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

NBPA Top 100: Top Performers

The NBPA Top 100 camp came to a conclusion this past Saturday and the three day event provided numerous opportunities to watch some of the best prospects in action compete in a structured setting. While the camp names its own MVP and All-Star team, here are some other superlatives that players earned with their play:

MVP: Jaquan Newton

As stated yesterday Newton had a terrific camp. While he started slowly in the first two sessions his game started to pick up steam on Friday morning before coming to a conclusion in the championship game with a 31 point, 7 assist, and 4 rebound performance. Newton was one of the taller point guards in the camp, but still went by the shorter defenders off the dribble almost anytime he wanted. Newton finished at the rim, knocked in jump shots, and pushed the ball up the court any chance he got. With this stellar performance under his belt, Newton will look to carry over his strong play to the Peach Jam in early July.

Best Passers: Joel Berry, Tyler Ulis, Josh Perkins

Joel Berry (North Carolina Tar Heels) led the camp with 4.2 assists per game. While not the flashiest of passers, he knew when to take a shot and when to find a teammate. Berry’s squad used the pick and roll as their primary set offense and he either knocked down a 15 foot jump shot or hit Angel Delgado rolling to the basket. If the big man wasn’t open, Berry kicked out to Joe Burton or BJ Stith (Virginia Cavaliers) on the wing for open jumpers.

Tyler Ulis’ camp ended early Friday morning after a collision with Damontre Jefferson nicked up his shoulder, but in the three games he did play in there was no one better at delivering the ball to the perfect spot. If Ulis was passing to a Devin Robinson or Riley Norris on the wing, the ball would hit them in perfect rhythm for a jump shot. If he was looking down low for Reid Travis or Satchel Pierce, the ball would find them off a perfect bounce or lob. Ulis delivered the ball where it needed to go and made the game easy for his teammates.

Josh Perkins was the king of both the fancy pass in a halfcourt set and ¾ court pass on the fastbreak. On the break he often found a streaking teammate a la Kendall Marshall at UNC and in the half-court set he often zipped a no-look pass through an unsuspecting defense. Despite being the flashiest of the point guards at the camp, Perkins’ turnovers were limited as his assists climbed.

Best Scoring Guards: Isaiah Whitehead, Devin Booker

As a freshman, Isaiah Whitehead was one of the most talked about names in the class of 2014. Over the years, new names and faces began to surpass Whitehead in the rankings and he entered the spring as a top 40-50 type player. After a stellar spring on the AAU and camp circuit, Whitehead is expected to see his ranking rise back up quickly. Always a guard with great strength, Whitehead has been showing off his textbook three point shot and ball handling ability over the past three months. When he gets his feet set behind the three point line you can go ahead and add three to his scoring total as these shots routinely hit nothing but net. Whitehead also handled the ball a decent amount and never got out of control during the camp which is something he was known for in his younger days. After playing well on both the UA and Nike AAU circuits, Whitehead brought his best game to the NBPA camp and left as one of the top shooting guards in the country.

Devin Booker only scored in double figures twice during his four games but easily passed “the look” test. He has a quick release and nice rotation on his jump shots, but now as senior-to-be he is active in attacking the basket for lay-ups, floaters, and one-dribble jump shots. He has average quickness but often got by defenders with his ball-handling skills. Booker is also quite capable with his left hand as he once scored all five of his baskets on left-hand lay-ups, dunks, and a floater. Booker can score easily and cemented his rep as a top 20 player in the country.

Top Shooters: James Blackmon, BJ Stith, Phil Booth

James Blackmon Jr. (Kelly Kline/Under Armour)

Playing with Shelton Mitchell (Wake Forest Demon Deacons) and Josh Perkins, Blackmon (Indiana Hoosiers) had no issue running the court and spotting up for three’s as he knew his point guards would find him. Blackmon shot the deep ball well in almost every game he played in and when he wasn’t knocking down three’s, he was using a solid pump fake to create space for a pull-up or drive to the basket.

Stith felt at home in his future college surroundings and started the camp off with several three’s on Thursday morning and poured in 23 points on Friday morning. Standing at 6’5”, Stith has good size for a shooting guard and had no problem letting it rip in John Paul Jones arena. While smaller than Stith, Phil Booth’s shot was just as pure averaging close to 10 points a game. On Friday night, Stith had his finest game of the camp hitting three’s and jump shots from all over the court in both halves for 17 points. He hit high arching shots off the dribble on both the left and right wings and didn’t force the action at all. Both players made their outside shots at a high clip.

Most Efficient: Justin Jackson

Surprise, surprise, small forward Justin Jackson (North Carolina) was the most efficient player in camp. After a stellar AAU season, Jackson continued his strong play from the beginning of camp. He scored in double figures all seven games and did not need a lot of shots to do so as he usually shot well over 50% from the field. As usual, Jackson hit numerous mid-range floaters and also added in some one-dribble jump shots and was usually good for one or two three’s a game. With his tall frame and long arms Jackson can get shots at almost any time, but unlike most players he only takes them within the flow of the offense.

Best Motor: Kevon Looney, Leron Black

Two of the highest rated players in the camp were also the most competitive. Looney and Black dominated the boards, played tough defense, dunked down low, and even hit three’s on occasion. Both players started out with an intensity that was hard to match which resulted in an 11 point, 11 rebound performance for Looney and a 20 point, 9 rebound performance for Black. Both players attacked the defense and kept the pressure on the opposing team every time they stepped on the court.

Strongest Wing: Brandone Francis

Francis was the most powerful perimeter player and used his strength to bully defenders down low any time he crashed the boards or received a pass down low. Some defenders backed off Francis when he got the ball on the perimeter and he made them pay by hitting deep jump shots or three’s on occasion. His play in camp earned him offers from the Boston College Eagles, Providence Friars, Washington Huskies, and USC Trojans immediately after camp.

High Riser: Derrick Jones

If you heard a commotion breakout in JPJ during the camp, there was a good chance that Derrick Jones had just thrown down a ridiculous dunk. Standing at 6’7” with long arms, the sinewy junior could rise up like no one else. Tip dunks, fast-break dunks, power dunks, and alley-oops were common throughout the seven games that Jones played in. While Jones showed off his leaping ability any chance he got, he also displayed improved handles and outside shot during the three day stretch. While Jones is a hot name on the east coast his stock will continue to rise during July as more coaches get to watch this high-flying athlete.

Biggest Paint Presence: Cheick Diallo

Diallo earned the camp’s MVP based on his offensive and defensive paint presence while playing an integral part on a championship team. Diallo averaged 11 points and almost 8 rebounds throughout the camp. On the defensive side Diallo snatched up missed shots and blocked shots with his quick timed jumps and on the offensive side he turned passes into assists with powerful dunks or short hook shots.

Smoothest Big Man: Stephen Zimmerman

Zimmerman had it working all camp long and showed off his wide variety of offensive skills. His preferred move was a lefty spin move out of the right post as he used his quickness to catch most of the big men guarding him off guard. Throughout his games, Zimmerman proved that he could score from the outside, bang down low on the inside, and execute the pick and roll. Despite being a year younger than most players and quite a few pounds lighter, Zimmerman had no qualms about playing physical and solidified a top spot in the 2015 rankings.

Most Tantalizing Prospect: Shaqquan Aaron

Aaron (Louisville Cardinals) is a high major talent, but in some ways still similar to the freshman that played significant minutes for Mater Dei in 2010-11. Standing at almost 6’8” with a lanky frame, Aaron has all the skills to dazzle yet never does so consistently. In Aaron’s first game of the camp he went scoreless while the next game he went for 13 on a mixture of deep three’s and drives to the basket. Aaron has the ball handling skills to play point and loves to isolate slower defenders at the top of the key. He has NBA range on his three but is a very streaky shooter. He might hit three in a row, or he might miss badly off the side of the rim. Aaron is a one of a kind talent that is just waiting for someone to help him fulfill his potential. Rick Pitino is hoping he can be that person.

Sneakiest Athlete: Tadric Jackson

Standing at 6’2” with broad shoulders, Jackson looks like a pure power player that probably plays below the rim. If anyone thinks this is the case, hopefully they won’t be standing under the rim when Jackson unleashes a two hand dunk. Playing in the auxiliary gym on Friday night Jackson caught the ball and threw down a two hand dunk off of one step. In his other games Jackson was flying above the rim on breaks for ferocious dunks. While Jackson does like to bully smaller guards, he can also get above the rim in a hurry.

Spring Stock Risers: Myles Turner, Devin Robinson

The top two stock risers throughout the spring were Myles Turner and Devin Robinson and both of these players substantiated their new found hype. Turner earned a spot on the all camp team as he averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds. He scored off hook shots and drop steps down low while also showing off his touch with jump shots all over the court. The lanky Robinson knocked in three’s from the wings and was the recipient of many Tyler Ulis passes early on in the camp. He had his best game against a future Tar Heel in Theo Pinson and future Georgetown Hoya in Isaac Copeland. Both players proved that their strong springs were not a result of weak competition and will be hearing from a lot more college coaches after camp.