It’s that time of year again—high school basketball season is just around the corner, and players are transitioning from summer grassroots/AAU hoops to the scholastic stage.
Join us on October 5th and 6th for the highly anticipated 2024 Black Cager Fall Classic, an event featuring many of the top high school basketball programs on the East Coast. Over the years, the Fall Classic has become one of the nation’s premier pre-season scholastic basketball tournaments.
This year’s competition will take place at the state-of-the-art Executive Education Fieldhouse, located at 555 Union Boulevard in Allentown, PA. With over 60 teams from four states set to compete, this year’s Classic promises to deliver top-tier talent and intense matchups.
Several powerhouse teams will be featured, including Roman Catholic (PA), Westtown (PA), Camden (NJ), Roselle Catholic (NJ), Penn Charter (PA), Neumann-Goretti (PA), and Academy of the New Church (PA)—all programs that consistently rank among the top 50 teams in the nation. The prestigious Philadelphia Catholic League will also be well-represented with teams like Archbishop Ryan, Devon Prep, Father Judge, West Catholic, Conwell-Egan, and Lansdale Catholic, in addition to the already-mentioned Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti.
Suburban Philadelphia basketball powerhouses like Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Coatesville, Downingtown West, Abington, Chester Charter, and Cheltenham are also set to compete, while elite independent school programs such as Friends Select, Abington Friends, and Springside Chestnut Hill will add to the competitive field.
Representing the Philadelphia Public League are teams like Audenried, Lincoln, Carver E&S, Constitution, and Overbrook. Additionally, Berks and Lehigh Counties will send their top teams, including Executive Education (the host school), Allentown Central Catholic, Liberty, William Allen, Pocono Mountain East, La Academia, Notre Dame, East Stroudsburg, and Muhlenberg.
New Jersey will be well represented, too, with top programs like Camden, Roselle Catholic, Camden Eastside, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Peter’s, Immaculate Conception, Elizabeth, Gill St. Bernard, Linden, Timber Creek, and Salem ready to battle it out. St. Mark’s, St. Elizabeth’s and Brandywine will hold it down for the first state, Delaware.
Black Cager Sports Founder, Delgreco Wilson, highlights the highly competitive nature of the event: “We strive to give these programs an opportunity to see how they stack up against the best. Fans come to see elite players and teams, and I think that’s what the Black Cager Fall Classic is all about,” Wilson said. “Watching college basketball teams like Kentucky, Villanova, Temple, Florida State, UCONN, and Maryland, and knowing that many of our players will be competing at that level next year, is really special. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Seth Lundy (Atlanta Hawks), Donta Scott (Golden State Warriors), Collin Gillespie (Phoenix Suns), and Carlton Carrington (Washington Wizards) are just a few of our alumni now playing in the NBA. So, we’ve brought in elite players and teams for years … I think we offer something truly unique. The idea of having future high-major college and NBA players running up and down Executive Education’s courts—it’s really exciting stuff.”
Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia basketball, long celebrated for its elite guard play and gritty, fast-paced style, recently shifted its focus to the paint, where a different kind of star has emerged. In late February, in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship game, all eyes were on Shareef Jackson, a Lafayette commit and arguably the city’s best high school player. Jackson, the son of former NBA star Marc Jackson, faced off against Archbishop Ryan’s Thomas Sorber—a highly touted prospect now at Georgetown. In a “Big Man” battle that lived up to the hype, Jackson posted 16 points and 10 rebounds, leading Roman Catholic to yet another Catholic League title.
This magnificent display of “Big Man” talent is exactly what the city has been waiting for, and Black Cager Sports is honored to showcase Jackson and his championship Cahillite squad in the upcoming Fall Classic on October 5th and 6th in Allentown, PA.
One could argue that the the championship game performance cemented Jackson’s claim as the ‘big dawg’ in Philadelphia. Sorber, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, played a solid game, but Jackson was better that night and he won the chip. While Jackson may not play above the rim like some of his peers, his footwork, strength, and body control make him a menace in the mid-range and low post. He has a remarkably soft touch around the basket, using either hand to finish with ease, and his mid-range jumper is lethal. And if defenders sag off him beyond the arc, Jackson has shown an ability to pull up for a three, making him a rare offensive threat from all parts of the floor.
But it’s not just his scoring that makes Jackson so special. His unselfish play and high basketball IQ are evident every time he steps on the court. Under the guidance of Coach Chris McNesby and the Roman Catholic program, Jackson has developed into an excellent passer and leader, willing to defer to teammates when necessary but always ready to step up in big moments. For long stretches, he has been the engine of Roman Catholic’s offense, drawing double teams and still finding ways to make plays.
Off the court, Jackson’s intelligence and work ethic set him apart. An exceptional student, he limited his college recruiting to high academic programs, ultimately choosing Lafayette. It’s clear that Jackson is preparing himself for success beyond basketball, making him a role model for aspiring athletes in the city.
Black Cager Sports is pleased and proud to have Coach McNesby, Shareef Jackson, and the entire Roman Catholic program participate in the Fall Classic. Jackson’s performance in this storied event could solidify his standing as the finest high school player in Philadelphia. Fans would be wise to come out and follow his journey closely as he prepares to make his mark at Lafayette and, undoubtedly, on the national stage
In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, there have been rare individuals who possessed an extraordinary combination of skills, work ethic, and sheer determination. Among these exceptional talents are electrifying shooting guards that command attention on and off the court. In 1991, my homie Bruiser Flint was in the early stages of his coaching career and working with John Calipari at UMass. They were in town and Flint was extolling the virtues of kid he described as a relentless threat not only capable of scoring from all three levels with NBA 3-point range and a refined mid-range game, but also embodying the epitome of versatility, strength, and explosiveness. They wanted him BAD!
I met Flint and Coach Cal at 2101 S Broad St that afternoon, we entered the South Philly HS gym and witnessed a performance that my memory has etched in stone since that day. Kareem “Rab” Townes’ bag was a different kind of deep. With an incredibly varied arsenal of offensive tools and a flair for entertainment, he set the benchmark. Townes established himself as the most prolific scorer and exciting high school player of his era.
No one had reminded me of Townes until the evening of February 6, 2023. At precisely 7:00 pm, the ref tossed the ball in the air and an important game between the visiting Archbishop Wood Vikings and the surprising St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks was underway. Over the course of the next hour and a half, Jalil Bethea evoked memories of Rab Townes, circa 1991-22. With about 20-30 SJ Prep football players, about 5-7 feet from the floor, relentlessly taunting and baiting him every trip down the floor… Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS! The magnitude of the game should not be understated. There was a lot on the line, the regular season championship remained undecided and playoff seedings had yet to be determined.
“Overrated… Overrated… Overrated!”
The rhythmic chant reverberated throughout the gym.
Jab step… swish!
Crossover, stepback… swish!
In and out, hesi… layup… good!
And one…
Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS!
A 40 piece spicy… fried HARD! Plus the win…
He has yet to take his foot off the gas pedal. Indeed, he gave Camden High a similar order last week at Philly Live.
When it comes to scoring, Bethea stands head and shoulders above his peers. His shooting range extends well beyond the 3-point line, mirroring the accuracy and consistency of NBA sharpshooters like Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson and FUCK IT… imma say it… Steph Curry. His remarkable range not only stretches opposing defenses but also instills fear in the hearts of defenders who must constantly guard against his deadly outside shot. His mid-range game is equally impressive, showcasing a refined touch and a keen understanding of angles and positioning. With an arsenal of scoring weapons at his disposal, he creates constant matchup nightmares for opponents.
Bethea is a BAD MUHAFUCKA.
It is obvious that he has invested countless hours in the gym with his mentor John Huggins, relentlessly working to enhance his physical attributes. Recognizing the importance of strength and explosiveness, he dedicated himself to a rigorous training regimen over the past 24 months. Through disciplined weightlifting, conditioning drills, and plyometric exercises, he transformed his body, developing the power and agility necessary to dominate on the court. He is routinely bangin’ on dudes and catching alley oops these days. This physical transformation has not only improved his ability to drive to the basket with authority but has also fortified his defensive skills, making him an all-around force to be reckoned with.
Photo: Gavin Bethell
With his expanded skill set and refined physique, Bethea has emerged as one of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2024. He is consensus top 20 prospect according to all of the national scouting services. His ability to create space and separate from defenders is unparalleled, thanks to his vast repertoire of offensive moves. Employing old-school jab steps, he baits defenders into committing, only to explode past them with a burst of speed or unleash a silky-smooth pull-up jumper. He seamlessly combines these moves with crossovers, in-and-out dribbles, and step-backs, leaving defenders in his wake and onlookers in awe.
It is not only his scoring prowess that captivates audiences but also his ability to entertain and excite with every possession. Each time he steps onto the court, fans anticipate something special. His deep bag of offensive tools, coupled with his creativity and flair, results in a dazzling display of basketball artistry. Whether it’s a mesmerizing crossover that sends his defender sprawling or a gravity-defying acrobatic finish at the rim, he leaves spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting his next move. He has breathed new life into Philadelphia high school basketball, rekindling the excitement and passion that the game evokes.
It feels just like it did when Rab dropped 40 sumthin every time he enters the gym in 1991. In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, certain players have risen above the rest through their relentless drive and exceptional skills. Jalil Bethea, with his ability to score from all three levels, unrivaled range, and refined mid-range game, stands tall as one of the most formidable and prolific players of his era.
Bethea is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect.
Through tireless dedication and a commitment to physical transformation, he has elevated his game to new heights. Not only does he amass points with ease, but he also captivates audiences with his entertaining and awe-inspiring style of play. As he continues to evolve and leave an indelible mark on the sport, he serves as a constant reminder that passion matters. He wants it… I believe he’s gonna get it!
It’s great time to be a hoop head in the Greater Philadelphia region. We are truly blessed with an abundance of basketball talent at all levels. A deep 76ers playoff run, featuring the supremely gifted future Hall of Famer Joel Embid, is well underway and there’s a sh#tload of really good high school basketball taking place in gyms all across the region.
Finally… After a long 16 months or so, basketball feels like it’s turning a corner. Things are turning to whatever the new “normal” consist of…
So far? So good for Philly area basketball fans.
The Philadelphia 76ers, number 1 seed in the east, are very well positioned… It looks good for the Sixers. They are making considerable noise and represent a strong candidate to take the World Championship. They are methodically working their way through the Eastern Conference playoffs. Most impressively, however, Joel Embid is demonstrating why he is a generational talent.. We really haven’t see his kind before… Embid is a unicorn.
Joel Embid, Philadelphia 76ers
Seriously…
He doesn’t get nearly the level of attention he deserves. When healthy, he’s one of the top 3-4 players on the planet. Yet, in most instances Embid is not the focal point of Sixer fan discussions.
That’s unfortunate.
The local obsession with Ben Simmons inability and/or reluctance to shoot the ball has captivated the fan’s attention. This focus on Simmons’ shooting woes has contributed to the greatness of Embid being underappreciated.
When considering great Sixers bigs, it’s Wilt, Moses and Embid. That’s the discussion going forward… I can’t really think of anyone else that warrants inclusion. Caldwell, Dawkins, Giminski, Mahorn, Ratliff, Motumbo… Embid has surpassed them.
I know… I know… Ben`can’t make his free throws…
Really… I know.
I’m just saying… Embid is a magnificent basketball player and the Sixers are right where they wanna be.
That said… let’s talk about the youngins. The number 1 and number 2 players in the Class of 2022 play for Team Final (Final). The number 1 and number 40 player in the Class of 2023 play for the NJ Scholars (EYBL) and Camden High. The Philadelphia Catholic League is resetting with another crop of Division 1 prospects. The PUB has some dudes.
The real energy is at the scholastic level.
This month its high schools and next month its AAU/Grassroots clubs.
This Friday, for the first time in 16 months, Division 1 basketball coaches will be evaluating high school prospects in person. The Philly Live event put together by Imhotep Head Coach, Brother Andre Noble, and Archbishop Wood Head Coach, John Mosco has emerged as the premiere event of it kind. In 2019, Noble and Mosco had over 200 D1 coaches in attendance each day of the live period. That translated into a slew on scholarship offers for Philly area kids.
Andre Noble, Imhotep Head Coach
The number of attending coaches Philly Live is likely to increase this year. Coaches from every NCAA conference have made arrangements to attend. Programs representing the Big 10, SEC, Big 12, PAC 12, ACC, AAC, A10, Mountain West, Ivy League, MEAC, MAAC, CAA and all others will be there.
Plainly stated, Noble and Mosco have established Philadelphia as the place to be during the High School Live Period for nearly every program in the nation.
Nicely done! Respect…
John Mosco, Archbishop Wood Head Coach
Facing live evaluation of their players, high school coaches are doing everything they can to get their guys ready. The pressure is immense for players that have yet to catch the attention of college coaches. Time to show and prove… High schoolers have not been in front of D1 coaches in a year and half.
That’s a long time… A lot changes in 16 months…
Some kids have grown 2-3 inches. Some have gained 15 or 20 pounds. Others have significantly improved various aspects of their game. One thing for sure, a lot of offers will come when coaches directly observe kids for the first time in 16 months. For example, Camden wing Cornelius “Boog” Robinson came to the Rider campus and played exactly one game in Coach Kevin Baggett’s Team camp. His toughness and willingness to defend immediately impressed the Rider coaches. Similarly, St. Frances forward Cortez Johnson exhibited a great deal of explosiveness and athletic ability. Finally, Archbishop Wood Point Guard Justin Moore displayed poise and patience while running the young Viking squad. All three were offered scholarships by Baggett on the spot.
Cornelius Robinson, ’23 Camden Wing
This is what you can expect over the next two months. As soon as many of these Philly area prospects play in front of college coaches, the offers are going to start flying.
Area high school players and coaches fully understand… Hence, they are working extremely hard in preparation for the Philly Live. The plethora of exciting scrimmages/games result in a Philly hoop head nirvana. There are great matchups everywhere… A diligent hoop head, can find some contests featuring elite programs and some of top nationally ranked players. For instance, Post & Pivot is hosted a very strong slate of games at West Catholic this past weekend featuring Neumann-Goretti and Imhotep.
But by far, the finest event leading up to the HS live period has been “Baggett’s Court Vision” Team Camp on Saturday, June 12. Organized by Ben Kay, Rider’s Director of Player Development, the camp featured 70 or so high school programs, including nationally ranked Camden, Patrick School, Imhotep, St. Peter’s Prep, St. Frances and many others.
While the entire slate was highly competitive, Kay slipped a bona fide classic NJ battle in for the hoop heads in attendance. Positioned discretely on a schedule featuring 71 other games, at 10:00 am in the Rider Basketball Practice Gym, Camden High played the Patrick School.
That is truly as good as it gets locally. Thanks Ben Kay… #RealShit
This was a low key affair. Only hoop heads and few parents were in attendance. Maybe 150 people saw some of the finest prospects in the nation compete and lay everything on the line. There were ten (10) D1 kids on the floor throughout most of the action and they played with the intensity of a state playoff game.
Sorry… You had to be there… There’s no video.
Indeed, those in attendance had to agree to not publicize the game beforehand. There was an explicit effort to keep attendance artificially low. Camden High’s team is the hottest ticket in the region. When they show up, so does their loyal, passionate and knowledgeable fan base… in droves.
Through word of mouth a Camden/Patrick School matchup will attract an easy 500-1000 fans anywhere and anytime. With 71 other games going on, Rider wasn’t equipped to deal with the full thrust of Camden and Patrick School supporters. The fire marshall would have had to shut it down… Real Shit!
But… The game itself, was a homage to the basketball gods.
This was one for the culture. In case, you haven’t paid close attention through the coronavirus crisis, Camden High School basketball reigns supreme. The paradigm has shifted, Camden is the epicenter of the high school basketball universe in the Greater Philadelphia region.
With a lineup featuring two projected NBA players, Camden is the undisputed top dog. DJ Wagner is the number 1 player in the class of 2023 and Aaron Bradshaw can’t be more than a couple slots below him. At the current historical juncture, the Camden High School basketball program is beyond what folks typically describe as elite. It may very well be the finest traditional public high school program in the nation.
Shit… The point guard is the Mayor and his backcourt mate is the School Board President…
(l) Camden Mayor, Vic Carstarphen, (r) Camden School Board President, Wasim Muhammad
On the basketball court, Camden High has lost exactly one game over the past two years. That isolated loss to Roman Catholic, led by Jalen Duren and Justin Williams, is the only blemish on Rick Brunson’s record.
Fortuitous circumstances have resulted in 2 lost opportunities to win highly coveted state championships. In March 2020, the Panthers were literally minutes away from a playoff game when the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus. This past season they were limited to 15 local games with no playoffs. Almost all of these games were lopsided victories.
In the grand scheme of things, there are only two questions that matter to the Camden Basketball program.
1) Will the Panthers win two consecutive state championships?
2) Will the Panthers lose a game?
Those are the questions…
Queries like: What is the best team in the Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area are settled…
Camden is the top high school team in the region… Period.
This winter, Camden High basketball moves into a brand new state of the art gymnasium holding a raucous 2,000 Panther faithful.
It’s about to be crazy…
But that’s the not ’til the winter… Let’s get back to this past Saturday morning, Ben Kay gave us an elite scholatic basketball matchup, Camden vs Patrick School.
We wish we could share some highlights… However, unlike the other 71 games played that day, video recording was prohibited. This prohibition was rigidly enforced.
Camden won a tight contest 60-55 after trailing for much of the game. But when the game was on the line, Wagner and Bradshaw came through with big plays.
Patrick School Zion Cruz 17 pts, 4 reb Chance Westry 14 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast James Moore 10 pts, 6 rebs, 3 off reb, 3 blk
Aaron Bradshaw, ’23 Camden PF/C
Beginning Friday, Division 1 college coaches will be evaluating high school players face to face for the first time in a year and a half. They want to see games like the one Ben Kay gave us Saturday morning.
Noble and Mosco are providing just what college coaches are are looking for…
For the month of June, Philadelphia is the epicenter of college basketball recruiting.
It really is a great time to be a hoop head in Philadelphia.
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.
Twenty year Division 1 coach and former NBA player leverage Black Cager TV’s mass reach to bring insightful and timely conversations to college basketball fans nationwide
November 3, 2020, 3:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time CAMDEN, NJ — BlackCagerTV.com, the premier original college and high school basketball content producer in the mid-Atlantic region, today announced the official launch of “Bass & Wayns on College Basketball,” a Black Cager TV Original Podcast hosted by Mark Bass and Maalik Wayns. Bass is former longtime assistant coach at St. Joseph’s University and Wayns is a former McDonald’s All-American and NBA player. The show will join the Black Cager TV Network and will explore some of the most important issues and transformative trends through insightful and engaging conversations that span recruiting, player evaluations, NCAA rule changes and other pressing topics. The premiere episode will be available mid-November on BlackCagerTV.com and YouTube.com.
Known as one of the best recruiters and teachers in the business, Bass will help parents and prospective student-athletes know which tough questions to ask and how not to take “nonsensical responses” or “no comment” for an answer. Wayns just completed a wonderful playing career that took him to the NBA and across the globe. “Bass & Wayns on College Basketball” is yet another example of Black Cager TV’s commitment to providing practical, useful and entertaining original basketball related content to viewers across the country.
”I’m finally done playing… I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish at the grassroots, scholastic, collegiate and professional levels. Now that I am no longer focused on my own playing career, I am able to devote my energies to helping young people navigate the basketball landscape. I am insatiably curious about the basketball world and at this moment in time, things are changing at breakneck speed. In the face of seismic NCAA rule changes and the coronavirus pandemic, I will try to connect the dots for kids and their families and I’m excited to take listeners along for the ride,” Wayns said. “With the help of an incredible line-up of guests and the unmatched reach of Black Cager TV, I’m excited to have listeners across the nation examine these fascinating and urgent topics so they can come to a better understanding of what’s happening and where we’re going.”
Bass notes, “I have coached several NBA players such as Delonte West, Jameer Nelson, Dwayne Jones, Deandre Bembry, Langston Galloway and Charlie Brown. Each journey to that league was unique. There are no shortcuts. What each of them did possess was an incredible work ethic. More than anything else, that allowed them to shape their skill set into a package that added value to an NBA team. Along with Maalik, who I coached against, I want help kids and their families gain a better understanding of what to expect at the collegiate level. Black Cager TV is highly regarded among college coaches and parents and it’s the perfect platform for us to share our thoughts and ideas.”
In addition to digital availability, full episodes and vignettes of “Bass & Wayns on College Basketball” will air on BlackCagerTV.com and YouTube.com, bringing their important voice to the more 100,000 Black Cager monthly viewers.
“Black Cager TV is committed to growing its vast original content library with culturally relevant content every day,” said Delgreco Wilson, Founder of the Black Cager TV Network. “With the addition of ‘Bass & Wayns on Callege Basketball,’ we aim to give viewers nuanced and expert perspectives on basketball topics affecting players and their families from two of Philadelphia Big 5’s best players. At this point in history, and amidst the nonstop daily news cycle, we need experienced and incisive perspectives on the issues that matter – and that’s Bass & Wayns.”
Black Cager TV content is available on instagram, facebook, twitter, YouTube and BlackCagerTV.com. It can be accessed through many different connected devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.
About Black Cager Sports Media Black Cager Sports is a premier minority owned online network dedicated to covering elite High School, College and Grassroots programs in the mid-Atlantic region. The network is the ultimate destination for hoop heads and alumni throughout the mid-Atlantic region, allowing them to see their favorite teams, regardless of where they live. Reaching over 100,000 viewers and hundreds of college coaches per month, Black Cager has a greater reach among college coaches than most other media companies in the U.S. The company’s leadership position extends across multiple platforms including live streaming games and on demand via its Black Cager TV pay-per-view service. Visit BlackCagerTV.com for more company information.
About Mark Bass Mark Bass, one of the most prolific shooters in Saint Joseph’s history, coached 20 seasons at his alma mater and was the longest tenured assistant coach in SJU men’s basketball history. Bass joined the Hawks’ staff in 1999-2000 and during his tenure, he helped coach teams that have made six consecutive post-season appearances, won five Atlantic 10 regular-season titles and captured the 2016 and 2014 A-10 titles. Nine years after he led the Hawks to the NIT Final as a player in 1996, Bass again helped SJU reach New York City and the NIT Final as a coach in 2005.
A fiery leader on the court, and two-year team captain, Bass led the Hawks to the NIT Finals in his senior season, 1995-96, and ranked second on the team with his average of 14.3 points per game. He connected for school records of 91 3-pointers and 268 attempts, season marks which were later eclipsed by Pat Carroll in 2005. A Second Team All-Big 5 selection in 1996, Bass made 225 three-pointers during his career from 1992-96, a total that now ranks sixth on the Hawks’ all-time list. As a freshman, the guard led the Atlantic 10 Conference in free throw percentage with a school-record 86.9 percent, a mark which was broken by Langston Galloway in 2011-12 (88.7). Bass also led the A-10 in three-point percentage as a junior (.423), making him just the second Saint Joseph’s player to lead the league in two different categories. In 2001, Bass became the first member of the 1996 NIT Finalist team to be inducted into the Saint Joseph’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
About Maalik Wayns Wayns played high school basketball for Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. As a Junior, he averaged 22.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. Wayns was also a two-time MVP in the Philadelphia Catholic League and also first team all-city and all-state in Pennsylvania. As a Senior, Wayns averaged 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He was named a Parade All-American and McDonald’s All-American and at the end of the year.
Wayns chose to attend Villanova. He was named Big East All-Rookie Team and won the Big East Rookie of the Week three times. Wayns finished with 6.8 points and 1.3 assists. As a junior in 2011–12, Wayns earned second-team All-Big East honors after averaging 17.6 points per game. He played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers. He also professionally in Italy, Russia, Israel, Spain and Belarus.
With Nanna Njoku (Sanford/Villanova), Jordan Longino (Germantown Academy/Villanova), Rahsool Diggins (Wood/UConn), Stevie Mitchell (Wilson West Lawn/Marquette) and TaQuan Woodley (Camden/Penn State) off the board, high major college coaches searching the shelves in Philadelphia’s class of 2021 are starting to focus on Neumann-Goretti’s tough hard-nosed PG Hysier Miller.
Hysier Miller, Neumann-Goretti
To some, Miller’s rise to prominence may seem meteoric. In actuality, it’s been a long slow, steady grind on the independent grassroot circuits and in Philadelphia’s Public League. For years, Miller toiled in relative obscurity with some of the best youth basketball coaches/instructors/mentors in the region. JasonYoung and Harold Mackey Boswell developed a fine HS player. Sean Colson and Carl Arrigale have produced a high major “Philly” guard.
I first met Hysier when he was about 3 years old. His older brother, Mark, was one of my favorite participants in a youth program and we became very good friends. While there was about 30 years separating us, we shared a love for the game of basketball. Mark, like thousands of young Black boys in Philadelphia, was struggling behaviorally in school. My initial goal was to help Mark comply with school rules and expectations.
Once I became aware of his love for hoops, I used the game to help Mark learn to navigate educational and professional settings in a socially acceptable manner. We attended scores of college basketball games. Temple, St. Joseph’s, La Salle and especially Drexel. Mark became a huge Dragon fan. Then Dragon Head Coach Bruiser Flint and Assistant Coach Geoffrey Arnold took a liking to Mark. Mark had complete run of the program. He attended Bruiser’s summer camps. He befriended Samme Givens, Frank Elgar, Chaz Crawford and his favorite player Bobby Jordan.
Never, not one time, did Mark exhibit behaviors that would raise an eyebrow or be a cause for concern while he was in a college basketball setting. But, unfortunately, I couldn’t keep him on campus 24 hours a day. When Mark was in his neighborhood proximate to the Wilson Park public housing development, he assumed another identity.
As the young people say, Mark was about that life… Eventually, he would have run-ins with law enforcement. No longer enrolled in the program, Mark remained my friend. We ran the gamut… Juvenile court hearings, probation, Youth Study Center, Glen Mills… I have stood by Mark as he worked his way through the juvenile and subsequently adult justice system.
I love Mark, he’s like my little brother.
His late grandmother, mother, aunts and adult sisters all accepted me as part of the family. They are “my people.”
All this time, Mark would tell me about his lil’ brother Hysier “Fabb” Miller and how good he was in basketball. I knew Hysier as the kid too young to tag along when Mark and I would go to games. Nonetheless, I really liked Hysier. He was always unfailingly polite, respectful humble. Just a very nice boy.
Hysier Miller in 8th grade
Once he got to middle school, his mother Juanita would always say, “Mr. Wilson you gotta go see Fabb play, he’s my basketball star.” I hear this so often, I really didn’t take her seriously initially. I was, however, very happy to know that he was involved with organized youth basketball.
Engagement in organized basketball activities almost always leads to positive school outcomes like fewer suspensions and increased graduation rates. If we had been able to get Mark involved in youth basketball, I truly believe his path would have been much different.
Juanita also raved about his coach, Mackey. I didn’t know Mackey at the time, but the respect and appreciation Juanita had for Mackey spoke volumes. He would take care of Hysier for days at a time as they traveled up and down the east coast playing in tournaments. While I didn’t see Hysier play in middle school, I did begin to ask him about his game. He was always focused. He worked relentlessly… He would work out everyday on his own. Hysier was a true Philly “hoop head” in the making. I respected his grind.
As he neared completion of the 8th grade, he told me that he was going to attend Martin L. King HS. I was elated… One thing for sure, if Fabb had any real basketball talent, King Head Coach, Sean Colson would develop it, polish it, refine it and give the city a true college ready Philly guard. I’ve seen him do it over and over again.
With Hysier coming from Wilson Park in South Philly all the way to Stenton Avenue, in Germantown, every day, I was a little worried. That’s a very long commute for a 15-16 year old. But Hysier really appreciated the attention from Colson and he wanted to get better. It worked… Over the next two years, Colson molded Hysier into one of the best guards in Philadelphia.
The texts would inevitably come before “BIG” games… “Mr. Wilson, can you come to my game tommorrow?”
I made it out to a few games and I could see the potential to play at the D1 level. He was competing relentlessly… He was one of the better defensive guards in the city as a freshman. Offensively, Hysier more than held his own every time he stepped on the court. As a sophomore, he was the unquestioned leader of the Martin L. King squad.
However, the notoriety wasn’t there. No one really noticed.
Hysier decided he wanted to play on the biggest scholastic stage in the region. He transferred to Neumann-Goretti to play his last two seasons in Philadelphia Catholic League.
Soon as we talked about the transfer, Hysier told me he was gonna get to the Palestra and win the Catholic League Championship.
Straight up… First thing out of his mouth…
At the start of his junior campaign, Hysier had ZERO (0) scholarship offers. I felt he was as good or better than kids in his class with 10 or more offers. I told him I would make sure he had offers commensurate with his playing ability by the end of the season.
In October, I take Hysier and his Aunt Linda to visit Head Coach Zack Spiker and Drexel University. Now all along, Mark is calling me 2-3 times a week from prison and I’m keeping him updated on Hysier’s progress. He wants to know how he’s playing, does he have any scholarship offers, can they win the Catholic League.
I let Mark know I’m taking Hysier to visit his favorite program. Mark’s excited. He still likes Drexel. It was a very nice visit. Spiker is a very affable and personable man. He makes Hysier and his Aunt feel at ease. Drexel has updated the facilities, the locker room is very nice and the gym has been modernized. The apartments are top notch. I could tell Hysier liked University City. It’s a vibrant and diverse learning community within walking distance of Center City.
Outstanding visit…
As we walked back to the car to head out, Hysier asked “Did he offer me?”
“Naaaah… you will know when a coach offers you.”
I call Coach Spiker and tell him that Hysier liked the visit and was looking for an offer… Coach Spiker said, “we want to continue evaluating him while he plays for Neumann-Goretti in the Catholic League.”
“Coach… Once he starts playing the fields gonna be pretty crowded.”
Couple of weeks later, Hysier and wake up early and drive to visit Mark’s favorite college player Bobby Jordan who’s an assistant at Wagner College. We watch practice and tour the campus, Head Coach Bashir Mason and Jordan are wonderful hosts. As the visit winds down, Mason tells Hysier, “I want to come see you play at Neumann-Goretti before I offer a scholarship.”
“Coach… Once he starts playing the fields gonna be pretty crowded.”
Hysier Miller and Bobby Jordan at Wagner College
December rolls around and they start playing basketball games. First up, Westtown and Jalen Warley ranked #36 in nation by ESPN and #21 by Rivals. In his debut with Neumann-Goretti, Hysier steals the ball from Warley 3 times in open court while leading his team to a convincing wire to wire 64-59 victory over the much bigger Westtown squad.
Another one of Mark’s friends, Rider Assistant, Geoff Arnold watched the Westtown game. Impressed with Hysier, Arnold said he will bring the other Rider coaches to watch Hysier. They subsequently watch Hysier go against the highly regarded Lynn Greer III and Roman Catholic. Hysier is matched up with Greer and he does well as Neumann-Goretti wins 77-69 in double overtime.
Rider Head Coach Kevin Baggett has seen enough… He offers Hysier a full basketball scholarship.
Mar Mar Jones (sister), Delgreco Wilson, Kevin Baggett, Geoff Arnold, Linda Brown (Aunt) & Hysier Miller
Next up is Archbishop Wood led by Rashool Diggins ranked #69 by ESPN and #41 by Rivals. Miller scores 24 points and leads Neumann-Goretti to a 66-55 win over Wood. Diggins managed a hard-fought 14 points.
Wagner Head Coach Bashir Mason is in attendance at that game. Literally, within 3 minutes of the first quarter, he says “I’m offering him a scholarship.”
Things start to pick up for Miller, Hofstra offers him a scholarship. Eventually, Drexel extends an offer.
Just like he said he would, Miller helps lead Neumann-Goretti to the Catholic League Championship as they defeat Lynn Greer III, Jalen Duren and Justice Williams for the second time with everything on the line.
Talking to Mark several times a week, I let him know we are just beginning. With the state playoffs and the April “Live Period” I expected Hysier to pick up no fewer than 8-10 high major offers over the spring.
Then coronavirus struck…
Everything was shut down… No playoffs… No live period… No opportunity for Hysier to demonstrate his progress for coaches.
Fortunately, earlier in the year I had told my friend Michael Starling from Raw Sports that I expected Hysier to be the breakout star in in the Catholic League this year. Always looking to highlight deserving players, Michael made sure to focus his lens on Hysier during several of the biggest games of the year. Also, Charles Jones from BornLeader Sports decided to break down his game films and compile an outstanding highlight video for Hysier.
Armed with links to these videos, I pushed Hysier hard. First up Pat Chambers and Keith Urgo at Penn State. Knowing how much the Nittany Lions appreciate Philly toughness, I sent those guys the links. They contacted Hysier immediately after viewing the videos. Within 2 days, Chambers offers Hysier a Big 10 Basketball scholarship.
I also had conversations with VCU, Seton Hall and SMU. Everyone was interested, but they were all very deep in the recruitment process with other guards and reluctant to offer players they could not watch live.
Coronavirus was fucking up the process…
I continued to lean on my friends… I pressed Ashley Howard… But he had a freshman starter and was locking down the magnificent 2020 PG Jhamir Brickus from Coatesville HS. I figured Chris Clark at Temple would listen. Chris was a Catholic League product and I know he would see how much Hysier’s no-nonsense approach to the game mirrored that of his boss, Templ great, Aaron Mckie.
Chris immediately got it… But the Owls were also in deep with other PG prospects. Chris would not let up, he maintained contact with Hysier and the Neumann-Goretti coaches. Forced to recruit through ZOOM conference calls, McKie and the rest of the Temple staff got to know Hysier.
Eventually, in early July, Coach McKie extended an offer.
Last week, Joe Dooley, the head coach at East Carolina reached out. Joe and I go waaaay back to when he successfully recruited the Morris twins out of Prep Charter while he was an Assistant at Kansas.
Dooley said, “I need some toughness… I need kids that aren’t gonna back down.”
I sent him the Raw Sports and Born Leader Sports videos and he offered Hysier a scholarship within a few minutes of viewing them.
St. Joseph’s, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech and VCU have expressed interest.
However, it’s almost August, there will be no live periods… there will be no NCAA camps… there will be no NBA top 100 camps…
It looks like Division 1 coaches will be tethered to their respective campuses throughout the fall.
I am encouraging young boys and girls with real offers on the table to weigh their options and take one of those offers. Division 1 scholarships are valued anywhere from $200,000 to $320,000.
My man Mark should be home this fall, just in time for the Catholic League Basketball season.
All things considered, North Broad Street seems like it makes a lot of sense. Hysier’s rather large and boisterous extended family can attend every game. Temple pays a cost of attendance stipend. They have state of the art facilities, including luxury apartments for student-athletes. The academic support is first rate. And, most importantly, I trust Aaron McKie and Chris Clark with the social, emotional and basketball development of a young man I love.
Hysier Miller celebrating the Catholic League Championship
In the midst of one of the wildest years in recent memory, some shit just makes sense… We’ll see if Hysier agrees…
One of premier academic high schools in the Greater Philadelphia Region, Saint Joseph’s Preparatory High School, is seeking a Boy’s Basketball Coach. Saint Joseph’s Prep plays in the highly competitive Philadelphia Catholic League.
The McDonald’s All-American game is the premier HS all-star game. The game itself has been around since 1977. In the inaugural game, a group of All-Americans played in a game against a group of high school stars from the Washington, D.C. area. The following year, an East vs. West format was adopted. The McDonald’s All-American designation is 43 years old this year. In 2002, a girls game was added and the current girl-game/boy-game doubleheader format began.
It is well established that the McDonald’s All-American Team is the best-known of the American high-school basketball All-American teams. It’s really not even a close call…Designation as a McDonald’s All-American instantly brands a player as one of the top high-school players in the United States or Canada
It was forgone conclusion the Philadelphia would have a representative in the 2020 McDonald’s All-American game. The whole city was just waiting on the announcement.
Diamond Johnson, Neumann-Goretti, Senior Point Guard. Photo Credit: South Philly Review
Shit was a lock! Neumann-Goretti’s Diamond Johnson had a better chance of being a McDonald’s All-American than Derek Jeter had of being inducted in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
I had her at 99.999999% in…
The resume is impeccable… Johnson is the reigning 2018-19 Gatorade Pennsylvania Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The Gatorade award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguished Johnson as Pennsylvania’s best high school girls basketball player. The 5-foot-6 junior guard led the Saints to an 18-8 record and a berth in the Class 3A state tournament. She averaged 28.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 4.0 steals through 26 games.
Plainly stated, Johnson is a bad, bad muthafucka on a basketball court… I watched her drop 54 points in an 88-79 win over Imhotep Charter in the 3A city championship game. She would start for 90-95 percent of the boys basketball teams in the Greater Philadelphia region. I first saw her about 4 years ago giving bigger boys the business on a scorching hot ‘Norf’ Philly asphalt court in Little Vaughn’s summer league. Johnson was also named MVP of the Woman’s Slam HS Summer Finale.
Basically… She is relentless and super talented… She is a problem… A real FUCKIN problem!
The MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic League as a Junior, she is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 6 HS prospect recruit in the Class of 2020 by ESPN. The ESPN rankings are widely considered the most respected… She’s number 6… Number 6 in the whole country!
A model citizen, Johnson has donated her time as a mentor for young children and has volunteered locally on behalf of the Christopher’s Footprints Child Care Center. An outstanding student, Johnson has maintained a 3.57 GPA in the classroom.
This young woman is truly an elite scholar-athlete. Johnson is the VERY best basketball player Philadelphia has to offer to the world in 2020.
Yet, somehow the McDonald’s All-American selection committee concluded that the 6th ranked prospect in the United States of America, with a 3.5+ GPA was NOTworthy of inclusion among the 24 McDonalds All-Americans.
There it is… That’s the yellow, filthy, smelly piss running down my leg…
The voting process for the McDonald’s All American Games Teams involves the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is comprised of some of the nation’s (supposedly) most knowledgeable high school analysts, prep scouts, high school newspaper reporters and prestigious basketball coaches. There are 34 Boys Selection Committee members and 23 Girls Selection Committee members.
Putatively, selection takes place through a series of balloting system votes that are submitted by the Selection Committee.
‣ Votes are confidential. ‣ Committee members are instructed not to discuss any of the balloting results or nominees outside of the internal committee. ‣ At no time should any Committee member solicit information or opinions pertaining to any nominee’s athletic talent or basketball career. ‣ Each member submits his or her individual votes via a confidential and closed balloting system.
The results are tabulated from all voters and the top 24 vote getters compromise the McDonald’s All-American Teams.
That right there is where they tell me it’s raining…
There’s absolutely no way a young lady that was named MVP on the most prestigious summer circuit (Nike EYBL) while being ranked number 6 in the nation was left of the roster without the committee members discussing nominees outside of the internal committee. Her exclusion was deliberate and intentional. Somebody was butt hurt and sought vengeance against a 17 year old girl.
This was done to send a signal. But why? What could possible be the reasons?
Diamond Johnson, MVP of Slam Summer Finale
Well… Johnson played AAU/Grassroots ball for Boo Williams out of Virginia. She did not play for the dominant Philadelphia area club.
And… She ultimately decided to commit to the team that the late racist/white supremacist, Don Imus, derogatorily referred to as the “nappy headed hoes.” Johnson chose Rutgers University. She turned down Notre Dame… She turned her back on Tennessee.
In short, she made the most significant decisions related to her career on her own. She did what she felt was best for Diamond Johnson. She refused to accept or follow the guidance of those controlling the power structure of girls basketball in Philadelphia.
For being independent… for choosing to play for Boo Williams and Vivian Stringer… Diamond Johnson was denied the ultimate recognition bestowed on High School players.
Fuck ‘em!
She is the best… They know she’s the best… You know she’s the best… I am proud of her independent streak. There’s always been a heavy cost associated with defying the ‘mainstream’ powers that be.
Can’t wait to see her crush some of preferred girls next year!
Hysier “Fabe” Miller has been one of the best guards in Philadelphia for three years… For the first two, he was a key cog for Martin L. King Jr. coach Sean Colson in the Public League. A great PUB and college guard that fought his way to the NBA, Colson has developed a well-earned reputation as one of the premier basketball trainers in the nation. When he’s not coaching MLK or Philly Pride, he can be found at the Steph Curry’s camp, the Under Armour Top 100 camp or in the gym with NBA players like Atlanta Hawk teammates DeAndre Hunter and Charlie Brown. Miller is the latest high level player to refine and polish his skills under the guidance of Colson. But that’s just part of his lineage… The boy is from the Southside…
Nate Blackwell, Jeff Myers, Lou Myers, Rashid Bey, Donnie Carr, Scoop Jardine, Lamin Fulton, Biggie Minnis and Hysier Miller…
He is the latest in a long line of super competitive, no-nonsense South Philly guards.
After rising early in the morning to travel from the southern end of the the city to the far Northwest to attend Martin L. King, Jr. HS for two years, Miller has found a basketball home in his beloved South Philly. He has joined a loaded Neumann-Goretti squad picked by many, including, the Black Cager as the #1 team in the region before the season started. Some wondered how Miller would adapt to his new role after being the ‘man’ for MLK last year. Would he be able to adjust to playing off the ball? How would he handle not being the man? All those questions have been cast aside.
A quiet, confident and highly intelligent young man, Miller has embraced the opportunity to play in front of capacity crowds against some of the best teams in the nation. Grateful for the opportunity to play in the Catholic League for the legendary Carl Arrigale, he has gladly come off the bench and he has served as a starter while the Saints have navigated an extremely tough early portion of their schedule. Miller has added considerable value to Neumann-Goretti. In a matchup with Westtown in December, Miller exhibited exceptional lateral movement and a willingness to play ‘chest first’ on-ball defense against the best opposing guards. He frustrated the highly regarded Jalen Warley and forced him commit several turnovers in the middle of the court as Neumann-Goretti ran away with the game.
Boo Farmer & Kev Sanchez, Front Row/Center Court
Tonight he was matched up with another highly regarded high major prospect, Lynn Greer, III. Greer is an established star in the Catholic League. He is capable of scoring in bunches. Greer doesn’t need screens or much help at all. He’s able to create space off the bounce utilizing excellent crossover and hesitation moves. In most games, Greer is a problem.
Tonight, Arrigale was able to leave Miller on Greer for extended periods by himself with no help. It was a great guard matchup… Greer played an excellent floor game. He played within himself, made very few mistakes and did not force the issue.
Overall, Miller and Greer were a push. They essentially cancelled each other out. For those who haven’t followed Martin L. King. Jr. over the past couple of seasons, that may come as a surprise. Throughout much of his High School career, Greer has been a top 100 player… He has participated in USA basketball and played on the EYBL circuit with Team Final and Team Takeover.
Miller, on the other hand, is just a hard nosed, hard playing tough kid from the Wilson Park projects. He’s hungry… He NEEDS a scholarship! There’s no college without a scholarship. He’s earning his keep the hard way… Game by Game… The folk that matter are noticing, as soon as he emerged from the locker room after the win tonight, Wagner Head Coach Bashir Mason offered him a scholarship.
Hysier Miller moments after Wagner Head Coach Bashir Mason (r) offered him a scholarship
A great culmination to a great evening of high school basketball for Miller.
He helped Neumann-Goretti withstand a barrage of breath-taking, gravity-defying, FUCK yo Momma’s Momma, NBA quality dunks from Jalen Duren. It’s simply ridiculous to think Duren is just a sophomore. He is beyond physically dominant in one of toughest high school basketball leagues in the United States of America and he’s not even half way through his high school career.
I don’t know how to adequately describe the manner in which he attacks the rim. Duren dunks on your ancestors… HARD as shit! Big Momma and Pop Pop are begging their grandsons to do something… anything… make it stop!
Jalen Duren, Roman Catholic at the free thrown line
But… when forced to make basketball plays away from the rim, he’s just ok. He’s not an adequate shooter and he has yet to develop reliable go to moves and counter moves. Moreover, going to him down the stretch is a questionable strategy because he’s yet to prove himself a capable free throw shooter.
Fouling Duren in one and one or bonus situations can be equivalent to forcing a turnover. He missed 3 out of 4 crucial free throws down the stretch. For the game he was a 1 out of 5 from the free throw line. Greer was 3 for 7.
In a game that close, between two evenly matched teams, the margin for error is razor thin… Neumann-Goretti capitalized…
I’m just gonna put out there… If you don’t like Jordan Hall and Hak Byrd, you don’t like basketball!
Hall is simply a magnificent high school basketball player. On a team with two kids that will be Division 1 point guards, Hall is the unquestioned primary ball-handler. At 6’8” he towers over opposing guards and wings. Until he shoots, one would think that he is a southpaw or ambidextrous. The ball is on a string… He teases opponents by dangling it out in front of them only to yank it back and explode by them when they reach time and time again.
Hall plays downhill, attacking the defense aggressively while keeping his head on a swivel. He’s constantly looking for the help defense, he’s forcing the double team and whenever it comes the ball is abruptly delivered to the player left open for a clean look at the basket. Neumann-Goretti plays good, solid basketball. Carl Arrigale has these super talented kids playing unselfishly at the high school level. He has almost too many weapons at his disposal.
Hakim Byrd, Neumann-Goretti
Teams have problems dealing with Hakim Byrd’s combination of speed and skill. In the open court, it’s almost unfair. In most instances, Byrd is gonna lay it up… One way or another… If not, he’s gonna pull up for a three or a mid-range jumper that’s damn near as reliable as a layup. The most aggressive scorer on this year’s version of the Saints, Byrd is playing at an extremely high level. He spells Hall from time to time as a playmaker, but for the most part Byrd is looking to get buckets… And… He does his job exceedingly well!
Rahsool Diggins (Archbishop Wood), Stevie Mitchell (Wilson West Lawn), Jhamir Brickus (Coatesville), Lynn Greer, III, Jaylen Stinson (Archbishop Wood), DJ Wagner (Camden), Tazir Cantey (Lindenwold), Hakim Byrd and Hysier Miller… There’s a plethora of talented and tenacious guards playing in the region right now. This, my friends, is the Golden Era…
The Black Cager 