READING, Pa. – When I cover high school basketball, my job isn’t to evaluate talent, it’s to find the best angles, get the best quotes and mold the best stories. College coaches, however, aren’t overly interested in what a certain player ate for breakfast or how he ties his shoes or where he was last summer.
They want to know if he’s good enough to play for them, is he a mid-major talent or should he go Division II? With that in mind, I made it my mission during Hoop Group Elite Session I to assess the talent on hand to the best of my ability. I’m never going to be Scout.com’s Evan Daniels – one of the nation’s many recruiting gurus and for my money one of the best – but I’m giving it my best shot here.
Keep in mind, these are just my thoughts based on past experience and this week. Hope you enjoy. I don’t plan on quitting my day job, however.
G 6-3 Melvin Johnson, Undecided (St. Anthony or St. Benedict’s Prep) 2012
Star of the camp by a landslide, the sharp-shooting former Rice standout scored in bunches, but most impressively did so in a variety ways. Named Hoop Group MVP, he lit it up from beyond the arc, off the dribble and created for others off penetration, helping his team to a 7-1 record. Still feel he’s a high mid-major recruit, as his offers from Hofstra, Fordham and VCU among others would suggest. Xavier, which is very interested, would be a nice fit.
F 6-7 Chris Ortiz, South Kent (Conn.) 2012
One of best interior defenders and rebounders in camp, Ortiz was a surprise entrant into the top 20 all-star game. Offensive guy is still rough around the edges, but has a nice baby jumper and relentless motor. Kent State is getting a good one.
G 6-2 Brian Bernardi, Xaverian 2012
City’s best shooter in years started slow and finished fast. Still needs work on creating own shot, but when feet are set, Bernardi is almost automatic. Has some high-major looks, but feel he would be best at mid-major such as Hofstra or Fordham, who made him priority.
F 6-6 Malik Nichols, Undecided (Notre Dame Prep, NIA Prep or South Kent) 2012
Performed well throughout camp by showing versatility as point forward, scoring, rebounding and handling ball in open court and was rewarded with appearance in top 20 all-star game. Still feel he’s mid-major player as abundance of skills don’t often shine through in games. Hofstra remains the perfect fit; can’t understand why he opted to decommit.
G 6-3 Mike Taylor, Undecided (NIA Prep or Christian Life Center) 2012
Former Rutgers recruit admittedly didn’t play best at camp, though did show ball handling has improved and remains lethal threat from beyond arc. Would do well to get away from city and refocus on game. May not be high-major as many once thought, but still can help many mid-major programs.
G 6-1 Deonte Houston, Undecided (prep school) 2012
Felt he was under-recruited all year, then legal issues (which proved to be much ado about nothing), basically forced him to go to prep school. Remains astute floor general, gets into the lane at will, but needs to show more from perimeter. After year of prep school, would fit in well in a conference like the MAAC.
F 6-9 Jermaine Lawrence, Cardozo 2013
Before hyper-extending right elbow, was in line to be camp MVP. Put on a show over the first two days with 3-point range, athleticism around the hoop and newfound aggressiveness. Would like to see him be more of a factor in paint, but that will come. He already has eight offers, including St. John’s, Rutgers and Louisville.
G 6-1 Wesley Myers, Boys & Girls 2013
Showcase camps like Hoop Group aren’t the best setting for Myers, whose unselfishness, defensive tenacity and leadership qualities aren’t valued in pickup games. But the rising junior played well, displaying an improved jump shot and team sense in a setting one rarely exists. Mid-major prospect as of now, but his improvements may warrant higher looks soon.
G 6-0 Josh James, Archbishop Stepinac 2013
Didn’t see much of him during the high school season, but James may have become my favorite player this week. Prototypical point guard has ability to score in bunches with accurate jumper and speed to burn, but prefers to create for others. How St. Peter’s is only offer astounds me.
G 6-0 Austin Williams, Bayside 2013
Still needs to get more consistent, but a clear Division I prospect with a quick first step, strength in the lane and improving jump shot. Iona has offered the burgeoning Queens native.
F 6-9 Chris McCullough, Salisbury School (Conn.) 2014
Last, but certainly not least, the Bronx native who attends high school in Connecticut wowed virtually everyone at Albright College with his spell-binding athleticism, violent finishes and smooth jumper. St. John’s, Syracuse and Temple have already offered the impressive wing. My only criticism? Wish he played his high-school ball in the city. McCullough would tear up the PSAL.