Frank Jackson Off To Duke

Coach K is on a heater like none other. With the commitment of 6’3” point guard Frank Jackson on Tuesday, the Duke Blue Devils continued their unprecedented hot streak. Over the past five months Duke won the 2015 NCAA title, convinced five-star point guard Derryck Thornton to re-class into 2015, nabbed North Carolina product and projected top five pick Brandon Ingram, and then got their 2016 recruiting class off to a bang with Jayson Tatum, a top three recruit. Now, in Jackson, they have another five-star recruit in what could be a class for the ages. 

Previously, Frank Jackson was a BYU commitment. As a sophomore he transferred to Lone Peak, a Utah high school powerhouse and along with TJ Haws, helped the Knights win their fourth straight state title. His reputation sky rocketed while playing against national competition during the summer of 2014 and he entered his junior season as a top 30 player in his class. With several high major programs showing interest, Jackson re-opened his commitment prior to the start of his junior season. While he was not able to lead Lone Peak to another state title, he did turn into a five-star recruit that had his choice of suitors.

Playing for the Utah Prospects in AAU play, Jackson put his name into the discussion for top overall lead guard in the 2016 class. With a strong upper body and quick first step, Jackson used his power and athletic ability to get by some of the top players in the country time and time again. When he gets to the rim, Jackson excels as a two-footed leaper and uses superb body control to finish. While a little trigger happy at times, Jackson has the ability to score from all areas of the court and will enter his senior season as the No. 17 rated prospect in the country per Scout.com.

 After participating in the NBPA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, VA in late June, Jackson took an unofficial visit to Durham, NC and subsequently cancelled a potential visit to Maryland. Later in the summer, Jackson cancelled a visit to Arizona and scheduled an official visit to Duke which took place this past weekend. It wasn’t too hard to see that Jackson had his sights set on the Blue Devils and will be another member of the Mormon faith to suit-up for Coach K after previous players in Chris Burgess and Jabari Parker.

With the commitment, Duke takes aim at their fourth straight top five class and third straight top two class. Earlier in the summer, 6’8” Jayson Tatum, the No. 3 recruit in the country committed to Duke during the famed Nike Peach Jam. Expect more five-star recruits to follow. Harry Giles, the No. 1 recruit in the country has Duke at the top of his list and also happens to be best buds with Tatum from their USA gold medal experiences over the past three years. Duke is also in the thick of things for five-star center Marques Bolden (No. 12 overall) and 6’9” Wenyen Gabriel (No. 10 overall), who was the hottest player this summer. 

Right now Duke is selecting the recruits they want and should wind up with a vaunted 2016 recruiting class. Cue the undefeated talk for the 2016-17 season. Can Coach K stay hot for that long?

Jayson Tatum Looks To Emulate Kobe

In a tightly contested affair, Jayson Tatum caught the ball at the top of the key. As he surveyed the landscape, the most skilled high school player in the class of 2016 had a variety of options. Jab step and drive right? Cross-over and go left? Or maybe a pull-up jump shot?

This time around the smooth and talented Tatum dribbled quickly to his right just above the free throw line. With his back towards the smaller defender he feigned once to his left, then back to the right, before finally spinning towards the middle of the court for an un-blockable fade-away jumper. The ball calmly swishes through the net as Tatum turns around to play defense. 

With the fade-away jumper and fancy footwork down pat, it wouldn’t be too hard to conjure up images of Kobe Bryant in your mind, especially the move he makes at the 20 second mark of this video. After the game, it comes as no surprise when Tatum mentions the one basketball player that he tries to emulate.

“Oh, Kobe. Kobe Bryant,” Tatum said. “That’s my favorite player. I watch him all the time. His highlights, how he trains, documentaries, YouTubes, everything. I just try to study all of the things he does.”

All of the studying has certainly paid off for the 6’8” point forward from St. Louis. Tatum was dominant in his first AAU tournament after his freshman year winning MVP honors in the 16U division and two years later he is even harder to guard. Last week while playing in the Lexington EYBL, Tatum averaged 19.8 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds. He also shot a remarkable 50% from the floor including one performance where he shot 11-17 from the field. 

Every time he steps on the court, Tatum is the focal point of the opposing team’s defensive plan but the un-selfish star always manages a way to create open looks for himself while keeping his teammates involved in the offensive flow of the game.

“Most people usually double me or put a pretty strong guy on me,” said Tatum. “I just need to use my mind to get around it.”

When the double teams come, Tatum uses his height and passing ability to find the open man and when he has a defender on him that is trying to muscle him up he can either shoot over or drive around the defender. While Tatum can score in a variety of ways, he does get critiqued on both his athleticism and strength when it comes to projecting him at the NBA level.

Jayson’s father, Justin Tatum, a former defensive standout at Saint Louis University noted that the two were working on Jayson’s explosiveness by doing plyometrics and other exercises designed to stimulate the fast twitch muscle-fibers.

“Yeah, I definitely feel more explosive,” noted Tatum upon completion of four games in three days. “I get a little more tired in the last day with all of these games but I just have to stay in shape and stay healthy. My game has grown. I’ve gotten taller, stronger, quicker, and a little bit more aggressive.”

Tatum’s increased explosiveness was certainly on display in his lone game on the last day of the tournament. With Kostas Antetokounmpo, the slithery 6’8” combo forward and also the younger brother of Milwaukee’s Greek Freak dribbling the ball at the top of the key Tatum deflected the ball after an attempted cross-over. As both players raced down towards the other end of the court, things did not end well for the little Greek Freak.

Prior to the first live period in early April, Tatum narrowed his list of college suitors down to four: Duke, Kentucky, Saint Louis, and UNC. Three head coaches in John Calipari, Jim Crews, and Roy Williams were all front and center for Tatum in Lexington, while assistants from all four schools tracked his every move over the three day live period. Tatum previously took an official visit to Duke in February and has been on the campuses of both Kentucky and Saint Louis. Needless to say that the UNC staff is trying hard to get him to visit Chapel Hill at some point as well.

“Yeah you know they want me to come visit,” said Tatum. “I wouldn’t mind either. Right now I’m just trying to figure things out.”

As Tatum continues to figure out his recruitment, he will also continue to befuddle defenders with his repertoire of Kobe like moves.

ACC Conference Preview: Tier 1

ACC play kicked off on December 6 with North Carolina State defeating Wake Forest by a 13 point margin. While both N.C. State and Notre Dame sit atop the conference standings with one win a piece the real conference play begins today with a six game slate. In the past two years, the ACC champion not only struggled during November and December but the two teams were not given any consideration in the pre-season. In 2012, Miami dominated the league going 15-3 and last year Virginia did the same going 16-2. Will a surprise team emerge this year? Probably not, but with the addition of Louisville there will be a plethora of interesting match-ups.

Tier 1 Teams:

Duke:

The Blue Devils enter ACC play undefeated with neutral court victories over Michigan State, Temple, Stanford, and Connecticut to go with a road win over Wisconsin. Last year Jabari Parker led the Blue Devils while finishing runner-up in the ACC POY voting. This year Jahlil Okafor, is the front runner for national player of the year averaging 18.8 points and 8.8 rebounds a game.

? Mark: The bench

Duke’s freshmen trio has surpassed expectations, but will their legs get heavy in March? Right now, Coach K only trusts three players off his bench and only junior Rasheed Sulaimon can be counted on consistently.

Toughest Test:

At Louisville (1/17), At Virginia (1/31)

Playing in front of the Cameron Crazies, Duke has gone undefeated at home the past two years. It looks like they could go three in a row with their toughest match-up coming against UNC on Feb. 18.

Virginia:

Top Wins: at Maryland, at VCU

What a year for the Cavaliers. After winning the ACC regular season title (16-2) and the ACC tournament title, the Cavs are sitting pretty with an undefeated record. This time last year they entered ACC play after a 35 point dismantling in Knoxville, but used their home-court and overall experience to capture an unexpected title. Everyone expected Malcolm Brogdon to excel this year, but junior Justin Anderson has captured the headlines with his 60% shooting from behind the arc and junior Anthony Gill might be the least talked about star in the nation considering he sits in 3^rd place for Ken Pomeroy’s player of the year.

? Mark: Daunting 3 game stretch

While Duke’s home court advantage is widely publicized, the Wahoo’s also have not lost a conference game in the past two years at the John Paul Jones arena. This year they face a daunting three game stretch with games against Duke (home), UNC (Away), and Louisville (Home). If they make it through this stretch UVA could be looking at a repeat and another number one seed.

Toughest Test:

Not including the three game stretch above, UVA starts its ACC play with Miami (1/3) and also heads to South Bend on 1/10. Last year, UVA beat the Irish by 15, but this is not last year’s Notre Dame squad.

Louisville:

Top Wins: Indiana (N), Ohio State (H)

The Cardinals basketball team should open up conference play like their football team did, with a win. Rick Pitino’s squad jumps up a level of play from the American conference and gets two games with UNC, but just one with both Duke and UVA. They only lost one game out of conference, but played a relatively weak slate. Point guard Chris Jones has been a source of criticism for fans given his play of late, but Terry Rozier and Wayne Blackshear will need to continue to step up and provide help to Montrezl Harrell.

? Mark: Go-to scorer

Terry Rozier is the team’s leading scorer at 17.1 points per game, but will he be the one to take the place of Russ Smith when it comes time for clutch baskets?

Toughest Test:

At Miami (2/3), At Virginia (2/7)

After welcoming UNC to the Yum! Center on Saturday, January 31, the Cardinals go down to Miami for a weekday road game and then head up to Charlottesville. Could the Miami game be a letdown / sandwich game?

All ACC Team:

Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)

Jerian Grant (Notre Dame)

Marcus Paige (UNC)

Anthony Gill (Virginia)

All Freshmen Team:

Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

Tyus Jones (Duke)

Justise Winslow (Duke)

Donte Grantham (Clemson)

Xavier Rathan-Mayes (FSU)

2014-15 ACC Preview

ACC preview brought to you by Sean Moran and Stephen Kalayil:

Stephen Kalayil's Predictions; 

1. Louisville: In the toughest conference in college hoops, the Louisville Cardinals are my top team by the slimmest of margins. Replacing a player the caliber of Russ Smith is a tall order for most teams, but with budding sophomore star guard Terry Rozier and defensive ace, Chris Jones, the Cards backcourt might be better than last year. Obviously, the leader and preseason ACC POY Montrezl Harrell will be the key to this team. Harrell, known for his rim rocking jams and defensive intensity has added a mid range game to his arsenal. With that addition, I don’t see a big man in the country outside of Jahlil Okafor and Frank Kaminsky that could guard him one on one. Two big keys this season are the production of Wayne Blackshear in his senior season and the development of redshirt sophomore center Mangok Mathiang. If Blackshear and Mathiang pan out, the ACC better watch out. 

    

2. Duke:  Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones were just what Duke needed to become national title contenders. Okafor is projected as the #1 overall pick in the next NBA draft and Tyus Jones along with Quinn Cook will help from one of the best backcourts in the country.  Marshall Plumlee, Rasheed Sulaimon and Amile Jefferson along with Quinn Cook look to be the sage veterans that can mentor the freshman duo. Watch out for fellow freshman Justise Winslow and Grayson Allen to be solid contributors this year on a deep Duke squad.

3. UNC: Marcus Paige is easily the best scoring guard in the nation and will lead UNC to be a title contender. Paige averaged 18.7 PPG and had some of his best performances against high profile teams (Louisville, Kentucky, Duke, Syracuse).   The incoming class of Joel Berry, Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson will make an immediate impact and help ease the loss of James Michael McAdoo and the memories of the mercurial PJ Hairston.  The big keys to UNC’s season are the development of uber athletic forward Brice Johnson and the ultra skilled Kennedy Meeks. Both players had their moments last season, but need to be consistent for the Tar Heels to succeed. Also, if Isaiah Hicks can live up to his potential, UNC will have all the weapons to win it all.  

4. Virginia: The defending ACC champs will be returning the majority of their Sweet Sixteen team and will be able to make a run at the Final Four under Tony Bennett. I think UVA has the experience and great coaching to be considered with Louisville, Duke and UNC, but I do think the losses of Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell are going to hurt much more than most think. Look for Malcolm Brogdon, Justin Anderson and Mike Tobey to step up and lead UVA to a deep tourney run.  

5. Syracuse: The Orange are going to be tough this season with senior big man Rakeem Christmas and sharpshooting Trevor Cooney leading the way.  The big factors are if talented freshman Chris McCullough and Kaleb Joseph are able to step in and contribute immediately. One interesting player to keep an eye on is Indiana transfer Ron Patterson. Patterson has a versatile game and could be able to contribute immediately.      

POY: Montrezl Harrell (UofL)

Freshman of the Year: Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

ALL-ACC:

Montrezl Harrell (UofL) (F)

Marcus Paige (UNC) (G)

Jahlil Okafor (Duke) (C)

Olivier Hanlan (BC) (F)

Jerian Grant (Notre Dame) (G)

Surprise Freshman: Xavier Rathan-Mayes (FSU)

Surprise Player: Angel Rodriguez (Miami)

Most interesting thing you are looking to learn about the conference.  I’m interested to see the slugfest between Louisville, UNC, Duke and UVA. All of those teams have the tools to not just get to the Final Four, but to cut down the nets in March. Okafor vs. Harrell, Rozier vs. Paige, Paige vs. Tyus Jones are all individual matchups that I’m hyped to see.  Also, I’m curious to see who emerges from the middle of the pack of the ACC. Florida State, NC State, Pitt, Notre Dame and Miami are all excellent teams that can cause problems and make the NCAA tourney.  

Sean Moran's Top 5 Questions:

1. Will the ACC as a whole be any good?

Yes, yes, I know the ACC is now the “top” conference in college hoops with prestigious programs such as Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Louisville in the mix. Add in a Top 10 UVA squad and have some serious competition. I am talking about the other part of the ACC. The part that was pretty much god awful last year outside of four to six programs. Last year Miami, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, BC, and Virginia Tech were all pushovers. Three of those schools got new coaches and Miami and Notre Dame welcome back returning players (Jerian Grant) or talented transfers. For the ACC to truly be the top conference in the country the pushovers will need to step their game up.

2. Will Virginia lose a home game in conference play?

The Cavaliers have gone two straight years without a loss in conference play while playing in John Paul Jones Arena. That’s 17 straight games which covers last year’s ACC championship winning season and the 2012-13 NIT season. The Cavs last lost in late February and early March of 2012 when they fell to UNC 51-54 and then Florida State 60-63. The first big test will come on Saturday, January 31 with a home game against Duke. The Cavs then head to Chapel Hill before returning home to play Louisville. 

3. How will Louisville cope in the post Russ Smith era?

The last three years were good to Cards fans. A final four, a championship, and a sweet 16 performance with Russ Smith leading the way. Last year he averaged 18.2 points per game and took a team high 481 shots (100+ more than the next closest starter). Sure, the Cardinals have a lot of returning pieces to work with including Montrezl Harrell and projected first round pick in Terry Rozier, but the loss of a three year beast cannot be understated. Add in a move to the ACC and how will the Cards fare in their first year without Russ.

4. Which player will surprise?

Last year Malcolm Brogdon was the conference surprise. He was UVA’s most consistent scorer and finished on the second team all-conference list. Who could surprise this year? Let’s stay with the Cavs for a minute. I think Anthony Gill has a legit shot at making first team all-ACC. The athletic power forward really came on at the end of the year scoring in double figures for six straight games before a sweet 16 loss to Michigan State. If he didn’t get hurt in that game, the Cavs might have won. With more playing time, the former Top 100 recruit will certainly surprise some people. Other possibilities include Isaiah Hicks of UNC and Michael Young of Pittsburgh.

5. Can N.C. State replace the POY?

Last year N.C. State went 9-9 in conference play and snuck into the NCAA tourney. TJ Warren led the way as he pretty much carried the Wolfpack with 24.9 points per game on 52.5% shooting. This year some of the younger players will need to step up. Cat Barber has the keys to the car with the transfer of Tyler Lewis and Trevor Lacey is a key transfer. Can Kyle Washington, Beejay Anya, and Abdul-Malik Abu handle things down low?

Surprise predictions:

Anthony Gill makes first team All-ACC and Justin Jackson gives Okafor a run for his money in freshman of the year voting.