Fall Jam Fest Recap and Notes
by Ray Floriani
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The official name is “Louis Brown Athletic Center”. To all, the name is the “RAC”. Even the exit sign on route 18 signifies “Rutgers RAC”, the three-decade home of the Scarlet Knights.
The RAC was one of the sites of the Hoop Group Fall Jam Fest that attracted some impressive talent. “I think we have a better field than previously expected,” said Steve Keller of the Hoop Group.
Keller’s remarks came on Sunday after watching two days of action at Rutgers Athletic Center. The Jam Fest was held on four courts at the RAC and three at the old “barn” on College Avenue in New Brunswick. The tournament was broken into tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade divisions.
Here are a few observations after watching action and officiating seven games (over two days).
- There is something to be said about playing together. The Bridgewater Panther team of mostly Bridgewater Raritan (NJ) High school players handled a taller (6’8″, 7′ up front) Captial Blackhawk squad in pool play on Saturday. They simply utilized expert ball movement, found open shooters and ran a great series of backdoor plays. One of the stronger programs in the Garden State, Bridgewater may not have a Big East prospect but they put on a great display of how to execute.
- I worked the semifinal between New England Playaz (the 12th grade champions) and Brooklyn Ballers on Sunday. This twelfth grade contest was hotly-contested before New England gradually opened up a solid double-digit lead in the second half. The Brooklyn coach received a technical with about three minutes to go, at which point the Ballers exited the floor with NewEngland winning 68-58.
On New England Erik Murphy and Nate Lubick up front were very impressive. Also high school teammates at St. Mark’s in Southborough, Mass., both were comfortable in transition and did a nice job in the paint. I also liked the savvy of junior guard Austin Carroll. New England is coached by Austin’s dad John Carroll, a former college and NBA mentor. - I worked the 10th grade championship with the Playaz (Paterson, NJ) defeating the Staten Island Sting Rays by 38. It was a tenth grade division but all of the Playaz were ninth graders. Especially impressive was 5’8″ Myles Mack (Paterson Catholic) and 6’8″ Desmond Hubert of New Eqypt (NJ) High School.
- Another impressive squad from pool play was a team of primarily Plainfield (NJ) High School players. In a Saturday afternoon contest they defeated D-One of North Carolina. Again, an advantage of working with teammates you see all season.
- Jay Murphy, Erik’s dad and former Boston College star, helps coach the New England Playaz. The elder Murphy said Erik is being recruited by a number of schools and recently visited Florida. “The whole Florida thing is something,” Jay said. “The atmosphere, the team from last year getting their rings at the 50 yard line and so forth.”
While Erik’s options are open Jay hinted that Florida is getting a great look by the Murphys. They like coach Billy Donovan’s energy and especially admire how he utilizes big men in his system. Speaking with the elder Murphy it’s apparent a decision will be arrived at after thorough investigation. Among the many Big East schools in pursuit, Jay did mention Marquette prominently. At this point though, it’s still early in the decision process. But let’s just say the atmosphere of Florida plus Billy Donovan are two big plusses in the defending national champions’ favor.
Discussing Erik’s training regimen, it was refreshing to hear the workouts he puts in. Under Jay’s tutelage there are sessions of jumping rope, agility drills, footwork and conditioning. A number of these exercises are performed before a basketball is even picked up. It’s a welcomed to hear in these days when too many players are only interested in shooting threes or working on fancy “Sportscenter” moves. - Give Fred Hill credit. The tournament was not during a Division I scouting period but a number of Division II and III mentors were on hand. The Rutgers coach made sure hospitality was the order of the day. Hill left the Rutgers locker room available to officials. Not bad having an air-conditioned room (suite?) with a big screen TV carrying the Notre Dame-Michigan State game. Fred knows how to keep everyone happy.
- As far as AAU basketball goes, the NE Playaz under the direction of John Carroll are a good fit, especially for players like Lubick and Murphy. As opposed to too many AAU teams, the Playaz run sets and play within a structure. “John (Carroll) runs a tight ship,” Jay Murphy said. “He does a good job coaching and won’t put up with any garbage from any of the players.”
- Freudian slip or foot in mouth? Some of the Rutgers players served as scorer’s table personnel. During a Sunday afternoon contest freshman Mike Coburn kept the book on a game I officiated. I was very pleased to meet him and said, “yes, Mike Coburn of White Plains.” Wrong. Coburn played for rival Mount Vernon but just got a laugh at the error.
Also helping out on the tables were members of the Trenton High School girls team, the NJ Tournament of Champions runners-up last March. - Travon Woodall was done for the day, but the St. Anthony’s senior gave a nice show of support. Woodall, who is committed to Pitt and plays for the Playaz, stayed around and watched the younger squad compete for the tenth grade title.
- The Playaz eleventh grade team dropped a close decision to DC Assault in the finals. DC led by 19 in the second half but just hung on as the Playaz had the deficit down to one with a minute remaining.
