Las Vegas AAU tourney - rode back on plane from Vegas with OKC Hawks

Capel's Mustache · 07-26-2010, 08:13 PM

So I was on a flight coming back to OKC from Vegas and the flight attendant announced the OKC Hawks were on the plane. I noticed a lot AAU teams in the McCarron airport too. I guess there was a big tourney this past weekend? Anybody have info on it? How the Hawks did? Thanks

5hrenergy · 07-27-2010, 08:35 AM

Yes, very big tournament out in Vegas. ESNPU showed a game last night and will be again tonight I believe. I could be wrong but isn't Nino Jackson on the Hawks now?

sharp1 · 07-27-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hrenergy

Yes, very big tournament out in Vegas. ESNPU showed a game last night and will be again tonight I believe. I could be wrong but isn't Nino Jackson on the Hawks now?

The AAu tounry on Tv last night was from Orlando....AAU super-showcase, Not Vegas, the Vegas event is an open event..meaning some of the teams have "ringers" on them..

gracefor24 · 07-27-2010, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hrenergy

Yes, very big tournament out in Vegas. ESNPU showed a game last night and will be again tonight I believe. I could be wrong but isn't Nino Jackson on the Hawks now?

Yeah, Jackson played for the Hawks in Vegas.

Capel's Mustache · 07-27-2010, 11:26 AM

I saw Jackson. Apparently his nickname is Rampage. Not sure what he is listed at but he looked about 6'2" and a shade over 92 lbs

brimmbball · 07-27-2010, 11:32 AM

i know capel was in vegas recruiting... There has been several updates on maxpreps/cbssports on the vegas tourney.

campbest · 07-27-2010, 11:55 AM

Back in the early part of this decade, the Adidas Big Time tournament in Vegas was the largest of the summer. Not sure if that is the case anymore, so many different tournaments have popped up.

DM · 07-27-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capel's Mustache

I saw Jackson. Apparently his nickname is Rampage. Not sure what he is listed at but he looked about 6'2" and a shade over 92 lbs

Also goes by Buddha. I was told he had a plane phobia.

Capel's Mustache · 07-27-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DM

Also goes by Buddha. I was told he had a plane phobia.

He better get over that because he is going to riding on a lot of them over the next few years. Who coaches the Hawks?

DM · 07-28-2010, 04:24 AM

Some guy named beamon. Basically Nino, a super athletic 6-7 kid from Southeast, and the Douglass High School team.

SoonerDAZE · 07-28-2010, 11:17 AM

Adidas Super 64 was this past weekend in Vegas. Marcus Smart was brilliant as his Assault team avenged a loss to the Atlanta Celtics earlier in the year at the Real Deal. Assault won it all in the 16u division. The knock on the Vegas trip is the gym situation. Too many venues make it difficult for coaches to watch all the talent they'd like to evaluate.

Isiah Austin is also a high-profile 2012 that looked great for the Arizona Magic. He is long, skilled, and athletic. Played well in a big game against the Dallas Mustangs that his Magic ended up pulling out.

Disney Showcase was happening in Orlando. Julius Randle dominated for the Titans. They lost in the semi's to CP3 out of North Carolina - couldn't handle the full court pressure or the 1-2-2 trap. Guard play was exposed. That semifinal game was televised on ESPNU/3

Hoop City Classic was held in KC. Jarion Henry (Skeeter's son) was on display the whole weekend. He showed well in most of the games. Still needs to be more assertive. Can do more than he shows. Took his Showtyme Elite team to the final where they lost by 3 to MeanStreets from Chicago area.

Capel was at Disney Showcase in Orlando at some point during the weekend. Saw him in the stands of the Each1/Teach1 vs. Team Takeover game sitting next to Chris Collins and JJ Reddick.

DM · 07-28-2010, 12:14 PM

Was that loss for the Titans he 15u group. If so that's the first loss all year. Did u see any Oklahoma teams?

soonersam · 07-28-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerDAZE

Adidas Super 64 was this past weekend in Vegas. Marcus Smart was brilliant as his Assault team avenged a loss to the Atlanta Celtics earlier in the year at the Real Deal. Assault won it all in the 16u division. The knock on the Vegas trip is the gym situation. Too many venues make it difficult for coaches to watch all the talent they'd like to evaluate.

Isiah Austin is also a high-profile 2012 that looked great for the Arizona Magic. He is long, skilled, and athletic. Played well in a big game against the Dallas Mustangs that his Magic ended up pulling out.

Disney Showcase was happening in Orlando. Julius Randle dominated for the Titans. They lost in the semi's to CP3 out of North Carolina - couldn't handle the full court pressure or the 1-2-2 trap. Guard play was exposed. That semifinal game was televised on ESPNU/3

Hoop City Classic was held in KC. Jarion Henry (Skeeter's son) was on display the whole weekend. He showed well in most of the games. Still needs to be more assertive. Can do more than he shows. Took his Showtyme Elite team to the final where they lost by 3 to MeanStreets from Chicago area.

Capel was at Disney Showcase in Orlando at some point during the weekend. Saw him in the stands of the Each1/Teach1 vs. Team Takeover game sitting next to Chris Collins and JJ Reddick.

Wasn't Smart MVP of the U16 tourney? I really wish our coaching staff would recruit him (or know why he isn't interested), the latest rivals update on him made it seem like OU just plain wasn't interested.

I thought Austin played for the Compton Magic (not Arizona)?

I was in KC this weekend with some friends and I caught a few of the early bracket play games in the KC top 20. I saw Showytme beat a team from Iowa by double digit after falling down 19-9. They ran off about a 20-2 run after "Big E" ripped into them and then controlled the game from there on out. I continue to be impressed with Henry's passing and handles for his size. He needs to hit the weight room but I think he would be an ideal 4 in 4-1 offense.

Also saw Athlete's first lose their first round of tournament play to the Family from Detriot (they have a top 50 big in Amir Johnson). Athletes First despite being outsized played a heck of a game forcing OT. If they had Nino Jackson with them I think they would've won. Also Stevie Clark got a lot of burn in the game and showed well for himself. I had him down for around 13-15 points and I was a little late arriving to the game. His jumper was falling from deep and he was active on defense in AF's full court pressure. Clark did run into some issues with driving vs the bigger and older Family defense. Josh Richardson (2011 Edmond Santa Fe) also had a good game for AF and even young Juwuan Parker (2013 Booker T) got some good playing time with them.

SoonerDAZE · 07-28-2010, 03:35 PM

The Isiah Austin situation is a little sticky to be sure because of the NCAA regs regarding eligibility during sanctioned events being restricted to programs in adjoining states. I'll admit that I don't even fully understand it because the rule seems to be broken all the time.

In this case, it seems that for the Adidas event last weekend, his team went as the "Arizona Magic", but clearly it was the Compton Magic or at least had some of the normal players and was at minimum a definitive part of the bigger program.

As for Marcus Smart, I've said it before with regard to our recruiting of him. I think he's very special, but if either his game or his size don't change, he will be a liability on the defensive end, depending on where a coach tries to play him. At the next level, he's a definite tweener. His body (or more specifically, his height and length) are more that of a 2, but his game and ability to readily defend are that of a 3/4.

Sam, I know you've disagreed with me before about this, but I still stand on the fact that should he not change his defensive skill set or grow a couple of inches, he would be at a match-up disadvantage against most elite-level, top-20 type programs. He will be fine against most of the Big12; however, I personally am hoping to compete for sweet 16's, elite 8's, and final 4's by the time his class rolls in and graduates out of Norman.

That said, if I were Capel, I'd still be recruiting him heavily though. For two reasons if nothing else. 1. I think he's a VERY special player aside from the above, with leadership skills, a winning attitude, and a high bball I.Q. How often do we run across a true superstar who is clearly the hardest worker and most aggressive player on the floor every time he laces them up? And 2. who knows how tall he's going to be? He's just now turning 16. Most guys do not stop growing at 16.

SoonerDAZE · 07-28-2010, 03:38 PM

Here's a video with Isiah Austin and the Magic playing the Dallas Mustangs in Vegas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTyPltLSajE

soonersam · 07-28-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerDAZE

As for Marcus Smart, I've said it before with regard to our recruiting of him. I think he's very special, but if either his game or his size don't change, he will be a liability on the defensive end, depending on where a coach tries to play him. At the next level, he's a definite tweener. His body (or more specifically, his height and length) are more that of a 2, but his game and ability to readily defend are that of a 3/4.

Sam, I know you've disagreed with me before about this, but I still stand on the fact that should he not change his defensive skill set or grow a couple of inches, he would be at a match-up disadvantage against most elite-level, top-20 type programs. He will be fine against most of the Big12; however, I personally am hoping to compete for sweet 16's, elite 8's, and final 4's by the time his class rolls in and graduates out of Norman.

That said, if I were Capel, I'd still be recruiting him heavily though. For two reasons if nothing else. 1. I think he's a VERY special player aside from the above, with leadership skills, a winning attitude, and a high bball I.Q. How often do we run across a true superstar who is clearly the hardest worker and most aggressive player on the floor every time he laces them up? And 2. who knows how tall he's going to be? He's just now turning 16. Most guys do not stop growing at 16.

I understand that argument on his possible limitations when going vs the true elite teams but some of the teams that are heavily involved according to the rivals article are competing for Sweets 16s, elite 8s and final 4's as of last season. Baylor and KSU are fresh off Elite Eight runs this past season and they are both teams that look like they have the potential to maintain that level. Marquette has been really strong as of late and they also among the team who are making a push for Marcus. So I don't see how he would too much of a liability on a Sweet Sixteen type team in 2015 or so. But thats just me.

Like you said the intangibles on this kid is off the charts in my opinion, he's tough, tireless worker, leader and is clutch as well. Seems like a perfect 4 year cornerstone of the program to me. Given the way last year played out Marcus would be the perfect to prevent future seasons like that with his attitude.

SoonerDAZE · 07-28-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soonersam

Like you said the intangibles on this kid is off the charts in my opinion, he's tough, tireless worker, leader and is clutch as well. Seems like a perfect 4 year cornerstone of the program to me. Given the way last year played out Marcus would be the perfect to prevent future seasons like that with his attitude.

Well, we agree on one thing for sure. That being, we'd recruit the heck out of him for OU! There are WAY too many positives not to IMO. So, back to the original question, I'm not sure why Capel is not all over him. Norman and the prestige of OU is an EASY sell in DFW right now. Marcus is no different. I know he'd be intrigued by a full-court Capel press.

Barring injury, and by the time next November rolls around, I think he'll be a top 20 prospect in the country. Maybe THAT scares Capel with his recent track record with like blue-chip recruits. It's a head-scratcher to me...

Cheno · 07-28-2010, 07:33 PM

Daze what have you been hearing about Julius Randle and his recruitment?

soonersam · 07-28-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerDAZE

Well, we agree on one thing for sure. That being, we'd recruit the heck out of him for OU! There are WAY too many positives not to IMO. So, back to the original question, I'm not sure why Capel is not all over him. Norman and the prestige of OU is an EASY sell in DFW right now. Marcus is no different. I know he'd be intrigued by a full-court Capel press.

Barring injury, and by the time next November rolls around, I think he'll be a top 20 prospect in the country. Maybe THAT scares Capel with his recent track record with like blue-chip recruits. It's a head-scratcher to me...

I am not sure if you are referring to the swing and misses in the 2010 class (Harrison Barnes, Doron Lamb and Terrance Jones all visited and none signed) or what happened on the court this past season with the star recruits. But I don't think for 2011 it is effecting him that much. I have seen tweets by rivals and scouts guys listing Capel as one of the coaches watching guys like Quincy Miller and Roc Christmas in this July period. So it seems like Capel is still swinging for the fences this year. But I honestly have no idea where the 2012 recruiting class is going outside of Richard Peters (already committed) and the only other news I have heard is the offering of Nino Jackson (most likely Jayhawk bound).

Also if you are referring to the attitude problems of the star recruits I think baring Marcus having qualification problems (have no idea on this, 100% hypothetical), Smart doesn't fit into the mold of the some of the recent players OU had on campus.

On a somewhat related note to the future recruiting plans, I just hope if Capel is still coach in 2013 he is able to defend our borders and get some of the talented players in the state of Oklahoma. I get the feeling the 2013 class is going to be one of the best Oklahoma High School classes in a while.

campbest · 07-29-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerDAZE

Here's a video with Isiah Austin and the Magic playing the Dallas Mustangs in Vegas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTyPltLSajE

lol...love AAU, everyone's just hacking each other.

SoonerDAZE · 07-29-2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheno

Daze what have you been hearing about Julius Randle and his recruitment?

Julius is still wide open. Likely will not go the route of playing the "shoe game" by jumping teams to play for one of the big shoe-sponsored teams during his final two years of AAU ball. That means he won't likely play the big shoe-sponsored tourneys either.

He's already developing a good relationship with some pretty big schools - Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas to name a few, as well as the typical Big12 schools that all the top Texas kids talk with. In addition, he's already been invited to and played in some of the national-level camps and skills academies. In fact, he turned down the Lebron skills academy to play AAU nationals with the Titans.

He's a very grounded and intelligent kid who has been groomed for this since the fourth grade. He's very close to his mother, but I don't think that will mean he'll necessarily need to stay close to home. I get the distinct feeling from her that she'll pretty much be okay with wherever he decides to go - even if it's cross-country. Aside from his mother, the people with the most influence in his life as far as where he might play college ball go are all the Texas Titans coaches. Namely Scott Pospichal, Jeff Webster, Antonio McKenzie, and Jerome Vaden.

Like most young stars, Julius views himself as a one and done player (whether that's the case or not is an argument for a different thread). He'll likely pick the school that best supports that dream. Way too early to know what program will fit his game best, will be able to place the most talent around him, and provide him playing time. I'd be shocked if he didn't ultimately go to one of the blue-blood programs though.

SoonerDAZE · 07-29-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soonersam

I am not sure if you are referring to the swing and misses in the 2010 class (Harrison Barnes, Doron Lamb and Terrance Jones all visited and none signed) or what happened on the court this past season with the star recruits. But I don't think for 2011 it is effecting him that much. I have seen tweets by rivals and scouts guys listing Capel as one of the coaches watching guys like Quincy Miller and Roc Christmas in this July period. So it seems like Capel is still swinging for the fences this year. But I honestly have no idea where the 2012 recruiting class is going outside of Richard Peters (already committed) and the only other news I have heard is the offering of Nino Jackson (most likely Jayhawk bound).

Also if you are referring to the attitude problems of the star recruits I think baring Marcus having qualification problems (have no idea on this, 100% hypothetical), Smart doesn't fit into the mold of the some of the recent players OU had on campus.

I was mostly referring to the "misses" he had (chemistry wise) with the 5-star guys he brought in recently.

I don't think he'll stay away from guys in the future because he's struck out trying to sign a couple of heavy hitters in the past. I actually believe every time OU is mentioned in the serious recruitment of any top-tier kid, it serves to elevate our stature in the eyes of future recruits. And, I'd be shocked if Capel didn't feel that way as well. I was more grabbing for any sort of straw I could find, to try to figure out why we weren't hot on the heels of Mr. Smart.

sys · 07-29-2010, 07:18 PM

sDAZE, does smart have a school he is waiting on? from his comment in the last rivals article, it kind of sounded that way. like he was appreciative of the attention from marquette, kstate & baylor, but had a favorite school that wasn't looking at him that hard.

DM · 07-29-2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Julius is still wide open. Likely will not go the route of playing the "shoe game" by jumping teams to play for one of the big shoe-sponsored teams during his final two years of AAU ball. That means he won't likely play the big shoe-sponsored tourneys either.

Titans will likely get a Nike contract so I suspect you'll see plenty of Julius in tourneys and his High School team will likely be focused in alot of national matchups.

SoonerDAZE · 07-29-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sys

sDAZE, does smart have a school he is waiting on? from his comment in the last rivals article, it kind of sounded that way. like he was appreciative of the attention from marquette, kstate & baylor, but had a favorite school that wasn't looking at him that hard.

Not close enough to that situation to know for sure, but knowing Rick Roberts and that group, it wouldn't surprise me if the vibe you're getting isn't more posturing than actual reservations that Marcus has about the main suitors at this point. Posturing, meaning acting less than 100% enthusiastic trying to leverage looks for some of the other kids on the team that might not warrant serious consideration outside a package deal with Marcus.

I know for a fact that Marcus believes his stock is only going to rise as he gets older (and rightfully so) leading to more interest from the national-level programs. I don't get the feeling that he's fighting the recruiting process right now.