Articles – The Young Veteran

Portsmouth Invitational 2024 Day 1 Recap

PIT 2024 Day 1 Recap

The 70th annual Portsmouth Invitational has begun!!! The first two games were very sloppy to start. But, Hey thats to be expected when you are playing with new teammates, in a high school gym, in front of hundreds of executives from the NBA, to Italy, Germany,South Korea, Greece etc.

Players That Impressed

Tolu Smith III Miss. State 6’11 245 C

Smith is a very physical presence on the block. If he was in the paint he would physical make sure he moved you under the basket to get the closest finish possible. He ran the floor well and showed solid mobility overall. Being matched up against Joel Sopriano was a fun watch. Smith finished with 18 points and six rebounds.

Tristan Enaruna Cleveland St. 6’8 219 F

Enarauna showcased versatility on both ends. He has a solid pro ready body with some length. He knocked down a couple of three’s. Showed an ability to hit the mid range and can slash or play in the post. Tristan didn’t force anything, he just took what was given and and played an extremely efficient game. He also provided a nice highlight tip slam. https://twitter.com/PIT_Basketball/status/1780751379914486231

Courtesy of the official Portsmouth Invitational twitter handle @PIT_Basketball twitter

Tristan was the best NBA and pro prospect that played tonight. Yes, it was just one game….. That’s why I said tonight. He finished with 25 point, on 9-14 shooting, 2-4 from three, three rebounds and two blocks.

Tyler Burton Villanova 6’7 215 G/F

Burton struggled to get involved early, but found his footing in the second half. He showed versatility on both ends. He can initiate the offense or play off the ball. He’s a guy that does whatever his team needs him to. He also rebounds extremely well.

Aaron Estrada Alabama 6’4 195 Combo

Estrada showed an ability to lead an offense. He has a great feel in the 2 man game. Knows when to be patient and wait for the roll, or attack the defender. Solid ball handler with very good vision. Estrada was at his best when attacking on the fast break. He is very tough to stop from penetrating the lane and is a crafty left handed finisher around the rim. I’m a fan of his. He had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Joel Soriano St. John’s 6’11 250 C

Big fan of Big Joel. He showed some offensive versatility today. We all know he can finish around the rim and in the paint. He also made a three today and it didn’t look bad. He only made seven his entire 5 year college career, BUT all seven were this year. He can definitely keep working on this and add this to his reportoire. Joel showed soft hand in the paint with nice touch as well. Knocked down a couple of mid range fades also. When he elevates his release is super high and tough to block. Big Joel had 28 points and twelve rebounds.

Jarod Lucas Nevada 6’4 195 SG

Lucas is a scorer. He can score at all three levels, but is more comfortable outside of the paint. Quick first step off the dribble. Likes the p/up jumper. Ball handling is ok. Very conssistent three point shooter. I want to see if he can defend at the next level. Also, can he consistently create for himself and others?

Eric Gaines UAB 6’2 160 PG

Gaines is a thin athletic playmaker. He is unselfish and knows how to run the show. He had 10 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds. Anytime you have ten assists to three turnovers you’re doing you job. Especially in a showcase tournament.

Isaac Jones Washington St. 6’8 235 PF

Jones was all over the paint. He’s very physical and an explosive athlete. He will always finish with dunks. Very long arms. I want to see some more offensive versatility from him throughout the week.

Players That Struggled

AJ Hoggard Mich. State 6’3 215 Combo

Hoggard didn’t make an impact. In college he did a little bit of everything. This can be a tough setting to really stand out and show your skills. He finished with four points on 1-8 shooting.

Drew Pember UNC Ashville 6’11 225 F/C

Drew was 1-5 from three, with five rebounds. If he’s not making three’s at the next level can he add enough other value?

Tyson Walker Mich. State 6’0 175 PG

Much like his fellow Spartan he struggled to make an impact. Walker just didn’t take charge like I expected him to. He had six points, four rebounds and three assists……. But, lacked confidence or assertiveness.

Eric Dixon Villanova 6’8 260 PF

Dixon struggled shooting. He seemed way too content shooting three’s. And tough ones at that. He shot 3-11 overall and 0-5 from three. Dixon had 9 points, five rebounds and three assists. I would like to see him more assertive in the mid post.

Things I Enjoyed Today

Watching Tolu Smith III and Joel Soriano battle. Two of the more physical specimens here. And they went back and forth.

Tristan Enaruna’s versatility

Aaron Estrada running an offense

The Most Impressive Thing Today

How absolutely annoying Santiago Vescovi is on defense. I would hate to bring the ball up the court against him. Keep it up Santiago. Keep being annoying!

Portsmouth Invitational 2023 Day 3 Recap

Portsmouth Invitational Day 3 Recap

It was a good day. Yes, Ice Cube has been referenced in the first sentence. You’re welcome. The last game was ugly at times, then I jinxed it when I mentioned to my friend Jamaill we haven’t had overtime yet in the showcase. Then, the basketball god’s blessed us with a double OT game. Everyone in the gym tonight, You’re welcome.. Or, I’m sorry!

Players That Impressed

Timmy Allen Texas 6’6 200 G/F

Allen was super efficient. He has a lot of toughness and physicality. He has a great feel in the m/r and mid post. Takes contact well. Strong bodied and looks thicker than 200lbs. in a good way. Allen also was chipped in with 12 rebounds. He had 25 points and went 11-14 from the field. Almost all of his damage was in the m/r.

Kris Bankston Norfolk State 6’8 220 PF

Bankston struggled to make an impact his first game. Today he flashed athleticism that may be unmatched compared to any other player here. He has great hangtime and body control in the air when attacking the rim. He’s a dangerous roll man for lobs and has a great motor as a rim runner. Bankston had a massive one hand throw down, where it literally looked like he threw the ball from straight down ala Dwight Howard in the dunk contest. I don’t think he touched the rim, because he was too far away…. but, man he was way over the rim.

Kevin “Tha Dogg” Obanor Texas Tech 6’8 225 G/F

Man…. Obanor is intense. Plays extremely hard with emotion and authority. He also takes care of his body. He had ice on both knee’s and ankle’s when he left the gym. I liked seeing that because I don’t recall anyone else ever doing the same here. He is a freak athlete and super strong he can do a little bit of everything. I would be stunned if he’s not at the combine. He can make the three, attack the lane or just p/up in m/r. He can literally guard 1-4. He’s strong enough and agile enough either way. I loved his intensity and letting everyone know he’s that DUDE. Obanor finished with 29 points, five rebounds and three blocks.

Ed Croswell Providence 6’8 245 F/C

Big Ed flashed today. He started slow, but really came on after that. Ed is strong in the paint. He showed good hands and a soft touch. He’s solid in the p/roll game. He was relentless on the boards today also. Croswell finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds….. Ten were offensive!

Sales Systems Team

KJ Williams struggled from three, but still managed to score around the rim and with a post fadeaway. Williams also chipped in on the glass. He had 15 points and 17 rebounds.

Caleb McConnell chips in wherever he can. He showed the ability to score at times and he’s always a lockdown type defender. He plays within himself and that’s always refreshing to see nowadays.

I love Erik Stevenson’s confidence. He’s a flat out scorer. He can get hot quick and has a nice stroke from deep. Stevenson can occasionally shoot shots that may not be the best, but what scorer/shooter doesn’t. Stevenson finished with 23 points, going 5-8 from three.

Nathan Mensah had three late buckets in double OT that basically sealed the game. Mensah has a nice stroke 15 feet and in. Good rotation and doesn’t fade when shooting. I’ve watched a lot of him throughout his career. He’s a steady big. Defends well, has switchability and mobility. Ohhh and a 7’5 wingspan. Mensah had 17 points, ten rebounds and went 8-10 from the field.

Tanner Groves Oklahoma 6’10 235 F/C

Tanner is not the strongest or most physically skilled player. But, I would take him with me to a fight everyday. He’s a tough son of a gun. He plays with passion and he may be the toughest dude here. He never backs down. He keeps getting up off the ground. He struggled from three tonight, yet still made an impact. He had 19 points and eight rebounds. Next time though….. Shoot the open three at the end of the game. There were two chances you passed it out.

Players That Disappointed

Trey Jemison UAB 7’0 260 C

Trey is a massive man in the post. He really struggled today though. His hands looked very questionable. There were three straight p/roll plays where he just couldn’t catch and handle the pass and fumbled it away….. And the passes weren’t bad either.

Grant Sherfield Oklahoma 6’2 190 Combo Guard

Sherfield fell back to struggling today. He couldn’t make anything. He finished with two points and 1-11 from the field…..

Dane Goodwin Notre Dame 6’6 200 SG

Goodwin clearly is a good jump shooter and has a very nice stroke. He just missed shots today. None looked bad, they just didn’t fall. I like him. Today was just not his day. He had six points, four rebounds and was 1-9 from the field.

Things I Loved Today

Kevin Obanor’s competitiveness. He is “Tha Dogg”. He has so much confidence and isn’t afraid to let people know. One other thing I liked is when he left the gym he gave a nod to the trainer that helped ice him up after the game. That was cool and she appreciated it as well.

Tanner Grove’s passion. He made an and one and then had a weird, yet awesome counting motion with both hands while laying on the ground…… I realize my explanation is anticlimactic. But, If you were here at the PIT…… It was Electric, and very much a goofy white guy thing. And as I reread this I just can’t do it justice. Sorry, I’m a goofy white guy too!

KJ Williams showed some more physicality. I’m still not sure he can or is willing to post up on offense. He had one baby hook shot and a fadeaway post jumper score….. But, both were going away from the basket……. So, maybe I just kinda had a fling and didn’t fully love it yet….

The Bier Garden in Olde Towne, downtown Portsmouth, VA. I highly recommend this place. Its very relaxed and authentic German cuisine. I make sure I eat there every year I attend and its just fun and doesn’t disappoint. They also have a ton of beer selections. And whenever you have a beer referencing James and the Giant Peach….. I have to try it…… Johann beware of the Rhinoceros in the sky. And Aslin job well done!

Oh yeah the food was awesome! I had Curry Bockwurst, with German potato salad and beer battered fries.

Paired with Aventinus Weizendoppelbock

Portsmouth Invitational 2023

Day 2 of the PIT

Who do you think you are?… I AM!!!!

Day two early on was okay. I had already seen both teams and really wanted to watch the nightcap games. So, after the first game I prepared myself by eating Pork Fried rice, vegetable lo mein and a shrimp egg roll. Needless to say, I was more than primed and ready in several ways.

Players That Impressed

Tevian Jones Southern Utah 6’7 190 G/F

So, full disclosure…. I knew Jones had a good game. I’m literally doing a recap on every player. That said, He may have had the most impactful game at PIT since I’ve been attending dating back to 2016. He was lights out all day. He also has great size as a wing. Now in his career he’s a little streaky, but has that microwave ability….. or now that Air Fryer ability. So, was this literally his best performance ever and an anomaly? Maybe. But guess what, he performed and that’s what matters. I heard someone in the crowd say….. This guy needs to go to the combine in Chicago. Jones finished the game 11-13 from the field, 7-8 from three with 36 points and 7-7 from the foul line…… Bravo. You have my attention forever now.

Toumani Camara Dayton 6’8 220 F

Once again Camara stood out. If he has one more performance like that and his team still loses I feel like he’s the MVP of the PIT. I know that’s against the rules, but he’s impressed the most in my opinion easily. Camara had 21 and 12, yet he was only 1-6 from three. He still flashed and showed a versatile skill set. He also Yammed over Pete Nance too….

D’Moi Hodge Missouri 6’4 180 G

Hodge was an issue for Jani King immediately. He is a very opportunistic defender. He loves to play fast. He really showcased an ability to knock down the 3. He’s a captivating player. You see his imprint on every game. He’s a winner. He’s a SG that is an issue on defense for his opponents. Hodge was very impressive tonight. He finished with 26 points, 8-10 from the field and 5-7 from 3. He had to have had more steals, but that’s not what was recorded officially. He was a DOG.

Sales Systems Team As A Whole

Call It A Cop Out….. But, I Don’t Care

They dropped 119 points. Everyone flashed at points…..

But, I do want to say Grant Sherfield really bounced back form his performance at the NABC Reese’s All Star game. He had zero points on 0-11 from the field there. Today, he missed a couple jumpers early then attacked the rim and that opened his whole game up. He finished with 19 points, seven assists on 8-12 from the field.

Players That Struggled

Damion Baugh TCU 6’4 185 G

He just hasn’t flashed or made an impact.

Tyshaun Crawford Augusta Univ. D2 7’1 264 C

He is still struggling with the speed of the game. He has long term potential. He will have to start low level overseas, but he is a physical specimen. If he stayed D1 maybe he could have developed quicker? But, he has potential he just needs work on moves in the post and his motor in general.

Race Thompson Indiana 6’8 225 PF

Race just didn’t have the explosiveness or lift athletically today. He scores on hustle plays, or facing up and driving the lane. Or rebounds. Today, he was just flat.

Kevin Samuel South Alabama 7’0 260 C

Big body. Yet, He really struggled to make an impact. He was just overmatched by Jemison and Udeze.

Things I Enjoyed Today

Toumani Camara‘s dunk over Pete Nance…. No, I don’t have video….. But, it happened. Sorry, I’m young, but old and don’t do social media. Call me “The Young Veteran.”

Manny Bates dunk on Josh Roberts.

Nathan ” Nate Dogg ( The Rapper/R&B Soul Vocalist, RIP… and then the son in the Outdoor Boys Youtube channel I nicknamed Nate Dogg with my 3 kids, that I watch with my them weekly, https://www.youtube.com/c/OutdoorBoys ) ” Mensah dunking on Patrick Gardner… Gardner actually played well he just got, GOT.

Hey, Luke if you see this my family is all in on what you do!

Talking with a few Basketball friends in person, which I only get the opportunity at the PIT.

Lastly, Jake Stephens being loud and wailing like a goose on defense. Thank you Jake.

Portsmouth Invitational 2023 Day 1

Day One of the Portsmouth Invitational

Here We Go

It’s that time of year again. The best showcase in the business. I love this trip and look forward to it every year. Despite staying at a place where my door doesn’t fully shut…., Me like the players at the PIT are grinding away. Lets get it!

Players that Impressed

Tyger Campbell UCLA 5’11 180 PG

Everyone knows who he is. He played at UCLA forever. He controlled games and was a great floor general….. Yet, I was still super impressed with his play. He had 18 points, ten assists and only three turnovers. He is majestic with the ball. His hair flowing in all its glory, while he darts pass defenders to find open players for easy shots or buckets. He’s the best passer here. I have only seen four of the eight teams, but honestly it doesn’t matter. He see’s things different than anyone else. Even so his team lost 96-84.

Darius McGhee Liberty 5’9 160 G

McGhee literally gets a shot whenever he wants. He has unlimited range and elevates on his jump shot. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but seeing it in person it was clear. He can get buckets at any level. That’s never been an issue. He also is a great athlete. He can jump out of the gym and has great hangtime. I’m looking forward to see if he can make some plays for others in the next couple of games.

Hunter Tyson Clemson 6’8 215 G/F

Tyson was ripping the nets. He was 5-7 from three, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds. He was not shy and took some deep shots. He displayed a ton of confidence throughout. He stayed aggressive. Tyson also showed an ability to run off screens or play the p/pop or just space the floor for c/s three’s. I was very impressed with his performance and loved his tenacity and emotion.

Sir’Jabari Rice Texas 6’4 180 SG

Rice just lets it fly. He is a scorer. Attacking the rim doesn’t seem to be his choice, but draining jumpers in defenders faces definitely is. He uses his length to get off shots and has a nice and fluid stroke. He had 19 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Kevin Obanor Texas Tech 6’8 225 F

Obanor is a DOG. Despite air balling at least two three’s, he never lost confidence. He kept his energy and intensity and his shot eventually started falling. Obanor was dominant rebounding. He was elevating and attacking the glass relentlessly. He ended up making 4-10 three’s, and all of them I believe came from the top of the key.

Toumani Camara Dayton 6’8 220 PF

Camara was all over the court. Super mobile and athletic 4 man. He can attack off the dribble and has a good handle for his size. Camara dives hard to the basket on p/roll situations and finishes above the rim. He was a player that flashed consistently throughout the game. He played 5 a little bit as well and was just running the floor like a gazelle. He’s still developing shooting range, but he popped today for sure.

Players that struggled

Connor Vanover Oral Roberts 7’5 227 C

Vanover struggled some with the quickness of the game. He seemed a little winded at times. He got the ball knock loose several plays and was late a few times on help defense. He has the ability to make the p/pop 3, but was 0-4 tonight. His lift was a little low, as well as arc.

Tyshaun Crawford Augusta University DII 7’1 264 C

Crawford was too slow. He took too long to make decisions. He needs to be decisive and explode to the basket. He was blocked by Vanover like three times. And they were brutal defeating blocks that were sent right back down to his face. He has potential, but needs to find that OBANOR DOG energy and be more assertive on both ends.

Things I enjoyed Today

Hunter Tyson’s unlimited SWAG.

Kendric Davis going 0-7 from the field and 0-5 from three in the first half…. Yet recovering and being chippy with hometown favorite Joe Bryant Jr. (from Norfolk State) to finish with 18 points and five assists.

The thing about the PIT is the always have a few local players from the area that get invited. And its deservedly so. The DMV and the Virginia coast is a hotbed for talent. So the support for Joe Bryant Jr. was awesome and something I always enjoy to see.

Rasir Bolton’s shot making ability. He can shoot….

Race Thompson looking like a Linebacker playing basketball. That’s always intriguing.

Hunter Maldonado showing he still has a wide range of skills. I’ve always liked him. This was just a lost year for him with transfers that didn’t work out and Graham Ike never playing. Maldonado showed well today.

The most Impressive Thing Today

Jake Stephens clapping with his monster hands that echoed throughout the gym his entire game.

Love the energy Jake and please keep it going!!!

On to Day 2

Portsmouth Invitational Recap

Portsmouth Invitational Recap
And my top 5 Prospects

The following are players that impressed in the final day

Payton Willis finally got it going on the last day of the tournament. He had really been struggled offensively and defensively the first two games. Today he shot the ball better, making 5-9 from 3. He had better success attacking off the dribble. Willis was just more aggressive looking for his shot today.

Quenton Jackson once again made an impact on both ends of the floor. He is a super explosive athlete. Jackson had a ton of blocks and steals in the tournament. He was all over the place on defense. On offense he was relentless as a slasher and showed the ability to make the occasional 3 ball.

Terrell Brown Jr. continued to dominate off the dribble. No one could keep him out of the lane. He got to the rim whenever he wanted.

Garrison Brooks continued his stellar play. He was tough inside in the low post. He also continued to flash his mid range jumper.

While Savion Flagg struggled shooting the 3, goin 1-6, he made an impact getting 17 rebounds and scoring 20 points. Flagg is a tough and physical athlete. He can score inside and out.

Javante McCoy showed he belonged here. He hit countless p/up jumpers in the mid range. He also showed the ability to break down defenders off the dribble.

Ryan Hawkins shot the ball well today. He wasn’t shy and was looking for his shot at all times. Hawk shows the ability to knockdown the 3 in c/s situations, as well as score a little bit in the post against smaller defenders.

Keve Aluma is a p/pop nightmare for defenders. When you close out too aggressively he will go by you on the dribble.

Tyrese Martin stepped up big time for his team. He was the only consistent scoring option. Martin is a physical driver and can finish in the lane with traffic. He also has the ability to score from the mid range.

Michael Flowers had a solid game going 5-5 from 3 and scoring 23 points.

Alonzo Verge continued his aggressive, but under control play here at the PIT. He had 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Gaige Prim finally got some of his hook shots to go and finished with 20 and 10.

PIT MVP was Michael Devoe. He had 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Devoe is a smooth player. He can be the 2 man game b/h or play off the ball.

Players that disappointed in the final day

Trent Frazier

Ty Gordon

Koby McEwen

Darryl Morsell

Abu Kigab

Lucas Williamson

Courtney Ramey

Alex Barcello

Jeenathan Williams

Justin Bean

Bryce Hamilton

My Top 5 Prospects

Jared Rhoden

Keve Aluma

Tyrese Martin

Jeriah Horne

Justin Bean

Game 11 of 37 – UNCG pulls away late defeating UMBC 62-51

#RetrieverNation #AEHoops
#letsgog #uncghoops #SoConHoops

Originally my game eleven was supposed to be Towson @ Coppin State. But, my wife went out of town for a girls weekend in the Poconos. So, I had a weekend with my three kids. Needless to say a lot of pizza, ice cream and popcorn were eaten. We also watched… Jingle All the Way and both Home Alone 1 & 2. It was a good weekend.

Back to this game. I had a feeling it would be a close game throughout. It really was up until it was 54-51 UNCG with 3:01 left in the game. UMBC never scored again from there.

UNCG dominated the boards 37-28 and played better team ball in the closing minutes. I was most interested in seeing De’Monte Buckingham. However, his impact was limited until late in the second half, when he hit a couple high arcing three’s and made several key passes to open cutters to the basket. Buckingham is a solidly built 2 guard that possesses good vision and can contribute on both ends. He finished with eleven points, six rebounds and two assists. He is shooting the three ball very well this year at over 42%.

The rest of the scoring and impact for the Spartans was spread out. Everyone chipped in here and there. They had seven players with six or more points. Kobe Langley had a nice game as well. He was steady at the point. Not forcing the issue and making sure the offense was being run. He showed nice poise after going scoreless in his previous two games. He finished with ten points, four rebounds and three assists.

UMBC struggled shooting in every facet. They shot just 40% from the field, 28% from 3 and an abysmal 53% from the foul line. Those stats right there are why they lost. Normally they shoot the ball much better and score a lot more points. This was just one of those games. The Spartans aggressive pressure defense on the perimeter really bothered the Retrievers shooters and they closed out well also.

Keondre Kennedy led the Retrievers with 14 points, but he was just 1-5 from three. Jacob Boonyasith was in foul trouble the whole game and was just 1-5 from three. He did chip in six rebounds and four assists though. L.J. Owens ended up fouling out with nine points. I thought he could’ve been more aggressive to score.

Two guys that just struggled in general were, Yaw Obeng-Mensah and Darnell Rogers. Yaw just seemed out of control to me. Forcing shots. Fumbling passes and ending up on the floor a lot. I was surprised Dimitrije Spasojevic didn’t get more playing time. He looked like he would’ve made a more consistent impact. Rogers had a really bad final ten minutes or so of the game. He had multiple turnovers in the final minutes. He was pressing and trying to do too much for his squad. He over penetrated throughout the game. He really should incorporate a floater to his game. Rogers finished with six points and five turnovers.

Not a great streak for UMBC as they have now dropped four straight. UNCG on the other hand just stopped a two game skid.

Up next for me is game 12 – Radford @ UMBC

Game 6 of 37 Hofstra @ Maryland – Maryland surges late to a comeback win 69-67

Maryland surges late to beat Hofstra 69-67, as Martinez hits winning free throws.

#CAAHoops #B1G

Maryland has scheduled some tough mid majors to start their season. Quinnipiac, George Washington, Vermont, George Mason and Hofstra. All of those teams should finish in the top half of their respected conferences. With all that said Maryland has struggled with all of them, but Quinnipiac.

Hofstra took the Terps to the brink and had a chance to win the game with a shot multiple times. The execution just wasn’t there. Omar Silverio was blocked by Eric Ayala and subsequently fouled Ian Martinez on the loose ball deflection. Martinez knocked down both free throws, and after a couple of timeouts and fouls, Fatts Russell stole the final in bounds pass to end the game.

Ian Martinez hitting go ahead free throws

Hofstra plays small ball. This forced Turgeon’s hand at not even playing Qudus Wahab the entire second half. It looks to me Maryland is best built to play fast and uptempo, then pick and choose when to enter Wahab into the picture.

Jalen Ray for Hofstra was hitting contested three’s from all over the court. He is quick with the ball and showed the ability to penetrate and find the shooters on the perimeter. A career 39% shooter from deep, Ray is someone that will be heavily relied on all season. He finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and went 5-12 from three.

Zach Cooks is Hofstra’s other star player. He is in his fifth season (crazy even typing those words out) playing the previous four at NJIT. He is a flat out scorer. He can make the three, pull up from mid range and create space for himself with ease. Just super quick off the dribble. While he didn’t have a great night shooting the ability is very clear. I wish he would attack the lane more instead of all the jumpers, but maybe he knew the size of Maryland would be waiting on him. Cooks finished with 13 points and four assists.

As far as Maryland goes. Everyone chipped in a little bit here and there. The two guys that stepped up big time to me were Ian Martinez and Julian Reese. Reese has great hands and a soft touch around the rim. He fit the uptempo undersized style much better than Wahab, therefore he got more minutes. He still needs to work on his lower body strength, and the Big Ten bigs will surely test him early. He has a silky smooth mid range jumper and shows the potential to knockdown an open three. Reese had 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Ian Martinez was the X factor in this game. While he is still learning as a decision maker and taking questionable shots, he stepped up when others struggled to make plays. Martinez is a good athlete. Has the ability to create off the bounce. He is also a tough and versatile defender. Stepping up and hitting those two clutch free throws with just four seconds left should be huge for his confidence moving forward. Martinez is instant energy off the bench and its a role he looks very comfortable with. He finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Up next for me is American @ UMBC on Tuesday.

Game 5 of 37 George Mason embarrasses Maryland in College Park

George Mason embarrasses Maryland in College Park 71-66

#A10MBB #RockWithUs #B1G #B1GMBBall #Terps

Coming into this game I was very intrigued to see how Mason was going to handle playing in College Park…. on a big stage…. with first year head coach Kim English. Well, they definitely answered any questions I may have had by handing the Terps their first loss in a very demoralizing fashion. Mason won 71-66.

Mason had three guys I wanted to see specifically. Jamal Hartwell II, DeVon Cooper and D’Shawn Schwartz.

Hartwell is a very slender and small point guard. Has some quickness and burst, but unless he is wide open for a three, he’s not much of a scoring threat. Hartwell basically just provided a ball handler that was steady.

DeVon Cooper is a solid all around guard. He can handle the ball. Score off the bounce, or see the open man on the perimeter. Very tough defender and extremely aggressive. Every time Maryland tried to drive the lane or feed a big man there were multiple Patriots surround and digging at the ball. Cooper was the perfect compliment to Schwartz in this game. Both players can create their own shots and made tough contested jumpers as well. Cooper finished with 16 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals.

Schwartz with the ball at the top of the three point line

Schwartz was the best player on the court. I watched him in warmups before the game and no lie he missed maybe one jumper the whole time I was watching. I thought to myself, we’ll see if this can carry over. Its one thing to make open shots in warmups….. But Schwartz was on one this game. He made 6-1o from three and hit literally every clutch shot he took. Very intriguing prospect to keep tabs on. He has a strong pro ready body at 6’7 235. Flat out scorer at all three levels. He was making three’s, mid range pull ups and he can score in the lane also. Schwartz finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, six made three’s and three steals.

Two other players of note were Davonte Gaines and Josh Oduro. I remember seeing Coach English trying to convince Oduro to stay at Mason, on Twitter throughout the summer. Good thing he did. Oduro provides that true low post scoring threat that balances the rest of the team out. He has very good footwork. He used his pivot feet masterfully several times to score at the rim. Especially one in the closing seconds of the game. Oduro is still developing his shooting range, but his stroke looks solid and I think that will come in time. Gaines did a little bit of everything. Chipped in big time as a rebounder with ten. He also had 2 three’s and a total of 14 points.

And now to Maryland. This will be brief. Mason deserves the majority of this post. Maryland wasn’t prepared. Stagnant on offense. They gave effort on defense, but just weren’t good enough. They just flat out got beat. Coach Turgeon had many comments about the game on the radio when I was driving back home. He mentioned no ball movement, bounces not going there way, the bad practice the day before. There was a lot of things said. He also said the fans need to show up because their playing good teams and need them. I thought that was interesting to mention that after a loss like this to say the least.

Early first half crowd. It didn’t fill much more than that after either.

,Now he’s not wrong about the attendance. I just thought that wasn’t the time to say it. But to each his own I guess.

Donta Scott and Julian Reese were the two best players for Maryland. Scott kept them close throughout the game. He hit mid range and three point jumpers, as well as providing solid help defense. His athleticism has really improved with his quickness and leaping ability. He looks in way better shape this year. Scott finished with 18 points, ten rebounds, one steal and one block. Reese looked way better this game than previously. He was more decisive. He played physical, drew fouls in the post. He also hit a three pointer and looked comfortable doing so. Reese needs to play more and get involved more early to get him going. Very skilled low post threat with soft touch. JuJu finished with twelve points and three rebounds.

Although Ayala hit two three’s to bring the Terps within three under a minute left, he still struggled shooting overall. He has to improve his consistency. Ayala is at his best attacking the lane and using his strength and body control. That will setup everything else for him. Even making 5-12 from three, he finished 6-17 total and attempted zero foul shots. Thats not his recipe for success. Eric finished with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Nobody else did anything of note for the Terps.

Up next for me is Hofstra @ Maryland on Friday

Game 4 of 37 Hampton @ Towson

Game 4 of 37

Towson dominates Hampton with ease

Coming into this game I had no idea what to expect. Hampton was 2-0, but there was a catch. It was against Mid-Atlantic Christian University (yes, that is a real school) and Regent University. Towson on the other hand, blew out Albany and had a respectable loss to Monmouth.

Hampton hung in there for the first ten minutes or so, until Towson went on a run and controlled the game the rest of the way. Hampton has some individual talent spread through their roster, but the cohesion doesn’t seem to be there. Maybe it will happen at some point….. I wouldn’t take that bet. Towson dominated the boards 47-28 and scored inside basically at will. The final was 78-54, in favor of Towson.

Hampton had three guys I wanted to watch specifically. Johquin “Pinky” Wiley, Najee Garvin and Mario “Rio” Haskett Jr.

Wiley who spent four years at Delaware State (God bless him) is a steady point guard. He sets the offense well. He’s unselfish. Plays the game a way a point guard should. He will shoot if open, but not often. Hampton needs to leave him on the floor all game. When he’s not, its ugly isolation, 1v1 stuff. Wiley played okay. He finished with five points, three rebounds and one assist. His presence on the floor alone is what his team needs.

Rio Haskett Jr. struggled to make much of an impact. He struggled to get into whatever possible flow of offense there was. His shot was a little off and thats his best skill. Rio finished with five points and two assists.

Najee Garvin is the Pirates best player. He has a pro body, but is more of a finesse player at 6’8 210. While he did have 18 points and four rebounds, he also had four fouls and four turnovers. Garvin has quickness in the post and an ability to drive the lane. He had a quick spin and reverse finish in the post in the second half that was smooth. He is still developing shooting range, but he would be more suited for a fast paced offense. Maybe Hampton will pick up the pace this year. It looked to me that would be there best chance, with a real lack of overall size.

Garvin shooting a three. This was an airball FYI.

Towson impressed me. They don’t have a lot of big men depth. Charles Thompson and Cam Holden basically had there way when they posted up. Holden is an interesting player. Listed at 6’5 200, he plays bigger and tougher than that. He’s an undersized 4. Holden isn’t going to shoot much from mid range or from the outside. His game is backing down defenders, using fakes and his adept scoring ability close to the basket. He had a good showing with eleven points, twelve rebounds and four assists.

Terry Nolan Jr. had a massive dunk in the second half. He plays with pace, sometimes too much. Nolan is still inconsistent as a shooter, but very dangerous when slashing to the basket. His length gave Hampton issues on offense as well. Nolan had eleven points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Jason Gibson looks like Coach Pat Skerry’s favorite player. The crowd loves him and its hard not to. He’s all over the court. Running off screens, diving on the floor and even driving the lane against defenders with five inches on him. He’s a spark plug that Towson hasn’t had in a while before he got there. Gibson led the team with 13 points, three assists, three steals and was 8-8 from the foul line.

Nicolas Timberlake and Charles Thompson also had eleven points a piece.

Towson had five players with eleven points or more.

Up next for me is George Mason @ Maryland on Wednesday.

Game 3 of 37 Vermont @ Maryland

Game 3 of 37

Maryland has a huge second half to beat Vermont 68-57

Everyone knows how consistent Vermont is as a program. Constantly in the top three at least in the America East. John Becker has nine straight 20 win seasons. They are the epitome of a dangerous “mid major” program. No surprise they gave Maryland everything they could handle on Saturday. Maryland eventually pulled away to win 68-57. After a big second half.

Vermont plays eight seniors. Yes, you read that correctly. Eight. Their top guy is guard Ben Shungu. Shungu is a strong guard at 6’2 200. Being the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the America East, maybe one wouldn’t expect so much on offense. However (Stephen A. Smith voice), he is a very well rounded player. He hit several tough jumpers with hands in his face. He was hitting from mid range and from three. He had 20 points at half and single handedly was the reason Vermont had a four point lead. Shungu struggled to make more of an impact in the second half as Maryland upped their defensive intensity. The senior finished with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and went 4-6 from three. He definitely caught my attention and I will be keeping close tabs on him.

The other senior that caught my eye and showed offensive versatility was Isaiah Powell. Powell has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get into the lane. He plays under control and has solid footwork. Powell keeps the defense honest with the ability to knock down the three ball as well. Athletically he is average, but plays with a savvy that makes up for it. High IQ player with good vision on offense. Solid overall defender as well. Powell was really the only other scoring option Vermont had going other than Shungu. He finished with 14 points, eleven rebounds and three assists.

Vermont’s other star player is Ryan Davis. Davis struggled making any impact on offense. He had many open mid range opportunities, but instead of a jumper or going up strong he would do a weird floater from the baseline. He seemed bothered by Maryland length and athleticism. He didn’t have his best game thats for sure scoring just 8 points on 3-12 shooting. Davis also didn’t have much of a impact on the glass with just three rebounds. He will bounce back for sure, but I was expecting more. Especially being the Player of the Year in the America East last season.

For the Terps today was about Fatts Russell and Eric Ayala. Russell took over down the stretch. He hit a lot of contested looks. Some probably ill-advised, but today they went in so who knows. Russell is still at his best playing in transition and attacking the rim. He showed why he was a coveted transfer today though. He can score in bunches and plays very tough defense. I would like to see him create more for others, but maybe that will come in time. Russell finished with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Ayala seemed to finally get his shooting stroke back in the second half. He was in a battle all game with the final Duncan brother (at least I think!) Robin. They were going at it all day. Playing physical, getting in each others faces. Neither backed down. It was fun to watch actually. Of course the Maryland fans enjoyed chanting “F*** you Duncan!”, literally every time he touched the ball. Ayala is the leader and emotional leader of the Terps. He needs to keep his confidence high because others lean on him for that. Ayala finished with 22 points.

One other thing of note is Qudus Wahab really struggled with the double team today. He needs to be more decisive and make a move or pass out. He lost the ball or made off target passes too often. Vermont did a solid job of blitzing him right away or delaying it. Wahab was held to six points, eight rebounds, two blocks in 22 minutes.

Expect Vermont to win the America East or make the championship in the conference. Anything less than that I would be very surprised.

Up next for me Hampton @ Towson on Tuesday.