Saturday was my first time in the Weatherup center. I had been repeatedly told by Hod and others that it was nice, and now I know just how nice. Assistant Rashon Burno was in the mini-theatre watching film in between chatting up unofficial visitors- and Gregg Rosenberg (basketball analyst and top west coast scout for me over at ArizonaVarsity) introduced me to Burno and gave me some background on his playing career. Never realized how accomplished the guy was.
Anthony Coleman seems to be ingratiated into the program quite well already. This might be his first coaching gig, but it definitely shows that he's spent tons of time within the grassroots community. He's easy going, personable, knowledgeable, and usually the tallest guy in the room- including the recruits.
Quite a few of the guys I cover at the high school level locally were there. Many have no shot at getting a look from ASU, but a few of the younger guys are worth keeping track of.
Locally- there's no one from the class of 2017 ASU is interested in, but the 2018 class is interesting.
They've offered 3-star F
KJ Hymes of St. Mary's, who was at one time ranked by Eric Bossi as one of the top 50 prospects in the country. After seeing him a few more times, Bossi's opinion has come back down to earth (a little). He's at #63 now. I've always felt bad for Hymes, because locally, there's been a lot of animosity toward him based off his national ranking from Rivals. Gregg Rosenberg has him ranked as the #3 local prospect for his class, which is probably more fair. He has a soft touch, draws contact and hits free throws, but often just doesn't look to be using his heigh to his advantage. Hymes was not at ASU's elite camp on Saturday, but Rosenberg's #1 and #2 players were- Tevian Jones of Chandler High, and Timmy Allen of Desert Ridge. ASU has yet to offer Jones, but I'd be surprised if they didn;t eventually come in. Jones has offers from USC and UNLV, and was under some pretty intense scrutiny on Saturday. He didn't do much to stand out- but if Gregg has him at #1, I trust his judgement.
Timmy Allen is a miniature Blake Griffin who will need to learn the intricacies of the SF position and become a better shooter since he's likely stopped growing at 6-5. Since shedding some baby fat, his athleticism is showing even more, and because of the lack of a strength/size combination in the Arizona high school landscape, I think he'll dominate this year. Allen played out of his mind on Saturday when there was a capable pint guard on the floor with him- defensively, he showed an ability to guard the perimeter.
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The local class of 2019 includes
Majok Deng, who Rosenberg has rated at #1. He started the day off a little rough, committing fouls on defense and struggling to get on the same page with his teammates- but when he settled down, the 6-5 wing showed his range and fluid shooting motion, hitting 6 threes in a matter of 15 minutes. He also showed an ability to get to the basket, play in transition, and play active perimeter defense. Gregg told me the way he went off like that would lead to him getting an offer after the day was over, and he was right. Deng was offered right after the camp.
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The other standout from the class is Jovan Blackshear. Gregg says that if he's just going on current skill, he's probably the best sophomore in the state. Compton Magic was in the house trying to pry the kid away from Marvin Bagley's Phoenix Phamily club team. The issue with Jovan is that at 5-9, he might be done growing (but his dad is 6-1 or 6-2), and he doesn;t have Nate Robinson level athleticism. He has incredible ball skills, instincts, passing ability and defensive awareness, and was probably the best player in the gym on Saturday- but the fear is that's as good as he'll ever be. His teammate at Shadow Mountain, however, is Eddie House's son, Jaelen House.
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Jaelen can do something not a lot of others can- he can create his own shot- just like his dad. He's one to watch in this class. Rosenberg has him rated #5, one spot ahead of Blackshear.
Class of 2020 already has some clear standouts, like Nico Mannion, who has an ASU offer, and will play for Pinnacle. The consensus on Saturday was that this kid's awareness and natural ability are off the charts. It's absurd to think he has four years before he'll set foot on a college campus. I'm trying to think of someone to compare him to, but it's difficult. I'd have to be absurdly critical to find a whole in his game at this age.
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Greg also likes a 2020 prospect named Evan Nelson (Marana Mountain View). He held his own on the floor Saturday- didn't do anything spectacular, but it was obvious that he belonged.
We also got to watch about 2/3rds of the current team work out. Here are my notes:
Sam Cunliffe is explosive. He's a highlight reel dunker, and he'll create his own space with his cutting ability. On nights where his shot is on, you;ll see something special. He tired out a bit later in the session, and considering he was drenched in sweat when everyone arrived at 2pm, I'm not surprised. Looks like he had been there a while on his own.
Andre Adams looks like a true college center. He told Rosenberg he'd be ready for the season, which after 2 ACL tears, seems a tad ambitious. I believe he'll be a 20 year old redshirt freshman.
Jethro Tsihumpa is long. Look at him next to Maurice O'Field in this picture, who he's only a few inches inches taller than.
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Shannon Evans seems hungry to get on the court after a long break (and a successful run at Buffalo). It'll be interesting to see how he fits with Tre Holder, but as a scoring guard, it shouldn't be that complicated.
Torian Graham is a freak. The way he attacks the rim is violent. He was easily the most athletic guy in the gym. If he can earn some playing time after effectively being kicked off the team, he might be the X-factor the Sun Devils need to bring Cunliff along slowly and not depend on him to be a star right away.
Kodi Justice is Kodi Justice. The guy is comfortable with anyone. He'll be a major key off the bench, as always.
Not in attendance: Obi Oleka, Tre Holder, Romello White.
In attendance, but not participating: Adams, Vitaly Shibel (left knee procedure), Ramon Vila (no habla ingles)
By now you've read that 2017 targets Garrison Brooks, Alex Reece and Jordan Usher were visiting. They didn't observe much of the camp, and were talking to coaches and touring the facilities. They did not participate in the action.
Kimani Lawrence, however, watched everything very intently. He's a 6-6, 4-star wing who will take an official visit on 9/23 with the other three guys. He visited USC the next day, and seems to have an interest in playing on the west coast. 6-7 F
Tyler Bey was also in attendance. I did not see or talk to him during my observations.
On the court, a few priority out of state recruits stood out.
Josh Carlton's size was impressive. He looked a little disengaged and lost in the free-flowing 5-on-5 play, but down on the block he's got skills. A Danny Fortson-type.
Isaiah Mobley, a 6-7 sophomore who moves well, but didn't necessarily capitalize on his opportunities on offense, is someone to watch. Defensively, he's long, and kept several rebounds in play.
I don;t know if they want to be his first offer, but
David Singleton is someone I believe ASU will eventually come in on. The 2018 guard has so much confidence with the ball. He's very competitive, and a little flashy. At 6-4, he looks like he could function as a large point guard, but could serve as a combo guard if needed.
4-star PG
Jules Bernard is under-recruited. I'll tell you right now, his toughness and aggression for a 2-guard is a commodity you can build a winner around. At 6-5, he had one of the best verticals of any player there, and he loved to get his. He has the frame, and the game, that reminds me of Harden before Harden's added deep range.
