steal from [Lou] Carnesecca. I steal from [John] Wooden. Things I say in themeetings that we have, John has heard it because I read [Carril's] book and watched Pete practice. John says, 'Yeah this is the way we didit.'"
They have known one another since Thompson's coaching days at Princeton in the early part of the decade, when they often crossed paths on the recruitingtrail. McKillop even tried to get Thompson to recruit his son Matt for the Tigers.
"I'll never forget - I was in Indianapolis at some AAU tournament, and I walked by John's table at lunch break and dinner break, and I was kindof hoping he would say, 'Hey, let me talk to you about your son,'"McKillop said. "But he didn't."
Thompson has no recollection of McKillop's hopeful passes but remembers his boy.
"His son was a very good player," Thompson said of Matt, who ended up starring for his father at Davidson. "He made shots - [McKillop and I]both like players that make shots. And he ended up playing for a pretty good coach."
McKillop's respect for Thompson grew after the Wildcats' win in Raleigh, N.C., this spring.
"John was incredible," McKillop said. "It was incredible how, in the aftermath of that loss, how gracious he was. He was stunned [by theloss]. But the way he responded - my coaches, my players, they have never forgotten that."
In their time together, they have found they share much more in common.
Both men attended Catholic grammar schools and high schools and sent their children to similar institutions. Both men know the thrill of taking a smallconference team to the NCAA tournament. Both men have recognized how their tunnel-vision focus for winning basketball games has prevented them from makingfriends with fellow coaches.
"I have a lot of colleagues, but I wouldn't say I have any close relationships," McKillop said.
Said Thompson: "Maybe I need to grow in that regard."
So here they are, the two members of the coaching fraternity who never quite bought into the hoo-rah and the hijinks, trying to win together and learn fromone another.
"When I help John and John helps me, all of a sudden you feel a collegiality that you didn't feel before," McKillop said. "You are alwaysin a rival, competitive situation. Well now we have been cast into a situation where we are teammates. And all of a sudden, it's 'Hey, he's areally good guy.'"
[h2]McKillop, Thompson finding common ground[/h2][h3]Harlan Goode (Contact)
Thursday, July 10, 2008[/h3]
At first glance, it appears Bob McKillop and John Thompson III havenothing in common. They are basketball coaches, yes, but watching them run the U.S. under-18 basketball team through one practice at Verizon Center evidencestheir dissimilarity.
"Gawd it! Gawd the ball!" McKillop screamed. "Push! Run! Cut through!"
The Davidson coach wears his blue Team USA coaching T-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of ironed khaki shorts. For the entirety of the two-hour workout henever stops needling, encouraging, coaching. He runs frenetically from player to player, blue eyes burning intensity into 18-year-olds, jaws chomping a stickof Big Red gum.
Thompson stands to the side, shirt untucked and hanging over a pair of baggy blue basketball shorts. The Georgetown coach walks slowly up the court, feetsplayed out, gazing at the scrimmage before him with brown eyes. He waits for a break in the action, then sidles up to a player to offer a piece of adviceinaudible to anyone beyond five feet.
Four months ago, they were on opposite ends of a game, which, depending on the perspective, was either a monumental victory or a devastating upset. McKillopand his 10th-seeded Wildcats toppled Thompson and the Big East regular-season champion Hoyas in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Now they are together, Goliath working for David. Thompson, 42, head of the power conference juggernaut, serving as assistant for the 57-year-old McKillop,author of the NCAA tournament's Cinderella story. They are charged with the tall task of taking 12 four- and five-star phenoms from around the country andmelding a team strong enough to compete with the world's finest talent in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship next week in Formosa, Argentina. But over thecourse of their two weeks together at Verizon Center, they have found they have more in common than previously imagined. There is, of course, the basketballthing.
Turns out they both share the same coaching philosophies - an offense based on giving players multiple options off picks and screens, a defense rooted inunyielding pressure and constant movement - beliefs passed down from men like former Princeton coach Pete Carril; Thompson's father, John Thompson Jr.; and longtime NBA coach Butch van Breda Kolff, for whomMcKillop played at Hofstra in the early 1970s.
Peter Lockley / The Washington Times Bob McKillop (left) and John Thompson III (right) share a laugh with visiting UNC coach Roy Williams at a U.S. under-18 team practice.
"I think there are a lot of similarities in how we see the game and how we think the game and how we approach the game," Thompson said.
Said McKillop: "I steal from everybody. I steal from van Breda Kolff. I steal from [Lou] Carnesecca. I steal from [John] Wooden. Things I say in themeetings that we have, John has heard it because I read [Carril's] book and watched Pete practice. John says, 'Yeah this is the way we didit.'"
They have known one another since Thompson's coaching days at Princeton in the early part of the decade, when they often crossed paths on the recruitingtrail. McKillop even tried to get Thompson to recruit his son Matt for the Tigers.
"I'll never forget - I was in Indianapolis at some AAU tournament, and I walked by John's table at lunch break and dinner break, and I was kindof hoping he would say, 'Hey, let me talk to you about your son,'"McKillop said. "But he didn't."
Thompson has no recollection of McKillop's hopeful passes but remembers his boy.
"His son was a very good player," Thompson said of Matt, who ended up starring for his father at Davidson. "He made shots - [McKillop and I]both like players that make shots. And he ended up playing for a pretty good coach."
McKillop's respect for Thompson grew after the Wildcats' win in Raleigh, N.C., this spring.
"John was incredible," McKillop said. "It was incredible how, in the aftermath of that loss, how gracious he was. He was stunned [by theloss]. But the way he responded - my coaches, my players, they have never forgotten that."
In their time together, they have found they share much more in common.
Both men attended Catholic grammar schools and high schools and sent their children to similar institutions. Both men know the thrill of taking a smallconference team to the NCAA tournament. Both men have recognized how their tunnel-vision focus for winning basketball games has prevented them from makingfriends with fellow coaches.
"I have a lot of colleagues, but I wouldn't say I have any close relationships," McKillop said.
Said Thompson: "Maybe I need to grow in that regard."
So here they are, the two members of the coaching fraternity who never quite bought into the hoo-rah and the hijinks, trying to win together and learn fromone another.
"When I help John and John helps me, all of a sudden you feel a collegiality that you didn't feel before," McKillop said. "You are alwaysin a rival, competitive situation. Well now we have been cast into a situation where we are teammates. And all of a sudden, it's 'Hey, he's areally good guy.'"
- 407
- 10
Yea but somebody has to sign with SJU so they can get those players the way it looks a recruit is going to have to take a risk and sign with SJU. Maybe it willbe lance but they have to get one of those guards from the city soon. Even though it will be in 2010 they better go after Doron Lamb the kid looks special. Orfor that matter a good look would be Durand Scott but I think he will sign with Pitt. Who will it be? I have no idea but they have to get somebody but not justanybody a Top Flight player that can change a program around.
