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RecruitingNation- Coached in the SEC, Big 12, MAC, and others over 14 seasons
- Scout and analyst for RecruitingNation since 2007
- Graduated from Ohio University
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Basketball Recruiting- Antonio Williams is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc. He previously worked as an NBA scout for Marty Blake Associates.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The third day of action at the NBPA Top 100 camp gave us a chance to watch a matchup of two of the premier point guards in this event. Kendall Marshall (Arlington, Va./Bishop O'Connell) took on Josh Selby (Hyattsville, Md./Lake Clifton) in one semifinal of the camp's playoff. Both players willed their teams with their outstanding play at the point and contagious enthusiasm. Marshall uses his outstanding feel for the game and passing skills to make plays for his team. The fearless Selby takes his team to another level with his scoring ability.
In the championship tilt, Marshall took on Joe Jackson (Memphis, Tenn./White Station), another top-flight point guard. However, Russell Byrd (Fort Wayne, Ind./Blackhawk Christian) stole the show early with a remarkable shooting display, connecting on a number of deep 3s in succession. Michael Gilchrist (Elizabeth, N.J./St. Patrick's) led a ferocious comeback for his squad (the Rockets). He and Marshall guided their team to the title.
Standout player
Kendall Marshall (6-4. 180, PG)
2010, Arlington, Va./Bishop O'Connell, Committed to North Carolina
Marshall has impeccable vision and passing skills, possessing an uncanny ability to create open shots for his teammates. He achieves this impressive task without dominating the ball. His willingness to give up the rock makes his teammates play even harder on both ends of the floor. Marshall advances the ball with a pinpoint pass on the break better than any guard in the country; he gives the receiver the ball in a perfect place to score. He has the correct temperament that coaches love in lead guards. The fact is that you can't teach Marshall's disposition, vision and feel for the game.
Surprise player
Aaron Ross (6-8, 210, Combo forward)
2011, Little Rock, Ark./Parkview, Committed to Arkansas
Ross has always had a knack for scoring around the hoop, using his athleticism and quickness to convert buckets in the paint. However, his perimeter game has evolved and he has started to connect on midrange jumpers on a regular basis. As he continues to improve from the perimeter, Ross will cause a number mismatches with his good quickness and newfound ability to draw defending bigs away from the hoop and drive past them. Those skills will allow him to space the floor and give him teammates more room to operate offensively.
Junior achiever (top 2011 prospect)
Michael Gbinije (6-7, 180, SF)
2011, Christchurch, Va./Christchurch
Gbinije displayed very good accuracy and consistency from the perimeter. He easily strokes it from 3-point range and when he gets his feet set, he usually connects from the perimeter. As he matures, he will have to continue to use his impressive offensive skills to place his imprint on games for longer stretches.
On the defensive
Aaron Craft (6-2, 185, PG)
2010, Findlay, Ohio/Liberty-Benton, Committed to Ohio State
Craft plays a crafty (pun intended) brand of defense when he guards opposing points. He has very good strength and uses his smarts to determine when to give a quicker point guard space to commit a mistake by shooting a bad shot or driving into trouble. Craft also knows when to use his strength to muscle weaker point guards and body up with tough pressure defense, despite the fact he does not possess elite lateral quickness.
Coming attraction
Nate Lubick (6-8, 230, PF)
2010, Southborough, Mass./St. Mark's, Committed to Georgetown
Lubick runs the floor like a man possessed and can make a living scoring in transition. He starts the break with a defensive rebound and sprints right down the floor to the front of the rim where, if the ball-handler spots him and delivers the pass, Lubick will finish off the break. He has sneaky athletic ability in addition to a surprisingly high level of skill that allows him to hit jumpers on the perimeter. He has good passing skills for a big man, which makes him a perfect fit for the passing game, motion offense that Georgetown employs.
Play of the day
Patric Young (6-8, 220, PF)
2010, Jacksonville, Fla./Paxon School, Committed to Florida
Young has outstanding strength as well as electrifying leaping ability that allows him to finish in traffic, often above the rim. In one particular instance, Young received the ball in traffic and with the super long Adreian Payne (Dayton, Ohio/Jefferson) guarding him. Young used his powerful body to bump Payne off balance, canceling Payne's length and shot-blocking ability. Then Young rose up in traffic and dunked the ball with tremendous, rim-rattling authority.
Notes
• 2010 prospect Reggie Bullock (Kinston, N.C.) has the ability to score the basketball from all three levels on the floor -- 3-point range, midrange and at the rim. Bullock has good strength and will finish in traffic with contact.
• Jelan Kendrick (Atlanta, Ga./Westlake), a 2010 shooting guard, has the ability to play both guard positions in a pinch. Still, he seems more comfortable as a 2-guard with opportunities to create with the ball in his hands. He can use the dribble to get the ball in the lane, where he can finish or find open men in the paint on drop-off passes.
• Markel Starks (North Bethesda, Md./Georgetown Prep) had a very strong, consistent showing throughout the camp. He used his good quickness to get into the lane and score at the rim. He also displayed a solid middle game, which is highlighted by a consistent pull-up jumper.
• Jason Morris (Lakeville, Ga./Hotchkiss School) has an incredibly strong body and takes contact while still finishing at the rim. He has very good lift and can connect on jumpers, but he misses when he drops his left hand (guide hand), resulting in almost a one-handed jump shot.
• Jordan McRae (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County) has very good length and leaping ability, which makes him a threat to produce a highlight-reel worthy play above the rim. When he connects on his jumpers, he poses a serious threat to opposing defenders on the wing.
• Joshua Hairston (Fredericksburg, Va./Courtland) plays with an astoundingly high level of effort. His intensity allows him to accomplish a number of positive things on the floor. As he becomes a more consistent finisher in traffic, Hairston should develop into a very good face-up 4-man on the next level.
Antonio Williams and Reggie Rankin cover basketball recruiting for Scouts Inc.