Adidas Invitational-Day 3

Today's recap will be abbreviated because I only was at the gym until about noon. Decided it was time to finally head home for a while after spending the last 2 nights in Indianapolis for the tournament. Still, I was able to see three very good basketball games. After spending this evening resting up I hope to return to Indy to watch the final games tomorrow.

Indiana Elite Team Indiana vs. Compton Magic

Final: 84-78 IE Team Indiana

This was my second chance to see Team Indiana play, and once again they were impressive. Playing in front of Coach Crean as usual, 6'7'' Wing Jeremy Hollowell, an IU commit, had another very good game pouring in 29 points. He has played great all tournament and is proving his status as a Top 50 player in the country. However, 29 points was nothing compared to the 46 that 6'2'' Combo Guard Gabe York put up. He is leaning towards either Arizona, Marquette, or Washington. Another IU recruit Yogi Ferrell chipped in 17 points for IE, while Hanner Perea had his usual crowd pleasing dunk, or three, to finish with 9 point.

Spiece Indy Heat vs. Minnesota Pump N Run

Final: 68-67 Spiece

This collection of young talent continues to impress even while playing mostly older competition. 2014 Guard James Blackmon Jr., an IU commit, had 21 points to lead Spiece, while Jaquan Lyle contributed 13. I really like the way this 6'4'' combo guard from Evansville Bosse plays. He is a very good rebounder for a guard, and can also go coast-to-coast once he gets the ball. Definitely one of the top prospects nationwide in the 2014 class.

Eric Gordon 16U vs. Texas Select

Final: EG10 won by about 15, forgot to write down the score.

Texas Select had a 5 lead in the second half, but then Zavier Turner, a 5'9'' Point Guard from Southport took over the game. He displayed good hands on the defensive end and got some steals, then went coast to coast with his quickness, and finished at the rim through some heavy contact from much bigger players. Do not let his small stature fool you, Turner is very strong, and with out a doubt one of the best point guards in Indiana in the 2013 class. 6'6'' Wing Zak Irvin was very impressive once again. He is just an all-around stud, and is certainly making a case to be the best player in the state in the junior-to-be rankings.

I will be looking forward to getting back in the gym tomorrow, but it will also be nice to relax at home by the pool for a little while!

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.

Adidas Invitational-Day 1

Wow! That was one long day of basketball, I watched 9 games today and was in the gym from 8:00 a.m. until about 11:00 p.m. Luckily, there is nothing I would rather be doing than watching basketball and talking with coaches and players.

If "star watching" is enjoyable to you, the Adidas Invitational is the place to go. Everyone who is anyone in the coaching world was on hand in one of the gyms being used to watch prospective players compete. Legends such as Coach K, Coach Roy Williams, Coach Cal, and Coach Calhoun were all in attendance. However, the crowd was not just full of the big names. Every level was well represented, all the way from high-majors on down to DIII and NAIA schools. I spent my day watching 7 different Indiana based AAU teams. Now, here is the abbreviated version of my day at the Adidas Invitational.

Game 1: Spiece Select 2012-Irwin vs. Florida Elite

Final: Florida Elite 63-34

I came away from this game very impressed with 2012 Whitko Point Guard, and Stetson recruit, Logan Irwin. It is always a refreshing sight when a teams best player is also its hardest worker, and that is exactly what Logan is. He is one of the best on-ball defenders that I have watched and caused many turnovers with that pressure defense. On the offensive end he is just as effective. He has a different looking shot, but it does go in a good amount of the time. I think that a place like Stetson is a perfect fit for him.

Game 2: Spiece Gym Rats-Baldwin vs. East Coast Fusion-Dalton

Final: East Coast Fusion 76-69

If any low Division II or NAIA school is looking for a solid power forward in the Class of 2012, I have found a sleeper. Tyler Arrowsmith of Churubusco High School is certainly under the radar, but if he puts many more games together like the one I saw today that won't last long. He poured in 21 points off of the low block, showing a very quick baseline drop step move that appeared to be un-guardable. I like his length and his array of post moves, really hope to see him playing at the next level.

Game 3: Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red vs. SDA Pump N Run 17U

Final: Pump N Run 74-61

Darryl Baker is a great player and certainly a Division 1 talent, but I found myself watching two other guys on this team even more than him. Those guys would be Keegan Kincaid a 6'1'' Point Guard from Switzerland County H.S. and Grant Meyer a 6'0'' PG from Silver Creek. Both are very strong and quick with the ball in there hands. Kincaid is a better 3 point shooter, and Meyer is a absolute lock down defender. Both have good athleticism and work hard which makes them very disruptive on the defensive end. Any NAIA or DII school that needs a point guard needs to make a call to either of these guys, they are the type of player that wins you games. Could probably play Division II ball in the right fit.

Game 4: D3 Pride vs. Minnesota Heat

Final: D3 Pride 70-46

I was starting to think that I was a jinx to the Indiana teams. Finally, D3 Pride picked up a victory with me in attendance, along with a slew of Division I coaches. Notre Dame commit Austin Burgett scored 17 points in front of his future Coach, Mike Brey. Also impressive was Point Guard Jacobby Bledsoe from Hamilton Southeastern. He displayed a smooth outside shot, as well as quick and explosive moves going to the basket. Also a solid defender. He will be a very good pick up for a mid-major team, I know Cincinnati was on hand to watch him today.

Game 5: Indiana Elite One vs. Team Eleate (AZ)

Final: Team Eleate (I failed to write down the score)

Terre Haute North Forward, Matt O'Leary was very impressive today. He showed the ability to knock down an outside shot, as well as the ability to get inside and finish around the basket. Point Guard Kellon Thomas from Southport also impressed me. He is very strong and can shoot the 3. Both guys would be very good pick-ups for a low to mid-major. Coach Tom Crean was in the stands to watch IU commit Ron Patterson. San Diego State, Boise State, Ball State, Missouri, and Lamar were all in attendance as well.

Game 6: Indiana Elite Team Indiana vs. Connecticut Basketball Club

Final: Indiana Elite Team Indiana 81-73

IU commit Jeremy Hollowell lead the way for IE with 24 points. He showcased a much improved outside shot, as well as increased aggressiveness going to the rim. Down the stretch Point Guard, and fellow IU recruit Yogi Ferrell was big, scoring many of his 15 points in the final minuets. In the next day or two make sure you check Youtube for the HUGE dunk that Hanner Perea threw down towards the end of the game.

Game 7: Eric Gordon Central Stars vs. Nashville Celtics

Final: 91-73 EG10

Coach Brad Stevens and Coach Matt Painter was in the crowd, as well as coaches from Tennessee, Liberty, and Stetson. Uncommitted Point Guard D.J. Balentine knocked down 3 3's on his way to 16 points. I suspect that he may pick up another offer or two in the coming weeks. Purdue commit Ronnie Johnson lead EG10 with 21 points.

Well there you have it. That was my very busy, yet fun, day in a nutshell. Now it is time to go to sleep so I can get up early and do it all over again. I will mainly be watching 16U teams tomorrow. Should be another fun day!

To receive updates throughout the day make sure you follow the Indiana Recruiting Guide on Twitter @INrecruitguide.

Adidas Invitational-Wednesday Schedule

Wednesday marks the beginning of the July AAU circuit. With most of the nations best teams coming to Indianapolis for the Adidas Invitational, there will be no better place for basketball fans than Naptown. Here are the games that I will be attending tomorrow.

8:15- Spiece Select 2012-Irwin vs. Florida Elite

9:30- Spiece Gym Rats-Baldwin vs. East Coast Fusion DALTON

12:00- Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red vs. SDA Pump N Run 17U

1:15- D3 Pride vs. Minnesota Heat (Duberry)

3:45- Indiana Elite One vs. Team Eleate (AZ)

6:15- Indiana Elite Team Indiana vs. Connecticut Basketball Club

8:45- Eric Gordon Central Stars (IN) vs. Nashville Celtics

July AAU Circuit-Thoughts and Predictions, Volume 2

The state of Indiana is full of young talent. The AAU circuit is a great opportunity to see how the sophomores-to-be have improved since their first year of high school basketball, as well as give us a first look at this years incoming freshman class. Here are a few "young guns" that I would recommend keeping an eye on this month.

Jeremie Tyler: 6'1'' Point Guard, Indianapolis Tech H.S. (2014)

AAU: Indiana Elite-Kendrick

I had a chance to see Tyler play with Tech a couple of weeks ago at the Indy Summer Tournament and came away impressed with his improvement. He is a raw athlete who has a very nice shooting stroke and can also cause defenses problems as a slasher or off the dribble. He will need to get in the weight room to bulk up quite a bit, but don't be surprised if he picks up an offer or two before the end of the month. I know that Xavier has been involved.

Tyler Wideman: 6'8'' Power Forward, Lake Central H.S. (2014)

AAU: Meanstreets

College coaches have, and will continue to fall in love with the young guys physical make-up. He is a strong, wide, body that also posses a great set of hands for such a young player. I expect him to garner some more national attention after a few big tournaments coming up. I am sure that Purdue, who has offered, is hoping they can land an early commitment from Wideman.

Bryant McIntosh: 6'2'' Point Guard, Greensburg H.S. (2014)

AAU: Eric Gordon All-Stars

As the rumors swirl about his transfer from New Castle to Greensburg, this kid just continues to improve on the court. He has had some early interest from Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, and Old Dominion. Bryant has been working hard on his strength and conditioning over the last month and I think he is poised to have a break out July. Don't be surprised to see an offer or two roll in soon.

Chandler White: 6'2'' Shooting Guard, Fort Wayne Carroll H.S. (2015)

AAU: Indiana Elite Jazz

I have heard that White may attend Fort Wayne Northrop H.S. along with the Scott brothers, however I am not sure how valid that rumor is. What I do know is that this kid can flat out play. He is a big time scorer who could average 20 points this season as a freshman in my opinion. Interest will start to pour in as he has a big month of July.

K.J. Walton: 6'2'' Shooting Guard, Brownsburg H.S. (2015)

AAU: Spiece Indy Heat 2015

Walton is one of the top 2015 prospects in the state. He handles the ball well and can score going to the basket or shooting from the outside. I suspect that some serious interest will pick up early this month.

Watching the younger guys make a name for themselves is always one of the best parts of the AAU circuit, but can also be one of the toughest to predict as to who will have break out summers. These kid's bodies are still developing, as are their skills. I expect big things from these 5 prospects this summer, and I am sure there will be many more names that burst onto the scene in the coming weeks.

July AAU Circuit-Thoughts and Predictions, Volume 1

With the July evaluation period upon us it is time for coaches, parents, and players (and recruiting guys like me) to get back in the basketball gym. Long, yet fun days await us as rumors swirl and scholarships are offered. With the first big tournament approaching, the 2nd Annual Adidas Invitational Classic in Indianapolis, I decided to put together some thoughts on what is coming in the next few weeks.

Players on the Rise: Every summer there are a few guys who enter the July period with only a couple small offers, then within weeks have committed to a mid or high-major school. So, who will those guys be this year?

D.J. Balentine: 6'1'' Point Guard, Kokomo H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

The sharp shooting guard who lead his high school team to the State Finals this season has just two offers, Missouri State and IPFW. If he continues playing the way he did during the school season I expect for some bigger offers to start rolling in. Any school that may have missed on their top couple of choices at either guard spot could use Balentine in their program. Don't be surprised to see Tennessee, Stanford, or Boston College to enter into the mix as all have shown some interest in the past.

Nick Osborne: 6'8'' Power Forward, Muncie Central H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

Osborne is a guy that I really expect to burst onto the national radar this month. He has the prototypical body type for the college game, a 6'8'' post player who can also step away from the basket and score with his mid-range game. He currently holds offers from Ball State, Xavier, and Miami (OH). Stanford has also been in contact with the unsigned senior-to-be. With a solid start to the July AAU schedule, look for schools such as Iowa, Butler, or even Purdue to make a late offer.

Patrick Ingram: 6'2'' Shooting Guard, North Central H.S. (2012)

AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

He has said that he wants to make a college decision by the end of the AAU season. So, with that time quickly approaching, a school making a late offer could still swoop in and catch a commitment from the talented guard. Ingram currently has offers from 8 mid-major schools, such as, Southern Illinois, Ball State, Indiana State, and St. Louis. St. Louis is probably his favorite right now, however don't be surprised him he ends up committing to a school who has not yet offered. Wichita State, Iowa, and Tennessee are 3 schools that are showing some interest.

J.T. Yoho: 6'5'' Shooting Guard, Eastern Greene H.S. (2012)

AAU: Spiece Select

Yoho could probably gain more from a solid July than almost anyone else in the state. The crafty scorer holds just 2 offers, Gardner-Webb and Bowling Green. I think that after putting together a couple of good performances he could garner some more mid to high-major interest. As a long guard who can really fill it up, any college looking for a 2-guard to fill out a recruiting class should consider Yoho.

Mike Crawford: 6'5'' Small Forward, Tipton H.S. (2013)

AAU: Indiana Elite Stars

Expect the offers to start rolling in for this athletic wing. He is strong enough to score in the paint, yet has the offensive skills to dominate on the perimeter and attacking the basket. He has fielded calls from Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and Wright State just to name a few. I could see Purdue getting involved in his recruitment, as well as places like Michigan or Xavier. I doubt it will be long into this month until Crawford receives his first offer.

Darryl Baker: 6'1'' Shooting Guard, Jeffersonville H.S. (2013)

AAU: Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red

I really like his athleticism and he has been improving his all-around offensive game. I expect him to have a big month and look for him to get a few offers from mid to high-major schools soon.

With the deep talent pool that the state has to offer, a list like this could go on forever. However, these are 6 names I would really keep my eye on. I expect these prospects to have a huge month on their way to landing some serious interest.

If you have any questions or comments please email me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu. Also, make sure you follow us on Twitter! @INrecruitguide

Jon Detweiler Memorial Tournament

The Jon Detweiler Memorial Tournament offered players, coaches, and fans a great day full of basketball while raising money for the historic Williamsburg Gym in the memory of Mr. Detweiler. Fittingly, Jon's son, Mark Detweiler coached his Union County team to a 4-0 record and the tournament championship.

This summer I have been working with Centerville, so I was busy coaching the guys most of the day and didn't have a chance to see everyone play. We started the day off with 3 very convincing wins, defeating Greenfield 48-27, Blackford 48-31, and Northeastern 42-18. Our defense was very solid all day long and a balanced offensive attack was enough to give us comfortable victories. However, after having started the day around 9:30 that morning in the gym, the guys did not come out sharp against Union County, falling 32-18 in the final game.

Top Players

Like I said, I was not able to see a whole lot of action besides the games that I was coaching so I apologize if I omit somebody who deserves to be mentioned.

Brad Hartman: 6'7'' Power Forward, Union County H.S. (2012)

Brad continues to improve his game. He is a pretty athletic big man who handles the ball well and is very quick makings his moves in the post. I think he could play for a low level DII and just about any NAIA school.

Cody Woodbury: 6'3'' Shooting Guard, Winchester H.S. (2012)

Very strong and athletic. Good outside shooter and has improved his shooting off the dribble. Could contribute right away at the NAIA level.

Alex Etherington: 6'6'' Small Forward, Hamilton Heights (2013)

From the bit I saw of Alex yesterday he hit a few very deep 3's and showcased his athletic ability with a thunderous dunk over an opponent. He will be a good low to mid-major player. He really needs to improve his attitude though, he seems to always be yelling at a teammate or coach.

Braden Suttle: 6'5'' Small Forward, Centerville (2013)

Suttle is probably one of the most improved players I have see this summer. He has been knocking down about 2 3-pointers a game for Centerville this summer and still has a solid back to the basket game. Will be a good DIII or NAIA player.

These are the 4 best players that I saw yesterday, of the 8 teams in the tournament, I was very impressed with the overall level of play. It was simply a great event.

I have really enjoyed my summer of coaching the Centerville Bulldogs, I had been a part of the program from 2000-2010 as the Head Statistician, but being able to coach was a great experience. Know I am looking forward to the AAU circuit!