The Kevin Huerter File

Name: Kevin Huerter

Height: 6’5”

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Shenendehowa

AAU: Albany City Rocks

Grade: 2016

Background:

Huerter just wrapped up his junior season at Shenendehowa in up-state New York where he led “Shen” to their first state title since 1987. Along the way he averaged 17.3 points per game and knocked in 75 three’s on the season while being named second team all-State in class AA of New York. His father previously played at Sienna.

timesunion.com photo

AAU:

Huerter is averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for the 8-4 Albany City Rocks. He is also shooting 46% from the floor and is 29-69 (42%) from three. The 6’5” guard scored an EYBL high of 21 points against the Oakland Soldiers and has hit three or more three-pointers in seven out of 12 games.

Schools:

Kevin Huerter has been one of the hottest names from the spring AAU period. He is currently rated a three-star by Scout.com, but that is sure to increase shortly. During the second live period, Huerter noted the following, “I had in-home visits with Maryland and Marquette on Monday. Then I have Creighton, Villanova, and Michigan coming to my school and then I had Davidson for an in-home visit on Wednesday. Then I had Iowa and Penn State calling me.”

After playing in Lexingon Huerter was offered by Notre Dame, Clemson, and Vanderbilt. Syracuse also offered although they would want him to do a year of prep school in order to join their 2017 class. Other schools that have made phone calls include Gonzaga, Stanford, and UNC (per Chris Watson).

Huerter is a sneaky athletic guard that has a quick first step and can bring the ball up the court if necessary. He hunts his shot on the wings and fires them up with his quick release. Right now, Huerter needs to develop more in his upper body, but he uses his court awareness to get to specific spots on the court resulting in open shots or dishes to teammates.

Quotes:

“My strengths are that I can really shoot it. I can shoot it anywhere on the court. I think I see guys. I have good vision out there. I can find guys. I’m very unselfish.”

“My weaknesses are that I’m still just trying to get stronger. I just need to get stronger this summer. Get in the weight room, all the basketball drills I do. The heavy ball, ropes, that have all the resistance on them and just trying to get stronger.”

“I think it’s always been natural,” Huerter noted when talking about his speed. “When you look at a guy like me you wouldn’t think he’s quick, so it kind of takes people by surprise.”

“My personal goals are to get stronger, keep working on my ball-handling, and try to make another run at it next year. I want to get back in the gym with my high school team and try to make another run at the state championship.”

"When we made our state championship run, I had people calling my high school and AAU coach, but after Hampton that’s when I really blew up."

Markus Howard: Torching The Nets

Point guard Markus Howard hasn’t even finished his sophomore year, but the Phoenix native is no stranger to high scoring barrages. After averaging 32.4 points per game this past season at Perry High in Arizona, the 5’11” Howard is fifth in the Nike EYBL in scoring at 20.1 points per game through three EYBL tournaments.

photo courtesy of USA Basketball

Despite coming off the bench for the Las Vegas Prospects, Howard has shined playing for the youngest team in the circuit and he is usually on the court when it counts in crunch time. After dominating the Arizona high school scene with a plethora of 40 point games, the question could have been asked whether Howard’s skill-set would transfer over to the highest level of AAU play. What he lacks in height and length, he makes up for in uncanny instincts and a quick release from behind the arc. Howard is adept at handling the ball with both hands and has a quick first step that gets defenders off balance. While he has trouble finishing amongst the taller defenders in the lane, he can find spots to knock in mid-range jump shots or floaters.

In late April, Howard averaged 18 points per game going 10-25 from deep in front of a host of college coaches in Lexington, KY during the second live period of the spring. Two weeks later in Houston, Howard stepped up his play and averaged 23.3 points per game while shooting 14-27 from three. His top game came in a close 88-84 win over the hometown Houston Hoops squad where the young guard scored a season high 31 points which included six three’s on the day.

With one EYBL tournament left this upcoming week in Minneapolis, the Las Vegas Prospects are tied for third in their division and they are in prime position to secure a Peach Jam bid for July. Once the EYBL regular season ends, Howard will turn his attention to competing for a spot on the 16U USA team that has tryouts starting May 28 in Colorado Springs.

“Oh man, I just want to play my hardest and get a spot on that team,” said Howard. “That would be a once in a life time experience.”

Howard got his first taste of the USA experience last October when he participated in the program’s developmental camp over the course of two days.

“It was good,” Howard noted about the USA camp. “I was really happy to get that opportunity and compete with USA on my chest. I’m looking forward to heading up there again.”

While Howard has an active few weeks coming up, he also made headlines in early spring. After losing to Desert Vista in the Arizona state tournament, Howard de-committed from Arizona State, the local school that he first committed to in August 2014. In addition to opening up his recruitment again, Howard also made the decision to leave Perry, where he was a two time All-Arizona selection to attend basketball powerhouse Findlay Prep.

“I head up in August,” said Howard. “I’m really excited. I think playing in the EYBL will prepare me for Findlay Prep. I’m really looking forward to it and just want to make a great impact on the team.”

As for schools, this time around Howard is planning to take the process slow in order to make sure he makes the correct decision for his future.

“When I de-committed, I realized I had made a decision a little too early,” said Howard. “Now I’m just going to take my time and really get to know the coaches. Both Texas Tech and UNLV offered me. I’ve been hearing from a lot of PAC-12 schools as well.”

As for Arizona State? When Howard de-committed Herb Sendek was still the coach. Now that the Sun Devils have hired Bobby Hurley from Buffalo, the lines of communication are back open between ASU and Howard.

“I talked to Coach Hurley last week and we had a good conversation,” noted Howard while he was in Lexington. “I really like him and he’s a good coach.”

He took the state of Arizona by storm his first two years in high school and now the talented point guard will look to make a national mark. Given his EYBL scoring exploits, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when Howard continues his scoring barrages at one of the top high school programs in the country.

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

Nike EYBL - Oakland Preivew

The final four part installment of the Nike EYBL series comes to a close over Memorial Day weekend in Oakland, CA. This tournament will take place over four days (compared to the normal three) with the top 24 teams advancing to the Nike Peach Jam in July. With many teams jumbled together, some of the final spots won’t be decided until the last day in Oakland. As each team will be playing six games this week, Memorial Day could turn interesting. Here is a look at the top five match-ups of the weekend (Note: All rankings per ESPN.com):

1)      CIA Bounce (14-0) vs. Mean Streets (12-2)

Time: Friday – 9pm

Notes: The top two teams record wise face off on the opening day in Oakland (Note: Houston and Mean Streets both have 12-2 records, but since one of the Mean Streets losses came on a buzzer beater tip-dunk, I will proclaim Mean Streets as the 2^nd best for now). CIA Bounce has been destroying the competition in the EYBL behind the top player in the country, Andrew Wiggins, along with the point guard play of Tyler Ennis (2013-#30) and the shooting of Xavier Rathan-Mayes (2013-#20). CIA had a close call in Dallas against Indy Spiece until Wiggins took over and dominated the final stretch. On the opposing side, Mean Streets is extremely tough and led by one of the biggest winners in high school hoops, Kendall Nunn (2013-#55). After helping lead Simeon to another Illinois state championship, Nunn has helped his team to a 12-2 record. We’ll see if CIA can hold off Mean Streets at the start of the tournament and keep their undefeated streak alive.

Kendrick Nunn just wins

 2)      Mac Irvin (11-3) vs. Texas Titans (11-3)

Time: Sunday – 5pm

Notes: This game features serious star power, including the number 1 ranked player in the class of 2013, Jabari Parker versus the number 2 ranked player in the class of 2013, Julius Randle. While these two won’t be guarding each other both players will be trying to top one another throughout the game. These players aren’t the only ones to watch in this game as Mac Irvin features Jahlil Okafor (2014-#2) and one of the top players in the spring, point guard Kyle Davis. The Titans also feature sharp-shooter Matt Jones (#19) who has already committed to Duke. The stars are out in this game and will draw one of the largest crowds of the weekend.

3)      Mac Irvin (11-3) vs. E1T1 (11-3)

Time: Sunday – 11am

Notes: While the afternoon Mac Irvin game features the top two players in the class of 2013, this game could pose as the most interesting match-up to watch of the weekend. In a battle of 2014 big men, Jahlil Okafor (2014-#2) goes up against E1T1’s Dakari Johnson (2014-#6). These big men have been at the top of their class throughout their first two high school careers (despite the fact that Dakari sat out his sophomore year) and finally get to go head-to-head. Both players use their power and wide bodies to get baskets. While scouts consider Okafor the better player, Johnson has been tearing up the first three EYBL sessions. He is currently averaging 17 points per game (top 10) and 9.6 rebounds per game (1^st). Hopefully the refs let these two players bang as they both make a claim for top Center in the class of 2014.

The big men last battled as freshmen in the City of Palms

4)      Houston Hoops (12-2) vs. Howard Pulley (7-7)

Time: Saturday – 12:30pm

Notes: While Houston is the superior team in this match-up, Howard Pulley has the most talented player. Point guard Tyus Jones returns to the EYBL after missing the Dallas session due to illness. Jones is currently the best point guard in the class of 2014, and possibly the country. He is averaging 20.8 ppg and a league best 6.6 apg. Houston will try to slow him down behind the wing duo of Justin Jackson (2014-#9) and Justice Winslow (2014-#11).

*Houston Hoops also features the 9^th ranked player in the class of 2013, Keith Frazier, however he hurt his ankle during the first Dallas game and is questionable.

        5)   California Supreme (11-3) vs. ICP Elite (7-7)

              Time: Sunday -11am

Notes: This game is featured in the top five due to the geographical nature of the two  teams. As the final regular season tournament takes place in Cali, it is only right to feature a battle of west coast teams in the games to watch. Cal Supreme stumbled a bit in Dallas with two close losses, however with the recent addition of Nigel Williams-Goss; this already talented team is primed for a deep run in July. The Miles Simon coached team already featured star 2014 point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright and big man Marcus Lee (2014-#26). These players will be challenged by the Portland based AAU squad led by Roshcon Prince, who is currently at school in Long Beach, CA. Prince has not really come close to making anyone’s top 100, however he has been one of the top scorers and performers during the first three EYBL sessions. Prince is averaging 18.1 ppg and getting to the line a league leading 10.4 attempts per game. Prince uses his size and strength to attack the basket and will be attacking Cal Supreme all night long. While ICP does not have much depth, Prince could lead them to an upset as he tries to earn the respect he deserves.

WILL……….

CIA Bounce stay undefeated? They open up with 12-2 Mean Streets from Chicago and finish-up with the 12-2 Houston Hoops squad on Sunday evening.

James Young continue his dominant spring? Young vaulted up to the #5 prospect in the class of 2013, but will face some tough competition over the weekend. He will face off against Team Takeover wing, Ishmail Wainright (2013-#18) on Saturday morning followed by the Nick King (2013-#15) and Jujuan Johnson (2013-#54) duo on Saturday afternoon. Wainwright could be one of the strongest wings in the AAU circuit and King and Johnson can match-up with Young athletically.

Jabari Parker show why he is the consensus #1 player in the class of 2013?

BABC get one of the last open spots for the Peach Jam in order to defend their title, sans Nerlens Noel?

Kennedy Meeks show why he is considered one of the top big men in the country? Meeks only played in 2 Dallas games and goes against Team Final on Saturday morning.

Freshman Malik Newman and 8^th grader Thon Maker be able to spark the Jackson Tigers again?

All Iowa Attack win their first EYBL game?