Leonard, Jones showcase elite talent
PHOENIX -- While absorbing each practice session at the Amar'e Stoudemire Nike Skills Academy, I could not help but wonder how player development would be different if the type of hands-on instruction given at the Nike camps was duplicated in high school gyms across the country on a consistent basis. The Nike staff did an exceptional job instructing some of the most promising big men in the nation on the proper fundamentals, skills and mental approach to playing basketball at the highest level.
The Stoudemire skills academy was an interesting phenomenon because the camp consisted of only big men with no guards or wings of any kind. But oddly, with the exception of 6-foot-11 Fabricio Melo (Weston, Fla./Sagemont School), the camp was void of legitimate centers. On the other hand, many of the forwards in attendance -- 6-9 Perry Jones (Ducanville, Texas) immediately comes to mind -- exhibited blossoming face-up skills.
In a recruiting game in which true center-types are few and far between, big men around the country are becoming more versatile than in the past. At the camp, players were shifted between stations that emphasized different skills and fundamentals, like positional shooting drills, attacking your defender mechanics, cutting and screening drills and position-specific defense.
Although each player in attendance had more than one exceptional moment, the aforementioned Jones and Melo along with Jared Sullinger (Columbus, Ohio/ Northland), Meyers Leonard (Robinson, Ill.) and Tobias Harris (Dix Hill, N.Y./ Half of Hollow West) appeared to be a cut above the rest. Here's a look at the players who were the cream of the crop in several key offensive categories.
Best low-post offense
Legitimate 5-men with an advanced back-to-the-basket game are a rare commodity, especially on the high school level. Dominant center-types need to learn how to hold position (spread eagle while bending the knees) and develop efficient fundamental footwork. In addition, they need to acquire an assortment of moves (drop-step, up-and-under, jump hook with either hand and turn-around jump shot) to be effective scorers against high-level competition, unless of course they have the physical attributes of a Dwight Howard or a Shaquille O'Neil.
Melo may be the best center prospect in the country. He has a tremendous frame with solid length and good hands. He holds position well, and is relatively patient about making his move. He has a strong drop-step (solid foot work), and he turns over his left shoulder well for the soft jump hook; he even tossed in a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-like hook. In addition, he has a solid turn-around jump shot from the block, but he does have a tendency to fade away.
2. Jared Sullinger, 2010 (Columbus, Ohio/ Northland)
Sullinger, who is bound for Ohio State, was the most polished player at the camp (inside and out). Although he doesn't have great lift, he is crafty, and has a variety of pivot moves. His footwork is impeccable, and he can finish with either hand. In addition to having a power game, he can step out and attack off the dribble with tremendous body control and use his soft touch at elbow.
3. DaJuan Coleman, 2012 (Syracuse, N.Y./ Jamesville-DeWitt)
Coleman, who reminds me of a young Zach Randolph, more than held his own in the paint, despite his youth. He'll have to monitor his weight (280 pounds) throughout his career, but he knows how to use it to maneuver inside. He has soft hands, good instincts and has deceptively quick pivot moves. His key move is a Hakeem Olajuwon-like double shake in which his massive frame gets defenders on their heels. He has a remarkably soft touch, but limited bounce.
4. Perry Jones, 2010 (Duncanville, Texas)
Jones, a future Baylor Bear, was quite possibly the best prospect at the camp and a probable future NBA Draft pick. His skills are just starting to mature, but he can get off the floor in a hurry, and his hang time is stunning. He has a terrific jump hook on which he gets great extension, and his turn-around jump shot is unblockable because of his lift. Although he is more comfortable around the basket, he did nail quite a few jump shots out to the foul line, and he handled the ball well in transitio. Maybe a future hybrid 4-man?
Best face-up offense
In today's basketball climate, big men across the country are becoming more versatile in their overall approach to the game. Hybrid 4-men can be a nightmare matchup because defenders must have the agility to guard out on the perimeter and stop the drive, as well as the power to hold their own inside. For example,7-footer Kevin Garnett revolutionized the game by being able to convert inside and out. As a result, many of the big men coming through the ranks possess that same type of resourcefulness. Being able to face up your opponent, and use the jab step and/or the pump fake can keep defenders off balance; if you add the skill to shoot the jump shot at a consistent rate, the possibilities are limitless.
1. Tobias Harris, 2010 (Dix Hill, NY./ Half Hollow Hills West)
Harris has the skills and body type to be a face-up 4 or even a 3 someday. He has the bounce to elevate over defenders in the post, but presently his frame is too slender to bang inside. Out on the perimeter, he has the skills, athleticism and motor to be an outstanding college player. He attacks the basket with reckless abandon. Because of his slender frame, he is able to slither through the defense for the finish, usually with a nice floater. His handling is slick for his size, and he can knock down the pull-up jumper.
2. Dwight Powell, 2010 (Melrose, Mass./IMG Academy)
Powell may have been the biggest surprise of the camp. He is more finesse than power at this point, but his up-side at the 4 and 3 is impressive. He is fundamentally sound off the dribble, and uses the pump fake and jab step quite well to get by his defender. He lacks strength to finish with contact at this time, but he is smooth, and there isn't any wasted motion to his game. If his drive gets cut off, he has the touch to nail the mid-range jump shot with regularity.
O'Bryant doesn't have the polish out on the perimeter compared to Harris and Powell, but his game is flexible. He can post up and use his deadly fade-away jumper, or he can face up his opponent and attack. He does have a tendency to rely on his jump shot too much, but it's quite potent. He gets solid rotation on his shot, and he possesses a natural step-back jump shot. If O'Bryant can improve his finishing ability when attacking the rim, his stock will go to another level because he is an offensive-rebounding machine and he plays hard at both ends.
Best passer
Although the primary offensive coordinator on the floor is usually the point guard, many big men in the history of the game -- Larry Bird, Bill Walton and Abdul-Jabbar, come to mind -- have had a knack for passing. While evaluating prospects, one of the most noticeable aspects of the game is the player's understanding of the game. Some of the questions that come to mind are as follows: Are they making the most efficient play given the situation? Can they create for themselves as well as others? Gifted passers see the game at a different level than their colleagues, and the players listed below fit that description.
1. Myers Leonard, 2010 (Robinson, Ill.)
Leonard, an Illinois commit, is an intriguing prospect for the next level. He has budding skills and savvy beyond his years. Once his frame fills out, he should be one of the most talented college prospects. His athleticism is tremendous, and despite being 6-10, he is comfortable out on the perimeter. He handles the ball well for his size, can knock down the jump shot at the elbow and he makes high-level passes, both out on the perimeter and in the paint. He has quick wrists, and his vision is that of a point gaurd.
2. Sullinger, 2010 (Columbus, Ohio/Northland)
Although Sullinger did most of his damage attacking the basket and using his outstanding body control, he also displayed an impressive perimeter game. He handled the ball well in the open court, and he even exhibited a slick crossover move. The most remarkable aspect of his outside game was his passing prowess; he handed out a few nifty assists in a number of different situations.
3. Powell, 2010 (Melrose, Mass./ IMG Academy)
Powell is another 4-man who possesses natural instincts for this game. He plays this game with an even keel while dissecting the defense. His passing ability was noticeable, as he distributed a number of assists to open teammates in tight situations, especially in transition.
Best defender
There are many different angles to look at when defining a top-notch defender. When looking at 1s, 2s and 3s, and some 4s, coaches and scouts evaluate the player's lateral quickness to keep the offensive player from getting into the lane. However, at this camp it became apparent that post defense (keeping the offensive player from establishing position on the block) and challenging the shot would be the primary criteria for establishing the best defenders.
Although Payne's offensive game needs polishing, his defensive presence was outstanding. Because of his length, extremely long arms and extraordinary, quick leaping ability, Payne was tough to score against. He needs to gain a considerable amount of weight and overall strength to combat getting pushed around, but his ability to cover ground in the paint and contest both shots and passes coming into the post was special.
2. Rakeem Christmas, 2011 (Philadelphia/ North Catholic)
Christmas probably did the best job of maintaining his defensive stance in the post. He has the ability to keep opponents off balance and not allowing them to establish position. In addition, because of his wingspan (88 inches) and terrific timing, he was one of the more potent shot blockers at camp. However, he was one of the few players who lacked tenacity on a consistent basis.
3. Malcolm Gilbert, 2011 (Smyrna, Del./ Academy of New Church)
Like most big men throughout history, Gilbert's defense is ahead of his offense. At this stage, this lengthy 5-man is a project on offense, but on defense he has the mentality and length to be an outstanding shot blocker at the next level. In the one-on-one competition, Gilbert, who lacks lateral quickness, got beat off the dribble repeatedly. However, he adjusted nicely, and had a number of fine blocks at the rim.
4. Patric Young, 2010 (Jacksonville, Fla./Paxon School)
Young is a high-energy player at both ends, and that alone is a catalyst when it comes to shutting down the opposition. He has a chiseled physique, high-level athleticism and a competitive nature. He did a solid job using his strength to keep players off balance while they were trying to establish position on the block. In addition, he was relentless defending at the rim in transition and in the half-court set.
Joel Francisco has been a high school basketball scout for 15 years. He has written for Hoop Scoop Magazine and Basketball Times and organized "So-Cal's Finest," his own scouting service.
