Jordan Classic: National Game
NEW YORK – The 2005 Jordan Classic at Madison Square Garden did not disappoint. After the Regional game, which was just an appetizer, came the National game. The game was an up and down battle, showcasing some amazing talent; speed, athleticism, vision, shooting, and much more. In the end, the Gray team pulled out the victory 127-126 after Emanuel “Tiki” Mayben missed 2 free throws with 3.8 seconds left in the game.
In today’s basketball world, this “All-Star Game” has become more than just signs of what is to come in college basketball, but it’s become another audition for the NBA. As for the leap to the pros, 3 players helped their cases, a few did nothing to hurt their status, and some proved that college will be a necessity.
Andray Blatche, of South Kent Prep School, made it official: he will be entering the 2005 NBA Draft. The Jordan Classic was his third high school postseason game (which makes him ineligible to attend college) and he announced that he has signed with an agent. There are question marks about his game, but the upside this kid has is outstanding. Dray is 6-11, 230 and extremely athletic. For a “big”, he has decent range, a surprising handle, and runs the floor like a guard. He is still raw when it comes to offensive skills, but he would fit in great with an established NBA playoff team towards the end of the first round. When asked who he compares himself to, Blatche quickly said: Kevin Garnett. I asked him if an NBA executive was standing in front of him, how would Dray pitch himself. Blatche shyly said, “I have a lot to bring to the table. I’m a good kid, on and off the court.” The future looks bright for Andray. I envision him being a “wait and see kid,” like Jermaine O’Neal or Zach Randolph.
6-7, 235 pound small forward, Martell Webster is a beast. I think he had the most complete and versatile game of all the participants. He has an NBA-ready body, is fundamentally sound, and says all the right things. He told me that he was not happy with his performance (22 points on 7-13 from the field are hardly numbers to scoff at). When it comes to his college/NBA decision (he has committed to the University of Washington), Martell said he will “go with his gut feeling.” Webster is the kind of kid that can help a team next year. With his strength and ability to work off the ball, he could have a Josh Howard-type of rookie year, but with a much better ceiling.
7-foot center Andrew Bynum signed with UConn and has not mentioned attempting the jump to the pros, but he may want to reconsider after the Jordan Classic. The kid is huge! He is a legitimate center, yet he shocked many people with some three-point touch. More positives Andrew brings forth include great footwork, good speed for his size, and some solid post moves. Bynum could definitely stand to spend a year or two in college, but if I was an NBA team with a mid- to late first round pick and this behemoth was on the board; I would snatch him up quickly!
Louis Williams was a player who did not help, nor hinder his draft status (20 points, 4 assists). Currently planning on attending Georgia, I don’t think Baby Iverson will ever be a Bulldog. The best way to describe his game is: size of Iverson, speed of Marbury, hops like Vince (a 40-inch vertical), and a jump shot like Nash. His stock may never be higher. The issue has always been, is he an NBA 1 or 2. I think he’s a 1.5; a scoring guard. Could he use some more development on the college level? Sure. Will someone draft him in the first round? Most definitely.
Shawne Williams of Laurinburg Prep is another kid who had a good Jordan Classic, but did not necessarily stand out (15 points, 6 rebounds). He can go inside and outside, has some good size (6-9, 235), and has some serious spring in his step. Williams is signed with Memphis and it would not surprise me if he enters the draft. He gets my DNC rating (do not consider drafting).
Other players who are on my DNC list include Keith Brumbaugh and Richard Hendrix. Brumbaugh is teetering between USC and Florida or making the leap. His lefty stroke is adequate and he definitely is a superior athlete, but he unquestionably needs a few years in college to hone his skills. Hendrix, at 6-9, 225 has a very strong body and some good post moves. The knock on Hendrix is that he just didn’t stand out. Richard would be smart to attend Alabama next season.
Stat stuffers and other notes
- Mike Mercer (Georgia) broke a Jordan Classic record with 9 assists. He also had 19 points.
- Tyler Hansbrough (UNC) was credited with the game winning field goal. Tyler also had 8 offensive rebounds to go along with Co-MVP honors.
- Andray Blatche notched 26 points, 16 rebounds, and Co-MVP honors.
- CJ Miles (Texas) had 16 points, but missed all 6 of his 3-point attempts.
- Eric Boateng (Duke) had the loudest fans; a complete section of St. Andrew’s School students.
- Monta Ellis (Mississippi State) did not attend practices and did not play in the game. He averaged a ridiculous 40 points his senior year at Lanier High in Mississippi.
- Local NYC product Levance Fields poured in 18 points.
- Every player scored and played at least 13 minutes.
