Reebok ABCD Camp – Day Two
TEANECK, N.J. – Day two of the 2006 Reebok ABCD Camp had more of what we saw on the first day. The actual play at times left a little to be desired, as it tended to be sloppy, and it was fast-paced most of the day.
Injuries also took their toll, notably to one of the most highly regarded players at the camp as Derrick Rose sat out both of his team’s games with a bum ankle. An evening matchup against O.J. Mayo’s team didn’t materialize as a result. Mayo had 18 points as his team won 89-77 to improve to 4-0.
Now, a look at some of the notable players on Friday.
Corey Chandler (6’1″ Sr. PG, Newark (NJ) Eastside HS) One of the leaders in assists thus far, he had five in both games and also went for 13 points in a tough loss in the afternoon. He’s quick and sliced through the defense at times, and new Rutgers head coach Fred Hill has to be happy.
Michael Eric (6’9″ Sr. PF-C, New Castle (DE) School at Church Farm) Big men don’t always get the ball much, and he’s no exception, but he did it with rebounding and defense Friday night. He had nine rebounds and blocked five shots, and was generally more aggressive in the game.
Eshaunte Jones (6’4″ Sr. SG, Ft. Wayne (IN) North Side HS) He finally got some shots Friday night, as the ball didn’t come his way all that often earlier in the camp. When he got it, he produced, scoring 14 points on 6-8 shooting and grabbing five rebounds.
Taylor King (6’8″ Sr. SF, Huntington Beach (CA) Mater Dei HS) While the Mayo/Rose matchup never materialized, King was the story for a while in the game as he was doing a little of everything and had a solid game. Although he was just 4-11 from the field, he had 12 points and nine rebounds and handled the ball often. After two days, he’s second in the camp in rebounding.
Alex Legion (6’5″ Sr. SG, Southfield (MI) Oak Hill Academy) He’s had to handle the ball a lot, but has responded. Friday night’s game saw him go for 17 points on drives and a couple of three-pointers.
Wendell McKines (6’6″ Sr. SF, San Pablo (CA) Richmond HS) A 20-point, seven-rebound effort in his first game was the highlight, though he had eight and six in the nightcap. He’s athletic, runs the floor and has been very active thus far.
Josh Miller (5’9″ Sr. PG, Charleston (WV) Harmony Prep School) On a number of occasions, his feel for the game impressed observers. He’s a blur with the ball and has a knack for making the wrap-around pass despite his size, and although he’s had turnovers that hasn’t meant his decision-making has been bad.
Edwin Rios (6’1″ Sr. PG, Miami (FL) Chaminade Prep) Quietly, he’s putting together a nice camp. We always knew he could shoot it from long range, but he’s been driving to the basket for scores as well and his playmaking has been better than his assist numbers suggest.
Bill Walker (6’6″ Sr. SF, Cincinnati (OH) North College Hill HS) Playing in Mayo’s shadow as always, Walker had himself a good day as he went for 19 points in both games. The jumpers were going, and while his shots still tend to come from freelancing, he’s making plays and has been a factor.
Eric Wallace (6’6″ Sr. SF, Winston-Salem (NC) Glenn HS) Recent Virginia commit has a good body and has been very active on the boards. He had a few more of those on Friday with 15 in two games, including seven at the offensive end. The highlight of the day was his 21 points on 9-12 shooting and six rebounds in the afternoon game.
