LeBron James Skills Academy – Day 2 Evening Session
By Josh Cochran and Joel Steiner
LeBron and a team of pros battled the college campers to highlight the evening of day 2:
Akron, Ohio – After a day and a half of intense instructional sessions, the high school and college campers finally got a chance to go live in five-on-five full-court scrimmages. Approximately one dozen NBA scouts were in attendance to take in the action. Following the high school scrimmages, The University of Akron gym buzzed with anticipation as LeBron James, Tarrence Kinsey and Romeo Travis teamed with 2009 Cleveland Cavalier draft picks, Christian Eyenga and Danny Green to scrimmage the collegiate campers. Watching the college players in a competitive environment with one of the best players in the world was certainly the highlight of the camp thus far. Here are our notes from the evening:
Jordan Crawford
* The absolute highlight of the evening occurred in the first game when Xavier
guard, Jordan Crawford penetrated the lane
and rose up for a thunderous two-hand slam over LeBron James. The gym erupted
with “oohs and aahs” from the 80 high school campers still in attendance. The
Indiana transfer clearly displayed his ability to drive the lane and his athleticism
with this play, but he’s still an unfinished product. He missed several open jumpers
on the evening due to his inconsistent form. He’s also a bit undersized for an
NBA two-guard, but Xavier fans should be excited to see this kid play this year.* Wake Forest Sophomore forward, Al-Farouq Aminu impressed with his knack for playing in traffic inside the lane and his versatile scoring ability. Despite his unorthodox form, he knocked down several jump shots and finished at the rim in traffic. He also flashed his defensive potential with a clean block on Romeo Travis.
* One of the most consistent performers throughout the camp has been Patrick Christopher, a Senior guard from Cal. Christopher looked very smooth throughout the instructional drills, showcasing his athleticism and outside shot. He continued that performance in Monday evening’s scrimmages by hitting several open threes and pull-up mid-range jumpers. He drew high praise from camp instructor and ESPN analyst, Fran Fraschilla.
* The surprise performance of the evening came from VCU’s 6’10” PF, Larry Sanders. The lanky forward showed his instinct for rebounding and finding the ball as he controlled the glass throughout the evening. His teammates, Greivis Vasquez and Willie Warren did an excellent job of finding Sanders on the block and cutting to the rim. Larry didn’t let them down as he either converted those opportunities or got to the line. He showed improved form at the charity stripe as he converted a high percentage of free throw attempts. Larry dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, but he was not as effective outside of the lane as he missed a few open mid-range opportunities.
* Oklahoma guard, Willie Warren proved why he ranks very highly on many early 2010 mock drafts. He was clearly the most impressive collegiate player on the floor this evening. Warren displayed a silky jump shot while swishing several three-point attempts. He also displayed excellent ball-handling skills and floor leadership as he often ran the point for his team. The 6’4” guard led his teammates, Greivis Vasquez, Jeff Allen, Edwin Ubiles and Larry Sanders to victory in two out of three games versus LeBron’s team. Warren capped off the evening with a vicious break away dunk to ice the rubber match versus team LeBron.
* While one group of college players had an opportunity to play with and impress Lebron James the other court in the arena was a scrimmage of college players only. During the scrimmage Kyle Singler exhibited the most diversified offensive skill set in the camp. Throughout the college player games he showed his ability to pick and pop, convert tough baskets around the rim and pull down tough rebounds. Singler is the best shooter in the camp with consistent mechanics on every shot attempt.
* Kalin Lucas was impressive during the college games. Lucas’s decision making was excellent. He knows how to create easy shots for his teammates off the pick and roll but will drive to the hoop for an easy layup or pull up for an open mid-range jumper if the defense gives it to him. Lucas has the quickness to guard any point guard but is to small to guard most off guards.
* Players that disappointed during the college player games were Devin Ebanks, Cole Aldrich and Yancy Gates. Ebanks disappeared for long periods of time and his rebounding was non-existent. Aldrich looked slow compared to the other big men and never impacted any of the games. Gates rebounded but was content to shoot 10-12 foot jump shots rather than use his size and strength for post up opportunities.
College players attending the camp are:
- Cole Aldrich
- Jeff Allen
- Al-Farouq Aminu
- Patrick Christopher
- Dwayne Collins
- Jordan Crawford
- Malcolm Delaney
- Devin Ebanks
- Yancy Gates
- Manny Harris
- Jerome Jordan
- Kalin Lucas
- Larry Sanders
- Iman Shumpert
- DeShawn Sims
- Kyle Singler
- Edwin Ubiles
- Greivis Vasquez
- Willie Warren
- Chris Wright
Notable high school players in attendance:
Class of 2010
- Harrison Barnes
- Jared Sullinger
- Will Barton
- Adrian Payne
- Dominque Ferguson
- Jelan Kendrick
- Deshaun Thomas
Class of 2011
- Mike Gilchrist
- Marquis Teague
- Austin Rivers
- Johnny O'Bryant
Although I am a UNC die-hard I love to see guys succeed if they have the right attitude. Singler scares me since he will be an arch-nemesis next season. He was never comfortable playing the 4/5 for Coach K and it probably held him back. I read in the Charlotte Observer that K was moving him to his NBA position of 2/3 next year. This article really highlights the all around game he's going to have, not to mention with Henderson gone he will the THE MAN at Duke.
He will probably average 20+ next year with about 3-4 assists and 8 Rebs a game. He's way more fit at the wing. And since he benefited from a growth spurt, he is essentially a Guard in a 3/4 type body who will play the 2/3. You can't teach 6'8" at a wing. Very solid size with his skill set.
ACC PotY will be between Ed Davis, Aminu, and Singler IMO.
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I'm looking forward to seeing what Al-Farouq Aminu is able to do this year at Wake Forest. Real glad that he decided to return to school.
Jeff Fox
www.hoopsmanifesto.blogspot.com