The Jordan Brand Classic is a All Star basketball game that features some of the top high school talent in the country. In previous years, current NBA stars such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin have participated in the game. On Thursday I stopped by practice for the Jordan Brand Classic at Basketball City and then attended the game on Friday at the Barclays Center to get a look. I was curious and hopeful to see if any of the players stood out when surrounded by similarly talented players. I wasn't disappointed. Certain players showed a more refined skill level and a level of aggressiveness to stand out amongst their peers. Based on what I saw, here are five players to keep an eye on next year in the college game and down the road in the NBA.
JAHLIL OKAFOR - DUKE - C - 6-11 260lb - Okafor is regarded as the top player in this years class and it was easy to notice why during practice and the game. Okafor dominated the ball in the post both days. Okafor also showed great foot work for a high school big man and won the MVP award for the winning East team. Body shape and skill wise, Okafor reminded me of Al Jefferson of the Charlotte Bobcats. Okafor should average 20-10 for Duke next year and will be in the discussion for Player of the Year honors.
KELLY OUBRE - KANSAS - WF - 6-7 210lb - Coach Self found a nice replacement in Oubre for Andrew Wiggins at Kansas. Oubre showed a combination of shooting range and athleticism in practice but it was a moment in Friday's game that impressed me most. After a 3 on 1 break along side two Duke recruits (Okafor and Tyus Jones), Oubre pulled Jones aside after the pass went to Okafor just to say some of us other guys would like the ball as well (Okafor had dominated the ball up to that point for the East). Leadership like that will bode well of Oubre going forward.
EMMANUEL MUDIAY - SMU - PG - 6-4 195lb - From what I saw, Mudiay was getting to the rim with ease and showed he had enough strength to still finish when there was contact. Watching Mudiay on both days reminded me of another slashing guard who thrived at getting to the rim and who also happened to attend a college you wouldn't consider a power house. That player was Dwayne Wade. I'm looking forward to seeing Larry Brown coach Mudiay next season.
CLIFF ALEXANDER - KANSAS - C - 6-9 260lb - The other MVP from Friday night's game was Alexander (The Jordan Brand Classic names a MVP from both teams). Alexander matched Okafor basket for basket during Friday's game where they squared off against each other. Alexander's build and strength should allow for him to dominate at Kansas next season and with the NBA going with smaller quicker line ups his 6-9 height shouldn't hinder his pro potential. Kansas might have the top 2 picks in this years NBA Draft and have an even better season next year. Unreal.
STANLEY JOHNSON - ARIZONA - WG - 6-6 225lb - Mudiay was the player I was looking forward to watching the most but it ended up being Johnson who impressed the most. The Arizona recruit has the most NBA ready body amongst the guards/wing players and showed off superb athleticism. The other four players on this list are considered by many to be the top four NBA Draft prospects for the 2015 draft so I wasn't surprised to see them stand out. Don't be surprised if Johnson joins those 4 in the Top 5 and potentially even passes some.
*BONUS* MYLES TURNER - UNDECIDED - C - 7-0 240lbs - Turner did not participate in practice or the game due to a sprained ankle so I didn't get to see him play up close. However I did get to see him shoot around. Turner showed excellent range and touch for a 7 footer. Based on his build and height, the player you'd hope he'd look to model his game after is Kevin Garnett. Turner plans on announcing where he plans to attend college on April 30th.
No comments:
Post a Comment