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| Monday, July 8 Three Stripes Classic: Elite no-names take title By Mark Mayemura Special to ESPN.com |
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HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Gary DeCesare, coach of the highly successful St. Raymond's High School program (Bronx, New York), is one of the most influential and powerful men in New York City basketball. Not only is DeCesare a major force in the high school coaching ranks, but he's also one of the major movers and shakers on the club ball scene. He's the founder and director of the New York Ravens club team (considered a national powerhouse) and is also the camp operations director (just below adidas head honcho Sonny Vaccaro) of the adidas ABCD Camp, which has established itself as the top summer camp in the country. And a year ago, on the heels of adidas ABCD Camp, he put together a very good 24-team national tournament called the Three Stripes Classic, which he held on the Long Island campus of Hofstra University. And this past weekend, DeCesare and his staff put together another excellent Three Stripes Classic which drew some of the nation's top club teams and players, and many college coaches from all the major conferences. Three Stripes is a well organized event which ran like clockwork and featured top players such as 6-7 rising senior Luol Deng (Blair Academy/Blairstown, N.J.), 6-9 rising senior Charlie Villanueva (Blair Academy/Blairstown, N.J.), 5-11 rising junior point guard Sebastian Telfair (Lincoln H.S./Brooklyn, N.Y.) and 6-6 rising junior point guard Shaun Livingston (Central H.S./Peoria, Ill.). Top club teams like Tim Thomas Playaz Gold, Ft. Sooy-No Limit, Long Island Panthers and the Illinois Fire competed for the title. Well, everything almost ran like clockwork. A little team of relative unknowns, known as New York Elite, won the 24-team tournament, beating the Los Angeles Rockfish, 52-49, in the championship game. "The great thing about this year's tournament, the ironic thing, is that New York Elite was the last team I put into the tournament," laughed DeCesare. "Their coach had been calling me for more than three weeks trying to get them in, but I was already full. They were added at the last minute as a replacement team. And they go ahead and win the whole tournament." "There is a lot to be said for teams in the summer who, without any of the big nationally hyped players, can come, play hard, play as a team and win against some of the biggest name programs in the country," said DeCesare. "No disrespect, but a number of the scouts and media people at the tournament, were referring to them as a team of "no-names." Well, I guess they made a name for themselves this weekend." "That just goes to show you that you don't need sponsorship to be win," said Chris Phillips, coach of New York Elite. "I was really proud of my team. We didn't have three of our normal starters (6-8 rising junior power forward Juan Tello Palacios, who played well at Nike was hurt, while 6-10 Konimba Diarra and 6-6 Oumar Sylla both played with Minutemen Press at Three Stripes) and one of our other guys (6-6 Andre Vanderpool) left the team after pool play to go play in another tournament. We had a lot of heart, we shot the ball well and we were just quicker." Six-foot-7-inch post-graduate Gordon Klaiber (Redemption Christian Academy/Troy, N.Y.) was named the tournament MVP. "He had a phenomenal tournament, played super in every game and did all the little things you need to win," continued DeCesare. "I guess he made a pretty good name for himself at Three Stripes. He earned it. He really shot the ball well. New York Elite was the only undefeated team in the tournament and they shot the ball extremely well as a team, all weekend long." "And Gordon Klaiber was basically unstoppable," said Phillips. "He shot the ball well, he posted up, he rebounded, blocked shots, averaged 20 points a game and he played the majority of the minutes -- even playing through foul trouble." Klaiber, whose older brother, 6-10 Antric Klaiber, played four years for Maryland, is a Maryland native, who played last season at National Christian Academy (Fort Washington, Md.). He'll play next season as a post-grad at Redemption Christian in upstate New York. Previously getting recruited by mid-majors, his play at Three Stripes earned him the attention of Virginia, Florida State and La Salle. This was his first tournament with New York Elite. "It was a new team for me, having never played with them before," said Klaiber. "But I got used to them pretty quick. This was one of my better tournaments ever, I've normally been a role player for teams in the past and I was excited to be playing that well. It was a team effort and we played with a lot of intensity and heart. Because we were shorter, we had a lot of mis-matches and a lot of big guys were trying to guard me. No big man can check me; I'm too quick for them." "Nobody expected us to win it," Klaiber said. "There were a lot of doubters." "I had never head of them before, but you've got to respect their talent and their achievement," said Mark Berokoff, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rockfish. "The whole tournament they were hurting teams, shooting the ball. They played a very deliberate style of ball, which worked to their advantage. It's tough to have regrets about losing to a team like that when they hit that many shots. My guys played well and we had a good run, but New York Elite played well and deserved to win the championship." "Just goes to show you, how much talent we have in New York," said DeCesare. "I've always felt there were enough good players in the city to field 20 strong club teams out of New York."
Three Stripes Classic player evaluations
(Seagoville H.S./Dallas, Texas) He's long and lean (probably about 205 tops), but he gets good post position and plays tall. Long arms and still a work in progress, Aldridge is very good right now and gonna get much better. He's got some good athleticism and is a threat to dunk when he gets the ball down by the block.
(Park West H.S./New York, N.Y.) I could talk about the greatness of Sebastian Telfair and his play at the Three Stripes Classic, but Telfair only played in one game, making it to Long Island on Friday night for the first contest but not returning. Bradley, in his own right, is very, very good. Not as flashy (nor as truly talented) as Telfair, but still a high-major prospect. He handles the ball well, can push tempo and has a very good looking jumper. I like the way he comes upcourt on the break, gets the ball on the wing, takes a dribble or two and elevates for the sweet-looking pull-up jumper (shades of Gary Ervin).
(Douglas H.S./Baltimore, Md.) He doesn't leap to the moon nor does he possess Inverson quicks, but Gerald Brown is a talented ballplayer. Brown combines excellent skills with a very good feel for the game. He's a good athlete and should get significant time as a freshman when he gets to the Big East (he's already given an early verbal commitment to Providence). Brown has a smooth game and he makes things look effortless. He has a good outside stroke and finishes well around the basket.
(St. Benedict's H.S./Newark, N.J.) Bowers is another scorer, someone who can shoot the ball, but becomes more dangerous when he slashes to the bucket, creates space and gets himself a good mid-range look. He doesn't have the major league athleticism, but he's a good athlete with excellent ball skills and a good basketball mind, which is more important when it comes to recruitment.
(Blair Academy/Blairstown, N.J.) The subject of various defensive strategies during the weekend at Hofstra, Deng, one of the top five players in the country, is a marked man whenever he steps on to the floor with the Demons. But, still, even with teams doubling him when he put the ball on the floor, Deng was very effective playing a team game. He's by far the most talented player on his teams. His hardworking and unselfish game was a joy to watch. Knowing that he's going to draw the attention of the defense whenever he got a touch, Deng was very good putting the ball on the deck, which put a great deal of pressure on the defense. And Deng, being the heady ballplayer (not to mention an exceptional athlete) found his open teammates. He's the Real Deal. Just think how good he is when he plays with more talent (like his schoolmate Charlie Villanueva) and opponents can't put all simply key on stopping him.
(Mount Zion Academy/Durham, N.C.) I first heard of this powerful stud from Jay Cyriac, assistant coach at JC-powerhouse College of Southern Idaho and one of the top recruiters in the country. Dorsey isn't going JC (at least not in the next school year) and he should be wreaking havoc on Mount Zion's future opponents. He's strong and chiseled like a junior in college, and he plays with strength and attitude. If Dorsey gets his hands on the ball at the block, better plan to meet him above the rim (and better bring some insurance and a mouthpiece). Obviously a good rebounder, Dorsey in a powerful banger in the paint.
(Crescenta Valley H.S./La Crescenta, Calif.) Goffredo is exceptional in two areas. He's arguably the top outside shooter in the country -- he had several games where he drained 5-6 3s from all over the perimeter -- and he's also an exceptional student -- he had a G.P.A. of 4.6 last semester, has never received anything less than an "A" in his high school career and scored 1320 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT). A heady player and son of a highly successful former high school coach), Goffredo knows that you can't live by just your jumper alone. He was drawing charges, making passing lane steals, diving on the floor for loose balls and had his share of on-ball steals in Long Island. He's also shown the ability to put it on the deck and nail the 15-foot pull-up. The Ivy League is all over him, but his shooting ability and scrappy play (he's also a good athlete) is getting him some looks from some high-majors. He picked up interest from a Pac-Ten school with his play at Three Stripes.
Probably made the biggest name for himself during the last two days of the Three Stripes Classic. Hamilton, who graduated from Dorsey High (Los Angeles) this year, will be a post-graduate, most likely at Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) this fall. Brewster head coach Jason Smith, who was at Three Stripes watching two of his incoming players for next season (6'5 forward Joel Smith also from Rockfish and 6'7 combo forward Blake Schilb of Ft. Sooy No Limit) was obviously impressed by Hamilton, who had big games against the Illinois Fire and New York Elite. With his cornrows, long arms and exceptionally large hands -- he palms the rebound on contact, he's already developed the nickname of "The Predator." Hamilton was a strong inside presence (especially with Rockfish starter, rising junior Robert Swift, the 7-footer, getting a bit worn down on the last day of the tournament after spending at week at adidas ABCD) with his rebounding and shot blocking skills -- he likes to reject shots with a vengeance, tossing one ball about 30-feet. Hamilton was also able to score inside with a soft shooting touch and is a very good passer for a post-player.
(Mayfair H.S./Lakewood, Calif.) "Justin used Three Stripes to elevate his recruiting stock in a big way," said Rockfish coach Berokoff. "He was good at adidas ABCD, but he plays much better in a team structure. With his size and ability, he's got an inside game and an outside game. And occasionally, he runs the point for us. If we win that tournament final game, he's the unanimous Three Stripes MVP." It wasn't quite the gallery that follows Tiger Woods on the golf course, but Hawkins had coaches from Notre Dame, Arizona State, Marquette, DePaul and Boston College at each of his games. He's one of the better slasher/finishers in the country, shoots the 3 with consistency, rebounds taller and plays with toughness. And he had several jaw-dropping takes to basket where he dunked on players.
(Rutgers Prep/Somerset, N.J.) A very good swingman who can run transition, Jones is an excellent slasher in the half-court offense. Jones, another New York City kid attending an out-of-the-area prep school, is physically mature, doesn't force bad shots and plays with efficiency. He's another reason why the Long Island Panthers must be considered a decent bet to possibly repeat at next week's Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas.
(Dunbar H.S./Washington, D.C.) Kelly is a tough little guard, who knows how to play. He's got a determined style, very good quickness and good ballhandling skills. Most of all, he plays with desire.
(Laurinburg Prep/Laurinburg, N.C.) With his facial features, cornrows and dynamic athleticism, Koundjia reminds me quite a bit of Gerald Wallace, the former Alabama high school superstar who now collects a paycheck from the Sacramento Kings. The native of Africa can run and jump all day long. And when he elevates to the bucket, he's so springy and long that it's like he pushed the button for the 6th floor, but his elevator car was an express to the 10th floor. His face-up game isn't as developed as his transition prowess, but he can make a shot, and he's got crazy upside. Koundjia just needs more weight, strength and experience. He should develop into an impact talent at the high major level. He wasn't nearly as effective at Three Stripes as he was at adidas ABCD Camp, but some of that may have been attributable to his limited strength and stamina. He's going to be an exciting collegiate player -- and that's my final answer.
(Central H.S./Peoria, Ill.) Livingston established this spring and summer that he's one of the top junior point guards in the country. He's an elite talent. But what I saw at Three Stripes is while his passing and ballhandling skills are superb, he's not Superman. He's still a very effective penetrate and pitch man and he's deadly on his 3-pointer after receiving a kickout. But, especially with a lot of extended play this summer, he's still a very skinny player, who is not the player he's going to be when he starts to fill out. At times, he has too much confidence in his handles (frankly, he's obviously a dribble drill master and can do all the And 1 Mix Tape tricks which he displayed at the underclass all-star game at adidas ABCD Camp), but there were times when he got a defender in his grill and he tried, unsuccessfully, to dribble his way out of trouble. Still, that's a very minor criticism, Livingston is exceptionally talented and a serious competitor who will eventually tie up any loose ends in his game.
(Crane H.S./Chicago, Ill.) A very quick little lefty point guard, who has a very good feel for the game. Likes to penetrate, but doesn't over-penetrate. Looks to create for his teammates and can score with his outside jumper.
(King H.S./Philadelphia, Pa.) Invited, but a no show at adidas ABCD Camp, Marshall played well and showed a strong inside presence at Hofstra. He was physical, had some strong post moves and displayed the ability to score. Marshall has a thick body, good strength and boards fairly well. He can also play power forward, as he's got the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket.
(West Aurora H.S./Aurora, Ill.) Mason is one of the top scorers in the country. He's shown throughout the adidas ABCD Camp and the adidas Three Stripes Classic that when he gets a look, he can score on anybody. Mason displayed a very good shooting touch and the handle and moves to create his jumper anywhere inside 22-feet. He is also very athletic (he catches and flushes lobs) and he's also good going to the cup. DePaul was tailing him like a security guard at Macy's stalking a shoplifter.
(St. Raymond H.S./Bronx, N.Y.) McCroskey is a lean, wiry shooting guard with big upside. He's a very athletic slasher, who plays hard all the time. Very good in transition and he's going to get even better.
(Mayfair H.S./Lakewood, Calif.) Not that he's Lou Gehrig to Khalif Ford's Wally Pipp, but McFadden, who just got elevated to the top Rockfish squad, made the most of his opportunity (much like New York Elite) at the Three Stripes Classic. Ford, the top point guard on the Rockfish and one of the most physically gifted point guards in the class, has just come off of minor arthroscopic surgery to his knee which kept him nearly inactive for two months. Ford, who first started playing competitively at adidas ABCD Camp, had some trouble getting back into sync. His time dwindled this weekend as his play diminished due to fatigue and a sore swollen knee -- considered normal for this stage of his rehab. McFadden picked up the slack and had some very good games running the offense for the Rockfish. He's quick, has a solid handle and can create things for his teammates with his dribble penetration. Already a full-qualifier, he had quite a few hustle plays and drew nearly a dozen charges with his heady play.
(Storm King H.S./Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y.) Mejia is a very smooth, finesse forward with a feathery shooting touch. He's a scorer whose athleticism helps him in transition. He can really run the floor. Mejia can get to the bucket and finish, but more likely to go by his man for the pull-up mid-range jumper.
(St. Raymond H.S./Bronx, N.Y.) "He's a Steve Logan-type, a short, well-built body with quickness, who can really shoot the long-range jumper," said DeCesare. Merritt was strong pushing the break, breaking down defenders and, basically, enforcing his will. Merritt can both score or create for his teammates with his dribble penetration. He's got a well-deserved rep on the playgrounds of New York, and he showed coaches at both adidas ABCD and the Three Stripes Classic why the Big East is all over him.
(Brewster Academy/Wolfeboro, N.H.) Smith, despite playing with a sore Achilles, was another key for the Rockfish run to the championship game. The lefty was very good slashing to the bucket, showing off not only his speed and his quick leaping ability, but a pretty wicked inside-out dribble to get by defenders (just ask Lorenzo Thompson). He's active, gets his hands on a lot of balls and rebounds much taller. He's also very consistent with his jumper, particularly from mid-range. Smith will clearly be one of the best juniors in the country next season and he should be one of the better players in the prep school ranks (NEPSAC).
(Winchendon Prep/Winchendon, Mass.) Stinson, who played in the senior all-star game at adidas ABCD Camp, is "one of the most underrated players in the country," said Gary DeCesare. "He was one of the top five in scoring at ABCD this year and he led the camp is assists last season. Nothing flashy about him, he just gets the job done. He's strong, he's tough, and is a great defender." Stinson graduated from Bronx Regional High School this past semester.
(Crane H.S./Chicago, Ill.) Though he made the senior all-star game at adidas ABCD Camp, I actually thought that Thompson played better at Three Stripes. At ABCD, which is often an up-and-down game, Thompson was drifting toward the perimeter quite a bit and knocked down some long-range shots. But with the Fire, he's needed on the inside and his jump hook, which complements his wide chest/shoulders, was dropping with regularity. He rebounds well, runs the floor well and should be able to play both forward spots (depending on the matchup) at the next level.
Charlie Villanueva, 6-9, power forward, rising senior, Long Island Panthers
(Paterson Catholic H.S./Paterson, N.J.) Watkins undid the long cornrolls that he sported at adidas ABCD Camp (if he had combed it out, he would have looked a little like Darnell Hillman from the ABA days) loosely tying them ponytail style in back. So, the look was different, but he was ballin' like he was at adidas ABCD Camp. Watkins used his athleticism to run the floor, making power dunks and draining his jump hook on opponents. He runs as good as any high school center in the country and has lots of speed and superior conditioning/stamina.
(Wilcox Central H.S./Camden, Ala.) One of the country's top rising juniors, Williams was one of the few bright spots this weekend for the talent-laden, but underachieving Huntsville-based Raptors. Southeast Pump N Run finished last in their pool and had a disappointing effort. But Williams plays hard and he's in great shape. He was strong on the boards and strong with the basketball, when it came to scoring in the paint. I suspect that the Raptors will rebound with a much better performance at the upcoming Big Time.
(Proctor H.S./Utica, N.Y.) A very quick, heady point guard, Wright was even more impressive with the Panthers after having a good week at adidas ABCD. He's very good in transition with a strong, smooth handle and an even flashier flair for passing. He's very thin right now, but plays with major heart. Wright is developing into one of the best point guards in the junior class. David Benezra and Mark Mayemura cover the national college basketball recruiting scene. E-mail at: hoopsusa@mindspring.com or call (818) 783-2244 or (818) 783-2212 for subscription information. |
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