Mike Riddick Brought His Game Last NightThe Philly USA Youth Development Clinic took place last night at the Haverford School in Pennsylvania and Basketball Spotlight was in the building. This event brought together to top 8th Graders in the Mid Atlantic Region. Here’s a breakdown of the ballers that impressed us.
Top Performers
Mike Riddick Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- This was my first look at Riddick and I was impressed. The lead guard has the size, creativity and strength to do whatever he wants on the floor. He drove past smaller guards and was also able to convert in the lane. Riddick is a combo guard was a scoring mentality while also playing the game with a lot of confidence. Keep an eye on this kid.
Malik Starks Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Mark my words if this kid continues to progress he will be a force to reckon with. Starks is very long and attacks the cup from different angles. Once he enters the lane he uses his length to stretch out for easy buckets. Yesterday he looked like a miniature Tracy McGrady when attacking.
Darius Robinson Guard (Chester, PA)- Robinson was very smooth when scoring at will. His outside shot was falling as usual but I was impressed with the way he sliced through the lane for floaters and lay ups. He has made noticeable strides in terms of speed and ball handling.
Amar Stukes Guard (Germantown, PA)- What is not to like about this kid? Stukes uses substance instead of flash when getting the job done. He’s very smooth and knows how to score over shot blockers. Amar lets the game come to him and is a very unselfish player. Every time I watch him he reminds me more of Dexter Strickland.
Aaron McGlawn Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- The sparkplug guard changes the pace of the game once he enters. He pushes the rock like a blur and gets into the lane at a drop of a hat. His change of direction and ball handling makes him difficult to defend. He does need to work a little on his outside shot.
Jerry Price Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Speaking of nice point guards look no further than Price. He’s a true showman the can create opportunities for himself as well as teammates. He has complete confidence in his ability and seems to generally love playing the game. He has a Jonny Flynn type smile and demeanor on the floor.
Karon Crawford Forward (Chester, PA)- Crawford used this opportunity to get noticed. I like some of the tools he showed on the floor. He has good size but can also put the rock on the floor. I really believe his best days of basketball are ahead of him.
Basil Malik Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- He had to be the quickest guard in the building. Malik finished off plays and put tremendous pressure on the defense with some quick moves off the dribble. This kid has a true future somewhere in sports because of his quickness alone.
Steve Griffin Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- Griffin played with a high motor last night. He leaked out in transition and exploded to the lane during the half court action. On defense he was a pest forcing several turnovers and playing the passing lanes. I like how hard he plays on the floor.
Howard Sellers Guard (Coatesville, PA)- Sellers was instant offense. He can create space off the dribble and pull up from anywhere. I like his stroke from the perimeter and the effort he gave on the defensive end. He’s just a natural scorer and always a threat on the floor.Our Next Stop on the Showcase Trail will be the Philly Hoops Elite 80 Showcase next Saturday at Temple University.
