First Proving Ground Proves Successful
by Zach Smart
MANSFIELD, Mass. – New England Grassroots basketball and Reebok played host to the first-ever Northeast Proving Ground invitational camp this weekend in Mansfield, Mass. The combine featured some of the young talent from not just the northeast but also Chicago, Canada, and even one player who flew down from Italy. Of the top 80 players invited, only one failed to show up.
The camp operated with drill sessions and stations in the morning and intense 5-on-5 scrimmages throughout the afternoon. The Proving Ground testing waters featured pools of raw talent on each of the four courts of the Mansfield Sportsplex, where college coaches arrived in droves to see some of the incoming high school seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
The camp directors and counselors made sure, however, that no player tried to get too flashy and caught up in their own game. The presence of college scouts has the power to do that to a young gun, but it would not occur on this weekend. Throughout the camp, there was strong emphasis on team defense, surrendering “me” for “we”, and sharing the basketball.
The event was run by Justin Kittredge, the director of New England Grassroots Basketball Reebok. Kittredge described the two-day camp as an event that can either make or break one’s aspirations to pursue a basketball career at the next level.
“The name speaks for itself,” said the enthusiastic Kittredge. “It’s a small atmosphere, and the coaches really get a chance to see a player who may be getting overlooked. They can also get a chance to see if a player is being too hyped up and isn’t as good as advertised.”
While Day 1 scrimmages were played before mostly scouts on the Division-II tier, such as Salem State, Mount St. Micheal’s, and Wheaton, to name few, the mid-level Division-I coaches were on hand for Day 2 of the camp.
Amongst the coaches spotted was Siena assistant Andrew Francis, who spent two years on Jay Wright’s staff at Villanova before accepting a vacant position this past season. Chris Markwood, who works under Ted Woodward at Maine, and a pair of UMass coaches were also on hand. The event hopes to morph into an annual funnel for college coaches.
While many of the kids are still very raw, there were several players that stood out. Here’s a look at some of the young guns who could morph into high-profile recruits or even stallions throughout the next season(s):
Denzel Brito, So., Taunton, Mass. Lawrence Academy HS: A sharp-shooter who can dish and play defense, there is tremendous upside to this athletic young fella’s game. A 6-foot, 175-pound off guard who can play at the wing, Brito has the potential to emerge as a prolific scorer. Adding some serenity and patience to his game will pay dividends, as the youngster often tried to do too much and struggled with control. He needs to give up his dribble and make that extra pass, which will come with age. But he plays with a savvy, can score in clusters (he hit three shots in about a minute during one transition), and attack the cup. He seemed to draw the attention of Francis and other coaches. Keep an eye on him next season.
Alibaba Odd, Sr., Philadelphia, Pa., Simon Gratz HS: Odd, the product of a basketball breeding house (see Wallace, Rasheed and other Gratz alumni) and a hoop-junkie father, carved up defenses with quick and relentless slashes to the cup throughout the weekend. About 6-foot-3 (6-foot-5 with the afro he sports), he’s got solid upper-body strength which he uses to his advantage. He’s developing a good mid-range game but is still quite raw at just 16. A high-riser, Odd’s also a very good student, and he’s already receiving some Ivy League attention. Odd was flushed into a supporting role this past season and should emerge into the go-to-guy next season. Odd plays with the Philly-based Hunting Park on the AAU circuit.
Miguel Bocachica, Sr., Philadelphia, Pa., Imhotep HS: Great spot-up shooter who can really heat it up from beyond the arc. Gets a little trigger-happy at times, but has a solid all-around game and is a unique threat at 6-foot-6. Must pack some pounds on his 180-pound frame, and he likes to spot-up but can create his own shot off the dribble. Plays alongside Odd on Hunting Park.
John Hegarty, grad. Student, Winchendon School: A 6-foot-11, 300-plus-lb. UHAUL truck of man, the Rhode Island-commit looked solid in the paint. He bears a hoop resemblance to former UMass center John “Big Deli” Salovski. Will need to shed about 25-30 pounds, but his big body is much-needed in the Atlantic-10.
Anthony Ireland, Jr., CT, Crosby HS: A 5-foot-8 point guard, Ireland has the tools to emerge into a catalyst for one of the most potent offenses in Connecticut next season. Ireland can stroke it from behind the arc and scores inside the basket with an arsenal of floaters and teardrops.
Kinard Dozier, Sr., Dedham, Mass., Winchendon School: The 6-foot-1 guard is a lock-down defender who is fundamentally sound in all aspects of his game. Dozier spent his weekend in Mansfield slipping through the teeth of defenses with quick slashing ability while showing a mid-range game that he’s slowly developing. Will likely return to Winchendon unless Division-I interest rises.
Romeric Lasme, Sr., Conway, Mass., Winchendon School: A freakishly athletic forward, the 6-foot-6 Lasme threw down many rim-rattling dunks. He looked good in transition all weekend and could become the centerfold of a Winchendon team that’s leaking with talent. UMass will supposedly make the biggest push for him and the coaches definitely seemed sold this weekend.
Uche Egesionu, Sr., Boston, Mass., Trinity Catholic HS (Newton, Mass.): At 6-foot-6, Egesionu is big and strong and executed a solid arsenal of post moves during the scrimmages and looked fundamentally strong in many of the drills. Should play a big role as a fixture in the starting lineup for Trinity Catholic his senior year.
Kirk Crecco, Sr., Gilford, N.H, Gilford HS: An outstanding three-point shooter with good form, Crecco could crack the top-10 in New Hampshire this season. The slender 6-foot-2 senior showed a quick release that could be useful at the low-Division I level.
