NBPA Top 100: Session 1

The 2013 NBPA Top 100 kicked off in Charlottesville, VA at UVA’s John Paul Jones Arena Thursday morning and while none of the top 7 players in the class of 2014 were playing there were still plenty of must see match-ups. In the first session there were a total of five games with each player playing one game apiece. All participants received around 24 minutes of game action and these were the ones that stood out early on:

Top Point Guards:

Joel Berry, 6’0”, 2014, Each 1 Teach 1

Berry went head to head with Wake Forest commit Shelton Mitchell in one of the first games of the camp and came out aggressive from the tip. In the first quarter Berry had a driving lay-up and a 12 foot jump shot. He also utilized the pick and roll on numerous possessions and found open teammates after turning the corner. Berry added to his assist total in the 3^rd quarter and put up a strong defensive effort throughout. 

Tyler Ulis, 5’8”, 2014, Mean Streets

Ulis went head to head with the taller TJ Haws during his court time and ran the point guard position to perfection just like he did during the EYBL season. While he did not score as much as usual, he did penetrate in one-on-one situations and off the pick and roll. Ulis delivered passes to the wings in perfect position for a spot-up jump shot or to cutters for lay-ups. He also picked up the defensive intensity in the 2^nd half and hounded Haws as he dribbled up the court even forcing a double-dribble on one possession. Overall, it was a very strong outing for Ulis despite a lack of scoring.

 Top Big Man Match-Up:

Chiek Diallo (6’9”, 2015, Team Scan) vs. Myles Turner (6’11, 2014, Texas Select)

Turner is the hottest name in the class of 2014 and he got to test his skills against Diallo, a shot-blocking machine. Both players had their moments on the offensive and defensive end and put in strong efforts. Diallo highlighted his game with a 5 foot hook shot in the paint while Turner crashed the boards for put-backs. Both players were strong rebounders and made the most of their limited touches in the paint.

Best Rebounder:

Angel Delgado, 6’9, 2014, NY Lightning

Delgado averaged 11.6 rebounds per game during the EYBL regular season and he got right back to business this morning in Charlottesville. In both quarters, Delgado used his strong upper body to grab rebounds on both ends of the court. If a missed shot came into his area, you can be sure that Delgado grabbed it. 

Best Shooter:

BJ Stith, 6’5”, 2014

Feeling at home in his future surroundings, BJ Stith was the most impressive outside shooter in the morning session nailing three’s from both sides of the court in addition to a mid-range pull-up jump shot. Stith had his finest performance in the 2^nd half when he quickly scorched the nets in a three minute span. Already accustomed to JPJ arena, Stith should provide a nice outside shooting touch to the Cavaliers when he arrives on campus. 

Eye Openers:

Chinau Onauku, 6’10”, 2014, DC Assault

Onauku was another player active on both ends of the court. On the defensive side of the ball he blocked shots and made life tough for 2015 star Stephen Zimmerman who all but disappeared in the 2^nd half. On the offensive side, Onauku was active on the glass and attacked the basket hard for dunks off of pick and rolls. 

Devin Robinson, 6’8”, 2014, Richmond Squires

Robinson was the recipient of a few well placed Tyler Ulis passes and also notched a few steals that led to breakaway dunks. The lanky small-forward came to play in the first live recruiting session in April at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and is still going just as hard almost two months later. Robinson was active on both sides of the ball and showed his versatility by knocking down a deep three and driving to the basket off the dribble.