Peach Jam: Pool Play Preview

The prestigious Peach Jam tournament kicks off the first July live evaluation period on Thursday morning with Nike’s top 24 AAU teams set to participate. Entering its fourth year serving as the championship tournament in Nike’s EYBL tournament, the Peach Jam will be the top draw for all high major coaching staffs. After four regular season EYBL weekends that took place throughout the US in April and May one final weekend remains to crown a champion. Here is a look at the four pools including favorites to emerge as well as sleepers.

 

Note: All records in parenthesis relate to games against Peach Jam qualifiers only.

Pool A

·        Team Takeover 16-2 (10-2 with one loss coming as a forfeit)

·        E1T1 13-5 (6-4)

·        BABC 11-7 (7-5)

·        Team Texas Elite 10-8 (1-8)

·        All Ohio Red 10-8 (4-4)

·        California Supreme 7-11 (1-9)

The Favorites:

Each 1 Teach 1

Berry and E1T1 are on a hot streak

The Florida based team struggled in the month of April in LA and Hampton, but quickly turned the corner in May. Led by future North Carolina point guard Joel Berry the team added combo guard DeAngelo Russell to the mix at the beginning of the season. Despite the high octane combo, it took a while for the pair to gel as the team lost one game in LA and then went 2-3 in Hampton. In May, E1T1 added an athletic shooting guard in Grayson Allen and a 7’1” shot blocking center in Trayvon Reed. Allen lit it up in Dallas coming off the bench and Reed provided a new interior post presence on the defensive end. E1T1 did not lose in its next two sessions and enters the Peach Jam on a nine game win streak and is one of the most talented teams from top to bottom. In addition to the standouts discussed above, the team also features Boubacar Moungoro, a strong and athletic small forward and Mike Gilmore, an up and coming power forward. E1T1 should have no problem advancing to the Elite 8.

Team Takeover

A talented team that is heavily reliant on its guard play, Team Takeover went 16-2 during the regular season with one of the losses coming on a forfeit. Sharp shooters Dion Wiley and Phil Booth Jr. led their team to wins in their first thirteen games of the EYBL before falling to Meanstreets in the last session over Memorial Day weekend (when Wiley did not play). Wiley and Booth both shot over 48% from the three point line while averaging 14.1 and 12.2 points per game, respectively. Future Georgetown Hoya Tre Campbell handles the point guard responsibilities while Martin Geben and Marcus Derrickson provide strength down low. While Team Takeover lacks the star power in its frontcourt, the team is extremely well coached and knows how to execute in close games as they went 7-1 in games decided by five points or less. After winning the first EYBL championship, this guard heavy team looks to get back on top.

The Sleeper:

BABC

While Team Texas Elite possesses a lot of young talent in Elijah Thomas, Austin Grandstaff, and Matt McQuaid they look to be one year away from doing damage in the Peach Jam as evidenced by their 1-8 record against qualifying teams. Instead it is the Boston based BABC squad that features one of the least talked about scorers in Bonzie Colson. The under-sized forward averaged 18.1 points per game while also adding on 6.6 rebounds. Another double digit scorer for BABC is Tyler Nelson who averaged 12.1 points per game while shooting 47% from the three point line. They might not be the most noteworthy bunch, but they did get wins over their highly regarded neighbor in Expressions Elite as well as Meanstreets from Chicago. They won’t beat themselves and could be there at the end if either of the favorites slip up.

Pool B

·         Spiece Indy 15-3 (8-2)

·         NY Lightning 11-7 (4-5)

·         Mokan Elite 11-7 (5-6)

·         Team Penny 11-7 (6-4)

·         Team Final 11-7 (6-6)

·         STL Eagles 10-8 (4-7)

The Favorite:

Spiece Indy Heat

Based on the EYBL regular season, Indy Spiece is the class of the Pool B and the remaining five teams will be left to fight for the final spot in the quarterfinals. Similar to E1T1, Spiece Indy lost three games in LA and Hampton and then rattled off nine wins in a row. While E1T1 took advantage of AAU free agency, Spiece Indy regained their big man, Trey Lyles from injury. This team has been playing together on the 17U circuit for awhile and is now one of the most experienced teams out there.  Along with Lyles, this team also features recent Louisville commit JaQuan Lyle, sharp shooter James Blackmon, Jr., and Trevon Bluiett. All four players average in double figures and should have an easy run to the Peach Jam quarterfinals.

The Sleepers:

With four teams at 11-7 and one team at 10-8, the competition for the other quarterfinal spot should be fierce.

Team Final

With four players averaging 10 or more points per game, Team Final is a very well-balanced team. Malachi Richardson and Mikal Bridges man the wing, but it is point guard Jaquan Newton that could tip the balance in Team Final’s favor. In EYBL play Newton averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 assists per game; however it was his play in June at the NBPA Top 100 camp that turned heads. While he did not win MVP, Newton scored 31 points in the championship game to get his team the victory as he hit from all areas of the court. With a similar performance, Team Final could be sitting in the quarterfinals come Saturday.

Team Penny:

One of the top scoring teams in the league at 69.6 points per game, Team Penny features a plethora of young talent in Skal Labissiere and the Lawson brothers (Keelon and Dedric). Keelon Lawson led the team in both scoring and rebounding with 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while Labissiere added 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. While they are young and talented, Team Penny is led by a steady point guard in Anton Beard. As a point, Beard knows how to run the pick and roll and attack the defense for open shots. A wise and steady point guard leading a bunch of young athletes sounds like a recipe for success in claiming a quarterfinal berth. In the wide open Pool B.

Pool C

·         Houston Hoops 16-2 (10-1)

·         Texas Titans 10-8 (2-7)

·         Mac Irvin Fire 11-7 (5-5)

·         Boo Williams 11-7 (6-4)

·         Team Scan 10-8 (4-8)

·         Jackson Tigers 8-10 (4-7)

 

The Favorites:

Houston Hoops

After going 16-2 during the EYBL regular season, Houston is looking for a championship. Knowing that a dynamic wing trio in Justin Jackson, Justise Winslow, and Kelly Oubre take the court each time most definitely tilts the odds in their favor. During the regular season Jackson was Mr. Efficient averaging a team high 17.3 points per game on 60% shooting. Oubre was the athletic wing that hit 35% of his team high 94 three point attempts, while Winslow did it all averaging 13.8 points per game and leading the team in rebounding and assists with 7.3 and 4.3 per game, respectively. Houston also relies on Khadeem Latin and his 1.9 blocks per game to control the paint while 2016 standout De’Aaron Fox has increased his point guard responsibilities. Last year, Houston went 4-1 in pool play and was denied a chance to play in the quarterfinals due to a tie breaker, but this year they look to leave no doubt in pool play.

Mac Irvin Fire

The Fire finally got big man Cliff Alexander to suit up for them during the EYBL season. Unfortunately for Alexander and the Fire, big man Jahlil Okafor struggled with injuries and only played in five games. With a healthy Okafor, the Fire look to take advantage of having the top two players in the country (per ESPN) on the court at the same. While Alexander and Okafor plan on dominating down low, it is steady point guard Jalen Brunson that runs the show. The upcoming junior made a smooth transition to the EYBL and averaged 12 points and 5.7 assists per game. While everyone knows the point guard and big men, it will be up to the wings to help the team advance out of a tough Pool C.  Chicago public league rivals Josh Cunningham and Miles Reynolds don’t get as much publicity as their teammates but it will be up to them to hit open shots and slow down the opposing teams best players. Finally at full strength, the Fire look to live up to their potential in South Carolina.  

The Sleeper:

Team Scan

Last year Team Scan was one of the top 16U teams on the circuit and they lost in the 16U semi-finals at Peach Jam. This year despite struggling at times, Team Scan still possesses scary talent and elite big men. The NBPA Top 100 MVP, Chieck Diallo leads the way with 12.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game followed up by the 6’10 Chris McCullough who averages 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds. On the wing, Terry Larrier gives Team Scan an athletic option that thrives on attacking the basket while Conrad Chambers and Shavar Newkirk fill the guard spots. While this team is extremely athletic, they struggle shooting from the outside and will need to get out on the break and protect the rim in order to advance.

Pool D

·         CP3 All-Stars 15-3 (9-2)

·         Expressions Elite 13-5 (6-4)

·         Oakland Soldiers 10-8 (5-7)

·         Meanstreets 12-6 (7-5)

·         Howard Pulley 12-6 (5-4)

·         Travelers Basketball 9-9 (4-5)

The Favorite:

CP3

Led by small forward Theo Pinson and his 13.8 points per game, CP3 went a quite 15-3 during the EYBL regular season. Similar to other top teams, they dominated play in May going undefeated in Dallas and lost only once in Minneapolis. To go along with Pinson, the team is run by future Wake Forest point guard Shelton Mitchell and has future Hoya L.J. Peak running the opposite wing spot. Also, power forward Gary Clark quietly averaged 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. This team likes to create pressure on the defensive end and get out on the break on the offensive end. Last year CP3 advanced to the quarterfinals and now a year later they look to take it a step farther this time around.

The Sleepers:

In such a strong pool, there are four other teams that will make a hard run at the quarterfinals:

Expressions Elite – They won their first nine games before going 4-5 down the stretch. Led by Abdul-Malik Abu, the New England based team will need to regain their early mojo to make it out of this grouping.

Oakland Soldiers – The defending champions struggled at times during the regular season but Stanley Johnson is looking to win a second consecutive championship. Johnson is one of the toughest players to guard on the circuit and could easily put the Soldiers on his back. Big man Ivan Rabb controls the low post.

Meanstreets – The Chicago based team gave CIA Bounce its first loss last year and it did the same with Team Takeover this year. Led by one of the top floor generals in the country in Tyler Ulis, this team could easily make a run. To go along with Ulis, Meanstreets features combo forward Paul White and high school teammates Vic Law and Charles Matthews. 

Howard Pulley – This team relies heavily on its top two players, but luckily they are Tyus Jones and Reid Travis. Jones is the top point guard in the country and averaged 22.8 points and 6.9 assists per game while Travis averaged 18.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. These two can’t have an off game or else it will be the last EYBL action for Jones in his third year of action.

Predictions:

Pool A: No upsets here as E1T1 and Team Takeover advance

Pool B: Spiece Indy takes care of business while Team Final rides the hot play of Jaquan Newton

Pool C: Houston Hoops and Mac Irvin Fire advance

Pool D: CP3 and Meanstreets advance

Maryland's Latest Commitment: Jared Nickens

On Sunday afternoon head coach Mark Turgeon and Maryland picked up their third recruit from the class of 2014 in 6’6” wing Jared Nickens who recently finished his junior year at Westtown High in Pennsylvania. This commitment gives the Terps another versatile player to go along with point guard Romelo Trimble and sharp shooter Dion Wiley. 

While Trimble and Wiley made their names early on in their high school careers, Nickens is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Although he did not join his two future teammates at the recent NBPA Top 100 camp, Nickens was named to the Under Armour Invitational All-Star game that recently took place in Las Vegas. 

Jared Nickens

During the first live recruiting session in April, Nickens led his Sports U / Team Izod AAU team to the championship with a win over future teammate Trimble and his DC Assault AAU team in the Pitt Jam Fest. Nickens was arguably the most impressive and consistent player during the three day period and Turgeon was one of the few high major head coaches to appear for all three days in Pittsburgh. While Turgeon was there to support his future point guard in Trimble he also witnessed numerous Sports U games and obviously liked what he saw.

Over a three day span, Nickens was the most impressive player for the tournament champions. One of the many tall and lengthy wings in the tournament, Nickens possessed the best ability to score at all three levels in the 17U age group. He knocked down deep threes with consistency, showed a soft touch on his mid-range jump shots, and finished above the rim with ease when around the basket. With a game similar to that of Rashad Vaughn, Nickens churned out impressive game after game in Pittsburgh. Nickens will need to add some weight to his frame in the future, but for now he proved to be one of the top scorers on the Under Armour circuit.

Over the past year, Nickens expanded his game from just a shooter to a well-rounded offensive threat. While not an amazing athlete, Nickens is athletic enough to get to the rim off the dribble and finish amongst taller opponents. He also relies on a nice fade-away jump shot to create additional open space on his shots. 

As noted in April, Nickens needs to add strength to his frame especially with Maryland’s move into the Big 10. Right now his lengthy wing span offsets his lack of strength but that might not always work in the future. 

With this recent commitment, Mark Turgeon made it clear that he plans on having Maryland basketball back on the map sooner rather than later. Just over one week ago, Turgeon was being praised for his ability to land the top player from both the DC area AAU powerhouses in Team Takeover and DC Assault. Now with a commitment from the under rated Nickens, Maryland is set at the guard and small forward positions in the years to come and can focus on recruiting quality big men to College Park.

Pitt Jam Fest Recap
Pitt Jam Fest: Day 2

Nike EYBL #4 - Minneapolis

The final installment of the Nike EYBL takes place this Memorial Day Weekend outside of Minneapolis, MN as teams try to position themselves for a coveted spot in the Nike Peach Jam. 24 teams make the prestigious Peach Jam tournament which will take place during the first live recruiting period of July. With many teams lumped together in the standings the five games played by each team will go a long way in determining the make-up of Nike’s playoff. After two months of competition, here is a look at some of the most intriguing storylines this weekend:

Top Games:

Team Takeover (13-0) vs. Meanstreets (9-4)

Time: Friday, 9pm

Dion Wiley - Takeover

Team Takeover is the lone remaining undefeated team in the EYBL at 13-0. Last year CIA Bounce entered their last EYBL session with a similar 13-0 record and got trounced by Meanstreets on the opening night in the Bay Area 68-49. This year, Takeover looks to avoid that same fate. The undefeated team from DC is led by sharp-shooter Dion Wiley who is currently averaging 14.1 ppg while shooting 48.1% from the three-point line. On the opposite wing is guard Phil Booth who is averaging 10.6 ppg and is shooting 45.5% from three.  Getting the ball to these sharp shooters is the recent Georgetown commit, Tre Campbell who is averaging 4.1 assists per game with a 2.7 assist to turnover ratio. On the other side, is the Chicago based squad who is looking to knock off another team from the undefeated ranks. Tyler Ulis leads the way with 15.7 ppg and 5.5 apg. Despite standing only 5’8”, Ulis can get into the lane at will which leads to easy baskets for his teammates or frequent trips to the foul line. Just like last year, Meanstreets has the potential to cause an upset on the first night.

Each 1 Teach 1 (9-4) vs. Mac Irvin Fire (7-6)

Time: Sunday, 8am

Two of the most talented teams face off bright and early Sunday morning. E1T1 blew through its opposition two weeks ago in Dallas by an average of 24 points per game. They already featured a top notch backcourt in Joel Berry and D’Angelo Russell, but recently picked up Grayson Allen and big man Trayvon Reed. To go along with these highly ranked players, E1T1 received breakout performances from small forward Boubacar Moungoro and power forward Michael Gilmore. This heavily balanced team will go against a Mac Irvin team that is finally at full strength. The top two big men in the country finally teamed up in Dallas, and despite losing their first two games, Jahlil Okafor and Cliff Alexander were a treat to watch. Both players averaged near double-doubles and after winning their last two games could be ready for a long win streak.

Top Match-ups:

Theo Pinson (CP3) vs. Rashad Vaughn (Wisconsin Playground Elite)

Time: Sunday, 11am

Two of the top wings in the country get to go at it on Sunday morning. Playing in his home state, Rashad Vaughn will look to cement his place as the premier wing in America and prove that he has overtaken all of the players like Pinson that were ranked higher earlier in their careers. This past Wednesday, Pinson committed to the University of North Carolina after being a top target for the past three years. While Pinson recently committed the Tar Heel staff had seemed to make Vaughn their top target over the past five months with both players taking visits during the same weekend in March. Vaughn is currently averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game despite facing constant double teams and box-and-one defenses. Pinson on the other hand is averaging 13.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Vaughn will look to show off his offensive prowess and one up one of the better defenders in the EYBL.

Malik Newman (Jackson) vs. Allonzo Trier (Athlete’s First)

Time: Saturday, 11am

These two standout guards in the class of 2015 are also two of the premier scorers in the EYBL. Newman currently leads the league with 23.7 points per game, while Trier is not far behind with 19.2 points per game. Both guards can score in multiple ways and like the ball in their hand on the offensive end. In Dallas, Newman put on the most impressive scoring display seen this year with 36 points in 24 minutes. This scoring barrage was still not enough to top the 37 points put up by Trier a few hours earlier. Both players are the stars of their teams and they will each get their fair share of shots.

See You Later:

ICP Elite (4-9)

Despite adding two highly ranked players from Southern California in Daniel Hamilton and Tyler Dorsey last session, ICP stands at 4-9 and is most likely out of the running for the Peach Jam. Despite their lackluster record, ICP could prove to be one of the more entertaining teams this weekend. To go along with Hamilton and Dorsey, is an ICP regular in Kameron Chatman. While Chatman’s EYBL rise is no surprise, he has been quietly gaining steam each weekend and will most likely see a nice jump in the recruiting rankings. Standing at 6’8” Chatman is currently averaging 15.8 points and 10 rebounds per game. ICP ends their session on Memorial Day Monday against Each 1 Teach 1.

Southern Stampede (5-8)

The team from Georgia stands just 5-8 despite having stockpiled a plethora of talent from the southeast. This team is led by studs such as Jalen Lindsay, Ahmad Hill, and Jakeenan Gant and also added two guards from the Florida Elite program in Lance Tejada and Adonis Hernandez for a few games in Dallas. After suffering an opening night loss to Seattle Rotary in Dallas, the Stampede reeled off three consecutive wins. Small forward Lindsay had one of the most impressive weekends averaging 18.5 points on 53% shooting. Their last game comes on Monday morning against the Mac Irvin Fire.