Diamond Stone's Surprise: Heading To Maryland

Maryland exceeded expectations this past season going 28-7 in their first year in the Big 10 and now they've exceeded expectations on the recruiting front with the unexpected commitment of five-star center Diamond Stone. The 6’10” big man from Milwaukee committed to Maryland on Friday night and in turn significantly raised expectations for the Terps in 2015-16.

Diamond Stone - Maryland

Diamond Stone’s name first popped on the radar early on in 2012 as he established himself as one of the top players in his class back as an overpowering freshman. He won a Wisconsin Division 4 championship during his first year of high school and just capped off his fourth title in a row at Dominican high school with a 23 point, 15 rebound performance over a week ago. Through it all, Stone maintained his status as one of the top players in his class while holding down the No. 1 ranking at times and is now considered a consensus top five player.

Over the past two summers, Stone was a regular with the USA basketball program and won gold medals in 2013 at the U16 FIBA Americas and in 2014 at the U17 FIBA World Championship. He started all 12 games for the U.S. and averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 2013 and 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds this past summer.  

Recruitment:

Stone’s recruitment is similar to that of a long, windy road with many twists and turns. Wisconsin and Marquette established themselves early on in Stone’s recruitment. Buzz Williams and Bo Ryan were both seen all over Wisconsin watching Stone’s high school and AAU teams play. Marquette was rumored to be the early leader with Stone taking numerous unofficial visits to the campus right next door. Soon schools from all over the country joined in the race as Stone racked up offers from Georgetown, Indiana, and UCLA. It wasn’t long before the two Tobacco Road powers entered the scene with both Duke and North Carolina extending offers. Both Coach K and Roy Williams took multiple trips up to Wisconsin during Stone’s junior year, but neither one made the final four cut. As soon as Buzz left for Virginia Tech, Marquette dropped out (as they also received a commitment from Henry Ellenson). The four schools that remained were Wisconsin, Connecticut, Oklahoma State, and Maryland. To most pundits, Maryland was the surprise pick and seemed like a long shot. Just this past summer it seemed as though UConn was the leader and the much discussed package deal with Malik Newman was in play. In October, Stone took official visits to all four schools, but it was Mark Turgeon and the Terps that won out in the end.

While Stone’s recruitment has been extremely tight lipped over the years, there appear to be two logical reasons for Stone’s commitment. For one, the Terps are now a Big 10 school and travel throughout the Midwest but more importantly they are an Under Armour program. Stone has played on the Under Armour AAU circuit the past few years with the apparel company sponsoring the Young Legends from Milwaukee, which is a team that was started by Stone’s father. This year the Young Legends will have their 16U team competing in the Under Armour Association. Maryland made a strong push two years ago for the Harrison twins using their Under Armour connection, but now they have landed their highest rated recruit in recent memory.

Maryland:

After going 9-9 in the ACC and missing the NCAA tournament in 2014, the Terps suffered a tumultuous off-season losing five players to transfer including starting guard Seth Allen and big man Charles Mitchell. The Terps brought in a strong freshmen class to offset the transfers and Melo Trimble, the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year exceeded all expectations as he led the team in scoring with 16.2 points per game. The Terps shocked Iowa State early on in the season and then went into East Lansing in their first Big 10 game and emerged victorious. While they went down in the Round of 32 to West Virginia, the Terps really only lose their second leading scorer in Dez Wells and guard Richard Pauk who averaged under six points a game. With Trimble returning, the Terps will have some fire power to go along with a smooth shooting sophomore Jared Nickens and a potential first round draft pick in Jake Layman. In addition to Stone, the Terps return sophomore Damonte Dodd, freshman Michal Cekovsky, and gain the services of former Georgia Tech big man Robert Carter. The future is bright in College Park as the Terps look to take over the top spot in the Big 10.

Stone Analysis:

At 6’10”, 246 pounds, Stone is the most complete low post player in the 2015 class. While people should not expect him to put up Jahlil Okafor numbers, Stone is similar to the current top freshman in the country in that they both know their strengths lie down low. Stone has a good set of hands when passes are sent his way and impressive footwork as well. His ability to score with both his right and left hands allows him to convert on jump hooks and up and unders around the basket. While Stone prefers to score close to the basket he is comfortable banking in shots from outside the key and stepping out to 12-15 feet. He has displayed the ability to knock in three’s, but he likely won’t be taking many in college. Stone’s energy level and explosiveness are question marks, but he has shown improvements in both areas recently. A reasonable expectation for Stone’s freshman season would be that of Myles Turner and not Okafor. Turner averaged 10.6 points and 6.5 rebounds a game at Texas this past season which Stone could possibly push to 12 points and seven boards a game. If Stone does that combined with Trimble’s exploits, then Maryland will definitely be playing until at least the second week of the tournament next season.

Team USA Scouting Report: Big Men

The 17U USA team kicks off World Championship play in Dubai beginning August 8. The 12 man team is  loaded with talented big men from the class of 2015 and Harry Giles in the class of 2016.

 

Diamond Stone – 6’10”, C, Dominican High, Milwaukee, WI (#1-Scout, #4-ESPN, #6-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	250	7'3" *	2/10/1997	2015

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
5	5	20	13.6	27	50	54%	0	0	0%	14	23	61%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
7.2	0.6	2	2.6	0.6

AAU (Under Armour Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	N/A	22	76	135	56%	11	35	31%	57	81	70%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	11.2	1.3	3.5	3.9	0.5

Strengths:

Last year Stone averaged 20 minutes a game to go with 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in USA play. The big man from Milwaukee takes high quality shots and dominated the Under Armour AAU circuit this past spring. Stone has slimmed down a bit over the years and has a solid frame for a future power forward. He is a true-back to the basket big that can step outside when needed. He prefers the jump hook in the post which he shoots with a soft touch. Stone also already sports a nice form and touch on his jump shot which allows him to convert at the free throw line and step out comfortably to 12-15 feet when the paint gets crowded. He also knocked in several three’s in AAU play but most likely won’t be shooting those in Dubai. With his strength and increased agility, Stone is a strong rebounder under the basket and can also run the floor on the break.

Weaknesses:

Explosiveness and a junkyard dog mentality. Stone is strong with a good center of balance, but he lacks the straight up and down explosiveness that will be required of him down the road. Last year during the USA developmental camp he had his struggles converting down low when guarded by bigger defenders such as Jahlil Okafor. As for his mentality, Stone sometimes lacks the toughness to dominate. He routinely put up double-doubles in AAU play but given his size and strength he should be leaving no doubt about his dominance. He got hurt towards the end of the July live period and was forced to sit out the initial part of the USA practices with a groin injury leaving his full health in question for the games in Dubai.

Ivan Rabb – 6’10”, PF, Bishop O’ Dowd, Oakland, CA (#3-Scout, #1-ESPN, #4-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	209	7'1"	2/4/1997	2015

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
5	3	18.4	12	26	42	62%	0	0	0%	8	12	67%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
9.8	1.4	2	2.6	1.2

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	26.4	14.6	123	205	60%	0	2	0%	75	108	69%
2013	N/A	11.9	82	157	52%	3	5	60%	47	88	53%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	9.2	1.6	2.9	1.4	0.6
2013	10.7	0.7	1.5	2.9	0.3

Strengths:

Using an NBA comparison I would compare Rabb to a younger Chris Bosh, although Rabb is a bit shorter at 6’10” and a 7’1” wing span. Last year Rabb started three games on the U16 team and led it in rebounding at 9.8 per game. Rabb is a lean big man that can often get pushed around down low due to his lack of weight, but on the offensive end he can finish with either hand. A natural righty, it isn’t uncommon to see Rabb hit shots with his left hand outside of the paint. He can handle the ball adequately and likes to sprint the floor on the break. Rabb can also hit a 12-15 foot jump shot, although his consistency remains a question. He grabbed (close) to double digit rebounds the past two years in the EYBL. There is also a strong possibility that he is not 100% healthy while in Dubai.

Weaknesses:

Due to his skinny frame, Rabb can get pushed around down low by stronger defenders. When he has a bigger defender on him, he should be able to use his quickness to his advantage, but is routinely cut off short on his drives. He needs to learn how to start and stay aggressive for an entire game as he sometimes plays more passively than one would like. Rabb also has a soft touch but needs to continue to work on his mid-range and face-up jump shots to make him a consistent scoring threat from outside of the post area.

Henry Ellenson – 6’10”, F, Rice Lake High, Rice Lake, WI (#7-Scout, #5-ESPN, #17-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	231	7'2"	1/13/1997	2015

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	26.5	18	102	254	40%	20	70	29%	64	102	63%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	9.3	1.1	2.1	1.6	0.8

Strengths:

Ellenson was cut from the 16U USA team and didn’t do much to stand out last October during the developmental training camp. After an upper body transformation, where a bulky Ellenson lost 20 pounds getting leaner and quicker in the process, he is now one of the team’s top players. He has a very intriguing skill-set and is able to do a variety of things that his big men peers can’t do. He has good height (6’10”), great length (7’2” wing span), and with wide shoulders he is strong enough to handle his own in the post. Getting quicker during the spring turned Ellenson into more of a perimeter player than one might like, but he can score effectively in the post with either hand (short left or right jump hooks). During USA tryouts he was great in the pick and pop drills and is a weapon rolling into a 15-17 foot jump shot. He also has three point range and will most likely launch quite a few during his time in Dubai. Ellenson shot a poor percentage in EYBL (28.5%), but knocked down quite a few in North Augusta (his team did not make Peach Jam) and in the USA tryouts. In front of all the big name college coaches, Ellenson calmly drained a step back 3 from the wing as time expired on the shot clock and a hand in his face. Given his length Ellenson can also rebound (9.3 per game), but it is his ball-handling that sets him apart. He can handle the ball with both hands, bring the ball up the court, and break the press. Ellenson is still improving, but established himself as the most consistent big man in camp. He came into the spring ranked in the 50’s and 60’s in his class and came out as a top 10 player.

Weaknesses:

Despite the weight loss, Ellenson still struggles with his vertical jump. A slow first jump and lack of air can often result in a blocked shot under the basket. He has improved over the past year, but still needs to work on his explosiveness. Also, he can fall in love with his perimeter game too much and can float outside of the arc when he could be posting up or battling down low (which he is capable of doing).  

Harry Giles – 6’10”, PF, Wesleyan Christian Academy, Winston Salem, NC (#3-Scout, #5-ESPN, #2-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'10"	209	7'2"*	4/22/1998	2016

USA (U16 Stats):

GP	GS	MPG	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2	2	12	7	6	10	60%	0	0	0%	2	4	50%

RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
5.5	1.5	0.5	2	1.5

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	18.5	10	55	119	46%	2	6	33%	18	32	56%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	7.1	0.7	1.3	1.2	0.8

Strengths:

Giles is the best pro prospect on the USA team although he still has a way to go before being fully healthy again. After starting two games last year in the FIBA Americas, Giles tore his ACL and missed his entire sophomore season. He returned to the court in May and the beginning months were rough as he tried to return to the player he was as a freshman. After looking tepid during the first USA tryout, Giles suddenly started flashing the skill-set that made him the No. 1 player in his class. With a 7’2” wing span, Giles started throwing down vicious one and two hand dunks in traffic. Giles noted he is at about 90% right now and he is still lacking that quick first step; however he is able to play in isolation from 15 feet out or in the post. His jump shot is still a work in progress but he can hit off the dribble, from mid-range, and the three point line on occasion. With his length and athleticism, Giles resembles a player in the Chris Webber mode. While not the passer Webber was, his aura on the court is similar. It is going to take time for Giles to fully trust his knee, but when that time comes he could reclaim his top spot in the class of 2016. Oh yeah, he is also the youngest player on the team.

Weaknesses:

Getting healthy and working on the outside shot. Right now, Giles is still gaining confidence in his movements. An ACL tear takes time to come back from, but Giles is getting more confident as the days go by. Once his first step improves and he regains a little bit more of his athleticism Giles will be tough for any opposing big to guard. As noted above, Giles hit several outside jump shots in the tryouts although he miss-fired badly on a few as well. He has the range and touch to stretch the defense but needs to continue to hone his form and release going forward.

Caleb Swanigan – 6’8”, PF, Homestead High, Fort Wayne, IN (#12-Scout, #17-ESPN, #20-Rivals)

Height	Wgt	Wing Span	Birth	Class
6'8"	269	7'1.5"	4/18/1997	2015

AAU (Nike EYBL Stats):

Year	Min	PPG	FG	FGA	FG%	3FG	3FGA	3PT%	FT	FTA	FT%
2014	27.9	17.7	122	259	47%	5	19	26%	123	194	63%

Year	RPG	APG	TPG	BPG	SPG
2014	11.9	2.0	3.4	0.8	0.8

Strengths:

A late addition to the USA tryout roster, Swanigan quickly made a name for himself and earned a coveted spot on the 12 man team. The big man out of Indiana brings a toughness to Team USA and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. In the first four tryouts, Swanigan was often seen man handling taller big men down low. He did his best work on the offensive glass and after grabbing the board, Swanigan usually used his upper body mass to get the defender underneath the rim and effectively out of the play. He knows he is a beast down low and doesn’t stray from his bread and butter after leading the EYBL in rebounds with 11.9 per game. While not an outside scorer, Swanigan did show a nice touch and soft feet throughout the drill work in tryouts.

Weaknesses:

At 6’7” / 6’8”, Swanigan could stand to have another inch or two, although his 7’1.5” inch wing span sometimes makes up for that fact. While he dominated the boards and often scored on put-backs he also got blocked when going straight up a fair amount. When long defenders are in his face he has a hard time scoring without moving them out of the way. While it’s great that Swanigan knows his strengths he will need to improve his face-up ability and propensity to turn the ball over in the post going forward.

 Note * - Wing span taken from 2013.