By Sam Parker (Spotlight South)
Basketball Spotlight has added another writer for the Southern USA. He was present for the Basketball Spotlight MDC and here’s his report.
BASKETBALL SPOTLIGHT MEMORIAL DAY CLASSIC 12U DIVISION
TYUS BATTLE – 6’0 GUARD – TEAM BATTLE
A rarity in that he registers as both a player and a prospect. Skilled with the ball and capable of knocking down the jumper to the stripe, Battle looks to have a significant amount of growing left to do as well. As he fills out, his confidence should grow, and he’ll be able to take his game to an elite level. This young man is tracking as a national name right now.
CAESAR ADIM – 6’2 FORWARD – M.A.B.C.
Talented guard truly made a name for himself on this weekend. With great size and body control, he’s nearly unstoppable going to the rim, and is capable of huge scoring performances at this level. His size and skill set allows him to play and defend anywhere he wants on the court. Moving forward, the development of his perimeter jumper will be most crucial to his success.
JAMIR HARRIS – 5’11 GUARD – TEAM BATTLE
A similar gem to his backcourt teammate Battle, Harris has a little bit better frame at this stage, which enables him to be a stronger finisher at the rim. He’s confident with the ball and demonstrated the ability to make plays for himself and others throughout the weekend. Harris has a few inches of his own left, and depending on his quickness comes along, he should have the ability to play either guard position.
JAMAR WATSON – 5’10 FORWARD – D.C. ASSAULT (CLARK)
Known as “Boogie”, Watson danced his way to the cup all weekend long. In the end, what separated the powerful swingman from his teammates on a very balanced team was his strengthened play as the event moved forward. When other players showed fatigue, Watson took over the scoring and rebounding duties while showing an ability to defend both the perimeter and the post.
CAMERON WINSTON – 6'0 GUARD – LONG ISLAND LIGHTNING
Winston was the heart and soul of his squad at the Basketball Spotlight MDC. The playmaker extraordinaire has the toughness that has come to be expected out of NYC guards. The dribble drive and pull-up floater are already in his offensive arsenal, and Winston took full advantage of those tools in leading his squad to the Blue Division title.
BRANDON BLOUNT – 6’2 FORWARD – KINGDOM ELITE
Big-bodied but nimble-footed Blount saw action in two age groups and looked the part of a capable scorer. One of the leading scorers in the 12U division and the owner of several double-double performances in the 13U division, here’s hoping genetics are on this young man’s side, as he’s a couple of growth spurts away from being a major force on the interior.
DARIUS GILLON – 6’2 FORWARD – TEAM BATTLE
Gillon’s reputation as a tough rebounding force on the block proved to be accurate. He’s got soft hands, finishes at the rim, and looks to be developing a face-up game he’ll need down the road. There aren’t too many players that will challenge him in the paint at this level and he is a huge space eater for Team Battle squad that looks ready to compete for a 12U national championship.
JERMAINE NELSON – 6’1 FORWARD – LONG ISLAND LIGHTNING
Though Nelson was as consistent in the scoring column as others, his energy level was off the charts, and his ceiling as a prospect is extremely high as well. Bouncy and as wiry as you’ll see at this level, Nelson already realizes his length is an asset and he uses equally as well defending on the perimeter as he does snagging rebounds at the rim. He’s already trying to throw it down and he’s not far off.
NWANACHO NWANU – 6’0 FORWARD – NEW YORK GAUCHOS
Throw potential out the window, “Nacho” Nwanu was arguably the most productive player at the Basketball Spotlight MDC. Gauchos head coach and basketball journeyman Paul Suber called Nwanu his “Elton Brand at 12U”. Suber should know; he coached Brand as a teenager. While Nwanu isn’t expected to get the size of the former Peekskill High School All-American, he does have a powerful and patient game similar to that of Brand. Nwanu is a serious scoring and rebounding threat on the block at the 12U division.
GRANT ROBINSON – 5’7 GUARD – ANNADALE BULLDOGS
Perhaps the best true point guard we witnessed over the weekend, Robinson has the ball on a string, and each dribble is purposeful. For such a young player, the talented lead guard has an impressive understanding of the game, and a true gift for passing the basketball. His delivery will only improve as he adds physical strength. The McLean, Virginia native reminded us of another guard from the same hometown, UNC-bound Kendall Marshall.
