OldT and I played hooky today and went to Albertus Magnus College in New Haven CT to see the first semifinal in the National Prep School Championships. The game pitted St. Thomas More vs. Putnam Science Academy. Player notes:
Omari Spellman: Three Ups: A. terrific hands - Elton Brand hands; B. Can score at all three levels - strong at the cup, hit a huge 12 foot turnaround J from the baseline and hit 2 threes comfortably; C. Willing passer - good vision - team player. Three Opps to Improve: A. Effort the offensive glass; B. Ability as a Rim protector; C. Accuracy of passes
Bottom line: Omari is a national Top 20 player for a reason. He is a stud. The most skilled post of the Jay Wright era - and it isn't really close. Will be a big time star on the Main Line. Legit 6'9 - is he athletic enough to be a one and done?
Charles Brown - 6'6 or so slasher will be a plus player for Phil Martelli and St. Joes. Interesting prospect.
Hamidou Diallo: Ups: A. His ups! Incredible leaping ability B. Speed - a blur on the court; C - length - legit 6'4 guard. Opps: A. Skill level - low - not a good shooter B. Handle - average C. Ball skills - passing ability.
Bottom line - he's a physical specimen - has another year to become a better basketball player. He's a flat out stud - his mix tape must be amazing, but he was on the pine today at crunch time!!! Would I recruit him - yes - but unless his skill level improves, he's the kind of guy who gets coaches fired! That said, his athletic ceiling is about as close to Russell Westbrook as I've seen in high school - no heavy legs here!!
Eric Ayala - intriguing 2018 guard. Good length for a guard - 6'4. Can handle. Makes 3's. Can finish at the cup. Good prospect. I'd definitely have him on my list - need to check out Depth Chart for his name. I think he's originally from Delaware - now at Putnam.
Mamadou Diarra - 6'8 big going to UCONN - Very active big - workman like effort - decent athlete - very limited skills - will be productive on effort alone. A poor mans Malik Abu from NC State.
Omari Spellman: Three Ups: A. terrific hands - Elton Brand hands; B. Can score at all three levels - strong at the cup, hit a huge 12 foot turnaround J from the baseline and hit 2 threes comfortably; C. Willing passer - good vision - team player. Three Opps to Improve: A. Effort the offensive glass; B. Ability as a Rim protector; C. Accuracy of passes
Bottom line: Omari is a national Top 20 player for a reason. He is a stud. The most skilled post of the Jay Wright era - and it isn't really close. Will be a big time star on the Main Line. Legit 6'9 - is he athletic enough to be a one and done?
Charles Brown - 6'6 or so slasher will be a plus player for Phil Martelli and St. Joes. Interesting prospect.
Hamidou Diallo: Ups: A. His ups! Incredible leaping ability B. Speed - a blur on the court; C - length - legit 6'4 guard. Opps: A. Skill level - low - not a good shooter B. Handle - average C. Ball skills - passing ability.
Bottom line - he's a physical specimen - has another year to become a better basketball player. He's a flat out stud - his mix tape must be amazing, but he was on the pine today at crunch time!!! Would I recruit him - yes - but unless his skill level improves, he's the kind of guy who gets coaches fired! That said, his athletic ceiling is about as close to Russell Westbrook as I've seen in high school - no heavy legs here!!
Eric Ayala - intriguing 2018 guard. Good length for a guard - 6'4. Can handle. Makes 3's. Can finish at the cup. Good prospect. I'd definitely have him on my list - need to check out Depth Chart for his name. I think he's originally from Delaware - now at Putnam.
Mamadou Diarra - 6'8 big going to UCONN - Very active big - workman like effort - decent athlete - very limited skills - will be productive on effort alone. A poor mans Malik Abu from NC State.
