Tuesday 14 June 2011

Player Focus: C.I.A Bounce Double Punch

Richard Audu 6'4 G 2013

Rich Audu of the Henry Carr Crusaders is a crafty guard with extreme upside. Rich is a fundamental player who can play both the PG and the SG spot on any team. His lateral quickness allows him to shut players down on defense, and his explosiveness towards the basket makes him a difficult player to guard on a man-to-man defense. Much of Henry Carr's success this year can be laid on the shoulders of both Kenrick Lewis & Richard Audu. This 6'4 guard can lock it down on the defensive end with ease and also hit the open jumper occasionally. Throughout the season, I witnessed Rich heat up during a couple of games. He showed that if he was heated up, than he would be a force offensively. Although Rich plays on the powerhouse Team Takeover Canada, Rich can easily be compared to Jamal Reynolds on the other powerhouse Grassroots Canada. Both players are humble and hungry and their both trying to put their AAU teams on the map.

Rich Audu Highlight Reel


Isaiah Watkins 6'7 F 2013

Just like Rich, Isaiah also has major upside as he plays with great intensity and hustles on both ends. Isaiah is a vocal leader on the court, and he isn't afraid to throw down a poster dunk if you give him the opportunity. He rebounds great along the paint, and hustles for dead balls and tipped passes. He is the perfect role player to have on any team as he is still working on his offensive dominance. His Mid-range game is also very solid for a big man as he can pull up if let open. Just like Rich and Jamal, Isaiah can also be compared to Grassroots 2013 F Agunwa Okolie. Both players are humble and they both allow their game to do the talking. They both hustle and both can lock it down on defense. Although Agunwa is more of a go-to scorer, Isaiah should look to be more consistent on his jump shot and build more lateral quickness. Isaiah will be attending St.Benedict's Prep next year with Tyler Ennis.



Monday 30 May 2011

Player Focus: Potential Beyond Limits

Nick Madray 6'10 F 2013

I have never seen a basketball player close to 7feet shoot the ball as well as Nick Madray in high school. At first, Nick appears as if he is a big man who lives in the post and dominates with Dwight Howard like slams. But after nearly watching Nick Madray play several times on his High school & AAU team, it is evident that Nick Madray is a star in the making! His game as of right now clearly resembles with Dirk Nowitzki or Kyle Korvers as Nick can shoot from deep and mid-range. Nick is not the guy you would like to leave open at the 3point arc. His huge frame allows him to grab rebounds almost anywhere in the post. Nick has been added to the EYBL roster of Team Takeover Canada (CIA Bounce) and he will be going at it with the best players in North America including Julius Randle & Rodney Purvis. One major aspect Nick should improve on is driving to the basketball, I didn't really notice any jab steps or fakes used but surely he is improving his game, hopefully on a day to day basis. Nick has interest from Syracuse & Rice U*

*According to FlagrantFouls.com

Nick Madray Short Video

Player Focus: Grassroots Double Punch

Agunwa Okolie 6'7 F 2013

No one in the GTA region has impressed me more than this star forward named Agunwa Okolie. He has an amazing upside for his game and he can play with men older than he is as he did over the summer with Kyle Julius & the *A* Game team. If heated, Agunwa can score easily taking his man one-on-one or even attacking with the double team. Although his jump shot consistency can be improved, he still is able to knock down the occasional jumper from time to time. I witnessed this young forward dominate at the *A* Game Camp in 2010 and 2011 which hosted big time names such as Jamal Reynolds, Justin Edwards, Kashrell Lawrence, Henry Tan, Connor Gilmore, Justin Jarvis, Isaiah Watkins & many more. He completely dominated the competition at the event and he established that he is a premier player from Canada. Agunwa's close comparison as of right now can be Lamarcus Aldridge or even Lamar Odom. As of right now Agunwa is probably the best one-on-one basketball player in Ontario this year. Other names who can dominate a man to man defense are Andrew Wiggins, Justin Edwards, Nick Madray, Richard Audu, Rohan Boney & Dyshawn Pierre. Its time to wait and see how this young gun will do during the summer as he is playing for Grassroots Canada AAU.

Agunwa Okolie Highlight Mix

Jamal Reynolds 6'4 G 2013

I was very impressed with the effort Jamal Reynolds puts forth once the ball has been tossed for tip-off. He has a high motor and he decides when to score and when to create a stop on defense. He has a scorers mentality and it is obvious that he attained this mentality by watching NBA players such as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant. Although I don't get to see this guard shoot as much, he can still hit it down from mid-range. Flagrant Fouls and *A* Game Hoops did a great job exposing his talents in April. Out of Ontario, Jamal is probably the top 20 prospects in my list for the class of 2013. Ranking systems should include him at a higher rank as he possesses a very high basketball IQ and a great feel for the game. He is only 17 and he is still growing which is remarkable. Jamal should look forward to playing in USA in the coming season, and as for interest. Sources tell me that University of Albany have been interested in this player and Isaiah Watkins for a while now. Time will tell if this great player deserves his rankings in my book.

Jamal Reynolds 2010-2011 Mixtape

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Senior Team Focus: Loyola Hawks of Oakville

Notable Players

Rohan Boney 6'5 G/F 2012

I was completely baffled by this young mans performance during the week of OFSAA and during the regular season. I believe that Rohan was probably the best player in all of Ontario after Andrew Wiggins, if not than #1. He basically does everything, rebounds his area, blocks shots, slams the easy dunk, or finishes with the smooth jumper. What shocks me the most is that this All-Star has charisma and a high motor. He is always moving on both the offensive and defensive end with outstanding poise and posture. PG Mike Lafricain played a major role on this forwards dominant play this season.
Rohan Boney 2010-2011 Mixtape (Flagrant Fouls)


Mike Lafricain 5'11 PG 2011

Mike's court vision and passing ability was rarely off balance throughout the season. He is a crafty point guard who you can relate with Canadian star Steve Nash. Mike is a pass first, shoot later; type of player. He played a giant role in Loyola's success and will surely play a major role in Ottawa's program. His strengths are evident, he can shoot the heck out of the ball if he is heated up. He is also physically built and can bang with the big boys. I will love to see this point guard play with the staff and players at Ottawa.
Mike Lafricain Highlight Reel (Crown Mag)


Team Play

I was very impressed with this Loyola team this year and last year. This team plays together with chemistry and aggressiveness which gives them the edge over their opponent. The chemistry between Mike & Rohan was unmatched in all of Ontario basketball. I truly believe that if Wiggins was not at Vaughan this year, than this Loyola team would have received gold at OFSAA this year. Sadly they were left short as the Vaughan Voyageurs took home the gold. I was very confused to find out that no D1 college was interested in F Rohan Boney on the Flagrant Fouls recruitment site. Since Mike is gone this year, I am anxious to find out who will be at the PG spot next year and the following year. Another star to look out for in this team is Forward Jake Babic 6'5 2014. Lets see how this team transitions without a few of their players in the upcoming season.

Thursday 28 April 2011

Junior Team Focus: Mount Carmel S.S

Throughout the years numerous amounts of people have debated on which is better "Mississauga Basketball or Brampton?". Surely Brampton Centennial represented Brampton this year by finishing the season almost undefeated. But Mount Carmel from Mississauga was overlooked this year despite their undefeated regular season record. Their one great weakness is that they lack size on defense and offense. If I'm correct, their tallest player is a 6'1 grade nine kid named Paul Galas. They effortlessly overcome that with their outstanding chemistry and smooth play.

Key Players

Paul Galas 6'1 G/F 2015

Along with Reece, Paul has displayed he is a great player by doing almost everything on the court. He can rebound, drive for two and shot the occasional Mid-Range jumper. I've seen this ninth grader a total of five times this season including tournaments and regular season games. In most of the games he plays outstanding defense with great defensive stance and quick reflex's on the block. I estimate Paul will be around 6'5 by the end of his growth and that is a perfect height for a shooting guard. Paul needs to improve on his jump shot and drive of the pick. If those qualities are improved on, than Paul will be an outstanding player in Peel, possibly top 20!

Jahvari Bennet 5'11 PG 2014

Jahvari, If I'm correct, has the perfect size for the point position. Hes quick, strong and can create plays for others. Jahvari is probably the 2nd best on this Carmel team, but he is hands down the best PG on the team. His strengths are evident, he can hit the open trey ball and drive in for two as well as pass out for a shot. If Jahvari gets taller, than he surely will be a great player from Peel. I'm going to love to see Jahvari, Paul, Hanson, and Cassidy play senior next year that's a given!

Commitment: Kevin Thomas Is a Longhorn

Star of Grassroots Canada and CFCA has declared that he intends to play at Texas. Thomas will be added to the list of Canadian Alumni including Olu, Tristan, Corey and Myck at Texas. This forward as a very high IQ and court vision which allows him to create plays for others. His long arms and mobility enable him to become a solid Power Forward. Thomas is also an outstanding defensive player who aggressively attempts to contest every shot that comes his way, occasionally getting the block at times too. He is also very athletic and he does a great job finishing around the basket.


Thomas was also considering New Mexico St, NC State, Arkansas and Wake Forest before signing with Texas. Thomas averaged 12PPG, 10RPG, 1.5BPG & 2.2SPG.

Junior Team Focus: Bramption Centennial

Brampton Centennial

Brampton proved itself surely by the end of the regular season. Finishing almost undefeated throughout their whole season. They have solid players like Reece, Justice and Jemol which gave them the advantage over other teams in the end. Reece proved to be Peels top player by averaging close to 21pts a game in the regular season. One thing Reece can always work on is his jump shot. He needs to be more consistent which will allow him to be effective if he wants to play Prep or even Senior basketball in Peel. Justice also proved that he was a force in Peel by also putting up high numbers. The duo of Reece and Justice allowed Brampton to bring home the ROPSSAA Gold. I cant wait to see this team in the near future play head to head with powerhouses such as Joan of Arc or Loyola.

Key Players

Reece Brooks 6'0 G 2015
What amazes me the most about this young gun, is that hes only just 15 years old and he already established the fact that hes a force in Peel basketball. Despite Reece's height, he still is able to grab rebounds and finish strong on shots with contact allowing him to head to the free throw stripe for a extra bucket. His smooth game and slick handles allow him to get anywhere on the court with ease. Not only is he playing junior, but he is also playing an age ahead on the OBA circuit with H.Y.P.E and still dominating! The duo of him and Jamaal Potopsingh is crucial in their success. I advise this young gun to play senior next year for a chance for him to improve amazingly!

Jemol Edwards 6'1 G 2014
When you hear of Brampton Centennial success, you automatically assume Reece Brooks was involved. But most people have this young man named Jemol over their radar. Jemol can shoot, just like almost everyone else on the Brampton team but what was most surprising is the chemistry between him and Reece. These two can flat out play basketball as their both fundamentally sound players. Looks like these two are going to be pairing up in the near future for Senior Basketball!

Senior Team Focus: St. Joan of Arc Angels

Notable Players
                                                                                                                                
Jaylen Roberts 6'3 G 2013
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Jaylen really caught my eye throughout this season and last years season as he can do almost everything on the basketball court. He can shoot from deep, drive for the two points, and even hit the occasional contact layup for a 3 point play. One thing that he lacks is his focus, even on the courts it seems as if this young man lacks focus on and off the court. He should spend more time on basketball and education because this young man has one of the highest potentials in Peel. I will continue to watch this young fella throughout next season and keep you updated on schools interested in his game. Due to this guards ability to shoot the ball, I dub Jaylen the nickname "Jay-Money".

Muzher Mirza 5'11 PG 2010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
The buzz over Muzher Mirza was too much as I have been hearing this young guns name since last year. He is a grade 12 returner who can shoot the ball better than anyone on this team. He is also pretty athletic for his position and size. If Muzher was taller than it would be evident that he would be a outstanding D1 player. As of right now I don't know what schools are showing Muzher interest. Due to his game and the buzz about him, I dub Muzher the nickname "Muzz the Buzz".
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Team Play
                                                                                                    
I was only able to see this team a few times this season, but It still was clear that the Arc Angels made an impact as soon as they stepped on the floor. They should still look to play with more chemistry and they should acquire a Big-Man who is a presence in the paint for their 2-3 zone. I will be watching this team next season to see if they live up to the hype that Muzher, Jaylen and other players have left them; Good luck Arc Angels

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Senior Team Focus: Loyola Senior (Peel)


Notable Players     
                                        
Ozzy Omar 6'2 G 2014
This young man named Ozzy really caught my eye over the past few months as I was able to catch him and his Loyola team play against Stephen Lewis S.S and Mount Carmel. Ozzy's strengths are clear, he can flat out play solid defence forcing turnovers and fast break buckets. He displays his dominance by hitting Mid-Range jumpers and locking it down on D. With a more solid Big-Man in the post, this Loyola team can go far next season. The nickname that perfectly describes Ozzy is the "Wizard of Oz" as his defensive ability seems like magic.

Paul Watson 6'4 F 2014
Paul was a pure standout in the game vs powerhouse Stephen Lewis. His defensive ability held star Nick Madray to the high 10's which is remarkable. If I'm correct than Paul is only in grade 10 which leaves him enough time to grow and elevate his game to another level. Just like Ozzy, he has the potential to become a D1/D2 star in the near future. Keep your eyes on the lookout for this star-studded forward.

                                                         
Team Play
Together Paul & Ozzy make a amazing duo on the forward spot for Loyola, but without the rest of the players on the team, they would not have the same success. I noticed that most of the players on the team are only in grade 10, which is mindblowing when you think of how good this team is going to be once they all age! Their strengths are clear, they play with defensive teamwork and chemistry which allows them to put their opponents off balance. What they need is a solid PG who can design and execute plays which will allow them to run their offense better. This team is a must watch in the upcoming seasons, the warriors are out and there here to stay.

Senior Team Focus: Mount Carmel

Notable Players

Cassidy Ryan 6'6 F 2014
How often do you see a 6'5 curly haired forward running up and down the court? Its rare! Cassidy Ryan is his name and he is here to stay. Cassidy has alot of potential which can possibly be enhanced to the D1 level. He is very tough around the boards and can bang with the big guys as he started playing Senior basketball since grade 9! He is a high prospect who will be running with C.I.A Bounce in the summer looking to gather attention from D1 schools across North America. I believe that if Cassidy starts to train on a daily basis for 2-3 hours, than this curly haired forward would be a star for Canada. His NBA comparison would go with Ron Artest due to his Mid-range jumper and defensive aggressiveness. If his handles become on point, than watch out for this superstar!
                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                             
Marcus Hanson 6'2 G 2013

Word on the block is that Marcus was not allowed to play this year for the senior team at Mount Carmel. There have also been multiple rumours stating that Hanson is now a soccer prospect and no longer a basketball phenom. Never the less Hanson can still play the game. Last year at Zaga he was outstanding scoring in the 20+ range almost every game. I hope to see Hanson next year on the team running along side with Cassidy and a young gun named Paul Galas.

Team Play
Carmel ball started out rough but not for the Junior team. Senior basketball laid a huge role on Cassidy Ryan as it slowed him down at points in certain games. Guarding players like Nick Madray and Juwan led him to be fatigued on the offensive end. I'm sure that if Cassidy is out and Hanson is out, than most of the Carmel team will be unable to function correctly. They both play crucial roles as their both leaders on and off the court. It will be interesting to see this team play with Hanson next year.