Thursday, July 7, 2011

Adidas Invitational-Day 2

Well, I have spent two straight 12 hour days in various basketball gyms in Indianapolis and now my feet hurt, my hand hurts from writing, and I feel like my head is spinning from everything that is going on. Still, it has been a couple of the most enjoyable days I have had in a long time. Today, I had the opportunity to see 7 games involving AAU teams from Indiana. Here is the rundown of what I saw.

Eric Gordon 16U vs. Houston Select
Final: 73-72 EG10
Zak Irvin, a 6'6'' wing from Hamilton Southeastern H.S. (2013), stole the show in front of a slew of college coaches. He hit the game winning shot, a 3-pointer from the right corner, as time expired. He lead EG10 with 21 points, while Indiana University recruit Collin Hartman (2013) knocked in 4 3's in front of Coach Tom Crean. Irvin's stock has been rising for awhile now and it is finally ready to explode. I really think that this kid can play just about anywhere in the country.

Indiana Elite South vs. KC Pump N Run
Final: 72-61 Pump N Run
Coach Beilein from Michigan and Coach Crean were both on hand to watch 6'5'' Small Forward Troy Spears (2014) from Park Tudor H.S. He only had 5 points, but displayed a nice shooting stroke and good ball handling skills. 6'6'' Forward Franko House (2013) from Concord had 18 points. He is a big, strong body but is agile enough to cause big time match-up problems. He is a solid Division II prospect.

Indiana Elite Stars vs. Urban DFW Elite
Final: 84-74 IE Stars
Any low Division 1 school in search of a point guard in the Class of 2013, get on your phone and call Cathedral's Mo Evans. The 6'0'' PG may be the best passer in the state. He found every opening in transition and split defenders in the half-court. He also has good length for just being 6'0'' tall. 6'6'' Alex Etherington shot the ball well from 3, ending with 14 points.

Spiece Indy Heat vs. Michigan Mustangs
Final: 85-76 Spiece
This game was all about Derrick Walton from the Mustangs and Trevon Bluiett from Spiece. Walton, a 6'0'' guard had a game high 35 points, while Trevon a 6'5'' 2014 Forward from Park Tudor poured in 28 of his own. He displayed an all-around game, showcasing good ball-handling, shooting, and passing skills. 2014 Point Guard P.J. Thompson form Brebeuf Jesuit was also very impressive.

Meanstreets vs. Louisville Magic
Final: Don't know, left at half
I did not see much of this game, but what I did was very entertaining. First of all, some of these kids flat out do not look 15, I sure wish I was 6'6'', sculpted from marble, and had a goatee when I was 15. (Maybe I would still be playing basketball instead of writing about it!) Anyway, Jaraan Lands from Brownsburg H.S. was very impressive. He is receiving early interest from IU, Purdue, Xavier, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Also, 6'8'' Power Forward Tyler Wideman looked good in the post. He was working hard to get position and displayed some of the softest hands I have seen. Great sign for such a young kid.

Indiana Elite One vs. Double Pump
Final: 76-52 Double Pump
I need to apologize to the IE One coach, I must be very bad luck. This is the second time I saw them this tournament and they have lost both games. 5'8'' Point Guard from Southport, Kellon Thomas displayed lightening quickness as well as good strength. He can absorb lots of contact and finish at the rim. He had 12 points, Jared Drew had 9, while IU recruit Ron Patterson added 7.

Eric Gordon Central Stars vs. MBA Select
Final: 77-70 MBA
Lots of coaches on hand to watch this game. Everyone on this EG10 besides Purdue commit Ronnie Johnson has yet to make a college decision, so that brings the coaches out in full force. Nick Osborne, a 6'8'' Power Forward from Muncie Central, scored 19 points and showed that he is one of the best rebounders in the state. I had predicted that he would have a big tournament, and he did have a pretty good two days. However, possibly most impressive tonight was 6'7'' Power Forward Joe Reed from Center Grove. Reed had 14 points and rebounded well, especially on the offensive glass. Interest should really start to pick up around him, good low to mid-major guy.

Day 2 is in the books. I will be back at the gym early tomorrow morning to watch Indiana Elite Team Indiana at 8:15, then heading to watch Spiece Indy Heat and then the 16U Eric Gordon squad. Should be another fun day as teams either win or go home. For complete coverage as it happens follow the Indiana Recruiting Guide on Twitter @INrecruitguide.

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