ICUPLAY BLOG
Over the weekend I attended the 2011 edition of the Rivals Elite Hoops Showcase at "The Gym" in Humble, TX. I saw a host of talented and skilled athletes from Louisiana and Texas at "The Gym" throwing down. The best prospect from the 2012 class at this event was 6'0 combo-guard Josh Gray of Christian Life Academy in Humble, TX. About three weeks ago, Josh gave a pledge to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. I truly believe Mississippi State got them a steal!
Several observers like John Lucas and Dirk Minnefield agreed. Josh was also considered as the best overall guard at this event. The best prospect from the 2013 class was long and rangy, 6’7 SF/P Jonathan Motley from Houston, Northshore HS. This long-armed player is a skilled ball handler in the open court. He likes to score off the dribble along the baseline or in the lane with his pull-up jumper. Jonathan was the best S/F at this event too. He has “high major” written all over him
The best prospect from the 2014 class was long and wiry 6’5 G/F lefty Kelly Oubre of FB Bush HS. Kelly has a good upside if he continues to work on his game. He’s more of a transition player that can finish well on the break. He needs to improve his ball handling, passing and he needs to get stronger. He is better suited right now close to the best.
The best center at this event was 2013 6’8 man child Josh Friar from Kingwood HS, TX. This baby bull is hard to control down on the blocks. Josh has good hands and nice drop step moves to get open with his back to the basket. He likes to dunk off the-pick-and-roll and in transition. He has a nice looking face up mid-range jump shot. Remember his name, because he will be a force this season!
The best shooter we saw was 2013 6’5 GF Andrew Kelley from Klein HS Spring, TX. Kelly is a solid fundamental, under control spot up or pick and pop shooter. He is an deadeye shooter anywhere on the court. This smart and strong player cannot be left open. He’s a Note Dame, type player.
Other prospects that impressed us at this event were: 2013 super quick 6’1 PG Darin Minnefield of Houston, Westbury Christian Academy. Darin is a much better player from the last time we saw him play. This speedy PG is learning how to control his speed and quickness on the court. When he does that he makes better decisions with the ball. Darin has major hops to go with his speed and quickness. We saw him make several impressive blocks shots above the rim. Yes, wow! He has improved his jump shot and he is a good passer on the break. I will be keeping an eye on him this season.
Another player that impressed us was long and rangy 2013 PF Dylan Jones from The Village School in Missouri City, TX. The light has come on for Dylan and you can see it when he is around the basket, blocking shots, rebounding and scoring. Dylan has large hands and once he gets the ball in the paint he’s going to score. This hard working young pup is still growing. Don’t over look him this season.
Another quick and fast player to mention is 2013 6’2 2G Isaiah Taylor. Isaiah just transferred from St. John’s HS in Oakland, CA. He will play at The Village School in Missouri, TX. This speedy ball handler gets to the basket well. He works hard on the defensive end and he plays with smarts. It looks like the Village School will be rocking and rolling this season with a good crop of young players and Shaquille Cleare who committed to Maryland a week ago.
Another PG in the 2013 class worth mentioning is smooth under control Shawndre Jones from FB Bush HS. Shawndre is a clever ball handler and passer. He is always under control with the ball. You cannot back off of him or he will hit the 3-point or mid-range jump shot. This solid player has a high basketball I.Q. He can run a team well.
One time 2012 5’11 PG D.J. Griggs told us at this event that he has reclassified to the 2013 class. Griggs is a strong player with decent ball handling skills. Once he improves his outside jumper lookout.
Recruiting news: 2013 6’7 SF Jonathan Motley told us he has a hosts of schools on his list: Washington, Washington State; Texas, Texas A&M, Houston, Kansas, Baylor, and Oklahoma.
2013 6’8 Josh Friar told us he likes all of the Texas schools, but right now he’s wide open.
Thanks to Rivals Elite Hoops Showcase Director’s Mark Reeves and Horace Neysmith, for allowing us the opportunity to attend this event at The Gym in Humble, TX.
Keep an eye out for our Top-5 by position list from this event on our icuplay blogger.com page
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