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Category Archives: College Athletics
Prominent Coaches Rally Behind Hysier Miller’s Book Project to Combat Youth Violence
Temple University’s Hysier Miller leads a community-driven approach to tackle rising gun violence among American youth
PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 7, 2023 – In the face of escalating youth gun violence and a surge in neglect and abuse affecting the nation’s young population, communities across America stand at a critical juncture. Philadelphia, PA, in particular, grapples with the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to this growing crisis. In response, Temple University’s point guard, Hysier Miller, has penned a powerful book, “No Place Like Home: We Have Unfinished Business,” advocating for a collective effort that involves at-risk youth, particularly from Black and Brown communities, in the fight against escalating gun violence.
Miller contends that the path to safer, healthier communities hinges on collaborative, all-encompassing planning. He emphasizes a dual commitment to prevention, early intervention, and a robust focus on law enforcement, coupled with a graduated system of sanctions as key components in this battle.
The impact of Miller’s vision has not gone unnoticed. Several prominent college basketball coaches have rallied behind his book project, making bulk purchases in a show of support. Fran Dunphy of La Salle, Phil Martelli from Michigan, Frank Martin at Kansas, Adam Fisher of Temple, Donnie Carr from La Salle, and Chris Clark from Temple have all made significant contributions towards Miller’s cause.
In a remarkable display of generosity, Hysier Miller has pledged to match each of these purchases with donations of his book to middle schools selected by these coaches. The designated schools include:
- Fran Dunphy’s selection: Jay Cooke School, 1300 W Loudon St, Philadelphia, PA 19141
- Phil Martelli’s choice: GESU School, 1700 W Thompson St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
- Frank Martin’s allocation: One school in Amherst, MA, and one school in Miami, FL
- Adam Fisher’s pick: Paul L. Dunbar School, 1750 North 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Donnie Carr’s selection: Vare-Washington Elementary School, 1198 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Chris Clark’s chosen school: St. Malachy, 1012 W. Thompson St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Speaking on this tremendous outpouring of support, Miller expressed his excitement and gratitude, saying, “I am really excited about the way these coaches have encouraged and supported my book project. I have a tremendous amount of respect for these men. They continue to give young men like me an opportunity to access higher education and broaden our horizons. With their support, I am able to get my book in the hands of hundreds of middle school kids. The basketball community is embracing my message and that makes me want to go much harder.”
The collective action of these esteemed coaches, combined with Miller’s dedicated efforts, presents a united front against the pressing issue of youth gun violence. Their support serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the powerful impact that collaboration and community-driven initiatives can have on building safer, more secure futures for America’s youth. As Miller’s message resonates throughout the basketball community, it is hoped that more high school and college coaches will follow suit, further amplifying the positive change that can be achieved through concerted action.
Please use the link below to purchase individual and bulk copies of No Place Like Home: We Have Unfinished Business. Miller will match all bulk purchases with donations of copies to middle school of purchaser’s choice.
St. Frances Academy’s Tyler Jackson: PLEASE Believe Da “HYPE”!
Tyler “Hype” Jackson is a Baltimore phenom and the number 1 point guard prospect in the class of 2025. Hailing from St. Frances Academy, he is garnering attention as one of the best guards in the nation, and for good reason. Playing alongside two high major wings Jahnathan LaMothe (Maryland) and Carlton Carrington (Pitt) last season, Jackson was often the finest player on the floor as a sophomore.
More importantly, Jackson’s demeanor and behavior are truly commendable, especially considering his status as a top 10 prospect in his class. It is evident that his family, particularly his mother Ro’Shelle and Aunt Kimberly, have instilled in him values of respect, humility, and dignity. Their influence on him is clearly reflected in the way he carries himself both on and off the court.
The absence of arrogance and entitlement in a young athlete of his caliber is a refreshing departure from the stereotype often associated with elite urban athletes. Jackson’s embodiment of a throwback scholar-athlete highlights his dedication not only to his athletic pursuits but also to his academic endeavors.
His ability to remain unfailingly polite and respectful while being in the limelight is a testament to his character and the strong foundation laid by his family. Such qualities not only make him a standout athlete but also a positive role model for aspiring young athletes.
In a sports world where some individuals may succumb to the pressures of fame and success, Jackson stands as a shining example of how one can achieve greatness while maintaining humility and a strong sense of responsibility. His approach to life and sports serves as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, and maintaining a sense of perspective regardless of one’s achievements.
Jackson’s unique combination and maturity and breathtaking basketball skills have made him a highly desired prospect. Not yet an 11th grader, he has offers from Kentucky, LSU, Alabama and Mississippi State in the SEC. Big 10 offers have come in from Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers and Penn State. His ACC offers include Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. DePaul and Seton Hall have come calling from the Big East. The Big 12 is represented by Kansas and Houston. These are just some of the scholarship offers Jackson is sorting through.
On the court, he has proven himself a worthy successor to the legendary Panther point guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin (VCU/Penn State). Jackson is already displaying impressive physical attributes and highly advanced basketball skills. Standing at around 6’3″ with a wingspan measuring 6’6.5″, he possesses a great combination of size and length for a point guard. His athleticism is exceptional, with remarkable speed and quickness that sets him apart from his peers. Fiercely competitive, he plays his best in big games with everything on the line. He willed his Team Thrill 16U squad to the UAA Championship a few weeks ago.
Jackson consistently gets buckets in bunches. In one weekend on he EYBL this summer, he averaged over 30 ppg against elite competition. Plainly stated, his scoring ability is nothing short of extraordinary. With an explosive first step, he can blow past defenders from a standstill position or off the dribble. His ability to change speeds effortlessly makes him very elusive and extremely difficult to guard man to man. In transition, he is an absolute blur with the ball, racing past opponents to finish above the rim regularly. Jackson will bang it on bigger men. Moreover, his tight handle and variety of dribble moves allow him to break down defenders and get to the rim at will.
While his 3-point jumper is still a work in progress, Jackson is already a highly proficient mid-range shooter off the dribble. His mechanics are sound, and he gets good elevation, allowing him to release the ball high, which bodes well for future development. With continued practice and refinement, his 3-point shooting range and consistency will improve over time.
As a point guard, Jackson has outstanding potential as a playmaker. He possesses excellent court vision and an ability to see over the top of defenses due to his height. He keeps his head up in transition, leading to accurate passes to teammates on the move. He is already possesses an elite understanding of how to attack in the pick-and-roll and in isolation situations. He consistently creates solid scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Defensively, Jackson is already displaying a high level of potential. His lateral quickness, length, and instincts make him a disruptive force on the defensive end. He is quick to anticipate passing lanes and uses his active hands to force turnovers. Moreover, his ability to pressure full court and stay engaged off the ball showcases his commitment to making an impact on both ends of the floor.
While Tyler Jackson is already an exceptional young talent, there are areas he can further develop. Playing in the nationally renowned St. Frances Academy program, for Coach Nick Myles, the sky is the limit when it comes to his development over next 24 months. Improving his shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc, will make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Additionally, continued growth as a decision-maker and honing his defensive techniques will elevate his game to new heights.
Overall, Tyler Jackson is a “SupaHighMajah” point guard prospect. With his size, athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, he has the potential to become one of the most exciting and dominant point guards of his generation. As he continues to refine his game and mature physically, expect to see him make waves on the national stage for the next two years at St. Frances and and contribute immediately in college and beyond.
Thomas Sorber: Trenton Makes and the Big East Takes!
Thomas Sorber is a highly skilled and versatile center playing in the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) for Archbishop Ryan HS and Team Final on the Nike EYBL Circuit. Known for his exceptional passing ability, basketball IQ, and all-around offensive skills, Sorber has emerged as one of the most unique and impactful bigs in the nation. Off the court, he is a mature, thoughtful and humble young man with an unflappable disposition. His mother, Tennah Sorber, his HS coach, Joe Zeglinski, and Rob Brown, Director of the Team Final Basketball Club can rest assured knowing that he represents them in a highly dignified manner at all times.
Recently committed to Head Coach Ed Cooley and the Georgetown Hoyas, Sorber possesses a wide range of offensive skills that make him a threat from various positions on the court. Over the past two years, he has developed exceptional passing skills that stand out among high school bigs. Sorber displays incredible court vision and an innate ability to find open teammates. His passing repertoire includes crisp bounce passes, accurate outlet passes, and pinpoint long-range assists. Sorber’s underrated court vision allows him to manipulate defenses and make accurate reads, resulting in open looks for his teammates.
Furthermore, Sorber’s scoring ability is highly efficient and versatile. He possesses a soft shooting touch with increasing range that he has extended beyond the three-point line, making him a threat from mid-range and beyond. Sorber can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, fadeaway shots, and jump hooks with both hands with consistency. He also possesses a vast array of post moves, utilizing his size and footwork to create scoring opportunities close to the basket. Sorber is an excellent finisher around the rim and has a crafty arsenal of shots, including scoop layups and hard dunks.
Additionally, Sorber is an exceptional rebounder. Despite lacking elite athleticism, he utilizes his basketball IQ, positioning, and timing to secure rebounds on both ends of the court. Sorber is particularly adept at offensive rebounding, using his instincts to anticipate missed shots and gain extra possessions for his team.
Sorber’s Trenton background has had a significant impact on his development as a player. Growing up in Mercer County, Sorber played in highly competitive youth basketball programs known for its emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and basketball fundamentals. This system has helped shape Sorber’s unique skill set and well-rounded game.
The Trenton style of play places a heavy emphasis on passing and team-oriented basketball. Bryan Caver (Seton Hall), Mark Bass (St. Joseph’s), Charle Cooke (JMU/Dayton), Myles Powell (Seton Hall), Malachi Richardson (Syracuse), Davon Reed (Miami) and Jamir Watkins (VCU/Florida State) are just a few notable Trenton ballers. Sorber’s exceptional passing ability and court vision are direct products of this Trenton influence. Playing in Mercer County, he honed his passing skills through extensive practice and a focus on fundamental play. Sorber’s ability to read and react to defenses, as well as his understanding of spacing and timing, are hallmarks of his Trenton upbringing.
Moreover, Trenton basketball has traditionally prioritized developing players with a broad skill set, capable of playing multiple positions. This versatility is evident in Sorber’s game, as he can initiate the offense as a point-center, play in the high post, or operate in the low post as a scoring threat. Sorber’s ability to initiate the offense, shoot from the perimeter, and make decisions on the fly are all influenced by the Trenton style of play.
Furthermore, Trenton players are often known for their basketball IQ, and Sorber is no exception. His understanding of the game, ability to make the right reads, and high basketball IQ are traits that have been fostered through his Mercer County basketball upbringing.
In summary, Thomas Sorber is a highly skilled and versatile center in the PCL. His exceptional passing ability, offensive versatility, and high basketball IQ make him a unique and impactful player. The Trenton influence on his development is evident in his emphasis on passing, skill development, versatility, and basketball IQ, which have all contributed to his rise as one of the premier players in the nation. In the Big East, he’ll be able to work seamlessly with his teammates when it comes to executing the offense. Whether he’s on the low post, high post or wing, he’ll catch and quickly make a play.
Georgetown fans need to buckle up and get the popcorn ready. Big Thomas is headed their way.
U Want Da High? U sure… They Got Billy Richmond
Over the past 4 years, Camden High has produced numerous Division 1 basketball players. Lance Ware (Kentucky/Villanova), Taquan Woodley (South Carolina/UMass), Jerome Brewer (Texas A&M Commerce), Cornelius Robinson (Monmouth), Cian Medley (St. Louis), Dasear Haskins (St. Joseph’s), Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s), Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and DJ Wagner (Kentucky) all played scholastic hoops at THE HIGH. They are all very good and highly capable athletes. Wagner and Bradshaw were universally ranked among the top 5 players in the nation. With these players on the roster and patrolling the hardwood, Camden has been incredibly dominant in South Jersey and highly competitive nationally for the past 4 years. Fifty, sixty point ass whuppins have become the norm.
All of those guys are gone… The current Panther squad is led by the most explosive and athletic Camden player since DeJuan Wagner. Meet Billy Richmond ‘24, the epitome of explosive athleticism, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit at the high school level. As a high school basketball wing, Richmond possesses an exceptional set of athletic gifts and skills that set him apart from his peers. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches tall, he dominates the court with his sheer physical prowess and an insatiable hunger for victory.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Richmond is a different kind of athlete. He ain’t from ’round here!
Richmond’s most captivating feature is his extraordinary leaping ability. He jumps higher and remains airborne significantly longer than his peers in the mid-Atlantic region. He’s on some SEC shit… Dudes playing at Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas move and leap like Richmond. He defies gravity with every jump, effortlessly soaring through the air with remarkable hang time. His ability to elevate above defenders and throw down thunderous dunks is a spectacle that leaves audiences in awe and opponents demoralized.
One hand dunks… Check.
Left hand dunks… Check.
Right hand dunks… Check.
Two hand dunks… Check.
Alley Oop dunks… Check.
Off one foot… Check.
Off two feet… Check.
However the fuck you want it… Real rap.
In addition to his extraordinary leaping skills, Richmond possesses a lightning-fast agility that allows him to swiftly maneuver through the court. His full speed eurosteps easily cover 15-20 feet. He possesses exceptional footwork, enabling him to blow past defenders and slash to the basket with remarkable speed. This combination of agility and athleticism makes him nearly an unstoppable force at the high school level.
Being highly competitive by nature, Richmond thrives on the intensity of the game. After serving as one of the “other” guys on a star-studded powerhouse Camden team last season, Richmond has fully accepted the leading actor role. He now has top billing in the show at THE HIGH. It is obvious that he relentlessly pushes himself to achieve greatness, constantly seeking ways to improve his skills and elevate his team’s performance. He has an unyielding desire to win, and this mindset fuels his boundless energy and determination during every game.
Richmond is a pleasure to watch. Just ask the scores of SUPAHIGHMAJAH Head Coaches that crowded the perimeter of the court every time Camden laced ‘em up at Philly Live. Richmond was directly responsible for a couple hundred thousand dollars of private jet spending the past two weekend.
Offensively, Richmond’s main weapon is his ability to dunk the ball with breathtaking authority. He takes immense pleasure in posterizing opponents, rising above them and throwing down thunderous slams that reverberate throughout the gym. His dunks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a psychological advantage, demoralizing opponents and igniting his teammates’ spirits.
Defensively, Richmond is a formidable presence. His leaping ability allows him to block shots with ease, swatting away opponents’ attempts at the rim. He possesses quick reflexes and excellent anticipation, enabling him to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers. His relentless defensive efforts inspire his teammates to match his intensity and elevate their own defensive performances.
Off the court, Richmond’s dedication to basketball is evident in the results his disciplined training regimen have produced. He migrated from Memphis, Tennessee to Camden, New Jersey for a reason. He spends countless hours in the gym, honing his skills, improving his strength, and perfecting his craft. Despite his athletic prowess, like the aforementioned Panther athletes that came before him, Richmond remains humble and approachable, serving as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Camden and beyond.
Billy Richmond is a super athletic, bouncy, and fiercely competitive high school basketball wing. His jaw-dropping dunks, remarkable leaping ability, relentless drive to win make him a formidable force on the court. He the unquestioned STAR of the show playing this winter at Camden High. With his exceptional skills and unyielding work ethic, he’s destined to leave an indelible mark on the high school game this year and inspire a new generation of basketball players.
The Black Cager Fall Classic: A Small College Recruiting Paradise!
What about the little guys?
In 2019, the NCAA took care of the BIG BOYS… Division I coaching staffs fly across the lower 48 states attending their choice of NCAA-certified high school and travel team events. The BIG BOYS have made these NCAA ‘live periods’ a significant part of their annual recruiting cycle.
When the NCAA added two June weekends exclusively for high school competition. They fundamentally altered the recruiting cycle. During those weekends, hundreds of high schools participate in massive events throughout the country and college coaches evaluate prospects playing with their high school teammates.
When John Calipari, Jay Wright, Tom Izzo, Bill Self enter a gym, they suck all of the air out of the room. High school players, parents and coaches become instantly enthralled. Six-foot four inch high school power forwards and centers begin to harbor irrational hopes of landing a scholarship and suiting up for Kentucky or Kansas.
It is next to impossible for D2, D3 and NAIA coaches to capture the attention of young men that will certainly land at their level, if they are to play college basketball.
Small colleges need their own elite scholastic events where they are the BIG BOYS in the room. That event is the Black Cager Fall Classic. The prestigious Black Cager Fall Classic will take place October 8th and 9th at two gymnasiums in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The previous five Fall Classic events (2017-2021) were held at facilities located in the the Greater Philadelphia region. The event has attracted some of today’s top collegiate basketball players during their high school years, including Donta Scott (Maryland), Jay Heath (Georgetown), Ace Baldwin (VCU), Jalen Carey (Rhode Island), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Seth Lundy (Penn State), Eric Dixon (Villanova) and Rahsool Diggins (UMass).
This year, 72 teams will play 72 games. While there will certainly be plenty of high major, top 100, prospects, the field will also feature hundreds of D2, D3 and NAIA prospects. Small College coaches are invited to attend and bring their entire staffs to evaluate some of the finest talent on the eastern seaboard.
Teams are traveling from Canada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. They are coming because Black Cager Sports will work diligently to help small college coaches connect with the parents and coaches of prospects they identify as suitable for their programs.
Black Cager Sports understands the fiscal constraints that small college programs work under, thus we have priced admission and the coaches packet at a reasonable thirty dollars ($30.00) for the entire weekend. We want small college coaches to attend and recruit participating players.
Coach… You gotta come out… We got dudes!
My Homie Zimgid and the Best College Players from the Greater Philadelphia Region
My homie from Mars, Zimgid Zrvxow, came to visit tonight. Turns out, they are starting a professional basketball league on Mars. Zimgid’s assignment was to come to the USA to scout for the best players. Last week, he was on the West Coast hanging with Rico Hines. Rico put him onto Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs.
Tonight, we had a few beers and blew a few trees while talking hoops. Maaaaan, y’all gotta try some of that Martian “LOUD”! Shit is ridiculous!!
Zimgid asked me: “Which kids from this area are playing the best in college basketball right now?” I started talking about ESPN and Rivals HS rankings… He stopped me… “FUCK that, that shit don’t matter… I wanna know who is playing the best in college basketball right now.”
“Ok… But, he was a McDonald’s All…” he cut me off again…
“I don’t care about none of that shit from HS… I don’t care about grassroots or shoe company circuit performances… Who is BALLIN in college right now?”
Apparently, the Martian Basketball League (MBL) will pay rookies 30 million uutiizs per year… Seems like that’s a lot of tax free Martian money…
I had to think long and hard and after a while I gave him the following list…
Stay tuned… When fans are allowed, you may see a 13 ft., 437 lb figure with three legs and 7 eyes carrying a clip board at Big East, Big 10 and A10 games. Don’t be alarmed… That’s just my man Zimgid.
You might wanna go out to the parking lot and get on the space ship with him… I’m telling you, that Martian LOUD is something special.
Saturated: The Basketball Scholarship Market
The basketball scholarship market is defined as the sum total of all the buyers (college D1, D2, JUCO and NAIA coaches) and sellers (Basketball student-athletes seeking scholarships) in the United States and the rest of the world.
Massive NCAA rule changes and the coronavirus pandemic have severely impacted the basketball scholarship market.
#1. The NCAA has made the decision to approve an extra year of eligibility for all student-athletes. This is a ‘free year’ for college students at every level. This rule change results in a decrease the number of available scholarships. Even if the NCAA allows more than 13 D1 scholarships, there may not be an appetite to absorb the financial hit resulting from extra scholarships in many cash strapped athletic departments. For every senior that stays an additional year, that is one fewer scholarship that hits the market.
#2. NCAA is set to implement legislation that will grant first-time transfers Immediate Eligibility. Athletes can soon transfer schools and play immediately. … An athlete’s previous school would not have any ability to object to the transfer. This rule change will alter the behavior of the college coaches in the recruitment process. A 20 year old with 2 years of college experience and 3 seasons of NCAA eligibility is more desirable than the typical high school recruit. Many college programs are not actively recruiting high school players.
#3. Students who initially enroll full time during the 2021-22 academic year and intend to play NCAA Division I or II athletics will not be required to take a standardized test to meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements. As a result, students that would have been ineligible because of low test scores are now eligible if the have at least a 2.3 gpa.
Considered individually, each of the rule changes put pressure on the basketball scholarship market. Emerging simultaneously, they have flooded the basketball scholarship market.
High School seniors are competing against the current crop of NCAA seniors, current NCAA players that could immediately play upon transferring and players that would not have met the minimum test score requirement.
This market is flooded…
On top of all that, college coaches have not been able to evaluate high school players live since March.
Good players, even really good players need to be connected to college coaches… Recent video performance in highly competitive settings is the very best a student-athlete could do right now…
Coaches are evaluating prospects via video…
Below is a brief clip with Aaron Lemon-Warren and Christian Tomasco highlights. There is also a link for the complete game against #6 St. Frances Academy (MD).
Lemon-Warren are Division 1 basketball prospects with solid academic profiles. America East, NEC, CAA, MAAC, MEAC, Patriot League and perhaps even A10 programs should evaluate these guys closely.
Complete Game: Ryan vs St. Frances Academy
Coach… Watch these guys play…
They are good.
High Level Basketball: I Found A GREAT Game Tonight!
Like all of you… I’m tired of this shit!
Fuck Coronavirus!
I wish things would return to normal. This is really my favorite time of year. If we had actually been able to “limit the cases to 15 and they soon reached zero” back in the Spring, I would be traveling up and down 95 visiting high school and college gyms.
I would be trying to get a feel for this years version of high school programs like DeMatha (MD), Woodrow Wilson (DC), Paul VI (VA), St. Frances (MD), Sanford (DE), Chester (PA), Trenton Catholic (NJ), Atlantic City (NJ) and Immaculate Conception (NJ). I would be visiting college programs like VCU, Georgetown, George Washington, Maryland, Howard, Morgan State, Delaware, Delaware State, Seton Hall, Penn State, Rutgers, Monmouth and Rider.
Who’s up next? Who’s gonna break out? Which programs are gonna win state championships? Which programs are gonna make the NCAA tournament?
Unfortunately, he lied… Coronavirus didn’t just miraculously disappear when summer rolled around. Moreover, he continues to BULL SHIT all of us…
“We are turning the corner…”
Get the fuck outta here!
The situation is worse than ever… Hospitals all across the nation are close to capacity and talking about rationing medical care.
So… No trips up and down 95… No sneak peeks at the top programs…
Times are hard for hoopheads.
Imagine my surprise when I heard there was a good game scheduled tonight. We all know the schools are NOT currently playing. We ALL know that the PIAA and the NJSIAA are trying to figure out a way forward.
So… this was NOT a HS basketball game…
But, somehow, someway… mystically, magically and fortuitously the players from two of the top high school programs just happened to meet up at 3640 G Street at 7:00 pm.
Who know how these things happen? Who gives a fuck?
For degenerate hoopheads like myself, the only thing that matters is there was actual competitive basketball to be witnessed.
No cheerleaders… No matching uniforms… No Public Address announcer…
Just 20 or so super-talented and highly motivated players, a couple of referees, a scorekeeper and someone at the door pointing a thermometer at every skull that entered the door.
Just so happened that this particular “club” matchup featured players from Archbishop Ryan playing against players from Camden High School.
On August 4, Black Cager released a “Way too soon Top 5 High School Programs” in the Greater Philadelphia Region. On that list, Camden was number 1 and Archbishop Ryan was number 5. That made this game a battle between 2 of the top contenders for mythical Black Cager Pound for Pound title.
This setting, while not ideal, certainly serves a purpose. Kids that have been effectively banned from getting together in their school gymnasiums are able to convene and actually play structured basketball. Prospects seeking to leverage their basketball abilities for access to higher education get to put a performance on film for college coaches that have been chained to their desks since March. The importance of the video cannot be overstated.
All indications are that Division 1 basketball coach will not be allowed to evaluate prospects in person until April 2021 at the earliest. That means that current HS kids will go a full year of playing without college coaches in the stands.
Good video right now could result in anywhere from $200,000 to $320,000 being made available to a family for educational related expenses.
This shit matters…
It should be noted that I am blessed and favored… I have tremendous relationships with many of the kids and parents navigating the recruitment process right now. Prior to this game, I called Ryan combo guard Jalen Snead ’22 and reminded him that he was going to be matched up against DJ Wagner, the Number 1 player in the Class of 2023. In a very direct and forceful manner, I let him know that I expect him to demonstrate that he is severely underrated by meeting that challenge.
I also called, Rodney Warren, the father of Aaron Lemon-Warren and let him know I would give him call after the game. He works out of town and could not be in attendance.
I speak with Taquan Woodley every day. We never really discuss his performance. Mostly because there’s really very little variation from game to game… Double-Double with about 4-6 blocks… Book it…
I come in the gym and I see, Bill and Beth Tomasco, parents of Ryan PF Christian Tomasco ‘21. Christian was one of the biggest free agent pick ups of the past off season. While he has a D1 offer and plenty of D1 interest, he wants to demonstrate that he ranks among the best players still on the board. After warmly greeting the Tomascos, I see Christian seated about four feet away from his folk…
“Muthafucka… This is what you wanted!”
I sit next to Christian and remind him that there will be video from this game. I also note that Woodley is, perhaps, the premier BIG still on the table in the class of ’21. A strong performance against Woodley would certainly help Tomasco increase his stature.
A few minutes later, the game gets underway…
As one would expect from a group of kids unable to access their gyms and practice on a consistent basis, the play is a little uneven and ragged at times. But the effort and talent are there for all to see.
Ryan jumps out to a double digit lead early. As usual, sharpshooter Luke Boyd is dialed in… Boyd would finish with a game high 19 points with 5 3-pointers and 3 rebounders. Ivy and Patriot League programs would be wise to reach out to Boyd. A few weeks ago he dropped 22 against Nationally Ranked St. Frances (MD). A pattern is emerging… Big shots from deep in big games…
Snead was relishing his opportunity to play against the best player in the Class of 2023 and one of the premier guards in the country regardless of class.
Last year… Snead was named 1st team All-Muthafucka by Black Cager Sports Media… The Baller TV viewers and those in attendance got to see for themselves how he earned that designation. Exceedingly quick, with long arms he is an excellent defender. He harassed Wagner from start to finish. He was able to consistently stay in front of him, he blocked his shot, he disrupted his dribble… Basically… Snead was a muthafucka defensively…
His stat line for the game was typical Snead… 4 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block.
Of course, the uber-talented Wagner would have his moments on his way to solid 13 points, 2 steals and 1 assist. What remains the most impressive aspect of Wagner’s game is his mental toughness. Even when the shots are not falling, he continues to ferociously defend and make plays for his teammates. As a sophomore, Wagner is one of the most mature players I’ve seen in recent years.
Snead, in the opinion of this observer demonstrated clearly that he is a bona fide Division 1 prospect.
Tomasco did what he was supposed to do.
He ran the floor very well. He showed some range from the beyond the 3 point line. Against one the most formidable front courts in the nation, he finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists.
Looking ahead and assuming there will be a high school basketball season, Tomasco adds a dimension to this Ryan club that makes them a real contender to return to the Catholic League Final Four for the 4th time in 6 years and maybe take the title back to the far Northeast this year.
Still working himself into form, Lemon-Warren was solid with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. He is just a complete basketball player. With practice and increased reps, he will be one of the contenders for Catholic League MVP.
As the game wore on, the difference was the relentless pressure on the boards applied by Taquan Woodley (14 points) and Jerome Brewer (17 points). After deploying a full court press to disrupt the early offensive flow of Ryan, Camden’s big duo dominated the boards in the second half.
Now a senior, Woodley has evolved from a high energy super athletic defensive force into a cerebral leader of this version of the Camden Panthers. He is playing the game at his own pace, making sure his teammates are in the correct positions on both ends of the floor, protecting the rim and scoring big buckets when needed.
Earlier today, Woodley formally decommitted from Penn State. Thus far, he has been contacted by La Salle, St. Joseph’s, Temple, St. John’s, Mississippi State, Seton Hall, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Auburn, SMU, VCU and Akron.
He is clearly the “bad bitch” at the bar… Right now, everyone wants to buy him a drink and take him home.
But the best part of my day came when I got home. Earlier, I had gave my friend Gerald Holmes a heads up… Holmes is the highly successful Had Coach of the Division 2 Bloomfield College basketball program in New Jersey. Told him he could catch this game on Baller TV. Always working, Holmes watched intently.
Then at exactly 8:24 pm… A potential 6 figure conversation began…
A great game… indeed!
Thank you Difference Makers, The Miller Report and FiDonce Basketball Player Development…
The importance of the video cannot be overstated.
Stevie Mitchell Commits to Marquette University
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Stevie Mitchell (Philly Pride/Wilson West Lawn) has committed to play college basketball at Marquette University. Mitchell has emerged as a Pennsylvania Scholastic legend in Berks County. He enters his senior as the all-time leading scorer for Wilson West Lawn.
An incredibly unassuming, humble and God fearing young man, Mitchell has handled his rise to basketball prominence with an unusual amount of grace. His recruitment process was intriguing. Because he is a consensus top 100 player, he was offered scholarships from some of the finest high major basketball programs in the nation. Miami, Georgia Tech and VCU made pushes to land Mitchell.
His very strong academic profile led some of the most competitive and prestigious academic institutions to try to add him to their respective learning communities. Stanford, Penn and Lehigh tried to land this scholar that happens to play a lil’ basketball.
Locally, in addition to the Quakers, Villanova St. Joseph’s and Temple recruited Mitchell hard. It’s easy understand why. The young man is loved by adults, peers and young kids alike. On the court, he is a relentless competitor with a well-rounded offensive game that will allow him to contribute immediately to the Marquette program.
Marquette Assistant Coach Dwayne Killings made Mitchell a priority. Killings and Marquette Head Coach, Michael Wojciechowski, stalked Mitchell like hungry lions on the Serengeti for more than a year. Their efforts were rewarded. They have landed the 2019 Under Armour Association 16U MVP. They landed the leader of the #1 ranked and National Champion 16U Philly Pride squad. They landed a stellar student with exceptional grades and test scores. They landed a true gentlemen with genuine love for young basketball fans. And, perhaps most importantly, once the buzzer sounds and the games begin, they will learn they landed a BAD MUTHAFUCKA!
Stevie can flat out ball… Big East Bound!
The Black Cager 