It was 10:30 PM and my phone rung. On the other end was Patrick Stanwood the grammar school scouting guru giving me a report from the 14U AAU Nationals. Stanwood blurted into the phone “Long Island Lightning survived a scare today. This kid from Hoop Heaven was tremendous and he is only 13” he finished. At this point I had no idea who Patrick was referring too because I haven’t seen Hoop Heaven play the entire season. But since it was Patrick I had to investigate. The next morning I called Vince Baldwin from Prep Spotlight he reinterated Stanwood’s statement “The kid Jaren Sina from Hoop Heaven was very impressive” said Baldwin. His view made me even more curious and somewhat disappointed in myself because I pride myself in watching the new talent first but here are these guys from somewhere else giving me the breakdown of a player from the Garden State.
I wouldn’t get a chance to watch Sina live for a couple of months later at the Hoop Group Jr. Elite Camp. I must say the point guard was worth the hype and wait as he toyed with defenders using his slick handle and wet jumpers. Jaren provides an instant impact on the game once he enters. His court vision and sheer presence on the floor causes everyone to take notice. Look for Sina to be ready to showcase his talents when he takes the floor at the Basketball Spotlight Elite 80 Expo December 6th and 7th at Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune, NJ.
