Got to go to St. Thomas More tonight to see Omari Spellman play against a very game Navy Prep team. Omari's St. Thomas More team has a PG heading to UNLV. A SF heading to BC. Two guys going to Iona. That said, make no mistake, this is Omari's team.
He had 24 points officially and unofficially probably around 12 rebounds. He is certainly deserving of his Top 25 ranking nationally. He played like the Top 25 prospect and national all star game player he is reputed to be. Offensively, he will be the finest big man recruit Jay Wright has ever brought to the Main Line and I cannot remember as sound and well rounded offensive player as a big recruited to Villanova in my lifetime.
Strengths:
A. The kid has amazing hands - catches anything near him and uses them equally well to secure rebounds as entry passes
B. He is a tremendous finisher...layups, dunks, tips - had multiple of all three tonight
C. He has a terrific midrange touch. Made two midrange J's and was unofficially 9-10 from the charity stripe.
D. He has range out to the three point line. Made a three and missed a three that was right on the rim.
E. Can run the floor - hustles down the court to look for easy run out opportunities beating his man down the floor
F. Competitiveness on the glass - very active rebounder; big body, soft hands, high motor
G. Competitor in general - he wants to win, not just with his words and body language but his effort
H. Crunch time performer - scored STM's last 6 points in a close game. 4 from the charity stripe.
Development Opportunities:
A. Not a big "rim protector" - prolly 6'8 or 6'9 with good not great hops - not a killer shot blocker
B. Defensively a "willing defender", but has a lot to learn
C. Did not show any ability to bounce it offensively
Bottom line - this kid is just a baller. If you are on the playground, he always gets drafted first. The horse with the huge motor and off the charts skills - just a basketball player - a baller. He and Paschall will give us the best 4/5 combination we have ever had since Pinone and Pinckney. These two guys are just old school playground ballers. They are real basketball players with size.
I know this year has great hope. That said, I can't wait to see Spellman/Paschall/Hart/Booth/Brunson - as all are pure ballers with killer approaches to the game. This is a true NC contender with potentially 5 pros. Exciting times ahead on the Main Line.
He had 24 points officially and unofficially probably around 12 rebounds. He is certainly deserving of his Top 25 ranking nationally. He played like the Top 25 prospect and national all star game player he is reputed to be. Offensively, he will be the finest big man recruit Jay Wright has ever brought to the Main Line and I cannot remember as sound and well rounded offensive player as a big recruited to Villanova in my lifetime.
Strengths:
A. The kid has amazing hands - catches anything near him and uses them equally well to secure rebounds as entry passes
B. He is a tremendous finisher...layups, dunks, tips - had multiple of all three tonight
C. He has a terrific midrange touch. Made two midrange J's and was unofficially 9-10 from the charity stripe.
D. He has range out to the three point line. Made a three and missed a three that was right on the rim.
E. Can run the floor - hustles down the court to look for easy run out opportunities beating his man down the floor
F. Competitiveness on the glass - very active rebounder; big body, soft hands, high motor
G. Competitor in general - he wants to win, not just with his words and body language but his effort
H. Crunch time performer - scored STM's last 6 points in a close game. 4 from the charity stripe.
Development Opportunities:
A. Not a big "rim protector" - prolly 6'8 or 6'9 with good not great hops - not a killer shot blocker
B. Defensively a "willing defender", but has a lot to learn
C. Did not show any ability to bounce it offensively
Bottom line - this kid is just a baller. If you are on the playground, he always gets drafted first. The horse with the huge motor and off the charts skills - just a basketball player - a baller. He and Paschall will give us the best 4/5 combination we have ever had since Pinone and Pinckney. These two guys are just old school playground ballers. They are real basketball players with size.
I know this year has great hope. That said, I can't wait to see Spellman/Paschall/Hart/Booth/Brunson - as all are pure ballers with killer approaches to the game. This is a true NC contender with potentially 5 pros. Exciting times ahead on the Main Line.
