BOSTON – The Hoop Group Top 100 became a one-day event this time around, held as usual at Boston University. While the overall talent level seemed about the same as past events, this one was notable in its concentration of younger players. With that, we take a look at some players who stood out.
Denzel Brito (6’1” Sr. SG, Onset (MA) Lawrence Academy) He’s always been able to score, but every time out it’s apparent how much he’s grown to have a solid feel for the game. While not a point guard, he’s a more than passable ball handler and finds teammates when they’re open in addition to his athleticism. Mid-major prospect could play college ball next year or do a post-graduate year.
Jarell Byrd (6’4” Sr. SG-SF, Lynn (MA) English HS) Athletic wing did a lot of work close to the basket. His body isn’t there yet and he doesn’t do any one thing well he can bank on, and he didn’t change that here. A post-graduate year is likely for him in 2010-11.
Cesar Castro (6’0” Jr. SG, Chelsea (MA) High) A scorer in the backcourt, he’s put up plenty of points thus far in his high school career. While he showed some of that here, he also made a couple of nice lead bounce passes to teammates. Prep school likely beckons for him next year.
Keith Coleman (6’8” Jr. PF, Philadelphia (PA) Lee Academy) He opened a lot of eyes here with his combination of a solid body and being able to run the floor. He has some bounce to his game and showed a little touch from mid-range, but really made his mark by getting out in transition and one fast break dunk in particular caught some attention.
Matt Droney (6’2” So. PG-SG, Canton (MA) Catholic Memorial HS) Lefty guard shot the ball well, getting hot from deep in one game late in the day. He also played the point at times, reinforcing that he can play either backcourt spot well.
Trevor Glassman (6’1” So. SG, Bedford (NH) High) In a late game, he played well for his team at the offensive end. He shot the ball well from long range and made a couple of nice passes on the move when he drove. While he doesn’t seem very physically gifted, he showed some good skills that make him worth keeping an eye on.
Kuran Iverson (6’8” Fr. SF-PF, Hartford (CT) Northwest Catholic HS) There probably wasn’t a player with more upside at this event, and there also probably wasn’t one who showed less of his capability. A long and athletic forward, he doesn’t know the game yet, as he’s a capable player on the perimeter but seemed to fall in love with being on the perimeter here and seemed to coast a little too often.
Zach Lewis (6’2” So. SG, Hartford (CT) Northwest Catholic HS) An underrated guard, he’s long and still a baby physically but with a good basketball I.Q at both ends of the floor. Right now, he plays like a shooting guard, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him evolve into a combo guard.
Nick Lund (6’8” Jr. PF, Woburn (MA) High) Lefty post player was very effective as he ran the floor well and generally didn’t try to do too much. He’s not the most athletic player, but he won’t slow a team down, can use his right hand and scored well in close.
Akosa Maduegbunam (6’3” So. SG, Charlestown (MA) High) An athletic wing, his good jump shot gives him a chance as a prospect, although this wasn’t his best day shooting it. Late in the day, he finished the break with a dunk that got some attention.
Colin Richey (5’10” Fr. PG, Whitinsville (MA) Christian HS) He doesn’t have much of a body yet, but that’s about the only thing he’s lacking on the court. We’ve seen him impress before and he did just that here, finishing well and finding gaps to get to the basket as he’s often in attack mode. When his body starts to mature, he’s going to be even more fun to watch since he should only be more effective.
Jules Tavares (6’2” Jr. SG, Wareham (MA) High) Steadily improving guard looks better every time out. His body is showing some maturity, although he’s still not there yet, and he remains an unselfish scorer who is better at attacking but still finds teammates when they’re open. After winning a state title this year, he’ll be off to Wilbraham & Monson next year and will re-classify.
Kyle Umemba (6’5” Jr. SF, Chelsea (MA) Buckingham Brown & Nichols School) A long and lanky wing, he had moments where his potential was clear and others that left you hoping for more. He’s athletic and has some ball skills, the latter of which could stand to improve, and didn’t take many jump shots as he tried to drive to score.
