Point Guards, Big Men Lead Impressive Crew at Reebok All-American Camp

PHILADELPHIA - Wednesday was the first day that the Reebok All-American Camp was open to college coaches and the media.  Since my arrival at the camp was in the evening, that meant just one set of games for the day, not enough to write about.  As such, this is a look back mainly at Thursday’s play, but this covers Wednesday night as well.

On Wednesday night, many players seemed to be feeling their way through and the play wasn’t great.  There was a noticeable improvement overall on Thursday, much to the delight of many.  Among the players we highlight are point guards and big men, which isn’t surprising considering the importance of those positions.

Rising Seniors Who Impressed

Rakeem Brookins (5′11″ Sr. SG, Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic HS) Although he’s small and undersized, he’s tough and gets things done.  He shot it well from deep and hasn’t been afraid to go inside to try to score or rebound.

Demarco Cox (6′9″ Sr. PF-C, Yazoo (MS) Catholic HS) A bulky post player, he moves well inside, runs the floor well and battled anyone who took him on.  Although he put the ball on the floor unnecessarily a few times, he stayed with a play several times to score.

Khyle Marshall (6′6″ Sr. SF, Davie (FL) Charles Flanagan HS) Well-built wing finished off a solid Thursday quite well, as he ran the floor and attacked the offensive boards.  A plus athlete, he used the left hand a couple of times and at one point it seemed like he was always there to clean up an offensive miss.

J.J. Moore (6′5″ Sr. SG-SF, Brentwood (NY) High) Here’s a wing who can simply play and play well.  He has a good body and has put it to use, being active and rebounding while shooting well from long range.

Shabazz Napier (6′0″ Jr. PG, Charlestown (MA) Lawrence Academy) Well-known up in his corner of the world, he’s having a coming-out party here as his play should have him in the discussion among the top point guards at the camp thus far.  He’s been pass-first, making some good ones in transition, and has shot the ball in flow.  He got from long range in one game on Thursday.

Ashton Pankey (6′8″ Sr. PF, Bronx (NY) St. Anthony’s) He’s unfortunately been inconsistent through his career, to the point where you don’t know which Ashton Pankey will show up, but the good one has shown up here.  He was very effective on Thursday, especially in the morning, as he worked inside.

Patric Young (6′9″ Sr. PF, Jacksonville (FL) Providence School) Well-built post player has a great motor, and you can’t help but notice that about him.  He’s followed up several misses with a dunk, while battling inside and on one play going coast-to-coast, albeit with a rough dribble.

Underclassmen Who Opened Up Eyes

Chris Coleman (6′10″ Jr. PF-C, Buffalo (NY) Mt. Zion Christian Academy) Wide-bodied post player was the subject of a lot of buzz amidst reports of a commitment to Florida International.  His play didn’t hurt, as he played well inside with some post baskets and rebounds.  Most importantly, he showed a good motor, as that’s always been an issue for him.

Sidiki Johnson (6′8″ Jr. SF-PF, Bronx (NY) St. Raymond’s HS) Very talented forward has a good body and has shown a wealth of skills.  He’s knocked down shots from deep, made a long lead pass for a layup, and once drove through the defense to score.  It hasn’t all been good, though, as he’s looked selfish and has tried to do too much, and a few times didn’t outlet the ball to a guard after getting a rebound.

David Joseph (6′0″ So. PG, Hollywood (FL) Zion Lutheran Christian School) The young lefty has grabbed some attention with his play here, as he’s small but very good and among the best point guards here.  He’s been deadly when penetrating, whether finishing or dishing off to a teammate.

Willy Kouassi (6′10″ Jr. C, Miami (FL) Center of Life Academy) He has a thin upper body, but he’s long and went to work on the glass at both ends.  A few of his offensive boards led to stickbacks, and there’s a lot to like in terms of physical upside.