#elite #rockchalk · #bigtime sonny vaccaro had the shoes, the events, and the venue that changed...

#ROCKCHALK>JAYHAWKS RELOAD

#ELITEKD'S TRAINER JUSTIN ZORMELO

JORDAN CLASSIC

JOHN LUCAS IMSC

JIM COUCH SUPER 16 NATIONAL TRAINING SHOWCASE

PANGOS ALL-AMERICAN

VEGAS SUMMER SHOWCASE GU IDE

CONTENTSISSUE #1. THE BASKETBALL ISSUE. Combinator Magazine welcomes all players, parents and coaches to the Vegas summer basketball guide. Showcasing skill is more than just lacing up and playing. Strong, fundamental basketball play involves training, nutrition and focus. The contents of this magazine highlights players, trainers, and showcases that top basketball personnel attend and support. From the Jordan Game, where the top high school players are seen, to the John Lucas International Middle School Combine where they are discovered, these pages share the stories of basketball development. –Editor-in-Chief Sean Couch

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VEGAS GEAR AND EATING GUIDE, SONNY VACCARO, & NEXT GENERATION GAME DAY NUTRITION & ENERGY BOOSTS.

GET YOUR GAME EXPLOSIVE AND READY WITH THESE TRAINING TOOLS.

06 VEGAS SUMMER SHOWCASE GUIDE

17 JORDAN CLASSICTop HS Showcase finds a home at the Barclays Center.

23 JOHN LUCAS IMSCThe Top Middle School players in the United States all go to the lab in Houston, TX.

16 TRAINING CIRCLE

20 OSCAR LINTaiwan’s top 17-year-old guard trains and plays hard.

30 PANGOS ALL-AMERICANDinos Trigonis’ camp is the top West Coast Event of the spring.

14 JUSTIN ZORMELO Kevin Durant’s training matrix on smash.

18 ANDREW WIGGINSKansas Basketball is ecstatic about what many are calling the number one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

26 JIM COUCH SUPER16Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s first Coach runs a National Training Showcase in New York City that attracts the top freshmen and sophomores in the country.

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COMBINATOR MAGAZINE >

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COMBINATOR MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER: CLARK CHEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + CREATIVE DIRECTOR: SEAN COUCH

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: ALEJANDRO DANOIS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: VAN COLEMAN RON FLORES CLARK FRANCIS ADAM ZAGORIA

DESIGNER + ART DIRECTOR: MATT TURNEY, @MATTTRNYWWW.TURNEYCREATIVE.COM

PHOTO EDITOR: STEVEN COUNTS

WEBSITE: COMBINATORMAG.COM

WRITE TO US: [email protected]

Cut Throat is a 4-on-4 intense and fast drill that has three rules in order for the team to stay on offense – • Must square up on each catch – this is the triple threat position with the ball

on the hip and the shooting foot ahead. If the defense is playing very tight an attempt to square up is accepted

• Must move after a pass – cut to the basket, screen away or screen on the ball is acceptable but cannot just stand

• Must thank the passer on a made basket – if the coach passes the ball he must be thanked

• May add other rules such as limit to 2 dribbles, all players must touch the ball, cannot shoot until a ball screen occurs or any other rule you would like to implement

• If a rule is broken, that team is blown off the court by the coach and the defensive team goes to the offense and the new team comes in on the defense

• Play for a period of time – 4 minutes is good or a certain number of points

TEAM TRAINING DRILL SPOTLIGHT < CUT THROATO R I G I N AT O R > D O N S H O WA LT E R - N AT I O N A L H I G H S C H O O L C O A C H O F T H E Y E A R I N 2 0 0 9 , 9 - T I M E I O WA H I G H S C H O O L C O A C H O F T H E Y E A R , U S A B A S K E T B A L L N AT I O N A L T E A M D E V E L O P M E N TA L C O A C H .

CREDS < DON SHOWALTER – US Olympic Committee (USOC) Volunteer Coach of the Year – 2012 – USA Basketball Developmental National Team Coach – U16 U17 teams 2009-14 – Four-Time USA Basketball Developmental Coach of the Year 2009-10-11-12 – Five-Time Gold Medal Coach for USA Basketball U16 and U17 teams – 2009-10-11-12-13– National Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association – 2009 – Nike Skills and LeBron Academy Coach – McDonald’s All American Coach – 1999 – Jordan Brand Classic Coach – 2005 and 2012 – National Federation State and Regional Coach of the Year – 2009

JIM COUCH SUPER 16

NATIONAL TRAINING SHOWCASE

NEW YORK CITY < OCTOBER 20-21 , 2013 < BARUCH COLLEGE

SEE THE TOP FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES IN THE COUNTRY PLAY IN FRONT OF JIM COUCH, THE TEACHER OF THE SKYHOOK!

Proceeds go to the support of the Jim Couch Foundation Free Basketbal l Cl inic Program

WWW.JIMCOUCHFOUNDATION.ORG@Jimcouchsuper16 /Jimcouchsuper16

SATURDAY ADMISSION: $10.00AFTERNOON

1-5 pm Training Showcase

+ Ski l ls Competit ion

NIGHT5-9 pm Alumni Juniors vs

Sophomore-Freshmen Scrimmage Middle School Al l-Star Game

SUNDAY ADMISSION: $10.00High School Pep Ral ly Sunday: 11-12 pm

National Freshmen Game: 1:00 pmNational Sophomore Game: 3:00 pm

THOMAS BRYANTU16 US NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBER CHEIK DIALLO

ESPN’S #10 RISING JUNIOR

THON MAKERESPN’S #2 RISING SOPHOMORE

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COMBINATOR MAGAZINE>

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THE VEGAS SHOWCASE SPECIAL

#BIGTIME Sonny Vaccaro had the shoes, the events, and the venue that changed the realm of basketball forever. Chop: Sean Couch

If you just played your game and are headed for the Vegas strip with your team to enjoy the dry summer heat, give your Uncle Sonny Vaccaro a #BigTime tweet on your smart phone. You wouldn’t be out here if it weren’t for his vision to, as he once said, “…open the summer in one location for college coaches to recruit.”

Way back in ’77, when Vaccaro started giving Nike gear to the top players and programs, he was setting the foundation for his 1984 signing of Michael Jordan to an endorsement contract. His “legal way of steering top talent,” according to CBS Sports Basketball Analyst Doug Gottlieb, “is genius, and not illegal.” Every major sneaker company follows the formula, creating big venue AAU games around the country to showcase product and players. Despite numerous NCAA investigations and media vilification, where he’s been portrayed as the man who destroyed amateur basketball, his footprints are all over the elite high school basketball showcase genre.

The 73-year-old Vaccaro co-founded the first high school All-American basketball game in 1965, the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic, and formed the exclusive ABCD Camp in 1984, which attracted the country’s top players.

His defining moment was the signing of Michael Jordan to a five-year, $500,000 contract with stock options which, at the time, was viewed as ridiculous. But now Sonny just points to the numbers. According to Forbes.com, the Jordan Brand earned $2 billion in sales in 2012 and represents 56% of the total basketball footwear market in America, while the Nike brand is second, with 37%.

Vaccaro moved from Nike to Adidas in 1994 and formed the Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas. The showcase helped him solidify a relationship with Kobe Bryant who he signed to a $48 million, 6-year contract straight out of high school.

The event was trademarked as “The Championship of Summer” and by 2002, 344 AAU travel teams from 41 states competed with squads from Mexico, Italy and Canada. In 2005, 3,500 fans watched an AAU summer league game that featured the Dallas Mavericks’ OJ Mayo, who was playing with the D1 Greyhounds AAU squad out of West Virginia, versus the Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley, who was

competing with the Spiece Indy Heat squad out of Indianapolis.

When the Big Time ended in 2006, the Vegas summer circuit tradition was firmly entrenched in the minds of the entire youth basketball market and now in 2013, Las Vegas supports four national tournaments – Las Vegas Live, Fab 48, adidas Super 64 and the Las Vegas Classic which collectively attract over 1,700 teams.

Enjoy your week! Play hard and for a few seconds, reflect on how one man made it all happen. #BigTime. #SonnyVaccaro.

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T H E E V E N T W A S T R A D E M A R K E D A S

' T H E C H A M P I O N S H I P O F S U M M E R ' A N D B Y 2 0 0 2 , 3 4 4 A A U T R A V E L

T E A M S F R O M 4 1 S T A T E S C O M P E T E D W I T H S Q U A D S F R O M M E X I C O , I T A LY

A N D C A N A D A .

SONNY WHERE’S MY SHOES MAN???

BALLERS BE LIKE

GEAR & KICKSSuite 160 www.suite160.com3950 Las Vegas Blvd South (Mandalay Bay Shops)Las Vegas, NV 89119(702)304-2513

One of the better sneaker boutiques in Vegasdedicated to the Sneaker Heads, Fashion Trend Setters, and Street Wear enthusiast. _______________________

Undefeated www.undefeated.com4480 Paradise RdLas Vegas, NV 89169(702) 732-0019

Hot streetwear brand has a Vegas location in the Paradise Esplanade on Paradise Road by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. _______________________

Nike StoreCaesars Palace3570 S. Las Vegas BlvdLas Vegas, NV 89109(702)650-8888 Nike Factory StoreLas Vegas Outlet Center7400 Las Vegas Blvd SouthLas Vegas, NV 89123(702) 896-7444 Nike Factory StoreLas Vegas Premium Outlets905 S. Grand Central PkwyLas Vegas, NV 89106(702)382-8055 Nike Factory StoreSilverado Ranch Plaza9851 S. Eastern AveLas Vegas, NV 89183(702)407-0165

adidas Factory Outlet875 S. Grand Central Pkwy #1680Las Vegas, NV 89106(702)382-8055 adidas Factory Outlet 7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd #203-ALas Vegas, NV 89123(702)256-3429 adidas Sport Performance Store3791 S. Las Vegas BlvdLas Vegas, NV 89109 (702)262-1373 _______________________

Under Armour Factory House7400 S. Las Vegas BlvdLas Vegas, NV 89123(702) 260-6855

EatsCapriotti’s http://capriottis.com

This is a must stop for all travel teams looking for great Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. They have multiple locations throughout Vegas. _______________________

Lee’s Sandwiches: http://leesandwiches.com 3989 Spring Mountain RdLas Vegas, NV 89102(702) 331-9999

Just a 5-10 minute drive from strip, teams looking for something more adven-turous and cheap should check this shop out that specializes in fresh baked baguettes and croissants, Vietnamese style.

Chop: Clark Chen

VEGAS HANG+OUT GUIDE Las Vegas has some of the hottest

shopping for customers thirsty for

the exclusive kicks and the hard to

find gear. From snap back designer

l ids to kicks that you might have to

bid for on-l ine, the l ist on the side

gives you a chance to smell , touch,

and feel the gear-head rush we all

know and love. After you put the

goods in the bag and remember your

stomach, we also have a couple of

eateries to select from that will

make the whole experience gully.

COMBINATOR > GEAR > VEGAS

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DID YOU KNOW? 200 NBA professionals have participated in Big Foot Events over the years.?

DID YOU KNOW? Before Las Vegas Live, Hal Pastner’s Kingwood Classic in Houston, TX was the must-go tournament during the spring recruiting period. In 2007, a record 753 teams ranging from 9U-17U entered the tournament. ?

DID YOU KNOW? The CBS Sports Network has televised the championship game of the adidas Super 64 dating back to 2011.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2010, which was the first year of the Fab 48, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Deron Williams, Drew Gooden, Rafer Alston, Danny Granger and Kyle Lowry were a few of the NBA players who showed up to coach and/or support the traveling teams that they sponsor or support.

ST. JOHN BOSCO HS (CA) JUNIOR TYLER DORSEY # 8-RANKED PLAYER IN ESPN 60 AT 2012 FAB 48

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LAS VEGAS FAB 48DATE: July 25-28, 2013ORGANIZERS: Dinos Trigonis, Gary Charles, Grant RiceTWITTER: @LASVEGASFAB48WEBSITE: www.lasvegasfab48.comTEAMS: 441YEARS: 4GYMS IN USE: 12

CHECK IN LOCATION: Bishop Gorman HS, 5959 S Hualapai Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148

DIRECTIONS LINK: http://www.lasvegasfab48.com/venue_directions.html

2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Team Loaded (VA), 16U – Team SCAN (NYC), 15U – Team SCAN (NYC)

COMPETITION: Fab 48 “Invitational Pool”: Teams in Pool A - D are in the “Sweet 16” super pools and all teams in those respective pools get automatic berths into the championship playoffs. The teams that finish in the top 2 slots in Pools E - L will get into the championship playoffs.

LAS VEGAS CLASSICDATE: July 24-28, 2013ORGANIZER: Hal PastnerTWITTER: @BIGFOOTHOOPSWEBSITE: www.bigfoothoops.comTEAMS: 600YEARS: 3GYMS IN USE: 22

CHECK IN LOCATION: Spring Valley HS, 3750 S. Buffalo Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89147

2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Houston Hoops (TX), 16U – Oakland Soldiers (CA), 15U – Houston Hoops (TX), 14U-Mac Irvin Fire (IL), 13U – Oakland Soldiers (CA), 12U –Seattle Rotary Style (WA), 11U – Team Bibby (AZ), 9/10U – Yellow Jackets (CA), Varsity Girls – Century Diamondbacks (ID), 14U Girls – Northern New Mexico Flight (NM)

COMPETITION: 4-team pool-play with all teams advancing to championship rounds.

LAS VEGAS LIVEDATE: July 17-21, 2013ORGANIZER: Hal PastnerTWITTER: @BIGFOOTHOOPSWEBSITE: www.bigfoothoops.comTEAMS: 300YEARS: 3GYMS IN USE: 11

CHECK IN LOCATION: Desert Pine HS, 3800 E Harris Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89110

2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Utah Pump N Run Red, 16U – Elite 2014 (TX), 15U – Hub City Gym Rats (CA), 14U- Team Bibby Red (AZ), 13U – Runnin Rebels (FL), 12U – Houston Rookies, 11U – Team Bibby Red (AZ), 9/10U – Inland Force (CA), Varsity Girls HS – Houston Hoops Rodriguez, Girls 14/15U – Vegas Elite

COMPETITION: 4-team pool-play with all teams advancing to championship rounds.

ADIDAS SUPER 64DATE: July 24-28, 2013ORGANIZER: Ron MontoyaTWITTER: @ADIDASHOOPSWEBSITE: http://adidassuper64.comTEAMS: 400+YEARS: 10GYMS IN USE: 17

CHECK IN LOCATION: Rancho HS, 1900 E Searles Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

DIRECTIONS LINK: http://exposurebasketballtournaments.com/39/adidas-super-64/gyms

2012 CHAMPIONS: 17U – Michigan Mustangs, 16U – Louisville Magic, 15U – Indiana Elite, 14U – Championship Billups Elite Basketball Academy

COMPETITION: 16 pools, four games, single game elimination after rankings based on pool play.

Las Vegas Basketball Tournaments Las Vegas Basketball Tournaments

INDIANA RECRUIT – NOAH VONLEH WITH MASS RIVALS AAU AT 2012 ADIDAS SUPER 64

RHODE ISLAND RECRUIT HASSAN MARTIN WITH

NEW HEIGHTS NYC AAU AT ADIDAS SUPER 64

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Circuit Reversible: This semi-fitted, reversible jersey has a hemmed V-neck and armholes for snug player comfort with action sublimated panels on right shoulder, and the left waist and short areas. AAU clubs like the Spiece Indy Heat, Seattle Rotary and ICP Portland use them on the circuit. 100% Polyester Cationic Interlock in Black/White/Red, Black/White/Blue, Black/White/Green, and Black/White/Grey.

Price: $90.00.

In this issue’s performance nutrition spotlight, we take a look at supplements by Zrii. These

high-powered all-natural supplements will power you through high intensity workouts and fierce competition. They’re GMO free, low glycemic, vegetarian and NSF certified for safety.

True Strength Comes From WithinImagine you’re at a Vegas AAU event and you have games at 11 a.m., 3:15 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. before you can call it a day. Think you might be looking for a quick, natural way to add energy and strength?

Pre-workout and post-workout nutrition can fuel your drive to success, speed recovery time, and even help prevent injuries. It’s worth checking out.

Zrii AccellThis power-packed product ignites energy and puts you in the mental focus “zone” with natural B vitamins, green tea, and botanicals. It keeps you hydrated and elevates your game without the jitters, sugar rush or over-stimulation of adrenal glands that you get from most energy drinks and many sports beverages. Moreover, at only 20 calories and 5 grams of sugar, it’s not going to sabotage your training or fitness.

Zrii Achieve Not having time to eat doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor nutrition – not when you have this ultra-healthy protein shake on hand. Don’t be fooled by the great taste. This is one fast food that packs high quality nutrition. An exclusive blend of four premium protein isolates is formulated with a full spectrum of amino acids and 22 vitamins and minerals for optimal digestion, absorption of nutrients, protein utilization, and blood sugar stabilization. Six grams of fiber satisfies hunger for hours and helps you feel full longer. With 18 grams of protein and only 150 calories, 3.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of sugar, Achieve helps build lean muscle, promotes fat metabolism, and sustains energy levels. Replace 1-2 meals per day with this convenient meal replacement shake, or use it to power up after a workout.

Zrii Daily AM & PM Covers all the bases of essential nutrition so that you feel unstoppable day in and day out. The morning tablets use an advanced phased release system to deliver an exclusive blend of 12 vitamins, phytonutrients and alkalizing super green foods over the span of your entire day. The result? You experience optimal energy, immunity and metabolism. The evening capsules are quick-releasing so your body is able to absorb a full spectrum of 10 essential minerals – chelated for superior absorption and bioavailability. Additional targeted nutrients neutralize lactic acid and help the body repair cells and muscles while you sleep.

PERFORMANCE SPOTLIGHT > NUTRITION > VEGAS

ZRII ENERGY SOLUTIONS

A L L - N AT U R A L S Y S T E M S F O R T H E D E V E L O P I N G AT H L E T E . Strength. Endurance. Explosiveness. Flexibility. Recovery. They all play a role in your game. But to perform at your best in those star-making moments when winning or losing is on the line, you’ve got to have motivation, preparation, training and, yes – good nutrition.

Accell also i n clu d es anti oxi dants an d h erbs to h elp red u ce th e effects o f exercise-i n d u ced i n flam mati o n.Bo

nus:

ELITE TRAVEL GEART H E E S S E N T I A L S . . .

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Triple Threat Crew Sock: Made to give arch support and full cushion from heel to toe. 80% cotton, 17% polyester and 3% spandex. Comes in eight color combinations.

Price: $8.00 per pair.

Guardian Ankle Brace: Specifically for the team market. The brace features a contoured tongue, elastic cuff closure, a low profile to fit any shoe and bilateral capability to keep ankle in neutral position. Colors: White, Black, Royal and Scarlet. Price: $30.00.

Circuit Backpack: Travel basketball functional, ideal for holding shoes or basketball in main compartment. Also has a personal accessory department with headphone jack opening, mesh side pockets for drinks and snacks, and adjustable shoulder straps. Colors: Black/Red, Black/Blue, Black/Green, Black/Grey.

Price: $60.00 Blank. Team Logo: $68.00.

Products Avai lable at www.shirtsandskinsinc.com

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JUSTINZORMELO

CEO OF BEST BALL ANALYTICS

KD’S SUMMER TRAINER AND IN-SEASON

PERSONAL VIDEO COORDINATOR

WORKOUTS AND TRAINING WITH: KEVIN DURANTDWYANE WADE JOHN WALL ROY HIBBERT BEN GORDON

AND JEFF GREEN

VIDEO COORDINATOR WITH CHICAGO BULLS

VIDEO INTERN WITH MIAMI HEAT

A player in the NBA who dominates his position and masters the art of shooting, dribble and passing.

In the world of player training, the new basketball metrics have centered around scoring efficiency measures. Trainer Justin Zormelo changed Kevin Durant’s thought process emphasizing scoring zone awareness through film study and day after training sessions to address weaknesses. As a result, KD became the seventh player in NBA history to achieve the ‘percentage triple double’ shooting 40% from

the three-point line, 50% from the field, and 90% from the free throw line.

Getting better means never being satisfied and KD’s low post game is the next focus. Surprisingly, in 220 attempts in the post during the 2012-2013 season KD ranked #2 in post per possession points. While that only averages out to a little less than three touches a game the stat gives KD confidence that his training approach is sound and that his post scoring will match his perimeter game with more touches.

THE BUILDING OF THE “L” COMBINATOR

DID YOU KNOW? Justin Zormelo found Glen Rice Jr. (photo right) at a Miami gym pick up run and suggested he work out with him. Rice was dismissed from Georgia Tech during the 2011-12 season and played a year in the NBA developmental league with the Rio Grande Vipers. Four months of continuous workouts helped him average 29 points in the NBDL playoffs and his overall performance earned him the 35 selection in 2013 NBA draft. Rice Jr. is now the highest drafted player in D-League history and aspires to make the Washington Wizards roster in 2013.Video: http://www.bestballanalytics.com/#!prettyPhoto/0/

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Chop: Sean Couch | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports

HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR GAME LIKE KD? J U S T I N Z O R M E L O M E T R I C S

FEATURED DRILL: D E T E R M I N AT I O N T O B A S K E T D R I L L W O R K

1. Catch and Square.

2. “Determination” to the basket mind state.

3. Get lower than defender and go through defenders shoulder and hip with explosive long first step.

4. Meet big at rim with body contact and “find finishing move.” Your eyes should be on the rim, shoulders squared to basket, and release under control.

WHAT IS AN “L” COMBINATOR?

JUSTIN ZORMELO“Let’s get up early, workout, and see how efficient you can be. KD one morning said ‘Hard day of work 6 am. I didn’t want to get up.’ But he was there working.”

“’What kind of player are you?’ Most players say ‘I’m a scorer or play like another player. Most don’t really know the answer. Where do you score? Where don’t you score, and how do opponents guard you?”

“Knowing what to do each time on

the defensive and offensive side of the ball.”

“The player should master elbow shooting from free throw line

out to three-point line. When closely defended the player should be thinking ‘I’m going to the rim to

take a high percentage shot and I’m going to

make the shot on an and1.’ It’s called the “determination-to-the-

basket-mind-state.”

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#ELITE SHOWCASE > TRAINING

JORDAN CLASSICD . C . , N Y C , C H A R L O T T E A N D N O W H O M E I N B R O O K LY N

Chop: Sean Couch | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports

C O M B I N AT O R T R A I N I N G C I R C L EEquipment and hydration that boosts speed, skill, explosion and strength!

Tyler Ennis

Washington, D.C. hosted the first Jordan Brand Classic game in 2002 that featured Carmelo

Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. In 2005, it moved to New York City’s Madison Square Garden for a six-year-run, which included memorable performances from Kevin Durant (2006), Kyrie Irving (2010) and Harrison Barnes (2010). After two years in Charlotte, highlighted by the talents of Anthony Davis (2011) and Shabazz Muhammed (2012), the game returned to Michael Jordan’s birthplace, Brooklyn, New York, in what looks like a perfect fit for the Jordan All-American franchise.

More than 15,000 fans attended the 2013 showcase at Barclays Center, home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

“Brooklyn is deep-rooted and immersed with art, music and culture with numerous celebrities and entertainers such as Spike Lee, Jay-Z, Fabolous, and Carmelo Anthony stemming from its foundation,” said Larry Miller, President of Jordan Brand. “The [showcase] is all about

creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our athletes and we know Brooklyn is the perfect backdrop.”

The 22 players selected are among a new breed of talent whose training regimen emphasizes

conditioning that increases vertical leap, lateral quickness and strong handles.

SCORING RECORD: 34 BY LEBRON JAMES

ASSIST RECORD: 14 BY BRANDON JENNINGS

REBOUND RECORD: 17 BY AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE

CIRCA: 2002NIKE+ FUEL BAND The band tracks running, walking, dancing, basketball and dozens of everyday activities. It’s also a great watch! Players like to wear bands and this one makes you want to stay fit and in shape. Allows you to sync in to your computer to keep track of your fitness routine.

Price: $149.00 nike.com

POWER PLYO-BOXES Going vertical and finishing with a dunk can be part of your game if you get into a strong plyo-box routine. Any athlete can use these boxes for forward jumps, lateral jumps, and other plyometric drills. Available in multiple heights for developing reaction time and overall explosiveness.

Price: $749.95 www.power-systems.com

EVERLAST 9-lb RUBBER MEDICINE BALL Develop arm, hand, chest and core strength for explosive, space separating moves with the use of a medicine ball.

Price: $39.99 everlast.com

LIFETIME BASKETBALL DRIBBLING GOGGLES Learn to dribble with your head up by blocking off your lower line of sight. The goggles help with court vision, ball control and the ability to focus on open teammates!

Price: $6.99 dickssportinggoods.com

VITA COCA COCONUT WATER An alternative hydration choice that has gained popularity in the basketball sports world. The drink does not have the added sugar, artificial flavoring and colors that other sports drinks have. It is also a great electrolyte source.

Price: $19.61 for 12-pack vitacoco.com

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COMBINATOR > ZAGSBLOG > SPOTLIGHT > RECRUITMENT

K U ANDREW WIGGINS THE MOST DRAWN OUT AND HYPED COLLEGE BASKETBALL RECRUITMENT IN RECENT MEMORY HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END.Chop: Adam Zagoria | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports

“Definitely, I’m sure that he would want to make his own legacy and you could see it kind of on Kentucky’s team this year,” he said.

“They had a lot of stars and it kind of didn’t jell as well as it did the team before when it had a lot of freshmen that really jelled together. So it’s just a difference in players and putting combinations together. Coach Calipari’s a very good coach so I wouldn’t blame it really at all on him.”

Meantime, Florida State folks had hoped Wiggins would follow both of his parents, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins and former Canadian Olympic track star Marita Payne-Wiggins, to the school. So did his friend and Huntington Prep teammate, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a 6-4 shooting guard who committed in October.

Wiggins and Rathan-Mayes are fellow Canadians and teammates on the Canadian Junior National Team.

“Drew, you should come to FSU because you’re my best friend and because of the opportunity we have to do something special together that not too many people can do together,” Rathan-Mayes told USA Today before the announcement. “Other than that, I want you to go where you’re happy; so no matter where you go, I’ll support you 100 percent and be your biggest supporter!”

Kansas is in the mix almost every year for a Final Four and next year will be no different with a class headlined by Wiggins and also including Embiid, Selden, Brannen Greene, Frank Mason and Conner Frankamp.

“We had an unbelievable class when we signed Brandon (Rush), Mario (Chalmers), Julian (Wright) and Micah Downs (2005-06); that’s a big-time class,” Self said.

“This one has more upside. Andrew has a chance to be the first pick in the draft. Joel Embiid goes from being an unranked player to being the top center prospect in the class. He’s raw but so gifted physically. Wayne Selden is a McDonald’s All-American and top-15 guy. Everybody knows about those three, but they are sleeping on are the other

three. Conner Frankamp can play for anyone and so can Brannen Greene. Frank

Mason is about as underrated of a point guard as there is in

the class. It’s been a great recruiting class, but we

need to have a great recruiting class

because we lost so many guys on

a team that did pretty well this year.”

“He’s the best player in the world so I don’t know how far he can bring them,”

Syracuse-bound point

guard Tyler Ennis of St.

Benedict’s Prep told SNY.tv of

Wiggins. “But having the best player in the

world is not going to hurt anybody.”Still, Wiggins’s

tenure in Lawrence figures to be short.

The 2014 NBA Draft is expected to be much stronger than the 2013 Draft, which

has been called “historically weak,” and Wiggins figures to headline a draft a year from now which should also include 2014 stars like Kentucky pledges Julius Randle and Aaron and Andrew Harrison and Arizona-bound forward Aaron Gordon.

“He just needs to stay in the gym this summer shooting jumpers as well as working on his game off the dribble which will only increase draft status next year,” one veteran NBA scout told SNY.tv.

Said a second NBA scout: “He is a great young player. He should be right at the top of the college game right away and he is built for the NBA with his physical tools and his exceptional understanding and skill set.”

Knicks star Carmelo Anthony saw Wiggins play last month at the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn.

Asked if Wiggins could make an immediate impact in the NBA, Anthony said: “It takes time. I wish him the best. Next year if he do what he gotta do and he’s ready to make that step, then more power to him. I support his decision.”

For one year, Kansas fans — and not those from Kentucky, Florida State or North Carolina — can revel in Wigginsanity.

Read Adam Zagoria’s www.ZagsBlog.com on the net.

*COMBINATOR PREDICTION: DUNKS IN A SEASON.

*WHICH JAYHAWK RECORD

WILL ANDREW WIGGINS BREAK?

May 14, 2013 was the day that Andrew Wiggins announced his plans to play at Kansas, choosing the Jayhawks over the two presumed favorites, Florida State and Kentucky, as well as North Carolina.

“The other schools were great, but Kansas had my heart,” Wiggins told Grant Traylor of the Herald-Dispatch, the lone reporter permitted to cover the event. “That’s it. I followed my heart.”

The 6-foot-7 Wiggins made the announcement before his parents and teammates at Huntington (W.V.) St. Joseph Central Catholic School, choosing a low-key signing instead of a big-time press conference or an announcement on ESPN.

Wiggins is the consensus No. 1 player in the Class of 2013 and is projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

The Naismith and Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Wiggins averaged 23.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.5 assists last season.

“Obviously, everyone in Jayhawk-land is overwhelmed and excited today,” Kansas coach Bill Self said.

“This was a pleasant surprise because we never had an idea which way he was [leaning]. Andrew did this the exact way he said he was going to. He played his cards very close to his vest as did his mother and father. I knew we were one of four. The competition was very stiff and we were fortunate that we were able to ink him today. He’s a tremendous talent and a terrific kid. Probably an even better kid than he is a talent. We think he has a chance to be about as good a prospect as we’ve ever had.

“He brings athleticism, length, scoring ability and he’s also an assassin, an alpha dog and we definitely need that when you have a whole bunch of young kids,” Self said. “I think he’s going to be not just a good player, but have the chance to be a great one. I know the people

that support our program are going to be pleasantly surprised when they see him

run and play the very first time he gets the opportunity.”

Wiggins will now play basketball in the same state as his older brother, Nick Wiggins, who

will be a senior at Wichita State.

Wiggins’ decision gives Kansas two players ranked No. 1 at their position in Wiggins (small forward) and Joel Embiid (center), according to ESPN.com.

In this poll on ZAGSBLOG, only 12 percent of more than 7,000 voters had picked Kansas as Wiggins’s

destination. Kentucky led with 44 percent.

Kentucky fans had hoped — and many had expected

— that Wiggins would join the parade of

McDonald’s All-Americans

coming to Lexington next season to play for coach John Calipari.

Kentucky already has a record

six McDonald’s All-Americans and Wiggins

would have made it seven.

“I don’t think there have ever been five McDonald’s

All-Americans going to the same school in one year, let alone the

six that has Kentucky this year,” longtime New York recruiting expert

Tom Konchalski said. “And seven, I don’t think there ever

will be.”

Nick Wiggins told SNY.tv at the Final Four that his brother, a naturally quiet,

shy kid, might want to make his own mark in college, as opposed to joining a group of studs at Kentucky.

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#COMBINATOR T H E N E X T J E R E M Y L I N ?

TA I WA N 'S O S CA R L I N I S L O O K I N G T O

B R I N G H I S G A M E T O A M E R I CA .

Chop: Samuel Brown | Images: Courtesy of Position Sports

Flash back to June 2012 at the Nike All-Asia Camp in Guangzhou, China, where under the watchful eye of Nike’s Director of International Basketball George Raveling, the top 18-and-under ballers from the Far East compete. Lin finished the camp as one of its top five players out of 60 selected, earning him a spot in the 2013 Jordan International Game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where he scored nine points in 18 minutes, showing handle, good mid-range skills and surprisingly improving hops, given his bulky lower legs.

“My favorite moment about my Jordan experience was the practice games,” said Lin. “They were intense.”

The experience left him yearning to play here in the United States.

Oscar has interest from several high schools on the West Coast. He’s hopeful that his Jordan Game experience will assist him to earn some burn, like many of the game’s international alumni, at the major NCAA D-I level, similar to Australia’s Hugh Greenwood who is currently the starting point guard at the University of New Mexico.

The first thing you notice about Oscar Lin are his oversized calf muscles.

“I just kept trying to dunk when I was growing up in Australia and I built my legs [with my stair workout],” he said via e-mail.

In the minds of every developing player around the world, dunking the basketball is an all-consuming thought as they dream of that first moment when they finally achieve that over-the-rim status.

The young 6-foot-1 Chinese National, born Lin Kuan Chun in Australia and presently living in Taiwan, works to increase his vertical leap by running up 99 steps of a Buddhist temple in a 10-kilogram weight vest.

His first set of two is a one-step, high-knee power bustle. After finishing up, he goes up the stairs for the second set of two but this time skipping a step, quickly striding to the top. After a short rest, he progresses to the last of his series, skipping two steps, straining to keep the same pace and form he started on his first set.

His work ethic, and the fact that he dropped 55 points in a game during his undefeated high school championship season in Taiwan, has him on YouTube with a semi-official mixtape. He’s also buzzing on Facebook and Twitter. Oscar, who has earned spots on both the 17U Junior National Australian squad and the 18U Chinese Taipei Junior National team, is thinking about playing his senior year of high school in America. Should we be excited?

99-stair Training Regiment According to the website livestrong.com, running stairs is a high-intensity activity that can improve your hops, provided certain things are taken into consideration. Running on the toes improves calf-muscle strength for better off-the-ground burst. Adding resistance after a few workouts by using a weight vest or ankle weights will increase your vertical leap. Implementing hopping sequences up stairs naturally allows for a slow lengthening of your leg muscles, which is the cornerstone of plyometric training. Include variations like hops on two feet, hops on every other step, single foot hops and hopping as many steps as possible with each jump.

Goal: Improve vertical leap and foot speed.

Oscar Lin

#ELITE TRAINING > CAMP > CLINIC

JOHN LUCAS INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMBINEChop: VAN COLEMAN | Images: Courtesy of Russell Ross

When the dust settled after the 2013 John Lucas Resources International Middle School Combine in Houston, Texas, it was pretty clear that 6-foot-2, Jalek Felton, who will be a freshman at Mullins High School in South Carolina this fall, was the most naturally gifted player in the gym.

Felton, the nephew of former University of North Carolina All-American and current New York Knick Raymond Felton, who had 19 points, five assists and five steals when we saw him last December at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, made a strong case for being the second best player in the class of 2017, behind 6-foot-9 Cody Riley, who hails from Chatsworth, California.

Felton has a strong inside, outside, and mid-range game, along with a terrific basketball IQ. He’s a real competitor, and, like his uncle, a class act and a great kid. He shined against some great competition at this year’s Lucas camp, which included such burgeoning talents as 6-foot-6 Jarred Vanderbilt from Houston, 6-foot-3 Chris Giles from Plano, Texas, 6-foot-5 Darren “D.J.” Harvey from Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, and 6-foot-6 P.J. Washington from Frisco, Texas, all of whom are ranked among the top 10 nationally in the Class of 2017.

#LUCAS LAB

#1 Overall Pick by Houston Rockets in the 1976 NBA Draft, 13-year Head Coaching career in NBA with San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76’ers and Cleveland Cavaliers 1992-2004. The most respected talent evaluator on the middle school and young high school level in the United States.

L o c at i o n : St. John’s High School Houston, Texas

L e v e l : Middle School 7th and 8th graders

Y e a r : 6th

@COACHJOHNLUCAS1

Harvey had a great camp as well. He’s a match-up problem waiting to happen, thanks to his strength and athleticism, aggressiveness around the basket, and ability to score in a variety of ways. We also were really impressed with 6-foot-5 Michael Porter from Columbia, Missouri, who is about 75 spots too low at #88 nationally on our current list of the top players in the Class of 2017.

Porter, clearly one of the most competitive players in camp, has an excellent shooting touch from out on the perimeter, has great hands, and gets more than his share of rebounds. His high skill level shouldn’t come as much of a surprise in light of the fact that his father is an assistant coach basketball coach for the women’s team at the University of Missouri. And even more intriguing, his mother stands 6-foot-4, and she tells us that her oldest son has three younger brothers, two of whom are projected to be 7-footers, who also have a chance to be good players.

6-foot-5 Kelvin Calhoun from Warrenville Heights, Ohio, is a physical specimen and a beast inside. He’d not previously been on our radar screen, but has surprising mobility

for somebody his size, does a great job of running the court, is very aggressive on the boards, and has a knack for being able to either find a way to score, or overpower the defender in the low post.

Rounding out our top five-ranked players in camp was 6-foot-6 Jarred Vanderbilt from Houston, Texas. But, quite honestly, he’s almost too smooth for his own good and has not developed the outside shooting necessary for him to evolve into the perimeter player that he is projected to become. Instead, he’s more like a point/forward, as he has pretty good ball handling and passing skills, is adept at bringing the ball up the court, and is a match-up problem with his size, quickness, and athleticism at the defensive end.

One more player who deserves special mention is 5-foot-11 Marcus Shaver from Honolulu, Hawaii. He really knows how to score, is terrific off the dribble, is explosive in transition, has a high basketball IQ, is a tremendous competitor, and was one of the best defensive players. He seems to get better and better every time we see him.Follow Van Coleman at www.hot100hoops.com and Clark Francis at www.hoopscooponline.com

P.J. Washington Frisco, TX

Darren “DJ” Harvey Owens Cross Roads, AL

Jalek Felton Mullins, SC

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1 6’2 8th GR | Jalek Felton Mullins, SC2 6’5 8th GR | Darren “D.J.” Harvey Owens Cross Rds, AL3 6’5 8th GR | Michael Porter Columbia, MO4 6’5 8th GR | Kelvin Calhoun Warrenville Heights, OH5 6’6 8th GR | Jarred Vanderbilt Houston, TX6 5’11 8th GR | Marcus Shaver Honolulu, HI7 6’5 8th GR | D.J. Russell Orange Park, FL8 6’3 8th GR | Chris Giles Plano, TX9 6’6 8th GR | P.J. Washington Frisco, TX10 6’7 8th GR | Ira Lee Hidden Hills, CA11 6’8 8th GR | Wendell Carter Fairburn, GA12 6’1 8th GR | Deondre Bourne Brooklyn, NY13 6’5 7th GR | Ladarius Marshall Jackson, MS14 6’3 8th GR | Victor Bailey Urbana, IL15 6’8 7th GR | Oumar Keita Jackson, MS16 6’4 8th GR | Brian Bowen Saginaw, MI17 6’2 7th GR | Stanley Cassius Encino, CA18 6’5 8th GR | Nickolas Alikakos Westchester, PA19 5’10 8th GR | Ricky Nelson Houston, TX20 6’5 7th GR | Michael Barber Jackson, MS21 5’10 8th GR | Willie Herenton Chicago, IL

22 5’9 6th GR | Tyger Campbell Austin, TX23 5’10 7th GR | Deven Nelson Fountain, CO24 6’3 8th GR | Kolejuan Brown Far Rockaway, NY25 5’11 8th GR | Jacob Wiley Houston, TX26 6’2 8th GR | Philip Flory Wisconsin Rapids, WI27 5’9 7th GR | Courtney Ramey St. Louis, MO28 6’2 7th GR | Michael Feinberg Hidden Hills, CA29 6’2 8th GR | Bradley Belt Meridianville, AL30 6’1 8th GR | Charles O’Bannon Las Vegas, NV31 5’10 7th GR | Quade Green Philadelphia, PA32 6’2 7th GR | Christian Popoola Las Vegas, NV33 5’11 8th GR | Alex Fernandez Austin, TX34 6’7 8th GR | Landon Walker Gering, NE35 6’1 8th GR | Ahmad Onezime Lafayette, LA36 6’10 8th GR | Chineduvictor Uyaelumnd Miami, FL37 6’2 7th GR | Ahmad Williams Ft Washington, MD38 6’0 8th GR | Ethan Thompson Gardena, CA39 6’5 7th GR | Hunter Quick Lake Jackson, TX40 5’9 8th GR | Josh Williams Houston, TX41 6’3 8th GR | Caleb Simmons Phoenix, AZ42 6’3 8th GR | Chaundee Brown Clermont, FL43 6’3 7th GR | Diante Wood Anniston, AL44 6’4 8th GR | Cody Bowes Miami, FL45 6’6 8th GR | Morningstar Takapu Goodyear, AZ46 6’7 7th GR | Russell Barlow Garland, TX47 67 7th GR | Reginald Crawford Florissant, MO48 6’5 8th GR | John Petty Huntsville, AL49 6”4 7th GR | Joseph Jones Buffalo, NY50 6’3 8th GR | Jonathan Dockery Houston, TX

The HOOP SCOOP’s Ranking of the Top 50 Players based primarily on performance in the JOHN LUCAS RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL COMBINE is as follows:

Michael Porter Columbia, MO

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N at i o n a l F r e s h m E n + S o p h o m o r e T r a i n i n g S h o w cas e

@JIMCOUCHSUPER16

JIM COUCH AGE: 82 SKILL PACKAGE: TEACHER OF THE SKYHOOKHOMETOWN: DYCKMAN… IN NEW YORK CITYFAVORITE DRILL: DEFENSIVE SLIDE SEQUENCE

Jim Couch took a 13-year-old boy named Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to Dyckman Park in NYC one day and showed him the skyhook. The shot and the player are now part of NBA history. His national two-day training showcase, now in its third year at Baruch College in midtown Manhattan, is a place where younger players are encouraged to build strength, speed, and skill.

Mr. Couch has always encouraged players to develop unique skills to break molds and stereotypes of size and position. But the key is conditioning.

Stephen Zimmerman, Thomas Bryant and Thon Maker are three players who participated in the event. Two year ago, co-MVP Stephen Zimmerman (#7 in ESPN Top 60 Class of 2015) showed a unique presence as a mobile center with strong transition passing skills. His developing perimeter game could make him a 7-foot inside/out offensive player that could transform the center position. Co-MVP Thomas Bryant (#14 in ESPN Top 60 Class of 2015), a 6-9 forward from Rochester, NY came highly recommended by Rob Kennedy’s Hoop Group Elite

programming and showed strong shot blocking skills, a 3-point touch and a motor that earned him a spot on the 2013 USA U16 team that won a gold medal this summer at the FIBA Americas Championships.

Last year, Thon Maker (#2 in ESPN Top 25 Class of 2016) participated and his potential to develop into a dominant post with strong mid-range skills could vault him into a category we haven’t seen from the position.


Chop: Samuel Brown | Images: Steven Counts

Class of 2011 almumi (l-r): Marcus Floyd, PA Stephen Zimmerman, NV Jamar Ergas, ONT, and Isaiah Briscoe, NJ

USA Basketball’s BJ Johnson talks to campers

2012 Jim Couch Freshman Game MVP Temple Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep, NJ)Averaged 14.4 points per game as Freshman in HS

Thomas Bryant (Bishop Kearny HS, NY) Selected to U16 United States National Team. Was unranked before his 2011 MVP appearance at Jim Couch Game.

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THONMAKERT h e b u i l d i n g o f a 7 - f o o t e r !Chop: Nick Metallinos | Images: Steven Counts

They say that in order to know where you’re going, you must first know where you’ve been. For Thon Maker, a 7-foot rising sophomore from Australia by way of the Sudan, the path to his ultimate goal is clearer than it’s ever been.

Maker, who recently showcased his skills at the Jordan Brand Classic’s International Game in Brooklyn, left the Sudan when he was just seven years old to attend school in Australia. A fortuitous meeting with Edward Smith, now Maker’s guardian and coach in the United States, led the slightly-built big man to America to pursue his hoop dream.

“He [Smith] decided to build an athlete out of me,” said Maker. “At first, all I wanted to do was go to school, and be the best at whatever I decide to study at. I decided to go along with [Coach Smith] and here I am playing basketball.”

Maker now finds himself at The Carlisle School in Virginia, where he posted averages of 23.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.9 blocks per game as a freshman.

Maker’s unique skill set – he has a wingspan of 7’4”, can handle the ball like a guard, and is capable of shooting well from16 to 18 feet – makes him an intriguing prospect. From the moment of his arrival in America, he’s been constantly working out and striving to improve.

“We were heading to the [John] Lucas camp, and I was expecting a lot of competition,” Maker said of his first experience playing hoops in America. “So, we worked out a lot. We trained real hard and when we got there, it was paying off. People could see the results.”

CREDS: •LEAD TRAINER OF JIM COUCH SUPER 16 TRAINING DAY •TRAINED WITH NBA’ERS FELIPE LOPEZ AND ELTON BRAND •CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE TRAINER, PES, NASM

Maker is the only rising sophomore who was selected to participate in this year’s NBA Players Association Top 100 camp, along with the Nike Elite 100 Camp in St Louis. The teenager is humbled, but he still has his eyes set on the bigger prize.

“I want to be in the league,” said Maker. “I want to become the best at whatever I do, so I’m just trying to challenge

myself every day.”

He seems to understand the type of discipline and dedication that it will take for him to get there and not content to have fun while simply cruising on his raw potential.

“Everybody [in the NBA] works hard to be there,” he said. “They’re not there for any reason those are the guys who push themselves to the next level.”

Smith, who has overseen Maker’s body re-construction from a skinny 190 pounds to his current 210 and counting, believes his ceiling is limitless.

“Out of all the kids I’ve had, he is the most special,” says Smith. “He’s able to take something, and then add his own

flavor to it.”

With three more years of high school, summer ball, strength training and skill

development ahead of him, the path to his preferred destination, though far

from easy or promised, seems more welcoming with each passing day.

M A K E R N O W F I N D S H I M S E L F A T

T H E C A R L I S L E S C H O O L I N V I R G I N I A ,

W H E R E H E P O S T E D A V E R A G E S O F 2 3 . 4

P O I N T S , 1 2 . 4 R E B O U N D S , A N D 4 . 9 B L O C K S

P E R G A M E A S A F R E S H M A N .

Thon is an above average straight runner with average lateral speed. A drill we had him do at the 2012 National Training Showcase was the “Big Push” Lateral Speed sequence, which increases muscle development in the feet, calf and hamstring/gluteus areas. In his final 30-second interval, he showed increased quickness and adaptation to the drill, showing he has the ability to be an above average on the ball defender at his position to go along with his natural shot blocking ability.

Offensive training: His guardian Ed Smith said that his work is “directed towards him dominating both the mid-post and the elbow areas. He is concentrating on learning his pivots and counters to defensives designed to stop him.”

Jim Couch Scouting: Maker is more advanced on defense at this point but there is a guard skill component in him that will be more evident as he grows stronger and his foot speed improves. He has the ability to develop an offensive skill package we haven’t seen from 7-0 foot player - one that will show equal skill as a true post player and a put-it-on-the-floor scorer. He works out with Kevin Durant’s trainer, Justin Zormelo, and we are going to continue to encourage him to become that 7-0 hybrid that can be a post presence first and put it on the deck second.

J I M C O U C H T R A I N I N G + C O N D I T I O N I N GF o c u s : F o o t S p e e d .

COACH STEVE ESPAILLAT’SI C O N O M E T R I X . 3 2 B I G G P U S H D R I L L : < L at e r a l M o v e m e n t D r i l l t h at e n h a n c e s f o o t s p e e d o n t h e c o u r t a n d w o r ks o n h a n d - e y e c o o r d i n at i o n .

• Place one foot on the ball and one off in athletic triple threat position

• Place weighted pike in hand that matches foot that is planted on ground

• Shift pike to opposite hand as you step off the bosu ball and end up with opposite foot on the floor and pike in opposite hand

• Repeat for 30 seconds, four sets

Reminders: Maintain athletic, triple-threat position at all times. Make sure that the pike or weighted bar is positioned on the floor at the middle of bosu ball and brought down to knee-level. Make sure your foot lands in middle of bosu at all times.


Bosu Ball >

< Weighted Pike or lifting bar

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The Pangos All-American Camp traditionally brings some of the

nation’s best high school basketball talent to Southern California to kick off the summer recruiting season.

The camp has solidified the national reputation of some of the nation’s top prospects in recent years such as Mr. Basketball USA picks Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and Shabazz Muhammad, a likely first round pick in this year’s NBA Draft. The three-day camp has also served as a platform for lesser-known talents to make a name for themselves and expand their recruiting reach.

In recent years, the performance of the camp’s top player has been a near coronation and it took away most of the suspense for the presentation of the Most Outstanding Player award. This year, however, there was a group of five players – forward Stanley Johnson (Mater Dei, Santa Ana,

CA), guard Emmanuel Mudiay (Prime Prep Academy, Dallas, TX), forward Chris McCullough (Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH), guard Josh Perkins (Regis Jesuit, Aurora, CO) and wing Rashad Vaughn (Robbinsdale Cooper, New Hope, MN) — that were all outstanding. Any one of them could have been chosen MOP without much dissention.

In the end, Johnson was chosen MOP. It wasn’t a slam dunk choice by any means, but the reigning Cal-Hi Sports State Junior of the Year displayed a rare combination of power and perimeter skills. The versatility in his game has some scouts comparing him to a combination of the Los Angeles

Lakers’ Ron Artest and the Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce.

At times during the camp, Johnson was over dribbling and penetrating, but was productive enough to become the first California native to earn Pangos Camp MOP honors since 2007. At that time, Brandon Jennings (who was in attendance on Sunday), was at Oak Hill Academy of Virginia. He began his high school career at Compton of Dominguez.

Johnson had an explanation for his increased ball-handling role and what some perceived as playing away from his strengths.

“Next season (at Mater Dei), I am going to be playing more point guard and will look to facilitate the offense,” said Johnson, whose college list includes Arizona, Kentucky and UCLA as the names most often mentioned. “I am not a selfish player, but I will take what the defense gives me and if they are not going to come out and guard me, I will take the opening.”

If Johnson continues to develop his perimeter skills and combine them with his improved outside shot, perhaps one day comparisons to Pierce won’t only be projections.

#ELITE TRAINING > CAMP > CLINIC

PANGOS ALL-AMERICAN Chop: Ron Flores | Shots: Nick Koza

I f D i n o s T r i g o n i s d i d n ' t i n v i t e y o u . . . h i t e m ' @ t r i g o n i s 3 0 t o t e l l h i m y o u s h o u l d h a v e b e e n d o w n . . .

PANGOS CAMP ALL-TIME M.O.P.S.2013 Stanley Johnson Mater Dei – Santa Ana, CA 6-7 SF2012 Cliff Alexander Currie – Chicago, IL 6-9 PF2011 Shabazz Muhammad Bishop Gorman – Las Vegas, NV 6-6 WF2010 Myck Kabongo Findlay Prep – Henderson, NV 6-2 PG2009 Harrison Barnes Ames – Ames, IA 6-7 WF2008 John Wall Word of God Academy – Raleigh, NC 6-3 PG2007 Brandon Jennings Oak Hill Academy – Mouth of Wilson, VA 6-1 PG2006 James Harden Artesia – Lakewood, CA 6-5 SG2005 Jerry-Davon Jefferson – Lynwood, CA 6-8 WF2004 C.J. Miles Skyline – Dallas, TX 6-6 WF2003 Robert Swift – Bakersfield, CA 7-0 C

Ronnie Flores is the managing editor of CalHiSports.com He can be reached at [email protected] Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RONFLORESHSFB

2013 Pangos All-Am erican Cam p Awards

(Selected by Cal-Hi Sports)

Bill Russell award (best shot blocker): Carlton Bragg, Villa Angela St. Joseph (Cleveland, OH) 6-9 2015

Kevin Love award (best post interior passer): Stephen Zimmerman, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) 6-11 2015

Scott Skiles award (best perimeter passer): Tra Holder, Brentwood (Los Angeles, CA) 6-0 2014

Rafer Alston award (best ball-handler): Josh Perkins, Regis Jesuit (Aurora, CO) 6-2 2014

Ronnie Fields award (best dunker): Chris McCullough, Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH) 6-9 2014

Kurt Rambis award (hardest worker in paint): Andre Adams, Westview Prep (Avondale, AZ) 6-8 2014

Mario Elie award (pleasant surprise): Jaylen Johnson, Ypsilanti (Ypsilanti, MI) 6-9 2014

Lamar Odom award (not playing to potential): Chris Sandifer, Serra (Gardena, CA) 6-4 2014

Ralph Sampson award (not using god given talents): Cameron Walker, Righetti (Santa Maria, CA) 6-6 2015

Schea Cotton Award (looks good in camp environment): Elijah Thomas, Prime Prep Academy (Dallas, TX) 6-8 2015

Phil Ford award (would shine in more structured setting): Trey Kell, St. Augustine (San Diego, CA) 6-3 2014

Player who deserved to be in Top 60 game: Trey Kell

Best Top 60 player who deserved to be in Top 30 game: Michael Humphrey, Sunnyslope (Phoenix, AZ) 6-9 2014

Top 30 player better suited for the Top 60 game: Namon Wright (Findlay Prep, Henderson, NV) 6-4 2014

Biggest sleeper that emerged: Michael Humphrey

Best Overall Prospect: Thon Maker, Carlisle School (Martinsville, VA) 7-0 2016

Camp MVP (highest consistent level of play in every game): Emmanuel Mudiay, Prime Prep Academy (Dallas, TX) 6-4 2014

CREAM OF THE CROPAt the conclusion of the three-day camp on Sunday afternoon, scouts and media in attendance assisted camp director Dinos Trigonis in selecting the participants for the “Cream of the Crop” Top 60 and the “Cream of Crop” Top 30 All-Star Games.

While Vaughn didn’t earn camp MOP honors, his performance in the Top 30 game didn’t make the selection of Johnson any easier. He came into the camp with a reputation as one of the nation’s best outside shooters, but during the event displayed solid decision-making skills in the open court and better-than-advertised athleticism while attacking the basket.

Vaughn earned all-star game MVP honors for the victorious red team. He led six players in double figures for the winning team with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Not only did he make 3-of-6 3-pointers, but he came up with timely baskets when the blue team attempted to take control. With seven minutes remaining in the game, the blue team pulled within two points, but Vaughn answered with a 3-pointer as his team pulled away down the stretch to record a 123-113 victory.

“People know now I’m a scorer on three levels (outside, driving, inside) and I can pass and lock up on defense,” Vaughn said. “I think I played well this weekend, but you can always play better.”

Johnson also had a big game with 16 points while making all four of his 3-point field goal attempts. The other Californian to reach double figures for the winning team was junior-to-be guard Tyler Dorsey of St. John Bosco of Bellflower. He finished with 15 points and six assists.

Mudiay, the most physically dominant guard at the event, led the blue team with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting and had five rebounds and six assists. Wing Daniel Hamilton of St. John Bosco of Bellflower, who was matched up at the beginning of the game with Vaughn, had a solid outing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

In the top Top 50 game, three Californians went for double figure scoring for the blue team in its 117-110 victory over the read team.

Leading the way was guard Rex Pflueger, who will spend his junior season at Mater Dei of Santa Ana after playing at JSerra of San Juan Capistrano as a sophomore. He had 21 points, five assists and two steals. Guard Devin Watson of Army-Navy Academy of Carlsbad had a 13-point, five-assist, four-steal performance and wing Isaiah Bailey of Compton chipped in 13 points.

Scoring a game-high 17 points for the blue club was guard Terrence Phillips, the younger brother of Jennings, who now plays for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Like his older brother once did, Phillips attends Oak Hill Academy.

Stanley JohnsonMost Outstanding Player

Dinos Trigonis

Rashad Vaughn: Cream of the Crop Top 30 MVP Stanley Johnson: Most Outstanding Player Emmanuel Mudiay: Camp MVP

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The Shirts & Skins Circuit Collection is designed

f o r e l i t e c lub /AAU teams who p lay du r ing the

travel basketball season. This grueling schedule

is commonly known as the “Circuit”. The players

on these teams are the best in their class, playing

in front of college coaches looking for the next

recruiting class. The few who are fortunate enough,

earn collegiate athletic scholarships. This is grassroots

basketball at its most competitive.

www.shirtsandskinsinc.com

#elite #rockchalk · #bigtime sonny vaccaro had the shoes, the events, and the venue that changed...

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