Let's just state the obvious right now...everyone knew something would come out after Memphis' Final Four run and it was just a matter of time. Here is the story if you have no clue what I am talking about.
A few interesting points of interest from this scandal.
1. Memphis hired Josh Pastner without telling him that Memphis was under investigation by the NCAA. Memphis knew about this in January. It might have been assumed that John Calipari had told Pastner or something along those lines, but to hire a new coach and not at least mention the investigation is very shady. This has to be terms for a lawsuit if Pastner wanted to pursue it...no?
2. Calipari isn't directly named in the report and Kentucky is basically saying this will free him from any wrong doing. Well, coaches are not that dumb...coaches are rarely, if ever, directly named in reports of misconduct during recruiting. Coaches are not going to write a check from their own bank account and hand it to a recruit. Most coaches are fired in these circumstances without being named in reports. Calipari is at the helm of the whole program and he knows what is going on under him.
3. This point is dealing with Derrick Rose and the NBA forcing him to go to college. He had no business going to college. He didn't have the grades or the test scores to get into college. If the 1 year rule wasn't implemented then Rose wouldn't have to cheat. This 1 year rule is ridiculous...it is forced amateurism and is basically taking away people's right to work. If they are good enough to play in the NBA then let them go. NBA teams do not have to pick them if the NBA thinks drafting young players will hurt the overall league. Look at the teams left in the playoffs...who are the main stars? Lebron, Kobe, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis...how many went to college?
NCAA wants pure student-athletes well Derrick Rose wouldn't have been a student if he wasn't an athlete so let him be what he truly is and that is a professional athlete. The NCAA wants to make billions of dollars but keep their athletes amateurs. That is just pure hypocrisy. Something needs to give...pay the athletes a stripend, let players go directly to the NBA if they are good enough, do something please.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Spiece Memorial Day Tourney Continued
This report will also be more cumulative than just this weekend.
Indiana Select 2011
Matt Schauss 6'3 SG-Good shooter, decent ball handler, solid length. I would like him to be more of a PG that can shoot instead of a SG that can handle it a little bit. He is improving defensively but needs to work on a consistent effort. D2/NAIA prospect right now but if he gets after it training wise he could be low D1.
Spencer Comer 6'3 SG-Slasher, athletic, strong, good motor, good rebounder for his size. The athleticism is there to guard PGs but I don't think he can handle pressure against the top point guards right now. Better handles and more consistent shooting would make his stock jump a lot.
Jackson Kenshaw 6'4 SG-Strong, decent athlete, decent set shooter, can handle the ball a bit. Probably just needs to refine all parts of his game...get a little bit better in each area and he can be a good prospect for low D1's.
Josh Gentry 6'4 SF-Streaky shooter, good slasher, really long, good athlete. Needs to refine all parts of game. If he continues to grow, he could have a good future. D2/NAIA right now, but could jump quickly.
Christian Ford 5'9 PG-Solid handles, quick, lefty. Forces it too much at times, but is a good scorer. Needs to become more of a pass first and score when the team needs me to point guard with his size.
Wade Thomas 6'7 PF-Potential is the word here. Long, good motor, rebounds, good form on jumper, solid post moves. Still developing coordination and overall game. I think he is a good worker that could get him to the D2+ level.
Spiece Indy Heat-Felder
Alexander Hutson 6'1 SG-Streaky shooter, solid athlete. I listed him as a SG because I don't feel like he would be a player that will come down, handle the ball, set up the offense, make the pass that starts the offense or the pass that leads to the pass that leads to the basket. Needs to become a true point which includes better handles and more passing. Defense is also a question but I think he has the ability to be a good defender with his athleticism, he just needs to refine some things.
Chandler Thomas 6'5 PF-Very good in the post, solid athlete, good rebounder. The problem is that he is a 6'5 PF/C. He can drive the ball a little and shoot from the outside a little but he needs to develop into a SF/SG. I do not think the work ethic is there for that to happen.
Brian Stolarz 6'4 PF-Solid set shooter, strong, decent athlete, solid rebounder. Needs to be a SG/SF at the next level and he knows this. The process is long and difficult. I do not think he has the quickness to guard on the perimeter. Low D1 or D2 seems like a good fit to me. That still depends on him becoming more of a SF.
Spiece Indy Heat-Downs
Travis Carroll 6'8 PF-Developing solid range, great in the post, good rebounder. Lacks athleticism is the big knock. He can get around it at the next level if he is very smart and out works guys. Should be solid at Purdue.
Jack Isenbarger 6'2 PG-Solid handles, good quickness, good shooter, good length. I really like Isenbarger for the mid-major level as a true point guard. I think he might grow still also.
Jordan Weidner 6'1 PG-Solid set shooter, good penetrator, decent athlete. Needs to show that he can handle the ball against tough defenders and that he can also score or create inside against big guys (6'8+). D2/NAIA right now.
Kennis White 6'1 PG-Good athlete, passes well, decent handles. Low D1 or D2 prospect in my eyes.
Donnie Hale 6'7 PF-Athlete, quick, solid post moves (going to left hand). I would love him if he could finish with his right hand...he is a lefty. I've seen decent range from him but he does his damage in the lane. Mid-major would be a good fit for Hale I believe.
Indiana Select 2011
Matt Schauss 6'3 SG-Good shooter, decent ball handler, solid length. I would like him to be more of a PG that can shoot instead of a SG that can handle it a little bit. He is improving defensively but needs to work on a consistent effort. D2/NAIA prospect right now but if he gets after it training wise he could be low D1.
Spencer Comer 6'3 SG-Slasher, athletic, strong, good motor, good rebounder for his size. The athleticism is there to guard PGs but I don't think he can handle pressure against the top point guards right now. Better handles and more consistent shooting would make his stock jump a lot.
Jackson Kenshaw 6'4 SG-Strong, decent athlete, decent set shooter, can handle the ball a bit. Probably just needs to refine all parts of his game...get a little bit better in each area and he can be a good prospect for low D1's.
Josh Gentry 6'4 SF-Streaky shooter, good slasher, really long, good athlete. Needs to refine all parts of game. If he continues to grow, he could have a good future. D2/NAIA right now, but could jump quickly.
Christian Ford 5'9 PG-Solid handles, quick, lefty. Forces it too much at times, but is a good scorer. Needs to become more of a pass first and score when the team needs me to point guard with his size.
Wade Thomas 6'7 PF-Potential is the word here. Long, good motor, rebounds, good form on jumper, solid post moves. Still developing coordination and overall game. I think he is a good worker that could get him to the D2+ level.
Spiece Indy Heat-Felder
Alexander Hutson 6'1 SG-Streaky shooter, solid athlete. I listed him as a SG because I don't feel like he would be a player that will come down, handle the ball, set up the offense, make the pass that starts the offense or the pass that leads to the pass that leads to the basket. Needs to become a true point which includes better handles and more passing. Defense is also a question but I think he has the ability to be a good defender with his athleticism, he just needs to refine some things.
Chandler Thomas 6'5 PF-Very good in the post, solid athlete, good rebounder. The problem is that he is a 6'5 PF/C. He can drive the ball a little and shoot from the outside a little but he needs to develop into a SF/SG. I do not think the work ethic is there for that to happen.
Brian Stolarz 6'4 PF-Solid set shooter, strong, decent athlete, solid rebounder. Needs to be a SG/SF at the next level and he knows this. The process is long and difficult. I do not think he has the quickness to guard on the perimeter. Low D1 or D2 seems like a good fit to me. That still depends on him becoming more of a SF.
Spiece Indy Heat-Downs
Travis Carroll 6'8 PF-Developing solid range, great in the post, good rebounder. Lacks athleticism is the big knock. He can get around it at the next level if he is very smart and out works guys. Should be solid at Purdue.
Jack Isenbarger 6'2 PG-Solid handles, good quickness, good shooter, good length. I really like Isenbarger for the mid-major level as a true point guard. I think he might grow still also.
Jordan Weidner 6'1 PG-Solid set shooter, good penetrator, decent athlete. Needs to show that he can handle the ball against tough defenders and that he can also score or create inside against big guys (6'8+). D2/NAIA right now.
Kennis White 6'1 PG-Good athlete, passes well, decent handles. Low D1 or D2 prospect in my eyes.
Donnie Hale 6'7 PF-Athlete, quick, solid post moves (going to left hand). I would love him if he could finish with his right hand...he is a lefty. I've seen decent range from him but he does his damage in the lane. Mid-major would be a good fit for Hale I believe.
Spiece Memorial Tournament-Part 3
These reports will be more cumulative for the spring more than just what I saw at the tournament the past weekend.
Indiana Select 2010
Neal Beshears 6'6 SF-Long,decent springs,good motor, above average shooter, very good offensive rebounder. Drives the ball very well. Needs work defensively as I do not think he is used to guarding athletes. I envision him being great at the top of a 1-3-1 defense. Indiana Junior All-Star that is getting low major looks right now...ceiling is probably mid-major but lots of potential.
Aaron Bluitt 6'1 PG-More of a combo guard, shoots it very well, penetrates well with a good first step, would like him to drive more. Struggles with shot selection at times and sometimes gets lackadaisical on defense. I see him being very good at the low D1 level or D2 level.
Brad Elam 5'10 PG-Quick, good shooter with range and also very good at pulling up for the mid-range jumper. Decision making and size are his main weaknesses. Probably a D2/NAIA type of PG or Combo guard.
Brad Siegel 6'4 PF-Good motor, aggressive rebounder, solid spot up shooter to 20 feet. Improved consistency on jumper and some quickness work could make him a solid D2/NAIA player.
Taylor Wayer 5'11 PG-Shooter, strong, decent quicks. Wayer is more of a SG or combo guard than a point guard which will probably make him more of a D2/NAIA prospect. Needs ball handling work and decision making improvement to be more of a point guard.
Patrick Cutter 6'6 PF-Raw, good motor, decent post moves, developing face-up game. Needs strength and to be a little more aggressive in the defensive and rebounding areas. Potential to be a D2 prospect if he puts in work this summer.
Reed McLaughlin 6'5 PF-Good set shooter, drives the ball well, rebounds well, good motor. NAIA type of player because he lacks size for PF or quickness for the SF spot.
I planned on having more in this post but I just got very tired all of a sudden. More to come soon.
Indiana Select 2010
Neal Beshears 6'6 SF-Long,decent springs,good motor, above average shooter, very good offensive rebounder. Drives the ball very well. Needs work defensively as I do not think he is used to guarding athletes. I envision him being great at the top of a 1-3-1 defense. Indiana Junior All-Star that is getting low major looks right now...ceiling is probably mid-major but lots of potential.
Aaron Bluitt 6'1 PG-More of a combo guard, shoots it very well, penetrates well with a good first step, would like him to drive more. Struggles with shot selection at times and sometimes gets lackadaisical on defense. I see him being very good at the low D1 level or D2 level.
Brad Elam 5'10 PG-Quick, good shooter with range and also very good at pulling up for the mid-range jumper. Decision making and size are his main weaknesses. Probably a D2/NAIA type of PG or Combo guard.
Brad Siegel 6'4 PF-Good motor, aggressive rebounder, solid spot up shooter to 20 feet. Improved consistency on jumper and some quickness work could make him a solid D2/NAIA player.
Taylor Wayer 5'11 PG-Shooter, strong, decent quicks. Wayer is more of a SG or combo guard than a point guard which will probably make him more of a D2/NAIA prospect. Needs ball handling work and decision making improvement to be more of a point guard.
Patrick Cutter 6'6 PF-Raw, good motor, decent post moves, developing face-up game. Needs strength and to be a little more aggressive in the defensive and rebounding areas. Potential to be a D2 prospect if he puts in work this summer.
Reed McLaughlin 6'5 PF-Good set shooter, drives the ball well, rebounds well, good motor. NAIA type of player because he lacks size for PF or quickness for the SF spot.
I planned on having more in this post but I just got very tired all of a sudden. More to come soon.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Spiece Memorial Day Tournament-Part 2
Part 2
Spiece Indy Heat 2012
Yogi Ferrell 5'9 PG-Yogi continues to impress me with his improved outside shooting, quickness, ability to get to the rim, and only rarely being out of control.
Dajaun Marrero 6'6 PF-I'm not sure if Marrero will grow anymore...facially he looks matured and at 6'6 this could cause a problem for him. I'm guessing the offers he has project him to be an athletic 3 man, but he needs more range, handles, and explosiveness to be a 3. A lot of work for someone with big-time offers.
Raphael Davis 6'3 SG-The recent Purdue oral commit was wearing an IU shirt under his jersey. No story here, but it is fun to tease Purdue fans about.
Spiece Indy Stars 2012
Austin Burgett 6'7 SF-The versatile forward exploded against St. Louis Gateway in the first half. He had 2 dunks in traffic, a few 3's, and some nice drives as he showed his full offensive game against a solid team. I like him more than a lot of other guys in the 2012 that already have the big-time offers. He is already skilled for a legit 6'6 kid at that age.
Rhett Smith 6'4 SF-A true inside/outside threat. Most young taller guys are really just hanging around the perimeter shooting when open and not doing much else. Rhett is posts well with good post moves and he also drives the ball very well especially baseline from the perimeter.
Ron Patterson and Kellon Thomas were solid as is the norm.
Spiece Indy Heat 2012
Yogi Ferrell 5'9 PG-Yogi continues to impress me with his improved outside shooting, quickness, ability to get to the rim, and only rarely being out of control.
Dajaun Marrero 6'6 PF-I'm not sure if Marrero will grow anymore...facially he looks matured and at 6'6 this could cause a problem for him. I'm guessing the offers he has project him to be an athletic 3 man, but he needs more range, handles, and explosiveness to be a 3. A lot of work for someone with big-time offers.
Raphael Davis 6'3 SG-The recent Purdue oral commit was wearing an IU shirt under his jersey. No story here, but it is fun to tease Purdue fans about.
Spiece Indy Stars 2012
Austin Burgett 6'7 SF-The versatile forward exploded against St. Louis Gateway in the first half. He had 2 dunks in traffic, a few 3's, and some nice drives as he showed his full offensive game against a solid team. I like him more than a lot of other guys in the 2012 that already have the big-time offers. He is already skilled for a legit 6'6 kid at that age.
Rhett Smith 6'4 SF-A true inside/outside threat. Most young taller guys are really just hanging around the perimeter shooting when open and not doing much else. Rhett is posts well with good post moves and he also drives the ball very well especially baseline from the perimeter.
Ron Patterson and Kellon Thomas were solid as is the norm.
Spiece Memorial Day Tournament
There were not as many loaded teams this weekend as there were in Bloomington last weekend. I will do a couple of reports but nothing like last week. I am going to try to organize them a little bit better this week instead of jumping around so much.
Spiece Indy Heat-Betts
Steven Jamison 6'4 SF-Long, decent athlete (not a freak athlete), streaky shooter, above average motor. I would like to see him improve his handles and shooting to be a true SG at the next level.
Ken Mullens 5'9 PG-Quick and strong were the two things I saw from him since Teague and Thomas do a lot of the ball handling on the team.
DeShaun Thomas 6'7 PF-Transitioning to more of a SF but still is a post first. Handles the ball better than he shoots it in terms of perimeter skills although his range is getting better and more consistent.
Kristian Smith 6'4 SF-Intriquing prospect to me. I haven't seen him a bunch but looks like he could be a low D1 or D2 type of player. Decent length, solid shooter, ok athlete.
Marquis Teague 6'2 PG-The man, the myth, the legend. Great athlete, very quick, jumps very well, slow release of jumper but usually creates so much space it doesn't matter.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 C-Showed a good looking jumper to 17 feet, blocked a bunch of shots. I would like him to be more aggressive and tougher inside especially rebounding. He lacks that "I'll rip your head off to get the ball" type of attitude that all great big men have. A fast developing player after not playing much early in his career. Could be a big-time player if he has a year of prep school.
Russell Byrd 6'7 SF-A true 6'6 or 6'7 shooter that is quick for his size and at least tries to defend quicker, smaller perimeter guys. With some added muscle he could definitely guard 4's in the Big Ten, but it looks like he would like to stay a 3 man in college.
More to come soon.
Spiece Indy Heat-Betts
Steven Jamison 6'4 SF-Long, decent athlete (not a freak athlete), streaky shooter, above average motor. I would like to see him improve his handles and shooting to be a true SG at the next level.
Ken Mullens 5'9 PG-Quick and strong were the two things I saw from him since Teague and Thomas do a lot of the ball handling on the team.
DeShaun Thomas 6'7 PF-Transitioning to more of a SF but still is a post first. Handles the ball better than he shoots it in terms of perimeter skills although his range is getting better and more consistent.
Kristian Smith 6'4 SF-Intriquing prospect to me. I haven't seen him a bunch but looks like he could be a low D1 or D2 type of player. Decent length, solid shooter, ok athlete.
Marquis Teague 6'2 PG-The man, the myth, the legend. Great athlete, very quick, jumps very well, slow release of jumper but usually creates so much space it doesn't matter.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 C-Showed a good looking jumper to 17 feet, blocked a bunch of shots. I would like him to be more aggressive and tougher inside especially rebounding. He lacks that "I'll rip your head off to get the ball" type of attitude that all great big men have. A fast developing player after not playing much early in his career. Could be a big-time player if he has a year of prep school.
Russell Byrd 6'7 SF-A true 6'6 or 6'7 shooter that is quick for his size and at least tries to defend quicker, smaller perimeter guys. With some added muscle he could definitely guard 4's in the Big Ten, but it looks like he would like to stay a 3 man in college.
More to come soon.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Spiece Memorial Day Run N Slam
Spiece Memorial Day Run 'N Slam starts tonight at 7:00pm. I will be at the Spiece Fieldhouse all night watching games and coaching. Saturday will also be a full day of basketball. Last year I substituted coached the Indiana Select 2009 team to the Silver bracket championship. Although it was the Silver bracket it always feels good to win a tournament even though I would rather just have a decent run in the Gold bracket.
Once the tournament wraps up this weekend, I'll be off to the parent's lake house for a holiday cook out. I will probably stay up there for a couple days enjoying the lake if it is nice out. So, my reports might not be up until mid to late next week.
This is our last tournament until July so that high school teams can work with their players. I will be working college camps at Butler and Xavier. I might try to fit another camp in somewhere but it is late to try to get in somewhere now. AAU season flies by...I can't believe it is the end of May already. Where have you gone time?
Once the tournament wraps up this weekend, I'll be off to the parent's lake house for a holiday cook out. I will probably stay up there for a couple days enjoying the lake if it is nice out. So, my reports might not be up until mid to late next week.
This is our last tournament until July so that high school teams can work with their players. I will be working college camps at Butler and Xavier. I might try to fit another camp in somewhere but it is late to try to get in somewhere now. AAU season flies by...I can't believe it is the end of May already. Where have you gone time?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
AMC Report-Recap
Now that I finally got all my player reports written up here is my recap of players.
Impressive List
Marcus Crider SYF-Looked great this weekend...really athletic and can also shoot. I like those types of players. Also, he has good size at 6'5ish.
Dee Davis Team Indiana-I have been a fan of Davis for years, but I have always wondered if he will be able to do it at the mid-major or higher level because of his height. This weekend he started to prove to me that his lack of height will not matter. He will find a way to get it done.
Tony Springmann Spiece Select-Springmann had a dominating performance over the wealth of height that Team Indiana has on their team. If he adds a face-up game (he has range to 16 feet), then he will be a high-major player. Right now, I would say he is a high-major football recruit.
Mitch McGary SYF-First weekend of the spring for McGary and he looked great. Quick for his size, good range to about 17 feet, ability to finish around the rim with both hands. Big potential if his grades don't hold him back.
Griffin Mckenzie Eric Gordon-Mckenzie showed his full range this past weekend. Hitting a handful of 3's, but he is not soft like a lot of big guys that can shoot. He is more than willing to bang inside and has decent athleticism.
Keith Appling Michigan Mustangs-Appling is ridiculously explosive. Also showed that he can shoot at least at the mid-range. Michigan State has a good one here.
Ray McCallum Jr. Team Detroit- Quicker than I remember, long for a point guard, smart as a coach's son, and also displayed his range behind the arc. Great weekend for Ray.
Terrone Johnson Eric Gordon-Johnson had a very solid weekend. He displayed his full game...driving, mid-range, 3pt. range. He is better than what I saw from him during the high school season.
Those would be my most impressive from the 16U and 17U age groups. I didn't see enough 15's to have a list for them. Also, Erik Fromm ended up committing to Butler University this week.
Spiece Memorial Day tournament this weekend in Fort Wayne. No Indiana Elite teams will be there. I will get a catch to see Spiece Indy Fastbreak who were not at the Adidas May Classic.
Impressive List
Marcus Crider SYF-Looked great this weekend...really athletic and can also shoot. I like those types of players. Also, he has good size at 6'5ish.
Dee Davis Team Indiana-I have been a fan of Davis for years, but I have always wondered if he will be able to do it at the mid-major or higher level because of his height. This weekend he started to prove to me that his lack of height will not matter. He will find a way to get it done.
Tony Springmann Spiece Select-Springmann had a dominating performance over the wealth of height that Team Indiana has on their team. If he adds a face-up game (he has range to 16 feet), then he will be a high-major player. Right now, I would say he is a high-major football recruit.
Mitch McGary SYF-First weekend of the spring for McGary and he looked great. Quick for his size, good range to about 17 feet, ability to finish around the rim with both hands. Big potential if his grades don't hold him back.
Griffin Mckenzie Eric Gordon-Mckenzie showed his full range this past weekend. Hitting a handful of 3's, but he is not soft like a lot of big guys that can shoot. He is more than willing to bang inside and has decent athleticism.
Keith Appling Michigan Mustangs-Appling is ridiculously explosive. Also showed that he can shoot at least at the mid-range. Michigan State has a good one here.
Ray McCallum Jr. Team Detroit- Quicker than I remember, long for a point guard, smart as a coach's son, and also displayed his range behind the arc. Great weekend for Ray.
Terrone Johnson Eric Gordon-Johnson had a very solid weekend. He displayed his full game...driving, mid-range, 3pt. range. He is better than what I saw from him during the high school season.
Those would be my most impressive from the 16U and 17U age groups. I didn't see enough 15's to have a list for them. Also, Erik Fromm ended up committing to Butler University this week.
Spiece Memorial Day tournament this weekend in Fort Wayne. No Indiana Elite teams will be there. I will get a catch to see Spiece Indy Fastbreak who were not at the Adidas May Classic.
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