Langford looks the part at Ohio event
AKRON, Ohio Head Coach Dru Joyce II of St. Vincent-St. Mary, which LeBron James attended, is the founder of the Northeast Ohio Basketball Association and does a great job organizing the King James Tournament. This year's event was held at the University of Akron, Kent State University and a host of area high schools.
In the Gold Tournament Bracket a talented and scrappy New York Gauchos team beat the Boo Williams Invitational champs All-Ohio Red 66-60 for the 17U title. The 16U crown went Team Takeover (Washington D.C.) 66-58 over the Southern Kings out of Atlanta. All four of these teams had great size, athletic ability and skill along with high-major players at every position. The ESPN Super 60 was well represented at this event; Reggie Bullock (Kinston, N.C.) was as good as advertised, Doron Lamb (New York/Oak Hill) is a scorer with great size; Terrence Jones (Portland, Ore./Grant) is an above the rim finisher; Mychal Parker (Charlottesville, Va./The Miller School) is an athletic slasher; Lenzelle Smith Jr. (Zion, Ill.) excelled at the point forward position and Michigan State commit Keith Appling (Detroit/Pershing) is a true scoring machine.
Standout Players
Josh Langford SF (6-6, 210)
2010, Huntsville, Ala. /J.O. Johnson, Committed to Louisville (Florida Rams)
Langford is an athletic wing who plays with great energy. He sprints the floor in transition of defensive rebounds and attacks coast to coast and then finishes above the rim. Langford mostly scorers with slashes to the rim between, over or around defenders. This long armed lefty likes to drive right and spin back left off defenders and elevate in the lane if he can't get all the way to the rim. Langford can also knock down the midrange pull-up to about 18 feet, although he must continue to add strength and work to develop a consistent jumper from behind the arc. The offensive glass is another way for Langford to add buckets. He uses his length and explosive leaping ability for timely tip INS. On defense he could easily develop into a multiple position defender. Langford has the length to go along with good lateral foot speed and quick hands to defend all three perimeter positions in a switch situation. This future Cardinal is an excellent fit for the Louisville style of play and has tons of upside.
Terrence Jones PF/SF (6-8, 220)
2010, Portland, Ore./Jefferson
This athletic combination forward has great size and good strength for his age. Jones has the body of a power forward but prefers to play on the perimeter. He has deep 3-point range off the catch. He doesn't get great elevation on his shot but he has a terrific release and follow through. He simply shoots over smaller defenders in transition or in the half court in a closeout situation. Jones is a perfect pick and pop forward and would also thrive in a 4-out, 1-in offensive scheme. He can knock down the 3 on both sides of the floor but this lefty prefers the left side. Jones needs to add the post up game to his offensive attack to take advantage of his size against smaller defenders and work to develop scoring moves off the dribble in the middle game. Jones loves to hang out in the short corner along the baseline to receive drop off passes created by guard penetration where he power dunks with a clear path to the rim. He is a good area rebounder on both ends but must look to be more physical at times. Jones is a sure shot high major forward but has not scratched the surface of how good he could become.
P.J. Hairston SG (6-6, 200)
2011, Greensboro, N.C./Dudley (CP3 All Stars)
Hairston is a shooting guard with NBA range and great size. He can knock down deep 3s as he sprints the lane in transition or spotting up in the half court offense on ball reversals. He has a quick trigger coming off screens and shoots over smaller defenders with ease because of his length and above average athletic ability. He can get to the rim on clear slashes and does a good job scoring through contact with his excellent touch and body control around the rim. Hairston must work to develop scoring moves off the dribble -- as opponents start to learn his game through scouting, the open 3s will be taken away and he will forced to put the ball on the floor. He is a decent area rebounder and does a good job using his length to defend smaller and quicker perimeter players. Hairston can score in bunches and break the game open with his ability to make shots. This young shooter will be at the top of many high major recruiting lists.
Reggie Bullock SG (6-6, 190)
2010, Kingston, N.C. / Kingston, Committed to North Carolina (CP3 All Stars)
Bullock looks and plays the part of a big-time shooting guard who's oozing with talent and skill. He has tremendous size and athletic ability. Bullock can shoot the ball from NBA range off the catch or dribble with ease and without hesitation. He has good elevation and an excellent release and follow-through. He does a good job moving the defender out position with his convincing shot fake in order to create an advantage and get off his shot when being pressured. Bullock has a nice middle game on which he attacks his defender with one or two dribbles and elevates into a smooth pull up jumper. He can knock down the pull-up going both ways but he seems to prefer going to his left. Getting to the rim seems to be the latest addition to Bullock's game. He is a good enough ball handler to get to the rim and finish through contact where he again uses his length to finish with either hand. Bullock has excellent court vision when he draws a second defender and can hit an open teammate with his ability to pass with either hand. He is a good area rebounder that can start the fast break as well. At times Bullock will take off possessions and must work to be consistent but he has the tools to be special.
Lenzelle Smith Jr. SG/SF (6-5, 210)
Zion, Ill. / Zion-Benton, Committed to Ohio State (Rising Stars Gold, JG)
Smith looks to be in better shape since I last saw him in the fall. He played with great pace and energy throughout the game. Smith really did a great job playing the point forward position. This big lefty is an excellent ball handler and he handled full court on ball pressure very well. Smith did a great job of protecting the ball with his body and kept the defender off balance by changing speeds and directions. He also displayed is ability to pass. Smith has excellent court vision in the open court and in the half court set offense as well. He was terrific in drive, draw and kick situations. In transition or from the wing he was a threat to get to the rim by being a physical driver and attacking the basket through contact where he can finish with great touch and body control especially with his left hand. Smith seemed to get in the lane at will. On defense he guarded on the perimeter and inside on the smaller power forward. He competed for position and rebounded well in his area. Smith has great skill and versatility and as long as he maintains his strength and conditioning he will be a match up nightmare.
Surprise players
Jamar Morris SF/SG (6-4, 185)
2012, Madison, Wisc./Memorial (Wisconsin Gators Elite)
This young wing is strong and plays with great urgency. Morris is a lefty with a tight handle who attacks the rim in transition as well as in the half court. He can drive through contact and stop and pop with an excellent pull-up jumper with good elevation and a smooth follow through. Morris can also slash into lane and finish over taller defenders. He is heavy left handed and must work to improve his right hand attack to avoid charging fouls but even through the defender knows he coming left he is still very difficult to control. Morris also makes his presence felt on the glass. He is a threat to defensive rebound and goes coast to coast. Extending his shooting range must also be on Morris to do list. On defense his effort is good as he works to pressure the ball and although he gets lost on the help side he can make up for mistakes with his constant effort. Morris is learning the game and is a work in progress but with steady improvement the high majors should come calling.
Fab Melo C (6-11, 250)
2010, (Brazil) Weston, Fla./Sagemont, 96/HM (Florida Rams)
Melo is a big body post that get's your attention right away with his energy and passion on both ends of the court. He is tough and physical with pretty good skill as well. He seals his man in the lane in a low stance and Melo also provides the passer with an outstretched target hand. His back to the basket moves need to continue to be developed but as this stage he scores with a soft jump hook over his left shoulder and power drop steps through contact. Melo has great hands and makes catching off target passes look easy. He clearly understands how to give up post position for possession of the ball. He runs well and can finish above the rim with a clear path or angle on his defender. Melo can also face up and hit the 10-15 foot jumper with time and space. Melo was just as impressive on the defensive end. He competes in a defensive stance which is rare for a player of his size and Melo does a good job of moving the offensive player out of the lane which prevents deep low post position. Melo must work to add strength and tone up is body but this big guy has off the charts upside.
Khyle Marshall SF (6-6, 200)
2010, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Flanagan, (Florida Rams)
Slashes to the rim in transition as well as in the half court, offensive glass tip INS and constant activity on both ends is the best way to describe this long and athletic forward. Marshall is a lefty that has excellent hang time when he elevates in the lane and finishes over taller defenders. He is a chore to box out because he sprints to the boards from where ever he is on the floor when the shot is released. Marshall pursues the ball on both ends with great urgency. He also scores with a nice mid range pull up jumper with a high release and good follow through. He must work to extend his shooting range to take his offensive game to the next level. On defense he can defend both wing positions and maybe an undersized power forward. Marshall is a treat to watch because he plays with great energy.
Jay Canty SF (6-6, 190)
2010, Jamestown, N.C./Ragsdale, (CP3 All Stars)
Canty is a very productive wing player on both ends of the floor. Although his perimeter jumper needs attention he simply makes plays to help his team win. Canty is a good athlete that is athletic. He can finish plays above the rim in transition or with a clear path five on five in the half court. He slashes to the basket with speed and quickness and he has a nice mid range pull up jumper to about 15 feet. He can score through contact and does a great job of drawing fouls with his ability to hang in the air. Canty competes for rebounds and is also a good shot blocker for a perimeter player. He will come to the rescue from the weak side and can also use his good timing on the ball. He ball handling needs to continue to be honed but this high energy stat sheet stuffer is the glue to his team and one to watch this summer season.
Calvin Godfrey PF (6-8, 215)
2010, Milwaukee/Notre Dame Prep, Committed to Wisconsin-Milwaukee (D-Harris)
Godfrey is an athletic finisher with great upside. He runs the floor every time and keeps pressure on the opposing teams post players. Godfrey dunks with power and through contact around the rim. He works to seal his man in the low post and can step out to about 15 feet. Godfrey is a tough match up because he can score over smaller post with his ability to elevate over the top and with an less mobile but taller opponent his can take them off the dribble and get to the basket. He also can make an above the rim highlight from drop off passes created by guard penetration. On the defensive end he is a terrific shot blocker. Godfrey can block shots on or away from the ball with great timing and he has the awareness to keep the ball inbounds to possibly start a fast break opportunity. This mobile forward must continue to add strength but is a tough competitor around the rim.
Notes
• Class of 2010 Ryan Bass (Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) is a five foot 11 scorer that excels in transition. Bass is super athletic and finishes above the rim with dunk contest flare. He has an excellent mid range game and can score in bunches. A highlight waiting to happen. 82/MM- (Gem City All Stars)
• Emmanuel Chapman (Raleigh, N.C./Enloe) is a 5-11 junior point guard with good leadership skills. He is good ball handler and passer with excellent court vision and also did a nice job of knocking down the open three.
• Six-foot-3 wing Cameron Wright (Cleveland/Benedictine) was very aggressive and did a good job attacking the rim in transition and slashing in the half court. He made his presence felt on the offensive glass and finished through contact.
• Silas Mills (Milwaukee/King) is a long 6-9 skilled power forward that can step out to the arc and hit the open three with time and space. Mills also does a nice job using his quickness to defend the low post and comes up with steals as he makes a play on the entry pass. Mills is a work in progress with good upside.
• Classes of 2010 point guard 5-7 Daryl Traynham (Charlotte, NC. / Vance) is as quick as a hiccup as he pushes the ball in transition. He can create havoc with his penetration and competes on both ends of the floor. A treat to watch him attack the defense. • Junior forward Jordan Riley out of Beaverton, Ore., was very impressive at times with his athletic finishes above the rim and quick moves in the low post. He is another active post to keep an eye on.
• 2010 Michigan State commit 6-3 combination guard Keith Appling (Detroit/ Pershing) has a true scorer's mentality and can score in bunches. He can help at the point but is much more a shooting guard because he is constantly looking to create offense for himself. A great knack to score.
• Noah Cottrill (Poca, W. Va./ Mountain State Academy) is a 6-1 junior point guard who is committed to the Mountaineers who can create offense for himself and teammates with his ability to score and pass. Cottrill can knock down the open three and has excellent court vision. At times he plays with a little too much flare but he is very productive.
Reggie Rankin is a recruiting analyst for ESPN Scouts Inc. He was an assistant coach at seven schools for 13 seasons, most recently at Dayton.
