Dante Taylor
Reebok All-American Weekend Recap
By Adi Joseph
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 8:18am
WASHINGTON D.C. - While the focus of the high school basketball
world centered on Madison Square Garden and the Jordan Brand Classic on Saturday,
another shoe company was offering its own exhibition of high-major recruits. The
Reebok All-American Weekend featured 43 players from all around the country, each
going to Division 1 programs.
For full rosters, check out http://www.ballercircuit.com/?page_id=383.
In the first game, which featured mostly lesser-known players, things heated up for a very close affair. The favorites, Team Create could not handle a mostly local squad, Team Finish, with a final score of 102-96.
The featured game had some jaw dropping plays and great excitement. And after falling behind early, a different Team Finish managed to make a late run on a high-powered Team Create, only to eventually fall 134-131.
Rather than going player by player, here are the 20 guys that stood out to me the most this weekend, in practice and in the games. List is ordered from best to worst.
PF Dante Taylor - 6-9,
220 lbs. - National Christian (Md.) - Signed to Pittsburgh
Taylor finished with 26 points and 9 rebounds en route to being named a game MVP for the second game, playing with Team Finish. The big man consistently showed the ability to play on the blocks and from the wing, run the break and start it with outlet passes. Additionally, his rebounding and defense were outstanding, and the kid really never stopped hustling. He was clearly the best player on the court. After the game, Taylor said he doesn't view himself as a true post player, but he should be a big help to Jamie Dixon in replacing DeJuan Blair.
SG Rodney McGruder - 6-4, 195 lbs. - Arlington Country Day (Fla.) - Signed to Kansas State
McGruder was a local favorite, having hailed from Maryland, and he proved exactly why from the minute he stepped onto the practice court. His smoothness, length and athleticism allow him to play significantly bigger than his thin 6-4 frame, and he's got the kind of all-around game that could produce a top-caliber scorer for Frank Martin and the Wildcats. McGruder finished with 24 points and 7 boards, sharing MVP honors with Taylor for Team Finish.
SG Ari Stewart - 6-7, 205 lbs. - Wheeler HS (Ga.) - Signed to Wake Forest
Stewart turned things up a notch for the second half, playing the largest role in keeping Team Finish in the game until the very end. The lanky scorer looked like he was built to put the ball in the hole, shooting long-range 3-pointers with confidence and driving to the basket effectively, including a few really nice dunks. Stewart finished with 22 points and a consolation prize of an MVP trophy for the losing squad, but he also showed some true NBA potential. He would fit in very well with what the Demon Deacons need if Jeff Teague comes back for a third season.
PF Thomas Robinson - 6-8, 215 lbs. - Brewster Academy (NH) - Signed to Kansas
Of everyone in the building, there was no better NBA prospect than Robinson. Known as a rebounder, the future Jayhawk did plenty of that. But he also scored 14 points for Team Finish in all sorts of ways. Along with being a freakish athlete, Robinson showed the ability to handle the ball, even playing point-forward from time to time in half court sets and on fast breaks. Additionally, he showed throughout the weekend a developing jump shot. Robinson admitted after the game he recognizes his rebounding earned him a name in the recruiting world, but he views himself as an all-around player and has worked on developing his wing game. Still, the super-athletic dunker did seem a little careless in practice, joking around and not always paying attention to what drill he was expected to do. If he can keep his head on straight and work on his wing play with the Jayhawks, he could be a VERY special talent down the road.
SG Maurice Creek - 6-5, 190 lbs. - Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) - Signed to Indiana
No player started the weekend off better in Thursday practices. Creek has an outstanding natural feel to the game, and his jump shot seemed nearly infallible. I didn't see him miss a shot all practice, and in the game, he finished with 18 points and three steals, being named an MVP for Team Create in a losing effort. Creek could easily crack Tom Crean's starting rotation from Day 1 in Bloomington, Ind., and he has enough natural ability to one day warrant a spot in the NBA if he learns to create for himself a little better.
G Lorenzo Brown - 6-3, 186 lbs. - Centennial (Ga.) - Signed to N.C. State
Few players looked as comfortable with the ball in their hands as Brown. He's listed as a shooting guard, but I full believe he could take over the reigns as a point guard, and not even just a scoring point. He finished with 13 points and a number of really nice passes, as well as penetrating more often and easier than just about any player in the game. His play down the stretch aided Team Create in keeping things close as much as anyone.
SG John Jenkins - 6-5, 205 lbs. - Station Camp HS (Tenn.) - Signed to Vanderbilt
Jenkins, along with coming across as one of the most down to Earth guys at the event, showed he's more than just a shooter. The nation's leading scorer drove effectively and overcame a rough start to finish with 12 points, even without making a 3-pointer. He's a gifted shooter, and that was evident in practice. But he also has all the tools to become an NBA shooting guard, and even though he wasn't at his best this weekend, I have all the faith in the world he will do just that.
PG Mfon Udofia - 6-2, 180 lbs. - Miller Grove HS (Ga.) - Signed to Georgia Tech
The lightning-quick future Yellow Jacket made his presence felt down the stretch, getting to the basket and getting fouled as he pushed Team Finish to recovery from a double-digit halftime deficit. He finished with 19 points. Udofia clearly attempted to carry his team farther than he is capable of, and there is little doubt he has yet to develop the abilities of a go-to player. But the score-first point guard should make for a very nice role player in Atlanta, teaming with Iman Shumpert to give Paul Hewitt a solid backcourt of the future.
C Talib Zanna - 6-8, 220 lbs. - Bishop McNamara (Va.) - Signed to Pittsburgh
The stand out star of the preview game, Zanna finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Yes, that's right - Pittsburgh has drawn the top player in each game. Zanna looks to have the ability to complete a nice four year career for the Panthers and maybe play high level European ball. Zanna made his living around the basket, grabbing rebounds, getting put backs, and scoring in the post. He should compliment Taylor nicely.
SF Terrell Vinson - 6-6, 200 lbs. - St. Frances (Md.) - Undeclared
Easily the top undeclared recruit here, Vinson got an opportunity to show his all-around game and thrived, scoring 18 points. He was getting some hype in the practices, where he also showed a good nature and cracked some jokes. Yes, he's a rail-thin post player. But his wing abilities are developing, and he's capable of bringing the ball up. If he improves his jump shot and learns to dribble penetrate more, he could become a nice player for whatever team he ends up on. If not, he may struggle because he clearly lacks the size and strength of a college power forward. Recently committed to UMass.
PF Erik Murphy - 6-8, 210 lbs. - St. Mark's (Mass.) - Signed to Florida
Murphy was steadfast in the post, scoring 13 points for Team Finish in the premier game. He needs to gain some weight, but his energy was obvious. He's the type of player who fights right into what Billy Donovan looks for in a big man, and he could definitely help replace Alex Tyus, who is transferring. Murphy's potential is limited, but his ability to shoot and work the boards should make him a very good college player. And if he develops his ability to bring the ball up court, which he showed occasionally on fast breaks, he could perhaps make it to the next level.
PF Andrew Fitzgerald - 6-8, 265 lbs. - Brewster Academy (N.H.) - Signed to Oklahoma
Playing alongside Keith Gallon, who was at the Jordan Classic this past weekend, Fitzgerald will make his own name at Oklahoma for years to come. This kid works hard, knows how to bang down low, and seems to relish contact. He was crucial for Team Finish down the stretch in the premier game, finishing with 12 points and showing he could easily replace Taylor Griffin as Gallon hopes to follow in Blake Griffin's footsteps.
SF Brian Oliver - 6-7, 225 lbs. - William Penn (Del.) - Signed to Georgia Tech
Listed at power forward, Oliver was clearly a swingman in every sense of the word. He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, showing off some very nice dunks and 3-pointers and an overall balanced game. He's not the greatest of ball-handlers, but he should be a nice player down the road for Paul Hewitt.
SF Mike Moser - 6-8, 205 lbs. - Grant HS (Ore.) - Signed to UCLA
Few players go to an all-star game and put up a quieter 18 points. Moser showed nice athleticism on a few dunks and a solid shot. He looks to be ready to contribute on the wing, and I consider it a good thing that he didn't need the ball in his hands to make things happen. Few high school players possess that ability.
SF Jamal Olaswere - 6-5, 210 lbs. - Springbrook (Md.) - Undeclared
Olaswere looked like an early front-runner for MVP honors in the preview game, coming out with 11 points in the first half. He settled down a lot in the second, finishing with 13 for Team Finish in a win. But it's tough to deny he looks like he could be a real steal for some mid-major team. He doesn't have the size to play his style of basketball at the high-major level, but he rebounds well and feels very comfortable around the basket.
SF Isaiah Armwood - 6-9, 200 lbs. - Montrose Christian (Md.) - Signed to Villanova
I'm not sold on Armwood being 200 lbs. But as skinny as he is, the kid showed he's more than just a dunker and natural post player this weekend. He made some nice layups and seemed just comfortable enough on the wings to convince me he could transition full time to the small foward position for the Wildcats. Armwood finished with 13 points for Team Create in the premier game. He's a project, but his athleticism is blinding and, with time, he could be a very solid player.
SF Raphael Putney - 6-7, 170 lbs. - Woodbridge Sr. (Va.) - Signed to UMass
I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone as skinny as Putney. He seemed straight up anorexic, but he made his impact felt in the preview game. Putney had a number of incredible dunks and blocks that showed his leaping ability. He also displayed decent handles, though his awkward lankiness could be a problem. I also worry about his body.
PG Junior Cadougan - 6-1, 200 lbs. - Christian Life Center (Canada) - Signed to Marquette
The stocky point guard showed great strength and hustle, along with surprising quickness. He never really got things going offensively, finishing with just 7 points for Team Finish. But he was a rock-solid ball handler. At the same time, I do question his frame. It appears some conditioning is in order. Marquette is baron in the backcourt, though, and he should make an impact down the road.
PG Ray Penn - 5-9, 160 lbs. - Travis HS (Texas) - Signed to Oklahoma State
To put it bluntly, Penn is too short to score on the same level he did in college. But he's still a lightning quick guard with the ability to penetrate and dish at a high level. It's just that, he's not going to draw very much respect from opposition, and he didn't show the ability to separate as well as he needs to with his limiting height. Still, he probably should have been playing in the premier game, not the preview game.
SF Richard Howell - 6-8, 235 - Wheeler HS (Ga.) - Signed to N.C. State
Howell was one of the most impressive players in practice Thursday, showing great hand-eye coordination and the ability to produce in the post. But in the game, he came out flat, scoring just 6 points. I like where he could be, even if he's not there yet. He has the potential to bulk up a little bit and become a very nice post player, or work on his perimeter skills and make a mark as a swingman.
NOTES: North Carolina recruit Dexter Strickland pulled out at the last minute. ... Kansas 5-star point guard recruit Elijah Johnson began to feel sick in the premier game, and didn't return for the second half. ... In the preview game, Givon Crump, a Baylor recruit, was still overcoming a pendicitis, according to his parents.
For full rosters, check out http://www.ballercircuit.com/?page_id=383.
In the first game, which featured mostly lesser-known players, things heated up for a very close affair. The favorites, Team Create could not handle a mostly local squad, Team Finish, with a final score of 102-96.
The featured game had some jaw dropping plays and great excitement. And after falling behind early, a different Team Finish managed to make a late run on a high-powered Team Create, only to eventually fall 134-131.
Rather than going player by player, here are the 20 guys that stood out to me the most this weekend, in practice and in the games. List is ordered from best to worst.
| Dante Taylor |
|
Taylor finished with 26 points and 9 rebounds en route to being named a game MVP for the second game, playing with Team Finish. The big man consistently showed the ability to play on the blocks and from the wing, run the break and start it with outlet passes. Additionally, his rebounding and defense were outstanding, and the kid really never stopped hustling. He was clearly the best player on the court. After the game, Taylor said he doesn't view himself as a true post player, but he should be a big help to Jamie Dixon in replacing DeJuan Blair.
SG Rodney McGruder - 6-4, 195 lbs. - Arlington Country Day (Fla.) - Signed to Kansas State
McGruder was a local favorite, having hailed from Maryland, and he proved exactly why from the minute he stepped onto the practice court. His smoothness, length and athleticism allow him to play significantly bigger than his thin 6-4 frame, and he's got the kind of all-around game that could produce a top-caliber scorer for Frank Martin and the Wildcats. McGruder finished with 24 points and 7 boards, sharing MVP honors with Taylor for Team Finish.
SG Ari Stewart - 6-7, 205 lbs. - Wheeler HS (Ga.) - Signed to Wake Forest
Stewart turned things up a notch for the second half, playing the largest role in keeping Team Finish in the game until the very end. The lanky scorer looked like he was built to put the ball in the hole, shooting long-range 3-pointers with confidence and driving to the basket effectively, including a few really nice dunks. Stewart finished with 22 points and a consolation prize of an MVP trophy for the losing squad, but he also showed some true NBA potential. He would fit in very well with what the Demon Deacons need if Jeff Teague comes back for a third season.
PF Thomas Robinson - 6-8, 215 lbs. - Brewster Academy (NH) - Signed to Kansas
Of everyone in the building, there was no better NBA prospect than Robinson. Known as a rebounder, the future Jayhawk did plenty of that. But he also scored 14 points for Team Finish in all sorts of ways. Along with being a freakish athlete, Robinson showed the ability to handle the ball, even playing point-forward from time to time in half court sets and on fast breaks. Additionally, he showed throughout the weekend a developing jump shot. Robinson admitted after the game he recognizes his rebounding earned him a name in the recruiting world, but he views himself as an all-around player and has worked on developing his wing game. Still, the super-athletic dunker did seem a little careless in practice, joking around and not always paying attention to what drill he was expected to do. If he can keep his head on straight and work on his wing play with the Jayhawks, he could be a VERY special talent down the road.
SG Maurice Creek - 6-5, 190 lbs. - Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) - Signed to Indiana
No player started the weekend off better in Thursday practices. Creek has an outstanding natural feel to the game, and his jump shot seemed nearly infallible. I didn't see him miss a shot all practice, and in the game, he finished with 18 points and three steals, being named an MVP for Team Create in a losing effort. Creek could easily crack Tom Crean's starting rotation from Day 1 in Bloomington, Ind., and he has enough natural ability to one day warrant a spot in the NBA if he learns to create for himself a little better.
G Lorenzo Brown - 6-3, 186 lbs. - Centennial (Ga.) - Signed to N.C. State
Few players looked as comfortable with the ball in their hands as Brown. He's listed as a shooting guard, but I full believe he could take over the reigns as a point guard, and not even just a scoring point. He finished with 13 points and a number of really nice passes, as well as penetrating more often and easier than just about any player in the game. His play down the stretch aided Team Create in keeping things close as much as anyone.
SG John Jenkins - 6-5, 205 lbs. - Station Camp HS (Tenn.) - Signed to Vanderbilt
Jenkins, along with coming across as one of the most down to Earth guys at the event, showed he's more than just a shooter. The nation's leading scorer drove effectively and overcame a rough start to finish with 12 points, even without making a 3-pointer. He's a gifted shooter, and that was evident in practice. But he also has all the tools to become an NBA shooting guard, and even though he wasn't at his best this weekend, I have all the faith in the world he will do just that.
PG Mfon Udofia - 6-2, 180 lbs. - Miller Grove HS (Ga.) - Signed to Georgia Tech
The lightning-quick future Yellow Jacket made his presence felt down the stretch, getting to the basket and getting fouled as he pushed Team Finish to recovery from a double-digit halftime deficit. He finished with 19 points. Udofia clearly attempted to carry his team farther than he is capable of, and there is little doubt he has yet to develop the abilities of a go-to player. But the score-first point guard should make for a very nice role player in Atlanta, teaming with Iman Shumpert to give Paul Hewitt a solid backcourt of the future.
C Talib Zanna - 6-8, 220 lbs. - Bishop McNamara (Va.) - Signed to Pittsburgh
The stand out star of the preview game, Zanna finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Yes, that's right - Pittsburgh has drawn the top player in each game. Zanna looks to have the ability to complete a nice four year career for the Panthers and maybe play high level European ball. Zanna made his living around the basket, grabbing rebounds, getting put backs, and scoring in the post. He should compliment Taylor nicely.
SF Terrell Vinson - 6-6, 200 lbs. - St. Frances (Md.) - Undeclared
Easily the top undeclared recruit here, Vinson got an opportunity to show his all-around game and thrived, scoring 18 points. He was getting some hype in the practices, where he also showed a good nature and cracked some jokes. Yes, he's a rail-thin post player. But his wing abilities are developing, and he's capable of bringing the ball up. If he improves his jump shot and learns to dribble penetrate more, he could become a nice player for whatever team he ends up on. If not, he may struggle because he clearly lacks the size and strength of a college power forward. Recently committed to UMass.
PF Erik Murphy - 6-8, 210 lbs. - St. Mark's (Mass.) - Signed to Florida
Murphy was steadfast in the post, scoring 13 points for Team Finish in the premier game. He needs to gain some weight, but his energy was obvious. He's the type of player who fights right into what Billy Donovan looks for in a big man, and he could definitely help replace Alex Tyus, who is transferring. Murphy's potential is limited, but his ability to shoot and work the boards should make him a very good college player. And if he develops his ability to bring the ball up court, which he showed occasionally on fast breaks, he could perhaps make it to the next level.
PF Andrew Fitzgerald - 6-8, 265 lbs. - Brewster Academy (N.H.) - Signed to Oklahoma
Playing alongside Keith Gallon, who was at the Jordan Classic this past weekend, Fitzgerald will make his own name at Oklahoma for years to come. This kid works hard, knows how to bang down low, and seems to relish contact. He was crucial for Team Finish down the stretch in the premier game, finishing with 12 points and showing he could easily replace Taylor Griffin as Gallon hopes to follow in Blake Griffin's footsteps.
SF Brian Oliver - 6-7, 225 lbs. - William Penn (Del.) - Signed to Georgia Tech
Listed at power forward, Oliver was clearly a swingman in every sense of the word. He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, showing off some very nice dunks and 3-pointers and an overall balanced game. He's not the greatest of ball-handlers, but he should be a nice player down the road for Paul Hewitt.
SF Mike Moser - 6-8, 205 lbs. - Grant HS (Ore.) - Signed to UCLA
Few players go to an all-star game and put up a quieter 18 points. Moser showed nice athleticism on a few dunks and a solid shot. He looks to be ready to contribute on the wing, and I consider it a good thing that he didn't need the ball in his hands to make things happen. Few high school players possess that ability.
SF Jamal Olaswere - 6-5, 210 lbs. - Springbrook (Md.) - Undeclared
Olaswere looked like an early front-runner for MVP honors in the preview game, coming out with 11 points in the first half. He settled down a lot in the second, finishing with 13 for Team Finish in a win. But it's tough to deny he looks like he could be a real steal for some mid-major team. He doesn't have the size to play his style of basketball at the high-major level, but he rebounds well and feels very comfortable around the basket.
SF Isaiah Armwood - 6-9, 200 lbs. - Montrose Christian (Md.) - Signed to Villanova
I'm not sold on Armwood being 200 lbs. But as skinny as he is, the kid showed he's more than just a dunker and natural post player this weekend. He made some nice layups and seemed just comfortable enough on the wings to convince me he could transition full time to the small foward position for the Wildcats. Armwood finished with 13 points for Team Create in the premier game. He's a project, but his athleticism is blinding and, with time, he could be a very solid player.
SF Raphael Putney - 6-7, 170 lbs. - Woodbridge Sr. (Va.) - Signed to UMass
I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone as skinny as Putney. He seemed straight up anorexic, but he made his impact felt in the preview game. Putney had a number of incredible dunks and blocks that showed his leaping ability. He also displayed decent handles, though his awkward lankiness could be a problem. I also worry about his body.
PG Junior Cadougan - 6-1, 200 lbs. - Christian Life Center (Canada) - Signed to Marquette
The stocky point guard showed great strength and hustle, along with surprising quickness. He never really got things going offensively, finishing with just 7 points for Team Finish. But he was a rock-solid ball handler. At the same time, I do question his frame. It appears some conditioning is in order. Marquette is baron in the backcourt, though, and he should make an impact down the road.
PG Ray Penn - 5-9, 160 lbs. - Travis HS (Texas) - Signed to Oklahoma State
To put it bluntly, Penn is too short to score on the same level he did in college. But he's still a lightning quick guard with the ability to penetrate and dish at a high level. It's just that, he's not going to draw very much respect from opposition, and he didn't show the ability to separate as well as he needs to with his limiting height. Still, he probably should have been playing in the premier game, not the preview game.
SF Richard Howell - 6-8, 235 - Wheeler HS (Ga.) - Signed to N.C. State
Howell was one of the most impressive players in practice Thursday, showing great hand-eye coordination and the ability to produce in the post. But in the game, he came out flat, scoring just 6 points. I like where he could be, even if he's not there yet. He has the potential to bulk up a little bit and become a very nice post player, or work on his perimeter skills and make a mark as a swingman.
NOTES: North Carolina recruit Dexter Strickland pulled out at the last minute. ... Kansas 5-star point guard recruit Elijah Johnson began to feel sick in the premier game, and didn't return for the second half. ... In the preview game, Givon Crump, a Baylor recruit, was still overcoming a pendicitis, according to his parents.
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Armwood finished with 13 points for Team Create in the premier game. He's a project, but his athleticism is blinding and, with time, he could be a very solid player.
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