Jordan Brand Classic Recap (Regional and International Games)

The Jordan Brand Classic is one of our favorite events of the year. There are three all-star games and we particularly are interested in the International game as we get to see some of the better 15 and 16 year old International players.

The first game of the day was a local affair pitting the best players from the New York City area against the best NYC Suburban players. The Suburban Team won 137-133 in a game in which there was absolutely no defense and in most cases the offense consisted of either a long pass and dunk, or a shot or drive after the first pass. In a game like that it’s tough to be thrilled about anyone, but a few players who stood out for us were:

• Derrick Williams (St. Anthony, NJ). Williams, a 6′6, 250-pound big body who is headed to Richmond scored 19 points and was the co-MVP. He’s a little undersized for the power forward spot, but has quick feet and can score around the basket out to mid-range. His body is mature and he should be able to contribute to Richmond as a freshman.
• Ryan Rhoomes (Cardozo HS, Queens). Rhoomes is a lanky 6′8, 205 pounds who is athletic, can attack the hoop and rebounds. Once he gains some weight and strength he’ll have a huge upside. Rhoomes scored 26 points and gathered 10 rebounds. The rumor is that he will attend the South Kent school for a post-graduate season.
• Gilvydas Biruta (St, Benedict’s, NJ) The 6′8, 240-pound power forward has skills around the basket, is very tough and is a high major talent. He originally declared for Rutgers but has been released from his commitment and would be a great addition for a non-Big East School.
• J.J. Moore (South Kent, CT/Pittsburgh), Shane Southwell (Rice HS, NY/Kansas State) and Aaron Brown (St. Benedict’’s, NJ/Temple). All these big time recruits can play the two or three, are athletic and can put the ball in the basket. If they can get some defensive concentration they’ll contribute quickly to their schools.

The International game was more an an actual game instead of just a form of entertainment that the first game was. The only issue was that there were not any true big-men on either team. The tallest players were about 6′7. Even so, we were quite impressed with several players.

• Carmelo Betancourt (5′11, PG, Puerto Rico). This kid is a major talent. He has a great handle with amazing hesitation moves, can score from anywhere, is quick, can penetrate and is a great passer. He’s definitely a high-major player and we hear Georgetown is in the mix.
• Duane Notice (6′2, CG, Canada). Notice is strong, has good shooting range and can finish inside. He’s a solid scorer. Big East teams are all over him including Syracuse. Notice led all scorers with 23 and gathered eight rebounds in the game.
• Kevin Pangos (6′1, PG, Canada). Pangos has been called the next Steve Nash and you can see it in his game already. A solid point guard with excellent scoring and passing ability, he’ll have his choice from all major programs when the time comes.
• Anthony Bennett (6′7/230, CF, Canada). For a sophomore Bennett is physically very mature. He’ll likely grow a little more and add some strength. Bennett can score inside and out and is a solid rebounder. He’s going to school at Mountain State Prep in West Virginia and I’m sure Bobby Huggins would love to sign him.
• Malik Muller (6′2, CG, Germany). Muller is a strong combo-guard who can score in the lane as well as from range. He was strong enough to defend inside at times and can up with a block of a bigger player. Muller had 21 points and five rebounds in the contest.

We’ll be reporting on the featured All-American game is a separate post.

Carl Berman is a Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball and can be followed on twitter @carlberman.